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It's Over: Grant Langston and Duke Finch....

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Posted by: Okiewan---------------------

From Racer X:

The word is official from AMA Pro Motocross Manager Duke Finch: The 2003 AMA/Chevy Trucks National Motocross Championship Series is now over, and Grant Langston is the new U.S. 125cc National MX Champion.
"Once again, Troy is under water, and even worse than last time," explained Finch from AMA Pro Racing HQ in Pickerington, Ohio. "The rain is still coming all through the state, and there's no way possible to get trucks in there - now or this weekend. We were under pressure already not to extend, and with Kenworthy's having been rescheduled once.
"I feel terrible for Ryan, because he lost the opportunity, and happy for Grant, too," added Finch, who is retiring from his position now. "It's got to be really tough for Ryno. I spoke to Larry Brooks, and he feels just as bad for Ryno, but happy that KTM has a championship with Grant Langston."
"Wow, this is weird, like the last 30 minutes have been crazy," said Langston, who was hanging out this week with a group of riders at Brock Sellards' house in Ohio that included Chad Reed, David Pingree, Ivan Tedesco, Josh Hansen and more. "I am really happy, obviously, and it's been a real nervous couple of weeks up until now. The championship was getting close between me and Ryno, and there could not be one slip up because everything was so tight. This morning everyone was talking about what might happen if the race were canceled, and now that it's really happened, it's pretty weird, for sure.
"You know, I had a feeling - a strong feeling - on Sunday that I needed to leave Steel City with the points lead just in case something did happen with Kenworthy's. The second moto on Sunday was a strong ride for me, and I proved myself to be worthy of this championship. I know I had mixed results in the last few races, but I think I proved myself in that last moto when I beat Ryno. Now I'm just really glad it's over and ready to have a party here.'
With that, the cheering and hollering began over at Sellards house and the 2003 AMA/Chevy Trucks National Championship Series was officially over.


Posted by: jjohnson2499---------------------

i can't remember the last time a race has been cancelled. Got to be a heart breaker for ryno, 7 pts down (should have been 5). He had such an awesome season. The high pt race was one of the best i've ever seen in person. as far as langston saying he proved he could beat ryno, the first moto langston couldn't catch ryno, the second ryno was pulling out all the stops and so was langston, ryno couldn't close on him. But overall-net gain for ryno. just a shame there isn't going to be another race. ryno's got to be hating steel city, lost two champion ships by 13 total pts, and one serious hospital trip.


Posted by: Erick82---------------------

There should be an astrisk by that championship since the season was shortend, anybody have any thoughts on that?


Posted by: DurtJunkee---------------------

SCREW THE ASTERISK!!!!!!!!!

Langston wins!!!!!!!!
Ryan's second...great rides, bad luck! Good job Ryno!!!!
Bubba's third.....fast as hell, crazy kid!!!!!!!!
I think that pretty much sums it up.


Posted by: dirt bike dave---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by Erick82
There should be an astrisk by that championship since the season was shortend, anybody have any thoughts on that?


With every event or series there is the risk of unexpected problems and/or 'acts of God'.  Every competitor has the same risk of being unfairly hurt by such events.  It worked in Grant's favor this time.  But he lost a 125 title by a freak incident, too, when his wheel fell apart at the last round. 

Langston toughed it out through injury and scored the most points, so he's the champ.  If you put an asterisk on this title, you've got to put one on about 1/2 the others as well.

BTW, at 11 rounds, the series is still longer than it used to be.  Back in the day, you got 8 rounds or so.

Sucks for Ryno, but if the flooding is as bad as they say, I don't know what other options they had.   

 


Posted by: kelsorat---------------------

Why did Finch make such a quick decision? Was the track completely under water again?


Posted by: ktm033---------------------

DJ, I am in total agreement with you, couldn't have said it better!


Posted by: DurtJunkee---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by DurtJunkee
SCREW THE ASTERISK!!!!!!!!!

Langston wins!!!!!!!!
Ryan's second...great rides, bad luck! Good job Ryno!!!!
Bubba's third.....fast as hell, crazy kid!!!!!!!!
I think that pretty much sums it up.



Posted by: DurtJunkee---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by DurtJunkee
SCREW THE ASTERISK!!!!!!!!!

