JOHN BASHER’S ANAHEIM 1 PRESS CONFERENCE NOTES:

After months off from racing, the riders and media alike are itching to get the 2011 season rolling. As cliche as it sounds, electricity was in the air as anticipation continues to mount for Saturday night.

Andrew Short kicked off the press conference interview. To sum what he said up in a few sentences: He likes the KTM 350 and feels that it will be competitive in the 450 class, although he hasn’t compared the bike to any 450s (since his teammate, Mike Alessi, is also racing a 350 in Supercross). Short is also happy to welcome a new baby boy to the family, Hudson. As for his main goal in Supercross? Win a main event.

Kevin Windham went next. Try not to get mesmerized by the facial hair. Windham was ambitious this off-season, growing a healthy goatee, that he joked made him look like a bass player in a rock band. He’s not far off. K-Dub was comical during his interview, saying that he hadn’t looked at the track layouts, and that he probably should study them a little bit before it’s too late. His age was also brought up. At almost 33 years old, Kevin didn’t mention showing any signs of slowing down, only in being smarter about training.

Ryan Villopoto is looking slim and trim. He credits his physique to new trainer, Aldon Baker. RV2 talked about how he’s never been more prepared for the beginning of the Supercross series, and that he was going to try and do his best to start the series up front. Ryan mentioned a very good point – there’s a ton of hype about the Anaheim opener, but that there are also 16 other Supercross races.

Why is Chad Reed pointing at his ears? After being asked where his diamond studded earrings were, Reed joked that he needed to sell them in order to pay for his race semi. Chad spent most of his time talking about what it’s like splitting time between being a team owner and racer. He also discussed about the early off-season when he had the opportunity to ride every different 450 and selected the Honda because he felt it suited him best.

James Stewart spent most of his time laughing off the slew of questions surrounding his string of injuries. Bubba was obviously agitated, but played it off well. James mentioned that he wouldn’t change his riding style and essentially back off the throttle. 

Ryan Dungey looks a bit different this season. He’s showing more maturity, and he’s also sporting longer hair. Ryan talked about how it was going to be a tough challenge backing up his 2010 Supercross Championship, but that he’s up for the challenge. Dungey also touched on how losing team manager Roger DeCoster to KTM was a bit of a shock, but that new Suzuki team manager Mike Webb was doing an excellent job.

The track is nearly finished, aside from the whoop section and sand. There are two triple jumps and a very tough rhythm section that already bit Josh Grant today.

Trey Canard, showing some style.

You’ll be seeing that number one plate on Ryan Dungey’s Suzuki all year long.

Factory Honda rider Josh Grant took a digger through the rhythm section today. He gave team manager Erik Kehoe the thumb’s up after dismounting. Apparently Grant is okay, as he finished the riding session.

Davi Millsaps says that his back is feeling much better.

James Stewart, mid-flight. Red Bull is a new major sponsor for the L&M team, but not for James.

Two-Two Motorsports’ Chad Reed.

Andrew Short was sporting a GoPro video camera atop his helmet…

…and so was Ryan Villopoto.

Eli Tomac was spectating at the A1 press conference. He said that he’s known for several months that he was racing West, and that he was excited, because it gave him more time to prepare for the outdoors.

Red Bull/KTM rider Marvin Musquin was also hanging out. The Frenchman was slated to race 250 West, but a blown out knee at Bercy has him sidelined.

Your knee is not supposed to look like this. Marvin Musquin hobbled around. He vows to be back for the 250 Nationals in May.

Saturday night these seats will be full of screaming fans. It should be a great night!

THE OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:

ANAHEIM, Calif. (January 6, 2011) ? The 2011 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, season is just around the corner and today, Feld Motor Sports welcomed six of the series’ top riders that will lead the deepest field of talent in the history of the sport into Angel Stadium on Saturday night. Defending champion Ryan Dungey represented his Rockstar/Makita Suzuki team and accepted the coveted World Championship ring. Joining Dungey on stage were Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto, San Manuel Yamaha’s James Stewart, GEICO Powersports Honda’s Kevin Windham, TwoTwo Motorsports Honda’s Chad Reed and Red Bull KTM’s Andrew Short.

