I loved Brown a lot myself. I still remember rooting for him in 2001 when he won the 125cc MX title over Langston. Sure wish he had a second title in either '03 or '05 before bad results and injuries took over.
I was hard on James on the message boards over the years. And God damn it , i just simply didn't see his master craft riding skills on that 125. I realized it years ago , and to this day , it still blows my mind on how fast he could get a 125 to go. Best 125 rider ever in my opinion.
I knew how good James was on that 125 after going 7 of 8 in 2003 125 West Supercross -- including the last 6 straight by dizzying margins. James certainly showed his talent winning the final 7 races of 125 MX 2003 as well. No disagreements that James is the best 125 rider ever. He was more dominant than RC was, except he didn't make a cameo 125 appearance like Ricky did before (2001 -- haha). James certainly made the 125cc class a bore with his domination. I was glad that he moved up after this season (2004).
Brownie was the best at punting other riders.....he loved to run Fonseca off the track almost every weekend. He would do it in the back sections where others couldnt see! hahaha! Good ol days.
Mm-hmm. It surprised me how many times Fonseca left the door open, but that was 2001; this is 2004 FYI and Fonseca was in the 250cc class full time in 2003. Personally, I was glad to see Brown finally take that aggressive riding style on James Stewart even if the title was definitely out of reach for him.
Honestly, Big James going up to and starting to yell at Mike Brown's mechanic over the first turn incident....what is that going to accomplish? Its Motocross, Bubba made an agressive move on Brown, Brown returned the favor except James went down. Brown's Mechanic had nothing to do with it, I guess if Big James wanted to go over and give Brown a piece of his mind after the race that's one thing, but there was no need for that confrontation with his mechanic IMO. I am a big fan of James Stewart in his prime, but its kind of ironic in hindsight that Big James is calling Mike Brown a quitter because he pulled off the track in a previous round, since his son did quite a bit of that in the seasons post-2004. Hey MathewV21688, thanks again for posting all these older races! Love watching them every now and then!
I would very much agree there. My theory is that James Sr. was so used to James Jr. winning and not having another rider like Mike Brown put him in the dirt. If I was in Brown's position, I would have done the same thing. Maybe Big James saw that as payback from Brown for James Jr. hogging all the race wins. Yeah, Millville was the race where Brown pulled off the track -- for no reason mind you. I still wonder to this day why Brown didn't stay out there, only to recover for a 2nd in moto 2. As for Stewart Jr. pulling off, I can only think of 2 motos where Stewart pulled out -- High Point moto 1 and Southwick moto 1, both due to mechanicals. I too found that confrontation extremely uncalled for, and James Sr. saying what he said to Brown's mechanic, J.P. Savard. You're very welcome for the posts of old races. Hope you'll see much more where that came from.
Really? What position was Brownie in at Millville when he pulled off? That does seem kind of unlike him, he always stuck me as kind of a die hard rider who sticks it out till the end no matter what. How was he in the point standings in '04 at this point? I recall being at Southwick in I believe 2003, Stewart wasn't there at that part of the season because he was sitting out with a broken collarbone from the Supercross season, and in one of the motos Brown and another rider got tangled up off the start and Brown's grip got ripped off and he started the race off last by a significant margin. We saw him come by each lap charging the hardest of anyone out there in the 125 class that day even though the pack was distanced from him pretty considerably from what I remember. Ill have to look threw your videos to see if you have that race, I just remember him hauling on the PC KX 125 that day. Now you say you only recall Stewart Jr pulling off twice due to Mechanicals, is that up to this point in 2004? Because I do recall him pulling off at least 2 times in 2005 citing dizzyness, or an upset stomach or something of that. I believe one of those times was at Southwick, it was very hot that day there, he was actually riding pretty good and was in decent position when he pulled off. The Southwick mechanical that you mention, was that when his engine locked up in 2002 in the first moto?
