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But WhKnuckle is asserting that this was a waste of $200K for them to show up at the races only to find out that he wasn't going to be on the MXoN team?
That is only one of the possible reasons for being there.
See what I am saying?
I think he was there for a few reasons.
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We gotta knock this off......lol.
Not cool.
Face facts, everyone in America who knows anything about motocross knew Stewart was going for a shot at the des nations team, if Decoster wasn't going to pick him regardless, all it took was a phone call a couple of weeks ago to fix everything up. Decoster didn't decide on Friday that he wouldn't accept Stewart on the team no matter what. It would be different if it was a team that ordinarily goes to the Nationals, but L&M don't. In fact, they've NEVER gone to a National.
We call Roger "The Man" for a reason, he has proven it time and time again. This is the reason we have him lead us to victory year after year.
And WhKnuckle, I don't buy into the conspiracy, just can't do it.
So let's take the MXoN out of the picture and say that Roger called Larry and said "Hey dude....not gonna happen"
Would it then be acceptable for them to not show up at Dilla or any other outdoor race because "historically" speaking James doesn't like the track?
What about Southwick?
He crashed his brains out there as well so is that now off the schedule for them?
You can't have it both ways.
Either James was doing it for the fans and sponsors with the MXoN being part of it.
or
It was all the same salesmanship that you are slamming the promoters and DeCoster for.
As for what Stewart was told, it sounds to me like a classic misunderstanding. I don't think Stewart is lying at all about what he thought he heard during the discussion. But if there is ever an interview with the unnamed official, I doubt it will match what Stewart heard. And unless it was recorded, we'll never know.
My personal guess on what happened, 100% pure speculation:
Stewart thinks he has a shot based on the discussion, so the SM team gets rolling. Early in the week, word leaks that the team has been chosen, but the SM team is already committed, and doesn't want to believe the rumors. They show up, and the team has been picked. Team gets angry, good for the TV show, bad for making decisions. Stewart is mad. Stewart decides to go show 'em what's up by winning, but he hasn't raced MX for too long, never raced MX on the YZF, and understandibly isn't quite in race shape physically. He does everything he can to win or at least get 2nd but can't quite pull it off, ending up 3rd, and amazing ride given the circumstances. Now the overall is unlikely, making him mad and dissappointed, plus he blew his wad on the last few laps.
The lack of MX experince of the team / lack of communication with JS (maybe due to the anger and dissapointment) / lack of racing MX on the YZF result in a bike that is set up even worse in the 2nd moto. Stewart gets a random crappy start that could happen to anyone, charges to 11th, but quickly realizes he is physically spent and on a bike that isn't set up right and that he isn't going anywhere.
I still have no clue why he pulled off. Easier to explain a DNF than a 10th? It may have been the first time in his career that he was looking at a 10th place, knowing that was the best he could do - not a situation he's familiar with.
I don't buy the physical risk part - if you think you're at risk, back it off a hair. If your suspension is too stiff, pull off and have 'em soften it up - that could be done in about 15 seconds, which he could make up in about 5 laps.
IT COSTS MONEY to send that team from SoCal to New England for a month. Stewart wasn't even physically ready to ride. He hasn't ridden a National in two years. It's money and time - and big, big risk to Stewart.
How often do you see a top pro show up at a local race? Never. Heck, I used to race with Howerton, Wise and Stackable at Rio Bravo, but those days are long gone ("race with" being a figure of speech).
Whatever. Decoster knew what that team was doing and he didn't tell them it was futile for a reason. People can only guess what that reason might have been.
Going to Unadilla gives L&M exposure and that's why they spend the money in the first place. If Stewart would have stayed in the race... he would have given them plenty by being on live network television. Instead the world got to see someone throw a fit and shut the media out... I guess they got a good shot of his dirty bike though.
Does Roger not remember Short cannot handle pressure. Short could have won the West SX titlein'06 but he completely choked at the final round at Seattle by wiping out and throwing the title away (he finished 8th).
James is tied (w/RC) for having the most consistent season in MX history (no one else comes close). I think Stewart is more motivated now than ever before. Look out. James will have 45 seconds a moto on Short from here on out; and 15 seconds ahead of Dungey. And he will punt anyone in his path.
It was for the fans.....unless you are saying James was lying.
How often do you see a top pro show up at a local race?
Last time I checked Unadilla was a Pro National not a local race.
Whatever. Decoster knew what that team was doing and he didn't tell them it was futile for a reason. People can only guess what that reason might have been.
Because he doesn't owe James or Larry anything.....they were supposedly just there for the chance of being on the team and of course the fans and sponsors.
Would it make any difference if they waited until after the race to make the announcement?
The end result would be the same.
Unless you are now suggesting that James would have thrown caution to the wind and placed himself in further danger by riding out that 2nd moto with the bike set up being way off just for the chance to represent his country.
So again.....which is it?
Pit Row
Short has earned his place on the MXdN team with consistently high finishes over the last three years on a 450. His home track advantage and team player mentality seals the deal. James is faster but his injury, his conditioning, his teams lack of outdoor testing and the distractions of a TV show are problematic.
All the above and L&M needs to do a little recruiting for open spot on the team next year anyway.
"What the hell do you know?
Its not like you ran a Pro Team or anything. "
Ha,ha,ha.......that's a good 1 right there.
Obviously you don't know me very well if even at all.
1 look in my closet and it's apparent from several team shirts & jackets that I in fact have been...........
Championships & awards as well..........
In other words, if your going to call the kettle black, make sure you first have knowledge of what your talking about.......otherwise as your doing here, you end up standing in it!
"Stay thirsty my friend"........
Dave O.
I am well aware of your accoplishments.
It was posted on this board when the team would be announced so why was he so surprised?
Pulling out of the second moto was pretty lame but maybe justified if he was really so out of shape that he couldn't even hold onto the bike, but hiding in the RV afterwards was really childish and I'm surprised the team let him get away with it. Says a lot about the entourage IMO, a bunch of Yes Men I'd imagine.
Kind of strange how last week it was all about the fans and this week it was all about the MXdN. Until you consider the source.
"It was sarcasm Ozzy. "
Sarcasm's good!
Was it as good for you as it was for me......ha, ha, ha.....
I still love ya!
Dave O.
Everts schooled him in how to ride a rutted track at Matterley Basin in 2006, stood up on the pegs.
Everts beat him in the first moto, way before any team tactics could be considered.
Did you guys actually watch the race?
Post a reply to: JS7