Langston wins!!!!!!!!
Ryan's second...great rides, bad luck! Good job Ryno!!!!
Bubba's third.....fast as hell, crazy kid!!!!!!!!
I think that pretty much sums it up.


oops...mouse happy there for a second...

anyway what i was going to add was what the powers at be eliminated from my original post:

Bubba's third.....fast as hell, crazy kid!!!!!!!! Too bad he ate it in vegas!!!

How's that for not cursing????


Posted by: Rich Rohrich---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by DurtJunkee
Too bad he ate it in vegas!!!

How's that for not cursing????


No problem with those words. See that wasn't so hard even for a Langston fan.


Posted by: BigR---------------------

Apparently the track is flooded worse than before. Question - why wasn't moving to another location entertained. I heard Texas has some new facilities that could accomodate.

Even re-reun Steel City - I feel bad for Ryno. I think he would have won if it went the full 12 rounds.

To me the championship is a test of man and machine for 12 rounds as stated at the beginning of the season. Strategies may have been based on thinking that there would be 12 rounds not 11.

Who knows - Bubba may have come back earlier or Hughes may not have sat out as long with his injuries if they thought they would be competing in only 11 rounds.

How would you feel if you were in a race that stated 15 laps so you rode pacing yourself knowing you would outlast your competition and they wave the checkered after 5 laps - wouldn't you feel chaeated?


Posted by: DurtJunkee---------------------

not really a langston fan...just tired of the "What if" questions. Actually i was pulling for Ryan. He deserves it. He's put in the time and hard work all these years.


Posted by: WhKnuckle---------------------

Congrat to Lanston - Maybe we can take the asterisk OFF Brown's '01 championship now.

Most championships have some kind of drama, but everybody plays by the same rules and the guy who has the most points at the end wins. On to '04.


Posted by: ktm033---------------------

Congrat to Lanston - Maybe we can take the asterisk OFF Brown's '01 championship now.

Most championships have some kind of drama, but everybody plays by the same rules and the guy who has the most points at the end wins. On to '04.

Amen, wanted to see Ryno win but hey Langston is the champ!


Posted by: Erick82---------------------

I meant to say should there be, not there should be, anyways. I think it was a great season just kinda sucks it was one race short and Ryno is getting screwed again. If it wasn't for bad luck that guy would have no luck at all.


Posted by: jake949---------------------

Hughes was robbed. i hope langston gets a cavity search on the way home.


Posted by: ktm033---------------------

next year! Ryno will be back with a vengeance!


Posted by: Okiewan---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by ktm033
next year! Ryno will be back with a vengeance!

Yup and Stewart and Langston won't be there to get in his way.


Posted by: Senior KX Rider---------------------

Congrats to Cool G. Too bad for Ryno.....he lost another heartbreaker to Lamson back in the old days.


Posted by: Senior KX Rider---------------------

and yes....I think Langston earned a championship, no asterisks....just a championship I wish they could have run the last race coz I was hoping for Ryno to get a #1 plate A big thumbs up to KTM also.


Posted by: jboomer---------------------

I don't like Langston or Ryno, but it should have been Ryno's championship (even though Bubba was the fastest AND most consistent once he returned). After watching the races this season, you've gotta admit both Ryno and Langston (next to Stewart) are the fastest guys out there. They've all come back from last-to-near last and made it into the top ten (top five maybe?).

I'm gonna keep my opinion on their character to myself.


Posted by: jake949---------------------

i still think drool G needs a cavity search


Posted by: zcookie49---------------------

It sucks that we all get to miss out on the barn burner last motos, but I was happy to see either of the KTM boys get the championship.
Way to go Grant!


Posted by: Treejumper---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by WhKnuckle
Congrat to Lanston - Maybe we can take the asterisk OFF Brown's '01 championship now.


What was the asterisk for that year? Was it because RC dropped down for the last race? Just curious.


Posted by: truespode---------------------

Langston's rear wheel broke apart.

Ivan


Posted by: karterron---------------------

That is a shame. Ryno would have pulled it off more than likely. Langston has been riding too cautiously the last few weeks. He deserves it anyway, he was there when needed and others had problems.

No asterik, but will be talked about for a long time. May be the most controversial title in the history of American MX.


Posted by: TheGrinch---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by dirt bike dave


With every event or series there is the risk of unexpected problems and/or 'acts of God'.  Every competitor has the same risk of being unfairly hurt by such events.  It worked in Grant's favor this time.  But he lost a 125 title by a freak incident, too, when his wheel fell apart at the last round. 

