Vital Buzz: High Point 2008

You’ve seen the race coverage from High Point, and had time to check out some new ’09 scoots from Suzuki and Kawasaki this week, but here are a few remaining items from just-north-of-Morgantown that you might want to check out in this hyphen-abusing version of Vital Buzz.


During opening ceremonies at High Point, they always bring out several notable old school riders for pre-race lap on the super-loamy and freshly disked High Point Raceway, and this year was no exception. Here are a few pics. (Click any photo in here for a larger version.)


Broc Glover and David Bailey Vital Motocross 


Broc Glover and a feisty-looking David Bailey.


Tom Carson 


Asterisk’s Tom Carson, complete with vintage helmet.


Steve Lamson 


Steve Lamson.


Gary Semics 


Gary Semics.


Jeff Stanton 


Team Honda Red Bull Racing's Jeff Stanton.


Mike Fisher 


Kawasaki Team Manager, Mike Fisher.


James Stewart and Matt Boni 


We’re not sure what was going on here between James Stewart and Matt Boni. Just a friendly how-ya-doin’ between Floridians? Or a hey-would-you-get-outta-the-way-already? All we know is that Matt raced James awfully hard into the next corner…


 


The scenery at High Point? Niiiiice.


Ivan Tedesco 


Ivan Tedesco rolled back to the pits dangling a foot after a crash in the first turn at the start of the second moto. He’d already been nursing a tweaked ankle, but a first-turn crash didn’t do it any favors. Hopefully it wasn’t anything worse than the sprain that the Honda guys suspected afterwards.


 


We always love checking out the signs that fans bring to the races. But how’s that Bring Back The Goat plan working out for you? We’ve been trying Bring Back Hannah, Bring Back Lackey, and Bring Back LaPorte signs for a while, all to no avail.


 


The reverse side of that sign? Ouch.


 


These guys didn’t have a sign, but did have their own homemade t-shirt in James Stewart’s honor. The crowd seemed much more receptive to James this year.


Sean Borkenhagen 


When the engine on Sean Borkenhagen’s Honda expired in the second moto, he got a friendly push back to the pits from some fans. Given the loooong uphill back to the pits, that was a generous gesture.


Marc Peters 


We have to give some kudos to the track crew, which included imported guys like Marc Peters. Marc build most (if not all) of the Supercross test tracks for the factory teams.


 


How about a between-the-motos nap? Fortunately, this was between motos.


 


Davey Coombs had an amazing variety of duties at High Point, which explains the gloves. Here he hold’s Broc Tickle’s Yamaha, after Broc cross-rutted and went down hard in the second moto. Other than a tweaked wrist, he should be back in action when the series resumes at Thunder Valley.


Nick Wey 


Nick Wey had a better-than-average week at High Point, and it was good to see him running well inside the top ten on his big Katoom.


Jeff Alessi 


Oops…Jeff Alessi got a major case of whiskey throttle over one of the doubles, which provided this scary landing. After taking inventory of his various body parts, he got back up and finished. Here’s hoping that he finds a good ride soon…


 


Jeremy from One Industries cares for all the One helmets that the Motosport Xtreme Kawaski squad uses, and he has this cool setup with helmet dryers for all the team guys. Each one has their own name and number on it, so there’s no swapping sweat here.


Ryan Dungey 


Ryan Dungey cut loose on Jason Lawrence in the press conference after the race, almost as interesting as what he had to say was the looks he was getting from Jake Weimer and Ryan Villopoto, who were also sitting at the table. We’d put it in the category of somewhat-amazed, and waiting-to-see-what-what-he’s-going-to-say-next. Ryan wasclearly frustrated after a first-moto tangle with his nemesis from the Lites West Supercross season, Jason Lawrence. “I got around him, and it was an awkward position I was in before the big roller. A lapper was in the way, so I kind of went outside, and Lawrence came in and took me out. It was kind of my fault. All I could do was pick the guys off and pass them back. I was able to get sixth. Overall I thought it was a good ride, but I can’t be doing that, so…


When Racer X’s Steve Cox asked Ryan what happened between himself and Jason in the first moto, Ryan responded, “Yeah, it was just dumb. What happened, I should have seen it coming. Like he was brake-checking me before I got around him. But I got around him and I could tell he was faded, so I kinda went, ‘All right, I need to put on a charge and get away from this guy.’ He’s a dirty rider, and it just came into an awkward position, in the turn before the rollers. He just came in and cleaned me out.”


Continuing, Ryan said, “I’m just over this stuff. I wanted to go over there, but I mean, I’m not going to lower myself to that. I mean the guy’s an idiot. Look at him. He’s getting drunk before the race. He’s an embarrassment to our sport, I think. People say he’s good, but he’s going to learn his lesson one day it’ll come. I don’t know when. I’m not a trash-talker guy, and I ain’t gonna be nice about it, but I’m just kind of over it…what happened in Supercross. The way he went about things…and any chance I get, I’ll clear his ass out.”


In the second moto (before J-Law’s DNF), Ryan started out behind him. We were curious in the second moto as Ryan was catching Jason, what was going through his head? “I’d seen him and I was gaining on him, and I was watching him and couldn’t wait to get to him. At that point I don’t care if both of us go down, as long as I just get the feeling of cleaning him out. And you know, I’m not really that good at taking people out, but I mean it’s time to start learning. I think starting with that guy is a good start. Like I said, the guy’s an idiot. I don’t mean to be like funny or anything, but it’s just…I don’t know what you guys think of the idiot, but…moron.”


Okay, before we go, here’s a little injury rumor control.


Tyler Bowers did not tear his ACL, and will be back at Red Bud.


Brett Metcalfe Vital Motocross 


Brett Metcalfe swapped into the face of a jump earlier this week while practicing on a 450. He has a separated shoulder, and a possible torn meniscus in one knee, and has had MRIs on both. Knowing Metcalfe, he’s a tough guy, and will work through his injuries.


If you’re headed for Mammoth, check out the press release section. There’s no shortage of companies who are ready to help you out up there. If you’re a pro who’s ready for a well-deserved weekend off, enjoy it. For everyone else, we’re counting down the days until Thunder Valley, and we’re looking forward to checking out a high-altitude National under the lights. We know the bikes will be happier with the cooler nighttime temperatures. Let’s see if the riders are equally happy with the riding conditions. Either way, it’ll be a unique event, and be sure to tune in for full coverage on Vital MX.

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