Cycle News - Archive Issues - 2000's

pass here than in Geneva, but it's still going the same speed, and unless not easy, Once I got to fifth, I knew I you make something stick, it's not only had to pass one more to qualify going to happen." for the main. I got to get my starts With the series now heading to sorted though, otherwise I won't be America, the attention of the riders fighting with Reed and Vuillemin." will turn to AMA Supercross Champi- 2S0 MAIN: I. Chod Reed (Yom): 2. Dov;d Vuillemin (Yllm); 3. Mike LllRocco (Hon); 4. Grant Langston (KTM): 5. Sebastien Tortclli (Suz); 6. Tim Ferry (Yam); 7. Jeremy McGrath (KTM): 8. Andrew Short (Suz): 9. Manuel Rivas (Kaw); 10. Keith Johnson (Yam): 11. Damon Huffman (Han): 12. Erick Vallejo (Yam); 13. Ryan Clark (Yam): 14. JeanSebastien Roy (Han): 15. Jason McCormick (Hon); 16. Kyle Lewis (Hon): 17. Heath Voss (Yam): 18. James Povolny Jr. (Han): 19. Ted Campbell (Hon) 20. Joaquim Rodrigues (KTM). Tortelli (Suz): 4. Ryan Clark (Y8m); 5. Joaquim Rodrigues (KTM); 6. Steve Boniface (KTM); 7. Joe Oehlhof (Y8m); 8. Tiger Lacey (Yam): 9. Ted Campbell (Hon); 10. Keith R. Johnson (Yam): 11. Jean-Sebastien Roy (Hon); 12. Jason McCormick (Hon); 13. Robbie Skaggs (Yam) 14. James Povolny Jr. (Hon). HEAT 2 (8 laps, 1-4 transfer): 1. David Vuillemin (Yam); 2. Chad Reed (Yam); 3. Grant Langston (KTM): 4. Mike LaRocco (Hon); 5. Andrew Short (Suz); 6. Manuel Rivas (Kaw); 7. Damon Huffman (Hon): 8. Jeremias Israel (Hon): 9. Erick Vallejo (Yem): 10. Heath Voss (Yam): II. Kyle lewis (Hon): 12. Brian Mason (Hon); 13. Barry Carsten (Suz): 14. Marco Stallmann (TM): 15. Pierrick Paget Joaquim Rodrigues and Andrew on Ricky Carmichael. It's tough to Short won the semis, while Damon say if Reed or Vuillemin will be able Huffman won the last-chance qualifier. to compete with the most successful MAIN EVENT American racer of all time, although (Hon). the way Reed and Vuillemin looked in SEMI 1 (6 laps. 1-5 transfer): I. JOllquim Rodngues (KTM): 2. Jean-Sebastien Roy (Hon); 3. Keith R. Johnson (Yam); 4. James Povolny Jr. (Han): Everyone looked to Reed and Vuillemin as the riders hit turn one, yet it was Tortelli who took the early lead. For once, Reed gated brilliantly and tucked in behind Tortelli and Vuillemin. In no time at all, the Australian flew past the two Frenchmen Geneva and Holland, anything may eN STANDINGS (After 2 of J 7 rounds): 1. David Vuillemin (47/1 win) 2. Chad Reed (41/1 win): 3. Gront Longston (38): 4. Tim Ferry (37): 5. (TIE) Mike LaRocco/Sebastien Tortelli (34); 7. Jeremy McGrath (29); 8. Damon Huffman (22); 9. Andrew Short (20): 10. Ke;th Johnson (1 g): 11. Ryon Clork (18): 12. (TIE) Jooqu;m Rodrigues/Erick Vollejo (14) 14. Heath Voss (13); 15. Manuel RivllS (12): 16. Stephane Demllrtis (11); 17. Kyle Lewis (B): lB. (11E) Jean-Sebastien Roy/James Povolny Jr. (7): 20. Jason McCormick (6). 5. Joson McCormick (Hon): 6. Joe Oehlhof (Yom): 7. Ted Compbell (Hon): 8. Robb;e Skoggs (Yom); g. HEAT) (8 laps. )·4 transfer): I. Tim Ferry (Yam): 2. Jeremy McGrllth (KTM); 3. Sebastien THQ WORLD SUPER CROSS GP POINTS Steve Boniface (KTM): 10. Tiger Lacey (Yam). SEMI 2 (6 laps, 1·5 transfer): I. Andrew Short (Suz): 2. Heath Voss (Yam) 3. Manuel Rivas (Kaw); 4. Kyle Lewis (Hon); 5. Erick Vallejo (Yam); 6. Pierrick Pllget (Hon); 7. Barry Carsten (Suz): 8. Brian Mason (Han): 9. Damon Huffmlln (Hon); 10. Marco Stallmllnn (TM). be possible. Gelredome Stadium Amhem, Holland Results: December 14, 2002 [Round 2 01171 Upcoming Rounds; Round 3 - Anaheim, California, January 4 Round 4 - San Diego, California, January 11 and headed the field around the first lap. "I knew the lappers were going to be a problem," Reed said. "I knew I had to get ahead, so they would not count if we were close near the end. I had a great start, and that was important. The Yamaha 250 hooks up so much on the start, and I have to learn that; this time I got it nearly perfect. The race was just like riding at the Yamaha track. I want to beat Vuillemin pretty bad. Last year, he was the only one to beat Ricky often, and that shows he has the speed beating David by a long way is really good for my confidence." Reed enjoyed the night, and as the track got rougher, so did his determination. "The track got really rutted," Reed said. "I had a few close calls, but that's what is going to happen when you're racing at this level. If I win in Anaheim, I will be so good - that's the next step. I expected to win here and in Geneva - I don't fly halfway around the world to finish second. I concentrated on my pitboard and made some good lap times." Vuillemin showed good speed early, and at one stage seemed to be catching Reed, although with the race half-over, the French rider began to struggle. "I've been sick ever since Thanksgiving," Vuillemin said. "Then we went to Geneva, and it was really cold; I mean in France it was cold. I had third place and passed Tortelli; I felt good but didn't have the finish. I wanted to stay with Chad for the complete moto, but I didn't have the condition - I got really slow near the end. The track was one-lined, but I'm disappointed with the whoops, they were not good, and that is where I could have made some ground. Chad rode a good