Supercross Preview
The 2005 supercross series is again enjoying the buzz not seen in a decade, when you couldn't come close to predicting who would win on any given Saturday night. The reason behind the increase in chatter is the deeper talent pool in the 250 class. Ricky Carmichael, Chad Reed and James "Bubba" Stewart may be the favorites, but there are still a few wild cards who could spoil the night for any of the notorious three. This means the 2005 season could produce some of the best racing we have seen in a while. So grab a seat and compare your predictions with the Dirt Rider staff's, and we'll see who comes out with the most-accurate picks.
Dirt Rider Staff Predictions
Collectively, our staff is split between Ricky Carmichael and Chad Reed, with Corey Neuer holding out for James Stewart. Everyone believes Bubba has something to prove and the speed to do it. Whether his warp speed will be too much for the rest of the class--or for his own good--is the question in his rookie SX season, prompting a few of us to leave him off the top spot on their list. Some even think he may actually be able to run away from Reed and Carmichael; a lot of us feel he is not immune from hitting the ground.
RC has the record book in his corner, championship knowhow in his pocket and win streaks coming out of his wazoo, so how can you bet against him? Don't! And don't think he can ever back down from a challenge. The guy rides with more heart than Bob "Hurricane" Hannah. RC wants to win this championship so badly that he will do whatever it takes. If this means working through a new team and doing it with an all-new bike, then those are just the challenges he'll be forced to overcome. If you ask Ricky, he's really happy and has something to prove.
Current SX champ Reed is the other staff favorite. Consistency, outright speed, calmness and control all seem to echo the sentiments of the staff. Being on a familiar team with a familiar bike in a familiar class sounds like a recipe for success to some of us, while others doubt Reed's speed or killer instinct. Sometimes quiet but always focused, Reed stepped up to the challenge the last time Carmichael was the man on top, and now their roles are reversed.
All around, none of the staff sees a completely dominant rider, and we all see multiple wins, hopefully for a more-exciting season in which there is actually a question about who will end up on the top of the podium every Saturday night.
Jimmy Lewis
Editor
Qualifications: Raced the amateur day at the 1993 San Diego SX on a KX80.
1. Chad Reed (4 wins)
2. Ricky Carmichael (4 wins)
3. James Stewart (7 wins)
4. Kevin Windham (1 win)
5. Michael Byrne
Karel Kramer
Senior Editor
Qualifications: I saw Marty Tripes win at the Super Bowl of Motocross, and I've met every supercross champion in the history of the sport.
1. Chad Reed (5 wins)
2. Ricky Carmichael (5 wins)
3. James Stewart (5 wins)
4. Kevin Windham (2 wins)
5. Mike LaRocco
Sean Finley
Publisher
Qualifications: I'm an ex-quad guy, but I still love moto.
1. Ricky Carmichael (4 wins)
2. Chad Reed (6 wins)
3. James Stewart (6 wins)
4. Kevin Windham
5. Travis Preston
Corey Neuer
Test Editor
Qualifications: Just because.
1. James Stewart (10 wins)
2. Chad Reed (4 wins)
3. Ricky Carmichael (2 wins)
4. Kevin Windham
5. David Vuillemin
Bryan Nylander
Associate Editor
Qualifications: I spent five-plus years in college learning the fine art of BS and guessing, so why not apply it to real life?
1. Ricky Carmichael (8 wins)
2. Chad Reed (5 wins)
3. James Stewart (4 wins)
4. Kevin Windham (1 win)
5. David Vuillemin
Joe McKimmy
Art Director
Qualifications: I have been a dedicated fan of the SX series for 23 years. Isn't that enough?
1. Ricky Carmichael (8 wins)
2. Chad Reed (3 wins)
3. James Stewart (3 wins)
4. Kevin Windham (2 wins)
5. Travis Preston
For the 2005 SX schedule, see Tear Offs (beginning on page 24).