So James is just...gone? Really?

twotwosix
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twotwosix 12/16/2016 9:55am
12/16/2016 9:55am Edited Date/Time 12/16/2016 9:55am
davistld01 wrote:
That would be great...but what about all the negativity that comes from a rider picking and choosing which races he wants to compete in, and then...
That would be great...but what about all the negativity that comes from a rider picking and choosing which races he wants to compete in, and then having the opportunity to effect the outcome of other riders who are gunning for a podium, either by accident or otherwise...while not competing for points themselves. There was bitching about RC's farewell season...and there'll be the same bitching if Stewart decides to do one too. And, I can hardly blame the other riders. I'd be extremely pissed if a rider on a "farewell" race, took me out and got me hurt or in any other way kept me from getting points I needed.

Like you, my opinion doesn't mean squat...but there it is.
Ehhh... who cares. But James still owes Dungey one, so at least that would be fun to watch! Laughing

davistld01
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davistld01 12/16/2016 10:03am
12/16/2016 10:03am
davistld01 wrote:
That would be great...but what about all the negativity that comes from a rider picking and choosing which races he wants to compete in, and then...
That would be great...but what about all the negativity that comes from a rider picking and choosing which races he wants to compete in, and then having the opportunity to effect the outcome of other riders who are gunning for a podium, either by accident or otherwise...while not competing for points themselves. There was bitching about RC's farewell season...and there'll be the same bitching if Stewart decides to do one too. And, I can hardly blame the other riders. I'd be extremely pissed if a rider on a "farewell" race, took me out and got me hurt or in any other way kept me from getting points I needed.

Like you, my opinion doesn't mean squat...but there it is.
twotwosix wrote:
Ehhh... who cares. But James still owes Dungey one, so at least that would be fun to watch! :laugh: [img]https://vurbmoto.com/media/cache/blogs/2016/20160111-verboftheweek/votw-03_770_wide.jpg[/img]
Ehhh... who cares. But James still owes Dungey one, so at least that would be fun to watch! Laughing

That is for damn sure, although I doubt that James would stick it to Dungey.
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DFWracefan 12/16/2016 10:32am
12/16/2016 10:32am
Red Bull KTM...a support team.....but don't stamp it!

Smile
pmshortt2
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pmshortt2 12/16/2016 10:34am
12/16/2016 10:34am
James is showing up to A1 on a SE7EN 2017 YZ250 2-stroke it's old news.

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flatout111
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flatout111 12/16/2016 10:34am
12/16/2016 10:34am
Agreed. Or imagine if it had been Friese or Alessi.

I know Dunge didn't mean to hurt Stew but it still was a bad line and bad move. He didn't get near the wrath some other riders would have received for doing the same thing.

Stuff happens, though. It was just unfortunate.
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tprice07 12/16/2016 11:36am
12/16/2016 11:36am
bd wrote:
This! I expected Stew to come back from his suspension fit, ripped and ready to rock. Was I ever wrong..... he came back out of shape...
This! I expected Stew to come back from his suspension fit, ripped and ready to rock. Was I ever wrong..... he came back out of shape and Dunge knocked him the fuck out. If Stew does not focus on racing like Dunge, Tomac, Canard, Roczen, he has NO chance. What team would invest in him? I would place a fitness clause in my contract with him.

Stew... if you are not racing for titles, gracefully bow out. You are one of the GOATS..... nothing to prove.
GuyB wrote:
Here's my take. After he finally got the green light to return to racing, James did the Straight Rhythm (which he won on skill, not fitness)...
Here's my take.

After he finally got the green light to return to racing, James did the Straight Rhythm (which he won on skill, not fitness), and he had a couple international races lined up after that. The first one was on French soil in Lille, the same weekend as the terrorist attack in Paris. Obviously that made it an unusual weekend. He and Malcolm were both spooked by it, and had to be coaxed into riding by Eric Perronard. While on the track early in the night, James came up short in a section, which bucked him rear end high into the next corner. He nose-wheelied in, couldn't get stopped, and smashed his leg in-between his and Malcolm's bikes. That killed the weekend in France, as well as the race in Australia, and I'd guess, a large portion of the time that he'd have used to seriously prep for the '16 season.