After a historic season that witnessed just the second rookie in AMA history claim the Supercross (they mean the 450 class) class title, the anticipation surrounding the 2011 championship is higher than ever before with three Supercross  (they mean the 450 class) class champions and five Supercross Lites (they mean the 250 class) class champions in the lineup.
 
Dungey, who is coming off the most successful rookie season of all time, is aware that his title defense will be the toughest challenge of his young career. However, the Minnesota native is ready for it.
 
“Last year was definitely one the best yet toughest years I’ve ever had,” said Dungey. “I just tried to give it my all at every given moment. Backing up that title this season I think is the hardest thing to do in any sport. I just need to do everything I can and control what I can control. There is a deep field this season and it’s going to take everything I’ve learned to defend the championship and I’m looking forward to it.”
 
Villopoto was in the thick of the title fight in 2010 alongside Dungey, capturing the most wins in the championship. However, a late season crash forced him to sit out the final three races and now he is more prepared than ever before to redeem himself.
 
“It was the most serious injury of my career last year and it took a long time to get back where I needed to be,” said Villopoto. “I was nervous I wouldn’t be able to get where was at before when I got back on the bike but then things just started feeling better. It was as if my body had forgotten what happened in the past. I wasn’t able to jump back on the bike as quickly as I had with other injuries, but now I feel as if I’m more ready than I’ve ever been coming into a season.”
 
After starting off the 2010 championship with a big win at Anaheim, Stewart found trouble the following weekend with two incidents that ultimately derailed his hopes of a third championship. With a long layoff and rejuvenated mindset, he’s back to show he still has what it takes.
 
“I’m just excited to be back racing,” said Stewart. “We’ve made a lot of changes to the team and overall I think it’s been a good offseason. What happened last year was an accident and I believe it will make me stronger. I’m not going to change how I ride for anyone. I’m going to be the champion I want to be because I can sleep better knowing I raced the way I wanted and gave it everything I had.”
 
Despite a slow start to his 2010 campaign, Windham kicked it into high gear the second half of the season, winning back-to-back races with some of the most dominant performances in the history of the sport against competitors as much as 12 years his junior. Ultimately, he posted his third runner-up effort in the championship and is excited about the possibilities of his 18th year of racing.
 
“For me it’s about weathering the storm and getting ready for Saturday,” said Windham. “I need to do whatever I can (to win), but at the same time, keep the bike on two wheels. I really enjoy riding and being a part of this sport more than ever. I found what works for me and I’m going to stick with it. A lot of guys out there have the ability to win races and I think it’s going to be a good year.”
 
After taking Stewart down to the wire in the 2009 championship, Reed had high hopes in 2010, but instead experienced his worst season since moving to the U.S. in 2002. This year, Reed is taking a unique path to a possible third championship by funding his own race team without factory support. As a result, the Australian becomes the most successful and arguably the most talented privateer rider in history. Reed knows the obstacles that lie ahead, but he’s ready to take them on.
 
“It’s been fun (starting the new team),” said Reed. “I’m sure there will be ups and downs, but so far it’s been good. I truly believe in surrounding yourself with good people and I’ve done that here. We have what it takes to succeed. The most difficult thing this offseason was finding out what was real and what wasn’t. I was a true free agent for the first time but once it all came together I got to training and I feel ready.”
 
Andrew Short heads a list of well-known riders making the move to a new team, joining the revamped Red Bull KTM squad in 2011. After establishing a solid career with Team Honda, Short joins forces with longtime Rockstar/Makita Suzuki team manager and motocross legend Roger DeCoster, who helped navigate Dungey to the championship last season. Additionally, Short will lead the first ever Supercross campaign for the new 350cc motorcycle introduced by KTM last year. The change of scenery excites Short and he hopes it leads to big things for himself and the KTM organization.
 
“Everything is exciting,” said Short. “A new bike, new team manager, new teammates and now I see all of my competitors. This is a great time of year for me. I think it’ll be a benefit to have Roger help me grow from what I’ve been accustomed to in the past. The 350cc bike is very capable and I feel more nimble than a 450. KTM has put a lot of effort into making it competitive and I’m looking forward to the season.”
 