I think Brown was running in the top 5 or 10 before he pulled off. He was battling with Broc Hepler for 2nd overall in the series because nobody was willing to take on James for a win. Brown was 10 pts. behind Hepler, and unfortunately, Hepler kept 2nd overall away from Brown at the end of the season. I think Hepler solidified 2nd overall after Brown had another DNF in the first moto at Steel City. Steel City 2004 is on my channel (both classes) I believe that was Grant Langston that Brown tangled with at Southwick 2003 (you're right about the race). I remember that race for sure because that's when the wheels for Brown's 2003 125cc MX season began to fall off. I remember thinking "If it were a throttle grip, that'd be a really different story." Brown ended up 22nd in the first moto, but rebounded for a 3rd in moto 2. That race is on my channel after all as well. That is prior to 2004 yes. I made a mistake though because I forgot about Red Bud 2004 when Stewart crashed twice and suffered that clutch problem -- so that's 3 motos where Stewart pulled out (in terms of the 125cc class anyway). Both races I mentioned were from 2002 (Southwick and High Point). The 3rd time is from Red Bud 2004 as I had said earlier. Stewart was on his 250cc 2-stroke in the 250cc class when he pulled out of the first moto at Southwick 2005. He was also sick (according to his mechanic, J-Bone [Jeremy Albrecht]) -- you're right about that. Yes it was 2002 in the first moto. Unfortunately, I don't have that race, but I do remember watching the flashback from Southwick 2003 and Todd Harris had said "until a mechanical put him out of the race." Unfortunately, as a Chad Reed fan myself, Southwick 2002 was a bummer because Chad Reed was chasing down Danny Smith in the first moto, and Reed bobbled in a rut and popped his shoulder out. At the time, Reed was ahead by 10 pts. over Stewart in the 125cc MX Championship, and I am very sure that Stewart was thinking that gap might go into the 30s with Reed running 2nd, and it didn't. James would rebound to dominate the 2nd moto, while Chad Reed rode through the pain and finished 3rd, and have his points lead drop to 5.
You truly do have a great knowledge of this era of motocross! I recall watching Red Bud '04 where Stewart had the broken clutch perch, and like you said, attempted to charge to the front but then he wrecked again and then that was it. It was kind of a shame that he didn't win in a way, I think he would have had a perfect season had he won that moto. Post-2001, Brown always seemed to be in the hunt for the championship at least at one point during each season, I think he was even leading it at one point in 2005 (which was a pretty wild season for the 125/Lites class), but like you mentioned they always seemed to unravel a bit for various reasons. As for Southwick '02, I wasn't there that year, but I do recall seeing it on TV and Stewart's bike seizing up and him kind of just throwing it down in the middle of the track. It was kind of cool to see Danny Smith win the moto though! I seem to recall that being a pretty huge deal for him to win that moto. Did Grant Langston run in the 250MX class one of these years on a KTM? I seem to recall him attempting to be the break threw rider for KTM in the 250 class, after the whole McGrath KTM ride never panned out in SX. KTM saw some success on the 125 class bike, but the 250 of this era just didn't seem to work on this level.
I do, yes. I grew up in this era, even if I got into this sport back in 1997. As for Stewart losing Red Bud 2004, I was SO thrilled after seeing James make the 125cc Motocross season a real snorefest with all his runaway wins because as a "bench racer" today, I wanted to see a great title chase like 2001 and 2003. I strongly felt that loss happened because James is not used to coming from that far back to win, even if he did so at Budds Creek 2003 moto 2. He would've had a perfect season if it wasn't for the 2nd moto at Red Bud because at that time, NOBODY was man enough to take on James Stewart in the 125cc class. Well, Brown was in contention for the titles in 2003 and 2005, but 2002 saw his National season abbreviated due to injury and his title defense a total sham. 2005 was the worst because Brown did lead the series in 2005 -- on a PRIVATEER Honda mind you! From what I remember reading, the reason why Brown faded out of contention remains unknown. People were saying that Brown was getting faulty parts from Pro Circuit Kawasaki (since Pro Circuit was doing his motors), others were saying Brown was crumbling under the pressure, and others were saying Brown was feeling the realities of a 125cc privateer. It really pained me to see Brown just quit trying because his dwindling results cost him his spot on the 2005 MXDN team to eventual champ Ivan Tedesco. Yeah, that was a big deal for Danny Smith to win the moto. What I heard was that Danny lost his brother, Kip in an accident, and then he won the Southwick race with a 1-5. It's a shame that Southwick 2002 was Danny Smith's only career win. I still vividly remember when Danny was on an FMF Honda 125cc in 1998 and he stole the 2nd place finish away from Robbie Skaggs at Atlanta. Yes, Grant Langston ran the 250cc class on a KTM. He rode the 250cc in 2003 for the World Supercross GP, but after Langston kept crashing and getting hurt, he dropped down to the 125cc East, only to have his 125cc East Supercross season cut short due to MORE injuries. Amazingly, Langston would win the 2003 125cc Motocross title after Mike Brown dropped out due to a shoulder injury at Washougal when Ryan Hughes inadvertently slammed into him before Horsepower Hill. Unfortunately, Grant didn't defend his 125cc MX title in 2004. He went full-time in the 250cc class for 2004 because KTM didn't have their 250F available while Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki did have their 250Fs out. So, Grant had to ride a KTM450 in MX 2004, but his season ended after the first moto at the Hangtown opener due to either a sickness or a shoulder injury. Ryan Hughes rode the KTM125 in 2004, but he paid for it for MUCH of the season after he lost the 2003 title to Langston by just 7 pts. when the Kenworthy race was eventually cancelled due to floods.