Langston toughed it out through injury and scored the most points, so he's the champ.  If you put an asterisk on this title, you've got to put one on about 1/2 the others as well.

BTW, at 11 rounds, the series is still longer than it used to be.  Back in the day, you got 8 rounds or so.

Sucks for Ryno, but if the flooding is as bad as they say, I don't know what other options they had.   

 


Got to agree with that. Though shame they didn't consider a substitute event.

What was the overall placings in the 250 class?


Posted by: kelsorat---------------------

That championship will impress DeCoster. I can see Grant on a RM next year.


Posted by: BunduBasher---------------------

The World champ gets a US title - not a great way to win a championship - was hoping for a wild final event. So who will battle it out in the 125's next year ?!

Bubba and RC in the 250's is going to be a battle of the titans - should be a thrilla !


Posted by: ScottYZ250---------------------

I was rooting for Ryno, but I wouldn't take away from what Grant accomplished. He stayed healthy and rode in the top 4 all year, Bubba, Ryno and Brown all got hurt and lost the title because of it!


Posted by: kiwi_925---------------------

Hey stoked for KTM finally winning a championship in america, but also getting the runners up place to!! And waht about kawasaki getting 3rd, yea probably not too happy but hey they beat honda, yamaha and suzuki, cant complain about that, all they have to do now is win in the big bore class. Congrats to Langston, he finaly got his goal, a win is a win.


Posted by: BonChance13---------------------

points champ-Grant

peoples champ-Ryno

fastest guy on the track-Bubba


Posted by: Okiewan---------------------

From RacerX:

September 2, 2003

Ryan Hughes on the end

Racer X contacted Ryan Hughes shortly after we spoke to his teammate and rival - and new AMA 125cc National MX Champion - Grant Langston on the series ending prematurely due to another Kenworthy's flood.

"I don't really know what to say. Of course, I am bitterly disappointed and pissed off that it ended this way," said Ryno, who had been closing in on Langston for the last five races and was within seven points after Sunday's race at Steel City. "I've been making up points on Grant since Red Bud. I mean, my leg was broken and I was still making up points. I missed a whole race and still kept catching him.

"I'm glad for KTM and everyone on the team," added Hughes. "The only silver lining in this is that our team won. I just wish I would have had the chance for it to be me. But I will be back next year, for sure, and whoever is in my class, they need to know that I'm coming back for my championship. I've lost two now by a total of ten points, but I won't give up - ever.

"You know, I think I would have had him this weekend," he said of Langston. "I think he would have cracked, I really do. I guess we'll never know because it's out of my control. Now I'm just going to take all of my energy and frustration and concentrate on what I can control - and that's helping Team USA win the Motocross des Nations."


Posted by: KelvinKDX---------------------

Kinda disapointing that i live a couple miles from Kenworthy's and haven't seen a Pro-National race there yat! 

It would have been a thriller.

...  and i had 5 sets of tickets.


Posted by: Garyb---------------------

From transworld mx site:

With the news that rain had forced the cancellation of the Troy, Ohio, round of the AMA National Series for a second time, and that Grant Langston had been named the 125cc National Champ, it brought the promise of a nail-biting series finale to a screeching halt.

We put in a call Brock Sellards' house, where Grant Langston and a bunch of the Yamaha of Troy and Motoworldracing.com team riders were staying for the week. Once we got Brock on the phone, he told us, "At first when we heard about Troy being cancelled, we thought they were going to have another race. Once we found out that it was over, and that Grant was the champ, it was wide open after that."

"Last week I took Grant to ride at Troy, and it was killer, so I was really excited to ride there. Obviously I'm happy to see Grant win, but the cancellation is disappointing because I would have finished the series in fourth, which kind of bums me out."

(Ed. Note: Brock finished in sixth spot, tied with Michael Byrne).

Brock suggested calling back later to talk with Grant, since he and some of the other riders had been, uh…busy testing some Red Bull pre-mix.

After hanging up with Brock, our next call was to the 125cc series runner-up, Ryan Hughes, who was at Jeff Stanton's house in Michigan. After telling him how disappointed we were that the series had ended like so abruptly, he told us, "I'm probably the one that's bumming the most. As everyone knows, I made up points every race since Red Bud, even when my leg still wasn't healed. I was 38 points down, and cut it down to seven. To me, that shows who was going to win the championship."