We know how he tangled with Dungey at A1, and how that set him out for several races. I don't know for sure, but the way he slapped the ground, I'd guess that concussion was a biggie. I'd heard a couple different times that when he tried to come back, it was like there was too much coming at him...it was hard to process it all. The usual way to heal up from that is no riding, time off, and to keep your heart rate down. Not a great recipe for getting back in shape.

I don't know how many concussions he's had during his career, either at the races, or while training at home, but I can think of a handful.

This summer? I know the outdoors has never been his first priority, but it was disheartening to see the races that he did do. There are still flashes of the old brilliance, but they're not as frequent, and not as spectacular. Throughout his career, he's been one of a handful of guys that I'd have happily paid to watch ride. But he sure didn't look like the old James last summer, and if you look around, a lot of his contemporaries are retired. I'm not sure how many team manager would want to wrap their race team budgets around the kind of deals he's been accustomed to, or what other strings might be attached.

At this point he's started a family, and I'd hope he could happily retire and live the good life...if that's what he wants to do. If he wants to put in the work to get to where he was before, and it's worth the risk to him to make it happen, I'd be just as happy to watch that. Either way, I hope he's good with it. I've known people in other sports who were forced to retire...not on their own terms, and it's sometimes tough to watch.
There are so many factors involved that so many of us will never know. You were able to put a few of the known issues into perspective. A lot of fans and people in the industry ignore the fact that these athletes are human. They also have a life outside of the sport.

We can speculate all day on the things we know but there is a whole host of other aspects in his life that we will never know. I hope someday he comes out and talks about some of the struggles he has had to endure. Medically from the injuries (concussions, wrist, knees etc) as well as racially. There is a lot more to James than any of see. Our favorite vision of him is the big smile on the podium. We don't see the hard times where he struggles.

Tough stuff, really hope he races and shows some signs of brilliance. He had down times before and came back. He has come too far to fall off like this.
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ACBraap 12/16/2016 1:14pm
12/16/2016 1:14pm
GuyB wrote:
Here's my take. After he finally got the green light to return to racing, James did the Straight Rhythm (which he won on skill, not fitness)...
Here's my take.

After he finally got the green light to return to racing, James did the Straight Rhythm (which he won on skill, not fitness), and he had a couple international races lined up after that. The first one was on French soil in Lille, the same weekend as the terrorist attack in Paris. Obviously that made it an unusual weekend. He and Malcolm were both spooked by it, and had to be coaxed into riding by Eric Perronard. While on the track early in the night, James came up short in a section, which bucked him rear end high into the next corner. He nose-wheelied in, couldn't get stopped, and smashed his leg in-between his and Malcolm's bikes. That killed the weekend in France, as well as the race in Australia, and I'd guess, a large portion of the time that he'd have used to seriously prep for the '16 season.

We know how he tangled with Dungey at A1, and how that set him out for several races. I don't know for sure, but the way he slapped the ground, I'd guess that concussion was a biggie. I'd heard a couple different times that when he tried to come back, it was like there was too much coming at him...it was hard to process it all. The usual way to heal up from that is no riding, time off, and to keep your heart rate down. Not a great recipe for getting back in shape.

I don't know how many concussions he's had during his career, either at the races, or while training at home, but I can think of a handful.

This summer? I know the outdoors has never been his first priority, but it was disheartening to see the races that he did do. There are still flashes of the old brilliance, but they're not as frequent, and not as spectacular. Throughout his career, he's been one of a handful of guys that I'd have happily paid to watch ride. But he sure didn't look like the old James last summer, and if you look around, a lot of his contemporaries are retired. I'm not sure how many team manager would want to wrap their race team budgets around the kind of deals he's been accustomed to, or what other strings might be attached.

At this point he's started a family, and I'd hope he could happily retire and live the good life...if that's what he wants to do. If he wants to put in the work to get to where he was before, and it's worth the risk to him to make it happen, I'd be just as happy to watch that. Either way, I hope he's good with it. I've known people in other sports who were forced to retire...not on their own terms, and it's sometimes tough to watch.
Well said.