Big James didn't need to say anything to Mike Browns mechanic James Stewart whipped Mike Browns ass on the track and in the 125 Series and as we all know later went onto have a awesome career! Can't even compare their careers! 😂😂
I would tend to agree there. Yes, James had a more successful 125 career than Mike Brown in Motocross, but we also have to consider that James wasn't even a pro yet when Brown won the 2001 125cc MX title.
On the contrary, James CHOSE to ride a 125 against all those 4-strokes. One could say that he wanted to keep the 2-stroke legacy alive, which is true; one could also say that it's natural talent, which is also true.
These guys were the worst commentators... honestly the only person who has been relatively decent since Bailey and Eckman has been Jeff Emig. Oh and btw big James had every right to talk shit, Mike Brown had done it plenty of times....Mike Brown was way too old for the 125 class when he won his title in 2000! Hey Matthew, It's cool you put these videos up, I appreciate it a lot and always enjoy bench racing about the good ol days.
I personally thought Todd Harris wasn't too bad as announcer, but Cameron Steele wasn't too bad as color overall in my book. David Bailey is the best there was, and I liked Jeff Emig myself since he's a rider I remember watching; Denny Stephenson was good, too -- I remembered watching him in Arenacross, too. I think it's one thing of Big James to express his opinion on Mike Brown though. I don't think he should have been above and beyond pissy about it. And actually it was 2001 that Mike Brown won the 125cc MX title (at 28 years young), but a title's a title no matter who's out there. You're welcome for the posts. I've posted just about everything in my collection of tapes from 1997-today (or 1997-2010 in terms of RUclips). I grew up in this era and was lucky to have been.
@@MathewVsSportsMediaandGames You are right about Denny Stephenson he was pretty good. I think former riders that worked to become a champion make good commentators because they know the struggle, they know what's going through someone's head as he races mid pack. Cameron Steele wasn't bad but he doesn't know what to say at times and always seems to "fill gaps" by just talking nonsense at moments. Like in this video he's telling us who the commentators are 2 minutes after the commercials (half way into the program) while Stewart was clearly setting up a pass through the corner. Big James didn't need to get in that dudes face but he could have talked some smack because Brownie was a good rider but always talked crap and always took riders out. I was wrong Brown did win the 2001 title and you are right a tittle is a tittle but you win a tittle and run a single digit number only to still race in the same class years later? To me Brown was one of those riders who just stayed in the support class beyond his years. As much respect I have for him (which I do he was and still is fast) he gets deducted point in my book for not ever racing the MX class for more than a couple seasons.
@@andrewreebel7967 When you add in that Denny Stephenson was around the mid '80s and early '90s + his stint in Arenacross, he knows what he's talking about; same goes for Jeff Emig. Ricky's getting better as analyst, but I still think that giving Emig the ax was a bad decision. That was my philosophy on Big James. That's also an example of why I feel Big James was a little too much an influence on James Jr. -- another example would be the 2007 450cc MX title when James should've listened to himself and backed out of the 2nd moto at Thunder Valley after his 4th in moto 1. I didn't really mind Mike Brown racing the 125cc class at his age in Motocross. He's already said he's a 125cc Motocross specialist. I agree on not riding the premiere class for at least one whole season; I'd have liked to see how he'd have done overall.
I was a little biased about that. James Sr. REALLY opened a can of worms there w/ J.P. Savard (Mike Brown's mechanic). The last race at Millville was the first time I could think of where Brown pulled out with no mechanical or physical problem. I find it a little surprising that James has had his share of pulling off in motos without crashing. After he turned pro, the only motos I can think of are when he had either a mechanical problem or a physical problem... OR perhaps Unadilla 2005 when he landed on Carmichael's back and knocked himself silly.
@@MathewVsSportsMediaandGames I've been going through, and watching some past seasons, and last weekend I was thinking about how much Stewart pulls off. Cant remember what races they were, I've been bouncing around. And you're probably right, I guess maybe two or three times that he pulls off without a wreck. Although I will say he does pull off after a wreck pretty easy. Which honestly is rare for most racers I would say. I can remember getting my ass kicked for taking 3rd with a broken ankle. And I think that's fairly normal, to not notice the injury until after the race. Dude was diffently fast as hell though. I remember watching him at Loretta's on a 50, and he was already pretty much a star.
