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Something you don’t see very often! Another racer passing Stewart and actually pulling away. Impressive.

Photo Simon Cudby

Stewart on the charge back by Reed, several corners before going down.

I was born in Washington D.C. and I still own that shirt I was wearing in that picture.

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Price and I went to see a special preview by the Hammer Museum of The Wrestler, directed and produced by Darren Aronofsky, starring Mickey Rourke. Afterward the Hammer hosted a Q&A with Aronofsky and Mickey. Mickey Rourke gave a stellar performance in the film and stated as a matter of fact that the credit for his performance was due to Darren’s direction and that instead of learning to wrestle for four months he’d rather be in Miami getting laid. Mickey discussed, how as a young actor with a passion for boxing and competition that he strived to be the best actor Hollywood has ever known, but quickly found out that in Hollywood being good at acting and being an A-lister were two totally different things. This knowledge assisted Rourke in his downward spiral of renegade carelessness, alcoholism and drug addiction. Mickey said that Darren was a “tough” director and that his toughness was key in assisting him to be the best he’s ever been in a film to date. Mickey went on to explain that by “tough” he didn’t mean to scare other actors away from working with Darren, because his toughness was not hard nosed, but more a sense of passion and dedication to produce the best film while encouraging actors under his direction to be their best. Darren talked about how it was difficult to find financing for the film because of Mickey’s past reputation. If my memory serves me correctly I believe the movie was made for around 10 million dollars. The sound track by Bruce Springsteen was a donation because of Mickey’s relationship with the boss and Axl Rose gave the rights to use a song off of Appetite for Destruction for 20k, which is supposedly unheard of. In this brief video clip Mickey talks about how he first discovered director, Darren Aronofsy and his perception of Aronofsky as a film maker, which compelled him to want to star in the film. Shortly after the Q&A started it became apparent that Mickey was appreciative of the opportunity to speak to the audience, but would rather wrap it up to go outside to suck on a Marlboro Red.

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It’s December 13th, 2008. As the holidays approach and 2008 comes to a close; the last days through new years mark a time when race fans will twiddle their thumbs, waiting fervently in anticipation for the beginning of the Supercross season. As I reflect on years past with line ups on the starting gate including Ricky Carmichael, Kevin Windham, Chad Reed, Jeff Emig, Ezra Lusk, Sebastian Tortelli, David Vuillemin, James Stewart, and Jeremy McGrath, I can’t help but wonder what kind of season Anaheim 1 will usher in. Following Ricky’s retirement it took virtually no time for the house of Carmichael to be divided up with Stewart snatching up Aldon Baker, RC’s famed trainer. Decoster not totally sold on “the hype”, Mike Alessi with exception to his skills in the outdoor nationals came up with a big fish, namely Chad Reed. Now speedy Reedy know’s what it’s like to sit upon Carmichael’s saddle with a team supporting him that is serious about winning. Can a house divided, with it’s spoils plundered stand ? Surly not!, which is a true indication that RC is truly retired with exception to doing some testing, mentoring and continuing to endorse Fox Racing. I for one surely hope that Ricky doesn’t mar his legacy as the GOAT (greatest of all time), by following in McGrath’s footsteps, while losing a race here and there. If the outdoor nationals and the US Open in Vegas are any indication of what we can expect for 2009 then it may be a year where we see a rider go 16-0 for the first time in SX. There are lots of rumors and speculation with regards to Ryan Villopoto‘s debut in the big bike class. There is no doubt that he’s one of the best Lite’s riders ever to straddle a pony, but history is brimming with story’s of riders sharing his talent and ability; man-handling the small bikes only to enter the big bike class floundering. Think back on how many times Stewart found himself on his head trying to tame his 450. If Villipoto can keep it on two, it’s no doubt he has the speed and the drive to ride up front. In all my years as a fan I have not seen two racers, particularly James Stewart and Ryan Villipoto, who are more serious about winning with exception to Ricky Carmichael in the days when he dethroned the King of Supercross, Jeremy McGrath. There is just something about a new season that makes me miss the season’s that have passed. I miss seeing ‘the cobra’ David Vuillemin stalk RC in Los Angeles Colesium passing him on the last lap to take the win. I miss the days when No Fear was just a stupid t-shirt company having nothing to do with racing motorcycles. I miss the days when the outdoor nationals were the true test of a racers career and when having an outdoor title was more signifigant than a supercross championship. I miss seeing Jeff Emig challenging McGrath. I miss the moment that Reed shoved RC into the corner a lap down from the checkers in San Diego to take the win. I miss Ernesto Fonseca. I miss Travis Preston on the Podium.  I could go on and on about what I miss. Instead I’m going to embrace the future, this upcoming season and the fact that riders are going to have supercross only contracts, which I think sucks. In my opinion it’s images like the one above will always remind me of why I’m such a huge fan of racing. RC chasing Stewart at Mt. Morris now that’s racing.