Michael Leib any good?

MXTRAINER1
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MXTRAINER1 5/3/2010 1:38pm
5/3/2010 1:38pm Edited Date/Time 4/17/2016 10:35pm
Michael is a great kid with the speed and work ethic to do well.
Top 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 etc. , is not really the question. He will need to learn the procedure and program as well as grow in maturity being on his own. Many riders may be of age physically but they need to learn from experience and that will take time.
He will be riding a new brand of bike and will only have one week of testing before his first GP.
It would be better to not put any pressure on him or he on himself. Just take each week one at a time and continue to learn.
His dad may want to say more on this subject later, they both landed in France today.
DanDunes818
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DanDunes818 5/3/2010 1:45pm
5/3/2010 1:45pm
j100 wrote:
kid has some speed, but top 10 is not even an option. he got worked at all the am nationals this year. he wasn't even close...
kid has some speed, but top 10 is not even an option.

he got worked at all the am nationals this year. he wasn't even close to Anderson and/or Tomac.
This is true but I've heard he's been working and riding w/Mike Alessi and the whole Alessi crew out at Alessi's track and I've heard he's come a long way in the last few months. I posted on Racer x when they announced he'd be racing the nationals this year that I thought he should stay back in the Ams for one more year but who knows. I guess I'll just say there's a huge "we'll see" factor w/this guy.
DL
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DL 5/3/2010 2:10pm
5/3/2010 2:10pm
Guys, thanks for the kind words.... we just got to France today. Michael will test the bike for 2 days than off to Portugal. As Alan said Michael has some learning to do and will be fine. His speed and endurance is very good. Wish him luck and I'll be sure to post later in the week.
500guy
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500guy 5/3/2010 2:12pm
5/3/2010 2:12pm
DL wrote:
Guys, thanks for the kind words.... we just got to France today. Michael will test the bike for 2 days than off to Portugal. As Alan...
Guys, thanks for the kind words.... we just got to France today. Michael will test the bike for 2 days than off to Portugal. As Alan said Michael has some learning to do and will be fine. His speed and endurance is very good. Wish him luck and I'll be sure to post later in the week.
Yes please keep us updated.

it makes it more interesting when you know some participants.

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sc961
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sc961 5/3/2010 2:29pm
5/3/2010 2:29pm
Good luck, ride fast and stay healthy.
We'll be looking for updates.
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Asher 5/3/2010 2:31pm
5/3/2010 2:31pm
Ddavis wrote:
Uhhh, have you ever seen Michael Leib ride? Have you ever seen how hard he actually trains? Top 5
actually he'd be lucky to qualify
mxwrench66
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mxwrench66 5/3/2010 3:03pm
5/3/2010 3:03pm
DL wrote:
Guys, thanks for the kind words.... we just got to France today. Michael will test the bike for 2 days than off to Portugal. As Alan...
Guys, thanks for the kind words.... we just got to France today. Michael will test the bike for 2 days than off to Portugal. As Alan said Michael has some learning to do and will be fine. His speed and endurance is very good. Wish him luck and I'll be sure to post later in the week.
I look forward to seeing you and michael this weekend! You are going to have a blast!
THE mx addict 5/3/2010 3:06pm
5/3/2010 3:06pm
Asher wrote:
actually he'd be lucky to qualify
Every rider on the start list will be on the gate (new rule now).
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jamma10 5/3/2010 3:09pm
5/3/2010 3:09pm Edited Date/Time 4/17/2016 10:35pm
DL wrote:
Guys, thanks for the kind words.... we just got to France today. Michael will test the bike for 2 days than off to Portugal. As Alan...
Guys, thanks for the kind words.... we just got to France today. Michael will test the bike for 2 days than off to Portugal. As Alan said Michael has some learning to do and will be fine. His speed and endurance is very good. Wish him luck and I'll be sure to post later in the week.
He should feel at home on the track at least, its not dissimilar to a Californian circuit. Best of luck to him Smile
http://www.youtube.com/..._t9o&feature=related
jo2910
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jo2910 5/3/2010 3:53pm
5/3/2010 3:53pm
Man imagine you're a dad and you just flown all the way to Europe so that your son can compete in the world champ you got to feel pretty proud right now whatever the outcome!!! In the space of two weeks they are going to spend time in France, Portugal and Spain if you forget about results, Gp v Ama BS this is a great experience for both of them And hopefully they'll have great memories off and on track
SlowOldGuy 5/3/2010 3:54pm
5/3/2010 3:54pm
Don,

Good luck to you and Michael. Nothing would make me happier than to be wrong on this one. Tell Stephane, Mike and Matt Burkeen from Team USA said hi. He brought a rig and mechanics to a race in Belgium for us 2 years ago, We could not have been treated better by his crew.