@@gcow8328 I think James' pulling out became more frequent around 2016 after his WADA suspension. He even said himself that he was done after he kept trying to come back from his crash at Anaheim 1 2016. He even pulled out of Oakland due to blurred vision. James has had his share of pulling out of races, but only Travis Pastrana pulls out more than he does IMO -- INCLUDING mechanicals and/or physical problems. Two that come to mind are Millville 2001 125cc moto 1 (after his crashes at Unadilla and Washougal), and Glen Helen 2003 250cc moto 1 when he went for a double jump nobody else was doing and popped his knee out yet again.
@@MathewVsSportsMediaandGames he also said the suspension they were making for him he told them it wouldn’t handle his speed and would make the bike handle like crap! Yet Stewart still threw down knowing that he would probably crash cause of that suspension. Sucks they couldn’t do better for him cause he could have broke a lot more records. Also what the AMA did to him ruined his passion as well and how some ppl treated him and his father growing up. Sure miss watching him race he was like poetry in motion!
@@bradymxr4659 Honestly, when Stewart went SX-only at the prime of his career, I believe that was the true beginning of the end for him, and the WADA suspension was the final nail in the coffin.
Big James should have walked over and showed that #1 jersey and plate to Mike Browns mechanic and Mike Brown! James said it best on the podium.lol😂😂 Mike said he been around longer then James lol but how many 125 race wins and championships did he have? 🤔.. lol
I think that's actions that are not necessary in this case. Yeah James won 4 titles in 125 Supercross and Motocross (2 apiece), but a title's a title, no matter who's out there.
@@MathewVsSportsMediaandGames I agree with you but for Mike Browns comments on the podium tho.. James showed Mike it don't matter how long you been around! Oh well game over.
Look how far though that tech has gotten, back then it was top of the line. Too bad you don't like The Little Professor, helluva lot better than that doofuss Jason Weigant, although Grant Langston is great.
@@jamesrobert7155 Agreed there on the tech. On the contrary, I LIKE Jason Weigandt myself since he is generally a "student" of the sport; Langston is good as color analyst as well, but David Bailey will always be the best there is.
I known Mike Brown for all of his professional racing and I have NEVER seen him "pull off the track" or a quitter as Big James Sr suggests and a couple other viewers. Ever hear a factory or sponsor say anything series that hapened to their bike? Hmmm. I've even seen mechanics or team manager say they fouled a plug when clearly the bike blew up!!!These guys are going at break neck speeds and the race he is talking about was Millville. A sand track that takes its toll on any bike...not to mention professional riders abuse. Just b/c James Sr or anyone doesn't know the reason why he didn't finish doesn't validate he quit. If the engine runs, the wheels turn....doesn't make you an analyst to think there was no problems! How ironic of a comment is that knowing how Bubba finished out his career!!! I've even heard Bubba say, We haven't had enough time on the bike to get the suspension dialed in just right and I aint going to be out there riding dangerously and crash b/c it not quite set up right! Meanwhile he post on instagram how he went to a rap concert (Little Wayne) the wknd before the race he was quoted on the aforementioned! James Sr was "gripping" or stressed b/c his son could lock up a championship in the moto and just lost his cool b/c someone was handing out a little payback. It was actually a lot safer than what Bubba did the corner before, but Bubba tipped over. I hope the AMA fined Bubba or Kawasaki for interjecting and arguing to the point of distracting Brownies mechanic DURING THE RACE! James Sr reminds me of that little league dad in the stands that gets bent over anything someone else does to his kid and has the blinders on when his kid does something to another. In Bubba's defense....he took a very aggressive and faster line than Mike did and his die-bombing the corner was a mistake as he stated and Mike retaliated the next turn, but didn't clean Bubba's clock. Things could've been extremely different if Mike had been a few feet further exiting the turn that Bubba came in super aggressive. It likely would've injured Mike (T-boning him) and could've screwed up Bubba as well. Finally, you can see the "fruit doesn't fall far the tree" when Bubba commented on the podium about having what he's got (#1 plate) and he's (Mike) is gonna have troubles the 2nd race. I think these 2 racers ride hard and can work it out on the track (and maybe the pits) w/o James Sr. Seniors intentions are to defend his son and I understand this, but it really is an example of what NOT to do as a parent!
Well, unfortunately, Millville was likely the first time Mike Brown did that. He pulled out of the first moto at Washougal a year later in 2005; that scratched him officially from title contention. As for this one, I believe Brown had every right to do what he did after Stewart had taken all but 1 moto and overall in the summer of 2004, and what he did in the corner before he took Stewart out. Personally, I do hope the AMA did step in for this situation right afterwards, but as far as I know, I didn't hear anything of the sorts. It's incidents like these where I feel that James Sr. is too much of an influence on James Jr. You can say the same thing about why James Stewart, Jr. didn't win the 2007 450cc Motocross Championship -- that, and the fact that he was too hell-bent on beating RC in Motocross before Ricky's retirement.
so smiths crew put a brand new tire on for another 9th place finish? do they really think this is what got him the most prestigious result of 9th????? LUL he aint no herlings, not even 2 percent the way there lol
Where is your copy that you tapped when this was live and then took the time to convert it to digital form and upload it on RUclips? I could have just asked you what your RUclips channel was? Right?? The insult would have ended us in the same place as we are now but I was trying to be an ass, like you, with your ignorant comment.
