First, I'd like say that I don't know Joshs history other than maybe he has not finished as high in the standing over his career he would like ... But I'm going on record to say he might be the break-out guy for 2014 ... He's 27yrs old so it will take alot of off-season work for a break-out season ... No work in this offseason and his results will be the same as during his career ... Also, I gotta hedge this by saying I'm not sure on the SX riding... But MX, he has had some big moments this year such as at Lake Elsinore this week where he was the fastest 4fitty qualifier and went 3-38 for his finishes. Seems you gotta have consistent finishes at this level of racing or it is hard to even stay in the top 10 ... 450 MX 1. Josh Grant 2:09.626 2. Ryan Villopoto 2:10.344 3. Ryan Dungey 2:10.933 4. Justin Barcia 2:11.920 5. Jake Weimer 2:12.880 6. Broc Tickle 2:13.184 7. Trey Canard 2:13.402 8. Tyla Rattray 2:13.563 9. Justin Brayton 2:14.279 10. Andrew Short 2:14.537 Next, I really like the view of the riders' technique at this moment.. 1) Feathering clutch 2) Covered front brake ...maybe applying pressure there, maybe not ...? 3) Foot up by the front fender almost .. 4) Seating position almost neutral and in the middle of the bike ... (a point I need to pick up) 5) Outside elbow up and inside elbow almost straight? Is he locking the bike down and over doing that? (I'm about 99% positive I do not straighten my inside elbow out to that degree.. This may be a point I can pick-up) 6) Next is the bike position and relation to the riders' butt.. Is it correct to say that the bike should be layed over into the turn AND then rider sits more up-right and on the corner of the seat as it sort of appears Josh is doing?
Josh has "flashes of brilliance", usually around contract time, but never seems to put in a string of good rides for very long. Sort of like JS7.
After seeing his episode of 'The Moto' I came away impressed with his wife - former Miss Supercross and quite bright and outspoken. I heard one of the announcers state that Josh can ride a lap or 2 as fast as anyone - which leaves something unsaid. (Kind of like John Madden saying that what 'having potential' really means is that you're just not worth a damn right now.) Dis the Yamaha if you like but they seem to be coming to terms with the leaned back motor which JGR has making more HP than anyone right now - and getting it to handle. (Look out for Yamaha in the lites next year also) As far as his riding style - he's from the old school compared to guys like Tomac - check out Ryno Hughes' ideas with that regard - or watch 'The Moto' episode with Canard when Tomac comes to ride and Canard talks about the new style.
That potential part is why I said he has to work during the off-season ... Some of us just will not do the hard work that makes show-time (the actual race) look so easy .. I'll see if I can watch the video and get a few more clues on what these guy are actually doing on the track ...
Wait. This is all new 14 YZF a better balanced package all around (I'm not 100% sure this is the 14....but it must be, they are in the strores nows). Joe that was a funny comment!