I agree on him being one of those few who was magical to watch. His 125 videos on youtube still amaze me.

I'd be happy to see him come back with a 100% effort and possibly pull off an underdog win, or happy to see him retire at peace with what he's accomplished. What's disappointing is seeing communications with stuff like 'i'm doing it for the fans, they mean so much to me', and then radio silence for months on end. Above all, I hope that if he does race, it's injury free. Watching him hit the ground is painful for everyone.
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jasonv43 12/16/2016 1:41pm
12/16/2016 1:41pm
davistld01 wrote:
That would be great...but what about all the negativity that comes from a rider picking and choosing which races he wants to compete in, and then...
That would be great...but what about all the negativity that comes from a rider picking and choosing which races he wants to compete in, and then having the opportunity to effect the outcome of other riders who are gunning for a podium, either by accident or otherwise...while not competing for points themselves. There was bitching about RC's farewell season...and there'll be the same bitching if Stewart decides to do one too. And, I can hardly blame the other riders. I'd be extremely pissed if a rider on a "farewell" race, took me out and got me hurt or in any other way kept me from getting points I needed.

Like you, my opinion doesn't mean squat...but there it is.
twotwosix wrote:
Ehhh... who cares. But James still owes Dungey one, so at least that would be fun to watch! :laugh: [img]https://vurbmoto.com/media/cache/blogs/2016/20160111-verboftheweek/votw-03_770_wide.jpg[/img]
Ehhh... who cares. But James still owes Dungey one, so at least that would be fun to watch! Laughing

davistld01 wrote:
That is for damn sure, although I doubt that James would stick it to Dungey.
I'm sure James has forgotten this incident even happened.Huh Whistling Silly
UpTiTe 12/16/2016 1:47pm
12/16/2016 1:47pm Edited Date/Time 12/16/2016 1:49pm
DFWracefan wrote:
Red Bull KTM...a support team.....but don't stamp it!

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That deal was already shot down

Honesty I hope he retires and enjoys his family and success.
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GuyB 12/16/2016 1:48pm
12/16/2016 1:48pm
flatout111 wrote:
Agreed. Or imagine if it had been Friese or Alessi. I know Dunge didn't mean to hurt Stew but it still was a bad line and...
Agreed. Or imagine if it had been Friese or Alessi.

I know Dunge didn't mean to hurt Stew but it still was a bad line and bad move. He didn't get near the wrath some other riders would have received for doing the same thing.

Stuff happens, though. It was just unfortunate.
Says the guy with the Stewart avatar.

It seemed to work out okay for Dungey at the end of the season.

The old patient Dungey that everyone complained about never would have made that move. The current Dungey? Expect it. Block passes like that are a bit difficult of a game of chicken. Apparently James thought Ryan was bluffing.
lostboy819 12/16/2016 3:54pm
12/16/2016 3:54pm Edited Date/Time 12/16/2016 3:55pm
GuyB wrote:
Says the guy with the Stewart avatar. It seemed to work out okay for Dungey at the end of the season. The old patient Dungey that...
Says the guy with the Stewart avatar.

It seemed to work out okay for Dungey at the end of the season.

The old patient Dungey that everyone complained about never would have made that move. The current Dungey? Expect it. Block passes like that are a bit difficult of a game of chicken. Apparently James thought Ryan was bluffing.
Yep.


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Excaliburbmx 12/16/2016 4:09pm
12/16/2016 4:09pm
davistld01 wrote:
That would be great...but what about all the negativity that comes from a rider picking and choosing which races he wants to compete in, and then...
That would be great...but what about all the negativity that comes from a rider picking and choosing which races he wants to compete in, and then having the opportunity to effect the outcome of other riders who are gunning for a podium, either by accident or otherwise...while not competing for points themselves. There was bitching about RC's farewell season...and there'll be the same bitching if Stewart decides to do one too. And, I can hardly blame the other riders. I'd be extremely pissed if a rider on a "farewell" race, took me out and got me hurt or in any other way kept me from getting points I needed.