It is really rider rider rider all the way. KTM hadn't come out with their 250F yet, and Ryan Hughes paid for it big time. James Stewart was an ANIMAL on that KX125 as well.
Ol Brownie was known for his aggressiveness, he took out plenty! He's one of my favorites though, you gotta love your local pro!
I loved Brown a lot myself. I still remember rooting for him in 2001 when he won the 125cc MX title over Langston. Sure wish he had a second title in either '03 or '05 before bad results and injuries took over.
I was hard on James on the message boards over the years. And God damn it , i just simply didn't see his master craft riding skills on that 125. I realized it years ago , and to this day , it still blows my mind on how fast he could get a 125 to go. Best 125 rider ever in my opinion.
I knew how good James was on that 125 after going 7 of 8 in 2003 125 West Supercross -- including the last 6 straight by dizzying margins. James certainly showed his talent winning the final 7 races of 125 MX 2003 as well.
No disagreements that James is the best 125 rider ever. He was more dominant than RC was, except he didn't make a cameo 125 appearance like Ricky did before (2001 -- haha). James certainly made the 125cc class a bore with his domination. I was glad that he moved up after this season (2004).
He was the best thing to ever happen people hate on his speed
Ripping the uphill to the left wide open on a 125 was the coolest feeling I ever felt on a dirt bike
And everyone else who goes at the speed of the pros I'm sure.
Brownie was the best at punting other riders.....he loved to run Fonseca off the track almost every weekend. He would do it in the back sections where others couldnt see! hahaha! Good ol days.
Mm-hmm. It surprised me how many times Fonseca left the door open, but that was 2001; this is 2004 FYI and Fonseca was in the 250cc class full time in 2003.
Personally, I was glad to see Brown finally take that aggressive riding style on James Stewart even if the title was definitely out of reach for him.
Honestly, Big James going up to and starting to yell at Mike Brown's mechanic over the first turn incident....what is that going to accomplish? Its Motocross, Bubba made an agressive move on Brown, Brown returned the favor except James went down. Brown's Mechanic had nothing to do with it, I guess if Big James wanted to go over and give Brown a piece of his mind after the race that's one thing, but there was no need for that confrontation with his mechanic IMO.
I am a big fan of James Stewart in his prime, but its kind of ironic in hindsight that Big James is calling Mike Brown a quitter because he pulled off the track in a previous round, since his son did quite a bit of that in the seasons post-2004.
Hey MathewV21688, thanks again for posting all these older races! Love watching them every now and then!
I would very much agree there. My theory is that James Sr. was so used to James Jr. winning and not having another rider like Mike Brown put him in the dirt. If I was in Brown's position, I would have done the same thing. Maybe Big James saw that as payback from Brown for James Jr. hogging all the race wins.
Yeah, Millville was the race where Brown pulled off the track -- for no reason mind you. I still wonder to this day why Brown didn't stay out there, only to recover for a 2nd in moto 2. As for Stewart Jr. pulling off, I can only think of 2 motos where Stewart pulled out -- High Point moto 1 and Southwick moto 1, both due to mechanicals. I too found that confrontation extremely uncalled for, and James Sr. saying what he said to Brown's mechanic, J.P. Savard.
You're very welcome for the posts of old races. Hope you'll see much more where that came from.
Really? What position was Brownie in at Millville when he pulled off? That does seem kind of unlike him, he always stuck me as kind of a die hard rider who sticks it out till the end no matter what. How was he in the point standings in '04 at this point?
I recall being at Southwick in I believe 2003, Stewart wasn't there at that part of the season because he was sitting out with a broken collarbone from the Supercross season, and in one of the motos Brown and another rider got tangled up off the start and Brown's grip got ripped off and he started the race off last by a significant margin. We saw him come by each lap charging the hardest of anyone out there in the 125 class that day even though the pack was distanced from him pretty considerably from what I remember. Ill have to look threw your videos to see if you have that race, I just remember him hauling on the PC KX 125 that day.
Now you say you only recall Stewart Jr pulling off twice due to Mechanicals, is that up to this point in 2004? Because I do recall him pulling off at least 2 times in 2005 citing dizzyness, or an upset stomach or something of that. I believe one of those times was at Southwick, it was very hot that day there, he was actually riding pretty good and was in decent position when he pulled off.