Mike
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sxf138 5/3/2010 4:02pm
5/3/2010 4:02pm Edited Date/Time 5/3/2010 4:06pm
SlowOldGuy wrote:
Dont get me wrong, I'm rooting for the kid big time. I have not watched him ride so I may be completely wrong. I know he...
Dont get me wrong, I'm rooting for the kid big time. I have not watched him ride so I may be completely wrong. I know he is going fast, I just think top 7 for any of this year's or any other years rookies is a stretch.
Thats the thing, you've never seen him ride so you have to reason to talk, neither do any of you others. If you dont know him or know his ability, don't bag on him.
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Bermshot 5/3/2010 5:26pm
5/3/2010 5:26pm
Track is he riding on looks nasty!
DanDunes818
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DanDunes818 5/3/2010 5:34pm
5/3/2010 5:34pm Edited Date/Time 4/17/2016 10:35pm
jo2910 wrote:
Man imagine you're a dad and you just flown all the way to Europe so that your son can compete in the world champ you got...
Man imagine you're a dad and you just flown all the way to Europe so that your son can compete in the world champ you got to feel pretty proud right now whatever the outcome!!! In the space of two weeks they are going to spend time in France, Portugal and Spain if you forget about results, Gp v Ama BS this is a great experience for both of them And hopefully they'll have great memories off and on track
Well said. Most people are lucky if they can come up w/the money to get to travel to those beautiful countries from the states and they're getting an all expense paid trip to race dirt bikes for a top rate team at some great tracks in the GP's. I'd be on my way w/an ear to ear grin all the way there.


Good luck guys and hope you have a blast.
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DanDunes818 5/3/2010 5:39pm
5/3/2010 5:39pm Edited Date/Time 5/3/2010 5:39pm
j100 wrote:
kid has some speed, but top 10 is not even an option. he got worked at all the am nationals this year. he wasn't even close...
kid has some speed, but top 10 is not even an option.

he got worked at all the am nationals this year. he wasn't even close to Anderson and/or Tomac.
I've always liked Justin(so don't take this as a put down justin) but I'm sensing a little competitor jealousy in this post.
Riesenberg448 5/3/2010 5:51pm
5/3/2010 5:51pm
Good for him, hope he makes the most of the opportunity and has a positive experience.

If he keeps the pressure off himself and just focuses on doing the best he can do; then he'll do a solid job. The joys of going in as a rookie means you get to ride with no expectations.
BikeGraphixKC 5/3/2010 6:00pm
5/3/2010 6:00pm
Don check your email please!
SlowOldGuy 5/3/2010 6:07pm
5/3/2010 6:07pm
SlowOldGuy wrote:
Dont get me wrong, I'm rooting for the kid big time. I have not watched him ride so I may be completely wrong. I know he...
Dont get me wrong, I'm rooting for the kid big time. I have not watched him ride so I may be completely wrong. I know he is going fast, I just think top 7 for any of this year's or any other years rookies is a stretch.
sxf138 wrote:
Thats the thing, you've never seen him ride so you have to reason to talk, neither do any of you others. If you dont know him...
Thats the thing, you've never seen him ride so you have to reason to talk, neither do any of you others. If you dont know him or know his ability, don't bag on him.
I should have said not lately, I have seen him race probably 100 motos over the years. Good luck to him, I hope he has an awesome experience over there. And FYI, thinking a top 5 is a stretch for a kid with zero pro experience, riding a new bike, in a place he has never been to, with two days to get ready against the best Europe has to offer, is certainly not bagging on him.

