David Vuillemin about the AMA Supercross championship
Admittedly his 2009 GP season may have been a bridge too far, but Vuillemin remains one of the best European Supercrossers ever. The 'Cobra' was Supercross world champion in 1999. He became 'King of Bercy' no less than four times and was vice-champion SX three times in the States, including twice after the untouchable McGrath, in 2000 and 2002. In other words, “DV” knows what he is talking about. Mxmag asked the Frenchman to analyze the most important drivers.
James Stewart and the Fosbury flop
David Vuillemin: “Do you know (Dick) Fosbury? That guy who revolutionized the high jump with his Fosbury Flop. Well, Stewart has done the same in our sport. James does incredible things on a motorcycle, he pushes the boundaries. I'm definitely a big fan! I would be too if I hadn't been a professional. Now I am even more so, because I have raced at the highest level myself and I know how difficult the circuits are. I am often still surprised by his way of driving. Stewart is athletically strong, he is super ambitious and you can also see that he has spent many hours riding a motorcycle in his life, from an early age.”
Win or crash!
“Moreover, he has a vision of supercross that is different, he is really unique. Just look at the way he jumps. Or how he tackles certain obstacles in one go where all others take three passes. Or how he never has his fingers on the levers, he always holds his handlebars. No one else does that. Another example. Over his entire career, Stewart has statistically won almost every race in which he did not fall! Whether in the 80cc, 125cc or 450cc. In short, Stewart is also the man to beat in 2010.”
Chad Reed and the others
“Right now, the only guy who can go toe-to-toe with Stewart is Chad Reed. Especially considering the duration of the championship, because he can benefit if Stewart makes a mistake. I don't see that changing this season. I also wonder how fresh Reed is, after a long season in America followed by the Australiansian SX Championship. On the other hand, Reed has been able to get used to his new Kawasaki in competition conditions. I don't think we will notice any adjustment problems now, Reed will be there."
“I don't immediately see a challenger for Stewart in Ryan Villopoto. Villopotois technically too limited. He's a lot like Ricky Carmichael in that regard. He had incredible perseverance and an excellent mentality. I see that less with Villopoto. Who knows, Christophe Pourcel might be able to confront Stewart when he rides a 2011 in 450.”
Credit photos: Supercross.com & Olivier Evrard
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