The Southwick mechanical that you mention, was that when his engine locked up in 2002 in the first moto?
I think Brown was running in the top 5 or 10 before he pulled off. He was battling with Broc Hepler for 2nd overall in the series because nobody was willing to take on James for a win. Brown was 10 pts. behind Hepler, and unfortunately, Hepler kept 2nd overall away from Brown at the end of the season. I think Hepler solidified 2nd overall after Brown had another DNF in the first moto at Steel City. Steel City 2004 is on my channel (both classes)
I believe that was Grant Langston that Brown tangled with at Southwick 2003 (you're right about the race). I remember that race for sure because that's when the wheels for Brown's 2003 125cc MX season began to fall off. I remember thinking "If it were a throttle grip, that'd be a really different story." Brown ended up 22nd in the first moto, but rebounded for a 3rd in moto 2. That race is on my channel after all as well.
That is prior to 2004 yes. I made a mistake though because I forgot about Red Bud 2004 when Stewart crashed twice and suffered that clutch problem -- so that's 3 motos where Stewart pulled out (in terms of the 125cc class anyway). Both races I mentioned were from 2002 (Southwick and High Point). The 3rd time is from Red Bud 2004 as I had said earlier. Stewart was on his 250cc 2-stroke in the 250cc class when he pulled out of the first moto at Southwick 2005. He was also sick (according to his mechanic, J-Bone [Jeremy Albrecht]) -- you're right about that.
Yes it was 2002 in the first moto. Unfortunately, I don't have that race, but I do remember watching the flashback from Southwick 2003 and Todd Harris had said "until a mechanical put him out of the race." Unfortunately, as a Chad Reed fan myself, Southwick 2002 was a bummer because Chad Reed was chasing down Danny Smith in the first moto, and Reed bobbled in a rut and popped his shoulder out. At the time, Reed was ahead by 10 pts. over Stewart in the 125cc MX Championship, and I am very sure that Stewart was thinking that gap might go into the 30s with Reed running 2nd, and it didn't. James would rebound to dominate the 2nd moto, while Chad Reed rode through the pain and finished 3rd, and have his points lead drop to 5.
You truly do have a great knowledge of this era of motocross! I recall watching Red Bud '04 where Stewart had the broken clutch perch, and like you said, attempted to charge to the front but then he wrecked again and then that was it. It was kind of a shame that he didn't win in a way, I think he would have had a perfect season had he won that moto.
Post-2001, Brown always seemed to be in the hunt for the championship at least at one point during each season, I think he was even leading it at one point in 2005 (which was a pretty wild season for the 125/Lites class), but like you mentioned they always seemed to unravel a bit for various reasons.
As for Southwick '02, I wasn't there that year, but I do recall seeing it on TV and Stewart's bike seizing up and him kind of just throwing it down in the middle of the track. It was kind of cool to see Danny Smith win the moto though! I seem to recall that being a pretty huge deal for him to win that moto.
Did Grant Langston run in the 250MX class one of these years on a KTM? I seem to recall him attempting to be the break threw rider for KTM in the 250 class, after the whole McGrath KTM ride never panned out in SX. KTM saw some success on the 125 class bike, but the 250 of this era just didn't seem to work on this level.
I do, yes. I grew up in this era, even if I got into this sport back in 1997. As for Stewart losing Red Bud 2004, I was SO thrilled after seeing James make the 125cc Motocross season a real snorefest with all his runaway wins because as a "bench racer" today, I wanted to see a great title chase like 2001 and 2003. I strongly felt that loss happened because James is not used to coming from that far back to win, even if he did so at Budds Creek 2003 moto 2. He would've had a perfect season if it wasn't for the 2nd moto at Red Bud because at that time, NOBODY was man enough to take on James Stewart in the 125cc class.
Well, Brown was in contention for the titles in 2003 and 2005, but 2002 saw his National season abbreviated due to injury and his title defense a total sham. 2005 was the worst because Brown did lead the series in 2005 -- on a PRIVATEER Honda mind you! From what I remember reading, the reason why Brown faded out of contention remains unknown. People were saying that Brown was getting faulty parts from Pro Circuit Kawasaki (since Pro Circuit was doing his motors), others were saying Brown was crumbling under the pressure, and others were saying Brown was feeling the realities of a 125cc privateer. It really pained me to see Brown just quit trying because his dwindling results cost him his spot on the 2005 MXDN team to eventual champ Ivan Tedesco.
Yeah, that was a big deal for Danny Smith to win the moto. What I heard was that Danny lost his brother, Kip in an accident, and then he won the Southwick race with a 1-5. It's a shame that Southwick 2002 was Danny Smith's only career win. I still vividly remember when Danny was on an FMF Honda 125cc in 1998 and he stole the 2nd place finish away from Robbie Skaggs at Atlanta.
