JUNE 10-SOUTHWICK NATIONAL PREVIEW

Don’t bet against RC and Bubba

The Southwick National was playing a much different tune in 2003, and hypothetically speaking the eventual champions were determined in the sand. It was in Massachusetts of last year that Ryan Hughes broke his leg, forcing him to miss the following round at Budds Creek. Of course you’ll remember that by Ryno not gaining any valuable points in Maryland potentially cost him the championship. Also, jog your memory back to the opening 125 moto when Mike Brown and Grant Langston tangled up in first turn of moto number one. Almost 40 seconds down, both riders charged on the whooped out track. The best Brown could do was 22nd place, netting him zero points on the moto, while Langston gained five points for his 16th place effort. You also know the rest of the story, where at the end of a shortened National series Grant Langston came out the victor by seven points over Ryan Hughes. As it is said, c’est la vie.

THE PAST

In the opening rounds of last year Ricky Carmichael was getting stiff competition from a rejuvenated Kevin Windham, but at Southwick things were different. Local boy – and then 37-year-old boy at heart – John Dowd was the top challenger for the red Ricky freight train. Both riders swapped the lead, but in the end Carmichael took top honors while Dowd took top fan recognition. It could also be said that Southwick was where Ricky Carmichael protected his 250 National crown. Kevin Windham finished third overall with moto scores of 4-2, but was down another 10 points in the title chase. But now that’s water under the bridge.
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DOWD AND HENRY?

This year things have drastically changed. Sure, Ricky Carmichael is again leading the point standings in the 250 class. But local heroes John Dowd and Doug Henry will be no shows at Southwick. And remember how that #259 kid was out with a broken collarbone last year? This year James Stewart is healthier than ever and ready to put on a riding clinic at the historic track. Last year’s 125 National champ Grant Langston has moved up to the 250 class, but will not be racing this weekend due to a lingering wrist injury. Enough about the differences, let’s talk about who’s going to win.
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NO REPEATS

Don’t expect the 125 National winner from last year to make it two in a row. Craig Anderson, in a Cinderella story and somewhat fluke win, has bumped himself up to the 250 class for ’04. You don’t need a crystal ball or Tarot cards to predict who has the best shot at winning – just look at the results. James Stewart is the go-to guy in the 125 class, and this year alone has a 21 second moto win gap average over second place. That second place rider recently has been Broc Hepler, who is off to a strong start and has already put in practice laps on the Southwick track during the off-weekend. One rider who gave Bubba fits this season is Stephane Roncada, but during the last round at Mt. Morris he was almost non-existent. Roncada struggled with a stomach bug all weekend and floundered in the results, going 28-10 for 17th overall. After all will be said and done, put your money on #259.
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4 FOR 4

Ricky Carmichael is flawless once again. The four-stoke transplant has gone four for four in moto wins with a 10.5 second moto win gap average over second place. Kevin Windham is higher up on the point’s ladder than he’s ever been in his career, but he needs to dethrone RC from the top step of the podium this weekend if he plans on having a chance at winning his first 250 title. Chad Reed comes into Southwick with two third place finishes, but was easily disposed of by Carmichael at Mt. Morris after RC fell down and handed the lead to him. Reed’s teammate, David Vuillemin, has been on a rollercoaster ride thus far. Vuillie challenged Carmichael for the lead at Hangtown, but then had troubles the following race. Fourth place certainly isn’t anything to slouch at, but after David’s first race performance his finish at Mt. Morris was a letdown. If he gets all of his ducks in a row, Vuillemin could be a force to be reckoned with. Look for either a red or blue bike to win in the sand (more specifically #4 and #14 on the red team).
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PLACE YOUR BETS

These choices are of course assumptions. Besides, if everyone knew who was going to win and what was going to happen before the race, then the racing surely wouldn’t be as fun and exciting. Then again, how can you bet against Ricky Carmichael or James Stewart at Southwick?