7/30/2017 8:24 PM
Edited Date/Time: 7/30/2017 8:34 PM
The GP series is an entirely different game from the perspective of an American. From logistics to training to travel to time zones, climates, languages, track familiarity, and vastly different track conditions (Qatar to Lommel?!), etc... I give those guys a ton of credit for enduring those GP seasons and to any American who goes over there to compete. Qatar to Indonesia to Argentina to Europe, Eastern Europe. That's nothing like traversing the contiguous United States. Nevermind all the other bullshit.
It would take a top American prospect a few years to adjust to all that and expect to be competitive. I don't really think it was reasonable to expect RV to go straight over there and compete. RV and his wife were on an extended vacation. He wasn't there to dominate.
Here's an argument that's worthy of discussion: it's easier for a European to come over here and assimilate to American professional racing and have a chance at succeeding than it is for an American to go to Europe and experience the same.
Broadening the way you evaluate and judge top professional motocross racers to include the gazillion other factors that go into being successful beyond talent on a bike may eventually make this stupid fucking argument go away forever, along with world peace and a cure for cancer, so I'm not holding my breath.
This age-old argument of who is better or not is stupid, and old. They are all badasses.