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DanDunes818
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DanDunes818 5/3/2010 6:31pm
5/3/2010 6:31pm
SlowOldGuy wrote:
Dont get me wrong, I'm rooting for the kid big time. I have not watched him ride so I may be completely wrong. I know he...
Dont get me wrong, I'm rooting for the kid big time. I have not watched him ride so I may be completely wrong. I know he is going fast, I just think top 7 for any of this year's or any other years rookies is a stretch.
sxf138 wrote:
Thats the thing, you've never seen him ride so you have to reason to talk, neither do any of you others. If you dont know him...
Thats the thing, you've never seen him ride so you have to reason to talk, neither do any of you others. If you dont know him or know his ability, don't bag on him.
SlowOldGuy wrote:
I should have said not lately, I have seen him race probably 100 motos over the years. Good luck to him, I hope he has an...
I should have said not lately, I have seen him race probably 100 motos over the years. Good luck to him, I hope he has an awesome experience over there. And FYI, thinking a top 5 is a stretch for a kid with zero pro experience, riding a new bike, in a place he has never been to, with two days to get ready against the best Europe has to offer, is certainly not bagging on him.
Why do people in the USA think if you say someone won't get top 7 in a GP you're bagging on them? Do you guys think any random top 5 amateur A rider can step into the GPs and run w/the top 5 guys over there. If you do think that you're in some kind of fantasy land. Also taking into consideration the kid has never raced at a national or world level yet, has never raced 35+2, has never raced out of the country, and has never raced this bike before top 5 should and would make front page news. Any real fan of motocross here and abroad knows it's not very likely for any rookie especially for a guy with all the challenges I just mentioned. Roczen didn't even step in and run top 5 right away. Whether you guys know it or not those kids over there are hauling ass right now and if Leib scores a top 10 it will be a HUGE SURPRISE.. Not because he sucks but because that mx2 series is stacked with very fast world class talent.. I do wish him luck and will be rooting for him just like I have for Albee and Osborne and every American before them. One thing I love about the GPs is all the USA pride you have when a yank does well. I wish we had more over there. I hope Albee and Leib are the start of a new trend..Can't wait for AC92 to turn 15..
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stizzle 5/3/2010 7:59pm
5/3/2010 7:59pm
Good Luck Michael! We will be rooting for you. Stay healthy and do what you know how to do.
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motomom4 5/3/2010 10:03pm
5/3/2010 10:03pm
stizzle wrote:
Good Luck Michael! We will be rooting for you. Stay healthy and do what you know how to do.
x2
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Ddavis 5/3/2010 11:16pm
5/3/2010 11:16pm
Half the people saying he wont be top 20 are from britain and stuff? Probably never seen him ride, or even know how much different US intermediates are compared to euros.
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Carbo 5/4/2010 12:00am
5/4/2010 12:00am
I think Michael can be top 5 in Europe.With the bike change and very little time i would think the results would come later than sooner but i wont be surprised if he does well from the start.

here is a gallery from the past several years of Michael and Yes (short guys do rule! Just ask RC Smile

Be sure to check out the gallery in full screenWink

http://motography.smugmug.com/Motocross/Michael-Leib-2/6595937_fvsJT

Carlos
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Ddavis 5/4/2010 1:39am
5/4/2010 1:39am
Michael Leib will figure it out, he is to good and to hard of a worker to not make it in one way or another.
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mccread 5/4/2010 3:36am
5/4/2010 3:36am Edited Date/Time 4/17/2016 10:36pm
Carbo wrote:
I think Michael can be top 5 in Europe.With the bike change and very little time i would think the results would come later than sooner...
I think Michael can be top 5 in Europe.With the bike change and very little time i would think the results would come later than sooner but i wont be surprised if he does well from the start.

here is a gallery from the past several years of Michael and Yes (short guys do rule! Just ask RC Smile

Be sure to check out the gallery in full screenWink

http://motography.smugmug.com/Motocross/Michael-Leib-2/6595937_fvsJT

Carlos
If he can be top 5 in the World Championship he can he top 5 in the AMA.

As acomparison Going by Ed Allinghams resutls at Lorrettas (where Lieb beat him by a point) and his results in the British and GPs. Leib would maybe be a top 10 contender in the British Championship and maybe top 20 at times on the right track in the GPs.

Unless of course he has gotten alot faster than lorrettas last year.

Will he still be doing hangtown?

If I was Bud racing Kristiab Whatley would have been a better choice already rides kawaski and top 5 in the british series beating some GP riders
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Huckster 5/4/2010 4:33am
5/4/2010 4:33am
mccread wrote:
If he can be top 5 in the World Championship he can he top 5 in the AMA. As acomparison Going by Ed Allinghams resutls at...
If he can be top 5 in the World Championship he can he top 5 in the AMA.

As acomparison Going by Ed Allinghams resutls at Lorrettas (where Lieb beat him by a point) and his results in the British and GPs. Leib would maybe be a top 10 contender in the British Championship and maybe top 20 at times on the right track in the GPs.

Unless of course he has gotten alot faster than lorrettas last year.

Will he still be doing hangtown?