Like you, my opinion doesn't mean squat...but there it is.
twotwosix wrote:
Ehhh... who cares. But James still owes Dungey one, so at least that would be fun to watch! :laugh: [img]https://vurbmoto.com/media/cache/blogs/2016/20160111-verboftheweek/votw-03_770_wide.jpg[/img]
Ehhh... who cares. But James still owes Dungey one, so at least that would be fun to watch! Laughing

Yea James could just wait till Dungey was lapping him then do something dumb.
Dungey didn't purposely take him out But James taking him out for it would be dumb.

Great career but should have stayed on a green bike he did well on it.
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kkawboy14 12/16/2016 4:16pm
12/16/2016 4:16pm
James didn't even see him, that's why he hit the ground so hard
racer495a
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racer495a 12/16/2016 4:30pm
12/16/2016 4:30pm
James came into the season rusty, fat, and out of shape. His season wasn't going anywhere regardless of that incident. i can't find they side by picture but his face was visibly chubby compared to past seasons.
JohnRoy
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JohnRoy 12/16/2016 5:15pm
12/16/2016 5:15pm
racer495a wrote:
James came into the season rusty, fat, and out of shape. His season wasn't going anywhere regardless of that incident. i can't find they side by...
James came into the season rusty, fat, and out of shape. His season wasn't going anywhere regardless of that incident. i can't find they side by picture but his face was visibly chubby compared to past seasons.
Is that you Perez Hilton?
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djc 12/16/2016 5:16pm
12/16/2016 5:16pm
Tbh dungey is partially responsible for putting s nail in James coffin. Just one. That being said everyone thought when he was suspended James would come back better then ever and he did the total opposite. I think James finally got a break and maybe enjoyed it too much.

Everyone wants to bash James but I think people forget and I agree with guy b. Yes it's obvious for whatever reason he was not in top shape after being suspended. I think James thought he would race himself back into shape/get back into it by doing the off season stuff. Then the black cloud came which led to him crashing and getting hurt in everything pretty much which put him behind even more. Then like guy b said maybe he tried to come. Back too soon/try too hard because bottom line he is expected to win or podium no matter what which added to maybe riding above his head which Being behind the 8 ball did not help which lead to more crashing.

The outdoors I have no clue but I take that was him coming off the couch To do one motto for points. Which honestly if that really is the case is somewhat impressive to just show up and Get a top ten. Yes one Moro but still that says something compared to guys. That train like crazy

If guys get hurt he has to get a call but I find it hard to believe James is fully getting ready for sx at all
smashingpumpkins167 12/16/2016 5:28pm
12/16/2016 5:28pm
We will always have YouTube videos to watch and relive his glory days. I love watching videos from when he ruled the 125 class.

I think now that he has a kid it will be easier for him to step aside. I still have my fingers crossed for a two stroke retirement supercross tour.
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GuyB 12/16/2016 5:37pm
12/16/2016 5:37pm
smashingpumpkins167 wrote:
We will always have YouTube videos to watch and relive his glory days. I love watching videos from when he ruled the 125 class. I think...
We will always have YouTube videos to watch and relive his glory days. I love watching videos from when he ruled the 125 class.

I think now that he has a kid it will be easier for him to step aside. I still have my fingers crossed for a two stroke retirement supercross tour.
Dream on.