race, though. I've only been on the bike for a month and a half, and so my level is really good." LaRocco showed consistent speed, although he never had a chance of catching the front two, and he knew that very quickly. "I got a good start," LaRocco said. '" just didn't get to the front guys they dropped me. I saw it happening and could not respond. I know I can ride better than I did. The ruts were there, but that made it difficult. It was BRIEFLY. •• Rick Johnson felt the new World Supercross GP series was a great promotion for the sport. "It's time for a real World Championship. I mean it was tried in the 1980s when Giuseppe Luongo did it; we had Europe's best in Eric Geboers racing against guys like myself in the Masters of Motocross. plus the World Supercross with Action Group. Neither really worked; this series should. The market in America is so strong; I mean all the races are sold out. so they have to take it to other facilities. The Arnhem stadium was sold out. and that's a good thing for the sport. They had like 7000 people for practice on Friday· the European people love Supercross. and I think it's time. The track in Arnhem was much like an American race. Carmichael not being here meant the race lacked something. The other races. like Bercy, you didn't gIVe it everything you had: for this championship everyone is giving it 100 percent. I'm sure this series will only get better. The action in Geneva was great, and if they can work out a good schedule. then the World should see this type of supercross racing... Johnson also had some words about Chad Reed and his chances of racing against Ricky Carmichael and possibly winning the World Supercross GP Championship. "It's going to be tough: Johnson said. "I mean. Carmichael is strong; in saying that though. if Reed rides like he did tonight in Holland. then he has a great chance· his speed at the moment is something else. Yet when Chad raced the East Coast 125cc series, he was really qUick. Then when he had to race against James Stewart at the Las Vegas Supercross. he was not as aggressive. Chad made it clear he didn't like the 250cc four-stroke in motocross, and that's when he got beat by Stewart. Is he ready to be the King of the World? We will see at Anaheim. Right now he is unbelievably fast. When you know you are racing the best. your mind frame changes. but Chad is very strong in the head. and he won't back down. so it's going to be good." Clear Channel's Eric Peronnard was one of the main men behind bringing the World Supercross GP to Europe. The Frenchman who had a major part in the Bercy Supercross before moving to America and organizing the original U.S. Open was busy the complete two weeks. "This has been a great beginning to what we hope will be a long·standing series." Peronnard said. "I think if you look at the stadium in Amhem and the action we have had. this past two weeks have been a huge success. " The Arnhem Supercross was the first major supercross in Holland in 12 years. Back in 1990. Carlsbad hero Gerrit Wolsink held a Supercross down the road from Amhem. Included in that 1990 lineup were Rick Johnson. Jeff Ward, Jeff Leisk. Jeff Stanton, Craig Dack and many other top American and European riders. AmaZingly. the 2002 World Supercross GP in Amhem had 20,000 presold tickets and just 5000 turned up on the night to buy tickets. The weather played a big role in the crowd's attendance - with 14-degree temperatures. it was not a night to be out on the town. Wolsink was in Amhem. very proud of the fact he had something to do with the senes. "I brought the first supercross race to Europe back in 1980," Wolsink said. -We had Mike Bell in the field. and from that moment on, everyone started running supercross races in Europe. I ran the last one in Holland. so it's nice to come back here and see how much it has changed. The riders in this series are really exciting to watch." Wolsink is known in America for winning a handful of Motocross Grands Prix at the soon-to-be-closed Carlsbad circuit in Southem Califomia. He also contested many Trans-AMA events and was a factory pilot for the Suzuki GP team in the 1970s. Arnhem featured some interesting faces. with five-time World Motocross Champion Georges Jobe arriving Saturday I1Jght, while former 250cc World Champion John Van Den Berk was also in attendance. Davey Coombs and the complete Racer X staff got back in time from a trip to Amsterdam - which seemed to take a lot out of the Racer X crew. Steve Bruhn. Eric Peronnard and many of the Clear Channel staffers were also busy working. American legend Broc Glover worked with Coombs for the ESPN coverage, and the voice of supercross, Art Eckman. was working as well. Clear Channel press agent Denny Hartwig should be commended for his work in Amhem. as the press were given a huge amount of information leading Into Arnhern, which made everyone's job much easier. "It's just my job. and I have enjoyed it very much: Hartwig said. "Clear Channel. Dorna and the FIM have really done a great job. and I think you could not knock what has gone down in Europe this past 14 days. " Mike LaRocco feels the competition this year will make the series even more interesting than in 2002. "There are a lot