I just got back from SoCal after a long 2 days at Glen Helen. The racing was off the hook and the new changes for the series are looking promising. I like to thank all of the guys at Vurb Moto, Brent and Wes for giving me an opportunity to shoot photos track side.
The 450 class results was surprising with RV2 going 1-1. Villopoto proved that he can work through the pack, taking control of his destiny. RV2 was asked if his goals were to go 24-0 and he humbling said no, he just wants to get the points and win the Championship. Looking at his results one might ponder if he might actually pull of a perfect season and obtain that #1 plate.
Reed wasn't looking like he could hold the pace to lead the pack. He did mention that he's had a one, 30 minute moto under his belt since the end of the SX season. His last minute decision to race the Nats might have hindered his performance on Saturday. I guess we'll have to wait and see next week if he can turn it around.
Mike Alessi showed off his starting skills once again. I don't understand how he does it, and if he could sell his secrets he could become a millionaire. Alessi did take the lead in Moto2 but was soon run down by RV2. I'm going to predict that he will win a moto and possibly a overall this season. He looked to have his A game for sure and with his starts there shouldn't be anything to hold him back.
Josh Grant rode his ASS OFF. He proved that he can ride that 450 better than his best days on a 250F. I have high hopes for this kid and with his results from this weekend he is a contender in the premium class. I'll admit that I never thought much for this kid, but after the past SX season, my thoughts about him have changed. The 250 class is deep this year. The talent seems never ending and could really show a mix of podium finisher all season.
The hype was put on a few riders coming over from the GP series in Euro-Land. You have Rattray, Searle and Pourcel showing the American boys a threat or two.
But the Suzuki Kid Ryan Dungey proved that he might be the one to beat. He's been living and training with the Carmichael's and it shows. If he can dial his starts and get out front, from the beginning, he'll most definitely be the contender for the championship.
Pourcel rode a good race using his smooth style in a notched out bumpy track. He won his 1st moto but looked to struggle a bit in moto2. But you can't hold that against him because he did get 2nd overall for the day. And after a huge set back a few years ago, that's gotta be refreshing for him. Now if we can only work on his Euro accent. just kidding.
Rattray had some added hype coming into this race. He had a quite a bit of time off from racing coming into this round. I'm sure the nerves and butterflies were present in the first moto. He mentioned that he pumped up a bit and that was a big reason for why he finished where he did in moto1. But all of that seemed to be gone going into moto2. With him and Dungey motoring through the pack chasing down Barcia, taking away that final podium spot with 3rd overall. I'm looking forward to his future in the states and he will prove to be a front runner.
Rookie sensation, Justin Barcia blasted off the gate in Moto2 taking the lead for a good portion of that race. I would imagine the results of his 1st moto was stricken with a bit of nerves. This was his debut in the pro ranks and there is no doubt that he has the speed to run with the top guys. He's another rider that I'll enjoy watching throughout this championship series. Tommy Searle rode a consistent race taking 4th in both motos. He's ridden with all of these Euro kids and I'm sure he'll be lighting it up once he settles in and gets a few races under his belt.
On a side note there was another Brit who has been riding the Amateur series and just recently decided to go pro. 16 year old Max Anstie made his pro debut on Saturday with a huge get-off in moto1. I saw him ride back into his pits and noticed his back torn up. He was able to get off the bike but needed assistance into the Asterisk truck. He didn't look good as he was holding his lower back. After talking with someone who witnessed the wreck and assisted him off the track said it was ugly. Apparently the bike landed on his back and some how his hand was stuck under the bike pinned up against the head pipe. YIKES! I hope he's OK and nothing major happened to him. 
Well that's a wrap and if you want to enjoy some more photos, check out my gallery on MotoSpace.com.
~James
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