Yes, Grant Langston ran the 250cc class on a KTM. He rode the 250cc in 2003 for the World Supercross GP, but after Langston kept crashing and getting hurt, he dropped down to the 125cc East, only to have his 125cc East Supercross season cut short due to MORE injuries. Amazingly, Langston would win the 2003 125cc Motocross title after Mike Brown dropped out due to a shoulder injury at Washougal when Ryan Hughes inadvertently slammed into him before Horsepower Hill. Unfortunately, Grant didn't defend his 125cc MX title in 2004. He went full-time in the 250cc class for 2004 because KTM didn't have their 250F available while Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki did have their 250Fs out. So, Grant had to ride a KTM450 in MX 2004, but his season ended after the first moto at the Hangtown opener due to either a sickness or a shoulder injury. Ryan Hughes rode the KTM125 in 2004, but he paid for it for MUCH of the season after he lost the 2003 title to Langston by just 7 pts. when the Kenworthy race was eventually cancelled due to floods.
Big James didn't need to say anything to Mike Browns mechanic James Stewart whipped Mike Browns ass on the track and in the 125 Series and as we all know later went onto have a awesome career! Can't even compare their careers! 😂😂
I would tend to agree there. Yes, James had a more successful 125 career than Mike Brown in Motocross, but we also have to consider that James wasn't even a pro yet when Brown won the 2001 125cc MX title.
Can you imagine being Bubba being on a 125 against 250 4 strokes? Great rule making AMA 👍
On the contrary, James CHOSE to ride a 125 against all those 4-strokes. One could say that he wanted to keep the 2-stroke legacy alive, which is true; one could also say that it's natural talent, which is also true.
These guys were the worst commentators... honestly the only person who has been relatively decent since Bailey and Eckman has been Jeff Emig. Oh and btw big James had every right to talk shit, Mike Brown had done it plenty of times....Mike Brown was way too old for the 125 class when he won his title in 2000!
Hey Matthew,
It's cool you put these videos up, I appreciate it a lot and always enjoy bench racing about the good ol days.
I personally thought Todd Harris wasn't too bad as announcer, but Cameron Steele wasn't too bad as color overall in my book. David Bailey is the best there was, and I liked Jeff Emig myself since he's a rider I remember watching; Denny Stephenson was good, too -- I remembered watching him in Arenacross, too.
I think it's one thing of Big James to express his opinion on Mike Brown though. I don't think he should have been above and beyond pissy about it. And actually it was 2001 that Mike Brown won the 125cc MX title (at 28 years young), but a title's a title no matter who's out there.
You're welcome for the posts. I've posted just about everything in my collection of tapes from 1997-today (or 1997-2010 in terms of RUclips). I grew up in this era and was lucky to have been.
@@MathewVsSportsMediaandGames You are right about Denny Stephenson he was pretty good. I think former riders that worked to become a champion make good commentators because they know the struggle, they know what's going through someone's head as he races mid pack. Cameron Steele wasn't bad but he doesn't know what to say at times and always seems to "fill gaps" by just talking nonsense at moments. Like in this video he's telling us who the commentators are 2 minutes after the commercials (half way into the program) while Stewart was clearly setting up a pass through the corner.
Big James didn't need to get in that dudes face but he could have talked some smack because Brownie was a good rider but always talked crap and always took riders out. I was wrong Brown did win the 2001 title and you are right a tittle is a tittle but you win a tittle and run a single digit number only to still race in the same class years later? To me Brown was one of those riders who just stayed in the support class beyond his years. As much respect I have for him (which I do he was and still is fast) he gets deducted point in my book for not ever racing the MX class for more than a couple seasons.
@@andrewreebel7967 When you add in that Denny Stephenson was around the mid '80s and early '90s + his stint in Arenacross, he knows what he's talking about; same goes for Jeff Emig. Ricky's getting better as analyst, but I still think that giving Emig the ax was a bad decision.
That was my philosophy on Big James. That's also an example of why I feel Big James was a little too much an influence on James Jr. -- another example would be the 2007 450cc MX title when James should've listened to himself and backed out of the 2nd moto at Thunder Valley after his 4th in moto 1.
I didn't really mind Mike Brown racing the 125cc class at his age in Motocross. He's already said he's a 125cc Motocross specialist. I agree on not riding the premiere class for at least one whole season; I'd have liked to see how he'd have done overall.
Kind of funny Stewart's dad calling brown a quitter. Stewart has pulled off a ton of times. A few when he hadn't even crashed.