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jeffro503
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jeffro503 12/16/2016 5:51pm
12/16/2016 5:51pm
There is so much I want to say to this ., but it's not even worth my fucking time.
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Elbows 12/16/2016 5:57pm
12/16/2016 5:57pm
You nailed it jeffro!
hillbilly
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hillbilly 12/16/2016 5:58pm
12/16/2016 5:58pm
I'm going to go get a pack of smokes,
andymoto
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andymoto 12/16/2016 6:52pm
12/16/2016 6:52pm
How about a retirement ceremony at A1 and he's long gone or starts the JS Road to MX. Unsure
mb60
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mb60 12/16/2016 8:44pm
12/16/2016 8:44pm
For one of the brightest stars of his time. I expected more to be honest. Let the mx world know this is it James. Thank you for the memories and will always think of you as a star. But fading away like you did last year is never away to go out.
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Plugga 12/16/2016 9:07pm
12/16/2016 9:07pm
hillbilly wrote:
I'm going to go get a pack of smokes,
Fuck the smokes. Its moonshine time!
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crowe176 12/16/2016 10:47pm
12/16/2016 10:47pm
Whenever I think of all of James crashes thru the years, the first one I always think of is 2006 Hangtown, where he high sided a step down or something. Unreal. That kid just took a beating during his career.

Whatever he ends up doing, I hope he knows he was a true pleasure to watch, and there will never be another rider like him. There were times I liked seeing him lose, but I would give almost anything to watch him just annihilate these kids now.

Thanks Bubba. When you were on it, it was a fucking mazing to watch.
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Helder 12/16/2016 11:36pm
12/16/2016 11:36pm
If I had the money for a team I'd love to have Bubba Wilson and Wiemer all cheap and all with potential a fit bubba can still win races! Just don't know if he can get fit physically yes he can no problem but I not sure what's lingering in the background
JackkyT 12/16/2016 11:44pm
12/16/2016 11:44pm Edited Date/Time 12/16/2016 11:45pm
I think he will be at A1. I just cannot see him waiting all this time just to tell us a couple of weeks before A1 he is hanging up the boots. If he is done, he would have known for some time and definitely would have said something to someone by now.
lostboy819 12/16/2016 11:48pm
12/16/2016 11:48pm
JackkyT wrote:
I think he will be at A1. I just cannot see him waiting all this time just to tell us a couple of weeks before A1...
I think he will be at A1. I just cannot see him waiting all this time just to tell us a couple of weeks before A1 he is hanging up the boots. If he is done, he would have known for some time and definitely would have said something to someone by now.
It may not be up to him, if no one will pay him he may be out of options, all except doing it on his own with his own money but I don't see him having that kind of motivation
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cd0583 12/17/2016 12:34am
12/17/2016 12:34am
racer495a wrote:
James came into the season rusty, fat, and out of shape. His season wasn't going anywhere regardless of that incident. i can't find they side by...
James came into the season rusty, fat, and out of shape. His season wasn't going anywhere regardless of that incident. i can't find they side by picture but his face was visibly chubby compared to past seasons.
Do you know why he was "out of shape"? Have you ever been around TBI patients? Do you know what causes depression? James' situation is more complex then just getting on the treadmill dude. James CAN'T help it.
motonation24 12/17/2016 1:26am
12/17/2016 1:26am
djc wrote:
Tbh dungey is partially responsible for putting s nail in James coffin. Just one. That being said everyone thought when he was suspended James would come...
Tbh dungey is partially responsible for putting s nail in James coffin. Just one. That being said everyone thought when he was suspended James would come back better then ever and he did the total opposite. I think James finally got a break and maybe enjoyed it too much.

Everyone wants to bash James but I think people forget and I agree with guy b. Yes it's obvious for whatever reason he was not in top shape after being suspended. I think James thought he would race himself back into shape/get back into it by doing the off season stuff. Then the black cloud came which led to him crashing and getting hurt in everything pretty much which put him behind even more. Then like guy b said maybe he tried to come. Back too soon/try too hard because bottom line he is expected to win or podium no matter what which added to maybe riding above his head which Being behind the 8 ball did not help which lead to more crashing.

The outdoors I have no clue but I take that was him coming off the couch To do one motto for points. Which honestly if that really is the case is somewhat impressive to just show up and Get a top ten. Yes one Moro but still that says something compared to guys. That train like crazy

If guys get hurt he has to get a call but I find it hard to believe James is fully getting ready for sx at all
That incident derailed his year IMO.
We will never know if he had of got those 20 laps under his belt and continue building on that what would of happened..
but.... he had time to recover and come back but could never get it going so who knows.

Post a reply to: So James is just...gone? Really?