If I was Bud racing Kristiab Whatley would have been a better choice already rides kawaski and top 5 in the british series beating some GP riders
You're really not using LL results as a comparison now are you?

Good luck Michael. Have fun and enjoy...

mxwrench66
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mxwrench66 5/4/2010 5:16am
5/4/2010 5:16am
No matter how he does it will definitely make him a better rider! Europe will make you one gnarly son of a bitch! I cant wait to go back to california and ride some freeways!
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jamma10 5/4/2010 5:51am
5/4/2010 5:51am Edited Date/Time 5/4/2010 6:08am
Carbo wrote:
I think Michael can be top 5 in Europe.With the bike change and very little time i would think the results would come later than sooner...
I think Michael can be top 5 in Europe.With the bike change and very little time i would think the results would come later than sooner but i wont be surprised if he does well from the start.

here is a gallery from the past several years of Michael and Yes (short guys do rule! Just ask RC Smile

Be sure to check out the gallery in full screenWink

http://motography.smugmug.com/Motocross/Michael-Leib-2/6595937_fvsJT

Carlos
mccread wrote:
If he can be top 5 in the World Championship he can he top 5 in the AMA. As acomparison Going by Ed Allinghams resutls at...
If he can be top 5 in the World Championship he can he top 5 in the AMA.

As acomparison Going by Ed Allinghams resutls at Lorrettas (where Lieb beat him by a point) and his results in the British and GPs. Leib would maybe be a top 10 contender in the British Championship and maybe top 20 at times on the right track in the GPs.

Unless of course he has gotten alot faster than lorrettas last year.

Will he still be doing hangtown?

If I was Bud racing Kristiab Whatley would have been a better choice already rides kawaski and top 5 in the british series beating some GP riders
To be fair, over the 3 races Ed Allinghams lap times were no where near Lieb's at Loretta's

Plus I wouldn't be surprised if they specifically wanted an American with a view to securing some US based sponsorship - perhaps they're panning to race SX in the US next year?
mccread
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mccread 5/4/2010 6:16am
5/4/2010 6:16am
Carbo wrote:
I think Michael can be top 5 in Europe.With the bike change and very little time i would think the results would come later than sooner...
I think Michael can be top 5 in Europe.With the bike change and very little time i would think the results would come later than sooner but i wont be surprised if he does well from the start.

here is a gallery from the past several years of Michael and Yes (short guys do rule! Just ask RC Smile

Be sure to check out the gallery in full screenWink

http://motography.smugmug.com/Motocross/Michael-Leib-2/6595937_fvsJT

Carlos
mccread wrote:
If he can be top 5 in the World Championship he can he top 5 in the AMA. As acomparison Going by Ed Allinghams resutls at...
If he can be top 5 in the World Championship he can he top 5 in the AMA.

As acomparison Going by Ed Allinghams resutls at Lorrettas (where Lieb beat him by a point) and his results in the British and GPs. Leib would maybe be a top 10 contender in the British Championship and maybe top 20 at times on the right track in the GPs.

Unless of course he has gotten alot faster than lorrettas last year.

Will he still be doing hangtown?

If I was Bud racing Kristiab Whatley would have been a better choice already rides kawaski and top 5 in the british series beating some GP riders
jamma10 wrote:
To be fair, over the 3 races Ed Allinghams lap times were no where near Lieb's at Loretta's Plus I wouldn't be surprised if they specifically...
To be fair, over the 3 races Ed Allinghams lap times were no where near Lieb's at Loretta's

Plus I wouldn't be surprised if they specifically wanted an American with a view to securing some US based sponsorship - perhaps they're panning to race SX in the US next year?
I took that into consideratino and thats why I placed Leib in front of Ed in my predictions..I'm sure both have gotten a bit quicker since then too.

Yea maybe they will, im sure Aubin and Aranda would want to race SX too.

All the best to Leib anyway good to have another American in the world championship.
Ddavis
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Ddavis 5/4/2010 10:22am
5/4/2010 10:22am
Michael Leib beat Edward Allingham in the first moto by 1 minute in a 20 minute moto, and on the first lap Allingam was in 2nd. He was six seconds faster. 2nd Moto Allingham got a bad start and his best lap time was a 2:13 while Leibs was a 2:07.

Leib beat Allingham by 1 point in the O/A? Lol, Leib went 1-1-14 (after a huge crash in the first turn where he had no clutch the whole moto) Allingham went 6-8-5 or something.

I'm guessing Michael will get a top 10 after a good start then a top 15 after a bad start.

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