The buzz is huge and what could very well be the most competitive Monster Energy Supercross season of all time is just about here. It all goes down on Saturday night. Fans unable to make it out to Angel Stadium can catch LIVE coverage on SPEED, beginning at 7 p.m. PT.
 
2011 Monster Energy Supercross Teams and Riders:
 
Rockstar/Makita Suzuki
#1 ? Ryan Dungey
#24 ? Brett Metcalfe
 
Monster Energy Kawasaki
#2 ? Ryan Villopoto
#32 ? Jake Weimer
 
San Manuel Yamaha
#7 ? James Stewart
#30 ? Kyle Regal
 
Hart and Huntington Kawasaki
#9 ? Ivan Tedesco
#38 ? Chris Blose
 
Muscle Milk/Toyota/JGR
#10 ? Justin Brayton
#18 ? Davi Millsaps
 
MotoConcepts Yamaha
#11 ? Kyle Chisholm
#12 ? Tommy Hahn
#45 ? Vince Friese
 
GEICO Powersports Honda
#14 ? Kevin Windham
#17 ? Justin Barcia*
#19 ? Eli Tomac*
#21 ? Blake Wharton*
#31 ? Wil Hahn*
 
Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki
#15 ? Dean Wilson*
#20 ? Broc Tickle*
#28 ? Tyla Rattray*
#57 ? Blake Baggett*
#100 ? Josh Hansen*
 
TwoTwo Motorsports
#22 ? Chad Reed
 
Rockstar Energy Suzuki
#23 ? Martin Davalos*
#71 ? Ryan Morais*
#77 ? Ian Trettel*
#156 ? Jason Anderson*
 
DNA Shred Stix/Star Racing Yamaha
#25 ? Ryan Sipes*
#35 ? Kyle Cunningham*
#72 ? Nick Paluzzi*
XX ? Gannon Audette*
#387 ? Gareth Swanepoel*
 
BTOSports.com/BBMX/Palmetto Suzuki
#26 ? Michael Byrne
#47 ? Jason Thomas
 
Valli Motorsports/Rockstar Yamaha
#27 ? Nick Wey
#75 ? Austin Stroupe
 
Red Bull KTM
#29 ? Andrew Short
XX ? Marvin Musquin*
#194 ? Ken Roczen*
#800 ? Mike Alessi
 
Factory American Honda
#33 ? Josh Grant
#41 ? Trey Canard
 
JDR Motorsports/Motorex KTM
#34 ? Dan Reardon
XX ? PJ Larsen*
#942 ? Tye Simmonds*
 
Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil Honda
#36 ? Cole Seely*
#58 ? Travis Baker*
#144 ? Christian Craig*
 
Eleven 10 Mods/Renegade Fuels
#37 ? Darryn Durham*
#46 ? Alex Martin*
XX ? Brandon Mays
 
Warthog Racing
#39 ? Matt Goerke
#53 ? Jarred Browne
#64 ? Derek Anderson
XX ? Spencer Dally
#801 ? Jeff Alessi
XX ? Mike Picone
XX ? Justin Sipes
 
Honda of Troy/Kilbarger Racing
#42 ? Nico Izzi*
#44 ? Les Smith*
XX ? Levi Kilbarger*
 
Rock River Yamaha
#43 ? Weston Peick
#87 ? Drew Yenerich*
#707 ? Alex Millican*
 
Violation1.com/Shea Racing/National Switchgear
#70 ? Tevin Tapia*
#94 ? Ricky Renner*
#129 ? Vernon McKiddie*
#804 ? Jason Langford Jr.*
 
Experts-Exchange.com/Fly Racing
#73 ? Topher Ingalls*
 
Red Seven Ride Co.
#76 ? Kyle Partridge
#149 ? Casey Hinson
 
Rockwell Fire/Police
#85 ? Ryan Clark
XX ? Cole Siebler*
XX ? Landen Powell*
 
Weinert Racing
#89 ? Taylor Futrell*
 
Inforce Technologies
#520 ? Tony Gallo*