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Not seeing Malcolm show his potential on a 450 is a bummer. I always felt like that was where he would shine. Good personality too, you would think he would be a sponsors dream, kind of like KRoc.
He did put effort in putting a team together to go racing but in my opinion he should have done things on a much smaller scale like Wilson did. Had he done things that way he could have saved money which in turn would of allowed him to race some of the outdoor rounds. He did 15 SX races in 2017 and finished 15th overall with his best result being a 9th in St. Louis. His average finish was 15th. The last time Malcolm rode outdoors was 2014 and he did 7 races (450). Sure he won a regional SX title but he's a 450 rider now and he doesn't exactly have the greatest stats.
Then there's the fact that he had 7-8 months to get in really good shape which he failed to do. That alone shows that he's not fully commited. He's got one of the best riding facilities out there so he's got no excuses.
Ignoring calls and text messages for a month from a legit team like MCR who's got factory support is not a good way to go about business.
I understand that Malcolm maybe wants to be on a team with James but at one point or another he needs to think about himself and his career if he really wants to do this for a living.
He's obviously made money winning the regional SX title but at his age he's far from being set for life. It's known that the average payout for a 250 SX title is 500k, add in taxes and it's easy to see that he's far from being "set". Obviously James has made a lot of money and he might be okay with supporting the entire family. That's something we'll never know and frankly doesn't concern any of us. They seem to be a really close family so it's not that far fetched that James could be completely okay with it.
As for Barcia and Weimer having rides, well they put in the effort and line up. Weimer is a low-key guy with no drama and he works hard. Barcia might not of had the best results these past few years but he's a high profile rider and has a good following. Malcolm also has a big following but there's no denying having big James around does not help his case.
Does anyone know the truth?
He could possibly be misconstruing aversion to James Sr as something else. I couldn't even pinpoint anything or ever heard JS7 say anything right out - however I swear I've heard him and Mookie allude to it and cut themselves off - like its something they don't want to talk about. I know they see everyone as the same with their helmets on but what do they think people think of them - especially with all the bullshit and overt racism he has had to put up with from some of the hillbilly's at the tracks in the south?
Either way I'm bummed for the sitch. I don't feel he got the respect he deserved - I also feel he was taken advantage of for marketing purposes. I wish he was a little easier to work with and I'm bummed he's not into it and bringing alot onto himself, and I'm bummed he got taken out by Dungey.
Pit Row
It's hard to know for sure, but based on what Genova said it seems like Malcolm had at least one opportunity but it fell through. It sure sounds like James is the one screwing him up. But who knows. This poor horse has been beat to hell and back. When do we give up? A1? Daytona? Hangtown? MEC? RBSR? Will we ever know?
Logic tells me Malcolm will show up after a few rounds in a similar rig and on a similar bike as last year. I'd imagine that Suzuki was chosen because of the availability of good parts left over? No idea. Sure hope he is back out there.
I like the kid a lot, but he is far from the draw James is/was.
They are in the position they are for a few different reasons.
1: James wouldn't slow down. The guy is crazy talented, he should own every record in the book with the length of time his career has lasted. Had he managed, and kept the injuries down he put in 5 or 6 seasons years longer than RC(assuming that today he announced his retirement).
2: They believed the hype, Ralph had a lot to do with this but he isn't the only one, I think the fanboys put a lot of pressure on James. The whole FMOTP thing which was pushed from lots of people but hardest on the broadcast I believe put James in a position to try and live up to it every time. Fact is, James was never that much faster than the comp 90% of the time. There were those moments, but day to day he was a tick faster or a tick slower, be it Reed, RV, RD or any of the others who had their moment. When he was a tick slower he wouldn't take that, he rode over his head until he crashed. He wasn't ever going to beat RC for the big prize, he's not of this planet.
3: Big James was a little much, this has nothing to do with color. Same with Tony Alessi and others, they love their sons, they brought them to that point and it's hard to let go. Happens in every sport, motocross is just less structured than just about anything else which allows parents more access. Name one stick and ball sport where friends and family interact with the athlete during the pregame and game.
4: As for Malcolm, I love the hell out of the guy and I really wish he wanted it but I don't believe he ever did. I think his career is 100% the doing of Big James. I don't doubt that he loves to ride motorcycles and all the perks that come along but I don't believe deep down he wants it like a Reed, Dungey, Musquin, etc.
James is done, let it be unless you see a press release directly from him. I hope he doesn't try a comeback because I don't think it will end well. He's got a child(ren) who needs him to be a father.
Malcolm, I'd love to see him out there this year but the industry doesn't owe him anything until he proves he wants it.
There is nothing tough about the towns here. But please continue painting that picture so that it can fit your story.
If you don't mean the east bay area (SF), then carry on..
The Stews are a marketing machine. All they have to do is be silent, and they garner the most interest.
19,000 views and counting. Who the hell would want to be his sponsor?
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