Okay, so I'm finally back. Normally I do a Grand Finale report when the Supercross season ends, but quite frankly, I just lost all motivation after the Chisholm incident. At the final round in Vegas, Chad did what he had to do - as did Bubba - but it was all for naught after the preceding week had robbed us of one the (potentially) most exiciting final race showdowns in SX history. So as the outdoor season arrived, Thumpa was just too busy to pay any attention.
Instead of following the Nationals, I found solace in roadracing. In MotoGP, not only is teamwork absent, but your own out-of-contention teammate will even take you out while a world championship is within your grasp.
But eventually we all need our fix...
...so Thumpa's back with a mid-season review of the '09 outdoor season for my fellow internet bums.
The real story of the '09 Nationals?
This strange but thrilling season of attrition is as notable for its list of absentees as it is for its contenders.
First and foremost is the absence of James Stewart and his #1 plate. What's Bubba up to this season?
Don't really know, but we could scratch the #1 contender off the list before the season started in this evolving era of the SX-only contract.
No doubt Mr. Stewart is keeping himself in shape for the following SX season with his strict dietary and training regimen.
While his presence is surely missed by his avid fans, it's also no secret that his absence has blown this outdoor season wide open for the rest of the contenders.
One puzzling no-show is perennial fan fave Kevin Windham. Heading into the outdoor season, Kdub whipped fans into a frenzy with rumors of off the wall ideas for a casual and fun approach to the outdoors. There was talk of Kdub allowing his fans to choose what he would run at some of the races - whether it be a 250F with the youngsters, a 250 2-stroke against the 450Fs, or who knows what?
Instead, Kdub has been as hard to find as Osama bin Laden this outdoor season. Apparently he's found better things to do in his voluntary offseason.
And as top contenders continue to drop by the wayside, the '09 season may have been Kdub's best shot at the major title that has eluded him...
...and you can't help but wonder if, in hindsight, regret over his decision is pulling at Kdub's heartstrings.
A Thumpa Report wouldn't be a Thumpa Report without the obligatory excessive and exaggerated look at Jason Lawrence.
Impressive cameo appearances in the 450 Supercross class had seemingly propped up JLaw's faltering career once again.
While his 250F SX season had faltered following his previous championship season, his 450 SX results brought rewards bigger than any trophy-
-it had wiped his slate clean.
His astounding feats while joining the big boys' class appeared to have his career back on track.
But beset by lackluster results and injuries, JLaw failed to score a single point in the 450 class outdoors until the second moto of the 6th round of the series. With JLaw's continuous up and down results, have we really seen any progress?
To what do we owe these failings? Is it just bad luck? Lack of commitment? Lack of training? It's certainly not a lack of talent. But one has to wonder - in a time of high salaries in a dwindling economy, how much trust will a team continue to extend to JLaw?
What will teams remember more come 2010 - his impressive 450 SX debut, or his disappointing outdoor campaign? JLaw's career may yet return to its old familiar path.
What will it take to put him on a consistent path worthy of his talent? New team? New trainer? New drink sponsor?
For those riders who have shown up full force, the '09 Nationals have not failed to deliver. Yet while the top contenders have brought the fight as expected, the first half of the season has been marred by early exits.
The Glen Helen opener brought much promise despite the absence of those previously mentioned. Chad Reed posted blistering practice times despite his lack of preparation due to his late commitment to the series, but the gate drop saw Mike Alessi blast to the front as expected. Despite Alessi's pair of holeshots, Ryan Villopoto fought his way to the front with a 1-1 sweep for the overall. Josh Grant joined the other youthful contenders as he took 3rd overall behind RV and Mike. Reed proved he had the speed to run with the youngsters, but to no one's surprise also demonstrated that it may take him a few rounds to build up his endurance.
With an epic season battle looming between RV and Alessi, fans were disappointed to learn that RV suffered a knee injury heading into round 2. Despite a valiant effort to fight through his injury, a first turn crash removed him from contention. With RV gone for the season, Josh Grant stepped up to challenge Alessi, taking the win in moto 2. However, a yellow flag pass docked him a position giving Alessi the 1-1 and the overall. All of the chief contenders served notice though, with Tedesco, Reed, Short, and Grant rounding out the top 5.
The following week would prove crucial to the fate of the remaining contenders. Alessi again went 1-1 for the overall, but followed it up soon thereafter with a broken kneecap - removing the second of the top 2 contenders via knee injuries within a span of a couple weeks.
Rumors soon began circulating about the series' new pit reporter.
At the same time, despite an overall podium finish at Freestone, news of a stomach condition that had been plaguing Chad Reed began to surface.
The series headed to High Point for round 4. Just as RV had established himself as the man to beat with a 1-1 finish at Glen Helen, followed by Alessi's assertion of dominance with 1-1 finishes at the following two rounds, High Point revealed the newest claimant to the throne.
Despite his increasingly gaunt condition, the ailing Chad Reed took the overall with a 1-1 performance and likewise overtook the series points lead.
Amazingly, Mike Alessi actually showed up at Thunder Valley just 19 days after his injury with all intentions of racing.
Despite his heroic efforts, an early crash with Josh Grant ended Alessi's hopes for a title shot.
The trend continued atop the podium...
...as we saw new winners at rounds 5 and 6. Ivan Tedesco swept Thunder Valley, while Josh Grant went 2-1 for the overall at Red Bud.
Missing from the list of winners thus far is Andrew Short - who has yet to win a moto. However, Shorty did grab second overall at 3 consecutive rounds. While Short may be lurking on the lower rungs of the podium, he's still getting it done without all the bells and whistles. In Short...
...what you see is what you get.
His hard work, determination, and consistency have garnered him the #2 position in the points race behind Chad Reed despite going winless. And don't expect that winless streak to continue much longer.
Amazingly, we've seen 5 different winners through the first 6 rounds - establishing the 2009 outdoor campaign as one of the most exciting ever despite the attrition rate amongst the top contenders. And while we hope the remaining contenders don't continue to drop like flies...
... let the games continue.
Hi Friends,
I write these tongue-in-check, with the goal to provide some fun and entertainment, and laughter. And hopefully they make you think a litle bit too. Please comment! Go ahead and give me back some of my own medicine! I want to hear from you!
Thumpa
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