The 2012 Supercross season is here. Ryan Villopoto, Ryan Dungey, James Stewart, Chad Reed, and Trey Canard sat down for a press conference today before the start of the 2012 season in Anaheim.
The top five riders are ready for another exciting season but it will be tough to match the excitement of 2011, which was dubbed "The Greatest Season Ever," due to the five-way battle for the championship.
Ryan Villopoto, who won the 2011 Supercross title, knows that the competition is even stiffer in 2012.
"It's tough to defend the title. Every year is a new year. But, I think a lot of it is based on what you did in the off-season to prepare and coming into the season ready so that on the weekends it's fun. We're out there to get a job done, and that's to win. We need to minimize mistakes, and Anaheim has a lot of hype, but you can't win the championship here. You can definitely lose it though. I've put in the work this off-season. I'm ready; the bike is 100%, so I think we're there. I think we're all just ready to bring it on."
Chad Reed will also be gunning for the title. Reed finished second in the championship in 2011 but now has the support of the Factory Honda behind him.
"We've had a lot more months to prepare for the season this time around. As a rider, coming into the season, I haven't been with the same bike and group of people in a long time. We have more support from Honda and I think we have the best bike. I think you need to win races now in order to win a championship. Year after year, I've been there on the podium, but I've only had a couple race wins. I think you need about five this year to be there, so its going to take that effort week in and week out to be a contender."
Ryan Dungey was on the podium at nearly every race in 2011 but only managed to take one victory. Dungey, who won the championship in 2010, made the switch to KTM this year and everyone is anxious to see how the two work together in 2012.
"The opportunity that presented itself at KTM led to the change in teams. It was a lot of fun at Suzuki, but in going to KTM, there was that level of commitment. It was the perfect fit for me. What they've accomplished in the time we've had, and being back with Roger and Ian (Harrison) has been a lot of fun. Preparations are going well and we had a great off-season. I feel rested and I feel fit, so I'm looking forward to Saturday."
James Stewart also made a team switch during the off-season. Stewart, who will be racing with Joe Gibbs Racing this year, took five wins during the 2011 season. But a series of crashes left Stewat clinging to fourth place.
"The biggest change for me this season is going to JGR. It was a good change and one that I needed. I spent a lot of time in the off-season trying to decide what was best for me. The team is good, so we'll find out. Although it's been 10 years (as a pro), I've had the opportunity to be rejuvenated and refreshed, but I knew I had to make some changes for 2012. We won five races last season, but it still wasn't where we needed to be. I went to the drawing board and did what I needed in order to make it happen."
Trey Canard was the final rider in the hunt during 2011. Canard had a very impressive rookie season that was hilighted by three victories. Unfortunately, a crash late in the season ended his hopes at a championship.
"Unfortunately, I've learned what to do with my down time because I've had so much opportunity to do so (due to injuries). On the plus side, I've been able to do things I don't always get to do. I also keep training to stay in shape, so I can come back strong. Through all the adversity, I've become a stronger person and a stronger athlete. I'm going to continue to strive whether it means more injures or more success."
SpeedTV will have live coverage of the first Supercross race of the season starting at 7 pm (PT) tomorrow night.