What was the mood between the two teammates? "It got a little tense. I guess that's what happens when you want to win so bad. Yeah, he can say he won the championship, but everyone knows the effort and the results that he put in this year. He won one moto, and didn't win an overall. He was on the podium four times. He didn't podium the last four races. That's not championship material, there. But he can say that he won it, that's fine. He's moving up to the 250 class next year. He's done."

"We'll drive home and have a little fun on the way. Try to get over it, I guess. I've now lost two championships by a total of 10 points. It's not the best feeling in the world, but my life goes on. I'm happy. I've got a good life."

"I'm not going to look back on it and say, 'What if?' because it's not going to help. I'll be back next year, and everyone knows what I have. I feel that I'll be stronger next year."

"I wish I would have topped it off with a championship, but I had a good year. Now I'm going to the Motocross des Nations, and I'm really looking forward to that. After that I'm going to take some time off and get away from it for a little bit, then come back strong for next year."


hmmmm thats a little weird Ryno keeps harping on about Grant being done or cracking or not championship material, or what was it last week on the racer x site "Even if I don’t win it – and I do want to win it, in the worst way – it won’t ruin me. I have plenty of other things to be happy about and be grateful for. If Langston doesn’t win, it’ll ruin his life." Maybe they should make a class for whining over the hill racers.......


Posted by: super rat---------------------

You think Ryno is over the hill? Did you watch any races this year? That dude frickin flys. Cut the guy some slack, I would be spiting mad if I were him.


Posted by: yota---------------------

I'm a KTM freak so I'm happy and Hughes is one of my favorite riders but these guys in their 30's need to leave the 125 class to the young guys. Its a shame that guys like Sellards don't have a chance to get titles because they have to compete with guys that have a world of experience.

Its like if Shane Watts entered the C class in a harescramble.


Posted by: Zoomer---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by Okiewan

Yup and Stewart and Langston won't be there to get in his way.


I thought Stewart was staying in the 125's again?

Glad he is going to the 250's, he will definitily reduce his lap times.....if he can stay on top of it, is the question.!


Posted by: Senior KX Rider---------------------

Getting a title has been elusive for Sellards but considering him one of the young guys is a bit of a stretch. He has been around for quite a while. He has plenty of experience......he just needs to go faster.


Posted by: dirt bike dave---------------------

IMO, the 125 outdoor title is a major championship.  It's not on the same level as a 250 SX  or 250 outdoor titles, but it is NOT a 'support' class like 125 SX.

Personally, I love watching the vets and old favorites mix it up with the kids. 

If a man has his best chance to earn a living racing in the 125 class, I'm not going to condemn him just because I don't like the date on his birth certificate. 


Posted by: jboomer---------------------

Quote:
As everyone knows, I made up points every race since Red Bud, even when my leg still wasn't healed. I was 38 points down, and cut it down to seven. To me, that shows who was going to win the championship."
Quote:
Yeah, he can say he won the championship, but everyone knows the effort and the results that he put in this year. He won one moto, and didn't win an overall. He was on the podium four times. He didn't podium the last four races. That's not championship material, there. But he can say that he won it, that's fine. He's moving up to the 250 class next year. He's done."
:whiner:

Seems like Bubba could be saying pretty much the same thing to both of them. He needs to quit whining and suck it up. Neither of them deserve the championship. :flame:


Posted by: Garyb---------------------

Hey super-rat, quit whining


Posted by: weimedog---------------------

James Stewart is the only one of the lot who turned in a true champion's level on performance. Langston did two years ago...but not this year. Sometimes combination of events and rules create these goofy situations. We all saw the races and all have their own opinion of who's best. That's that entertainment value of this sport. Unfortunatly 10 years from now many will have forgotten the absolutely phenominal rides James Stewart put in this year because the number one is on a lesser riders name this year. Maybe JS will be as long lasting and dominate as MC was in his time and he will get his due in MX history. I hope he is and does.


Posted by: kmccune---------------------

I'm happy for both of them, I really didn't know who to cheer for. Ryan will be back and just kill'em! Congrats to Grant as well as he has been through the ringer trying to get this championship as well!

Kevin



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