of riders who will give it to Carmichael this year," laRocco said. "Chad Reed looks really good. and so does David Vuillemin. It will be difficult for me - it's always difficult - but I feel I have a good chance. I want to beat Ricky. and that's the main aim - if we have to rough him up. then we will rough him up. " Many people. including David Bailey, had said that Chad Reed showed little patience in his Geneva crash. although the Aussie did not agree at all. In fact. Reed was disappointed with the comments. -Geneva didn't have anything to do with being impatient." Reed said. "I guess Ricky is the same. and he does not have any problem. You can't wait around and be a nice guy; you have to go for it. I don't work all week to finish second - I don't think any of the top guys do that - and David Nuilleminl and Ricky [Carmichaell won't be waiting around either." Many riders felt the World Supercross GP has a great future. Chad Reed looks forward to doing a round in hiS home country. "I like the World Series: Reed said. "It's cool for the sport. but somebody has to take some races away· we do so many races in America, and adding races is not the answer. This track in Amhem was just like in America we have to come to Europe. although we don't get an off-season. and these races are difficuit. I hope the series will go to Australia. though· it's going to be good for the future." Veteran Mike laRocco is also positive about the new World Supercross GP. although he also feeis that some changes have to be made to give the riders better preparation. "This year. it was difficult." laRocco said. "This thing is run at a difficult time. If we can plan it better and smooth some things out. we have to do this series for the future. It's nice to race In other countries. and I think Clear Channel and the FIM have done a great job." David Vuillemin also wants to see a round in France. but the number of races in the series has to be changed: at least that seerned to be the important factor for the Frenchman. "We should have some in Europe," Vuillemin said. "Why not? We race all season in Amenca, so some extra rounds in Europe would be good for the European riders. We have to take a good look at the calendar and work out what is good for everyone. The season is long enough without doing another bunch of races on top of the ones we already have." Sebastien Tortelli again showed amazing speed. and had it not been for a small mistake, he could have finished on the podium again in Hoiland. "You know, Chad and David looked fast." Tortelli said. "I was comfortable in third place, then I got out of shape in a rhythm section. clipping a part of the track and lost control - I was out of control for a while then crashed. although it was only a small crash. When I got up, I was trying to catch Langston. but I couldn't do it. The track was rough, but it was good. It was a fast track. and everyone was as quick as each other. so that made it difficult to catch guys. " Jeremy McGrath once again finished midpack. which is something that the Supercross King will not put up with for much longer. Injuries and a new bike saw Supermac finish seventh. "Different struggle than in Geneva." McGrath said. -It was a real struggle this week - the bike was working good when I was attacking. then when I backed off, it didn't work as good. I've never seen this track with this bike - it's soft out there. and I've never ridden the KTM on this type of track. This track is like Atlanta, which makes it really difficult. On hard tracks like Anaheim, the bike's perfect. In Anaheim the bike will be okay: the track will be hard. but we have a long way to go - this is very frustrating. I knew this challenge was big. and I would like to say we need to be ahead of where we are at, but with my injury and stuff we didn't have enough time to work on the bike. It's crunch time when I get home - I need to stay on the bike and get it sorted. " South African Grant Langston injured his back the Thursday before Amhem. and with the pain continuing throughout the weekend. he could never recapture his Geneva speed. He did, however. show consistency. "I have been struggling with my back all weekend: Langston said. "It's just gotten worse all night - it was killing me in the heat, but in the main it really hurt bad. I passed laRocco for third place. but he got me back. and I got a fourth - I should have finished third. though. I'm really happy with my form. I would have been happy with top five after these two races. My supercross speed is better than ever. " Tim Ferry had an okay race. recovering from his Thursday crash, and he ended up running some really qUick laps. "My start was not so good, about sixth or seventh. then I got around McGrath and got around Tortelli - I think he went down. Then I passed Grant Langston. but Chad and David were long gone. I washed out with about four or five laps to go . I was in fourth and dropped back to sixth. I feel good, had a good heat race. but I'm disappointed about tonight· I had the fastest heat race and lap time. I think I can get some wins In America. " tough to pass, and everyone was cue I e n eVIls • JANUARY 8. 2003 13

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