With the 2014 Monster Energy Supercross Series less than a month away, we thought it was time to take a detailed look at who the heavy favourites are. To help us with this task we called upon the expert prediction skills of Decal Works founder and owner Ron Joynt. Few people follow the sport closer than Ron. When he isn’t running the day to day operations of the world’s most successful graphics company, he’s glued to his computer and Twitter making sure he doesn’t miss anything that goes on within the sport. After many attempts we finally caught up Ron to talk about 2014.
Q: Hey Ron, how are things? I know you’re a huge Chicago Blackhawks fan, so far they’re having a great season. Are you happy with them?
A: Yes, so far it’s going good. I think they’re missing a few pieces though. It would be nice to get a good back-up goalie. We’ll see how it goes, lots of hockey left to be played.
Q: Okay, we could talk about hockey all day but I really want to talk about supercross. Anaheim 1 is only four weeks away, so it’s time to start getting excited. Heading into 2014, who do you think is the favourite?
A: Well, I think you have to put Villopoto as the favourite to win again. He’s won a lot in the last few years and he certainly knows how to prepare and manage the series once it begins. He’s like any past, multi-time champion, he just seems to know how to get it done.
Q: I would agree, he always seems to come in prepared, and even if a few guys are faster than he is early in the series, he knows they won’t be able to do it for sixteen rounds. Look at last season with Davi Millsaps. RV just waited him out. It took a while for Millsaps to crack but eventually he did. What do you think about James Stewart?
A: James Stewart is one rider that I think is completely unpredictable. I mean, it all depends on which James shows up and whether he can last. I think he’ll be really good early on in the series but I have my doubts on whether he can race sixteen rounds at Villopoto’s pace. As history has proven, any time James has had to ride in the 95-100% range, he can’t do it for any length of time. It’s going to be very interesting to see it all unfold. I think James will be a second place guy to RV.
Q: Do you think James has missed his window of opportunity to win a lot?
A: Definitely. Those years after Carmichael retired should have been his years to get into the record books. However, injuries, mistakes and just overall messing around have cost him in wins and championships. He is James Stewart though and he is still the most talented guy on the track. I like watching James more in practice than in the races; when he goes for the fastest lap time that is just awesome to watch.
Q: There will also be a lot of other young and aggressive kids out there who may steal some wins. How do you think riders like Barcia, Tomac and Roczen will do?
A: I think these kids will make the 2014 one of the best seasons ever. All three riders you mentioned are fast and aggressive but they’re also fit and want to win. Through the first month of the season you may have four or five different winners again. I think that would be exciting.
Q: I’m very excited to see how Ken Roczen is going to do. Obviously he will be fit but after riding with Villopoto for two months he may also be really confident.
A: For sure, he’s definitely the youngest of the group so that may help him as he’ll just want to go fast. I haven’t heard anything about how Roczen’s speed has been compared to Villopoto during the pre-season, but if he’s been close then that will no doubt help him once the season starts.
Q: One name we haven’t even mentioned yet is Ryan Dungey. He’s been quiet since the MXoNs. How do you see Dungey fitting into the mix?
A: Yes, it’s strange that we’ve spoken about five riders so far and not one has been Dungey. I think this could be Dungey’s toughest year, especially if his teammate (Roczen) is faster than him. I hope he does well and I hope he contends for wins because the sport needs him to do well. Like I said though, it’s going to be really tough.
Q: I’m with you. So many of the top riders now are just as prepared as Dungey and they seem so much more aggressive. He may have it tough in 2014.
A: Dungey is pretty smart though, and he’s very consistent, so you know in a sixteen round series he’ll be a factor. Some of the kids may start off fast but can they last for the whole series? That is the big question. That’s what I was saying before. If you look back at former champions like Stanton, McGrath and Carmichael, they could all manage the series and be there when it matters most. This is what Villopoto does so well now.
Q: I wonder how much it may help Villopoto to have been riding with Roczen during the off season. He may be even better prepared than usual. Another name we haven’t even mentioned yet is Chad Reed. What are your thoughts about him?
A: I think he definitely has the biggest question mark around him. Can he come back and get to the level he was before his Dallas crash two years ago? If anyone can do it he certainly can, but you have to wonder how many more comebacks he has in him. With Windham gone, Reed is the oldest guy. With how good the competition is now, I think this will be the toughest comeback Reed has ever had to face. What do you think?
Q: I think Reed’s SX season will be made or destroyed in the first five rounds. If he can get some good finishes and be on pace in practice and the mains then his confidence will grow and he’ll get the ball rolling. If he struggles early then I’m not sure if he can recover. I’d love to see him do well but it’s going to be tough, really tough. Who do you think will be the top five in the points after San Diego, which would be round six?
A: That’s a tough question, hold on, I’ll have to go over my notes….Okay – I think it will be Villopoto, Stewart, Barcia, Dungey, Tomac and Roczen.
Q: That’s six, I only said top five?
A: Well, you got a little more for me, that’s why you called me. I think 2014 is going to be an awesome season. I just hope everyone stays healthy.
Q: I agree, it’s going to be harder in 2014 with the new format. The top guys may have to do more starts and race more times so there will be a greater chance for injury.
A: That’s true, I never thought of that.
Q: Well Ron, I will let you get back to work. How are things at Decal Works? Are you guys all ready for Christmas?
A: Things are good here, extremely busy though. Once Thanksgiving comes and goes, we’re wide open.
Q: Thanks Ron for doing this. I guess we’ll just have to wait now for A1?
A: Yes, we can’t wait. Merry Christmas to all my Canadian, hockey loving friends!