I was a little biased about that. James Sr. REALLY opened a can of worms there w/ J.P. Savard (Mike Brown's mechanic). The last race at Millville was the first time I could think of where Brown pulled out with no mechanical or physical problem.
I find it a little surprising that James has had his share of pulling off in motos without crashing. After he turned pro, the only motos I can think of are when he had either a mechanical problem or a physical problem... OR perhaps Unadilla 2005 when he landed on Carmichael's back and knocked himself silly.
@@MathewVsSportsMediaandGames I've been going through, and watching some past seasons, and last weekend I was thinking about how much Stewart pulls off. Cant remember what races they were, I've been bouncing around. And you're probably right, I guess maybe two or three times that he pulls off without a wreck. Although I will say he does pull off after a wreck pretty easy. Which honestly is rare for most racers I would say. I can remember getting my ass kicked for taking 3rd with a broken ankle. And I think that's fairly normal, to not notice the injury until after the race. Dude was diffently fast as hell though. I remember watching him at Loretta's on a 50, and he was already pretty much a star.
@@gcow8328 I think James' pulling out became more frequent around 2016 after his WADA suspension. He even said himself that he was done after he kept trying to come back from his crash at Anaheim 1 2016. He even pulled out of Oakland due to blurred vision.
James has had his share of pulling out of races, but only Travis Pastrana pulls out more than he does IMO -- INCLUDING mechanicals and/or physical problems. Two that come to mind are Millville 2001 125cc moto 1 (after his crashes at Unadilla and Washougal), and Glen Helen 2003 250cc moto 1 when he went for a double jump nobody else was doing and popped his knee out yet again.
@@MathewVsSportsMediaandGames he also said the suspension they were making for him he told them it wouldn’t handle his speed and would make the bike handle like crap! Yet Stewart still threw down knowing that he would probably crash cause of that suspension. Sucks they couldn’t do better for him cause he could have broke a lot more records. Also what the AMA did to him ruined his passion as well and how some ppl treated him and his father growing up. Sure miss watching him race he was like poetry in motion!
@@bradymxr4659 Honestly, when Stewart went SX-only at the prime of his career, I believe that was the true beginning of the end for him, and the WADA suspension was the final nail in the coffin.
Big James should have walked over and showed that #1 jersey and plate to Mike Browns mechanic and Mike Brown! James said it best on the podium.lol😂😂 Mike said he been around longer then James lol but how many 125 race wins and championships did he have? 🤔.. lol
I think that's actions that are not necessary in this case. Yeah James won 4 titles in 125 Supercross and Motocross (2 apiece), but a title's a title, no matter who's out there.
@@MathewVsSportsMediaandGames I agree with you but for Mike Browns comments on the podium tho.. James showed Mike it don't matter how long you been around! Oh well game over.
All that's true. TBH, I was actually hoping that Mike was going to do the same thing to Stewart again.
Brown is still racing the young bucks. Brownie is a legend. Watch the 2019 vet MXoN races.
@@TORKiT I believe it. That's why Brownie has always been one of my heroes as a kid.
Horrible cameramen and so-so commentators back then. The today's guys are brilliant in comparison.
I actually thought Todd Harris was pretty good, but David Bailey is always going to be the best analyst to me.
Look how far though that tech has gotten, back then it was top of the line. Too bad you don't like The Little Professor, helluva lot better than that doofuss Jason Weigant, although Grant Langston is great.
@@jamesrobert7155 Agreed there on the tech.
On the contrary, I LIKE Jason Weigandt myself since he is generally a "student" of the sport; Langston is good as color analyst as well, but David Bailey will always be the best there is.
I known Mike Brown for all of his professional racing and I have NEVER seen him "pull off the track" or a quitter as Big James Sr suggests and a couple other viewers. Ever hear a factory or sponsor say anything series that hapened to their bike? Hmmm. I've even seen mechanics or team manager say they fouled a plug when clearly the bike blew up!!!These guys are going at break neck speeds and the race he is talking about was Millville. A sand track that takes its toll on any bike...not to mention professional riders abuse. Just b/c James Sr or anyone doesn't know the reason why he didn't finish doesn't validate he quit. If the engine runs, the wheels turn....doesn't make you an analyst to think there was no problems! How ironic of a comment is that knowing how Bubba finished out his career!!! I've even heard Bubba say, We haven't had enough time on the bike to get the suspension dialed in just right and I aint going to be out there riding dangerously and crash b/c it not quite set up right! Meanwhile he post on instagram how he went to a rap concert (Little Wayne) the wknd before the race he was quoted on the aforementioned! James Sr was "gripping" or stressed b/c his son could lock up a championship in the moto and just lost his cool b/c someone was handing out a little payback. It was actually a lot safer than what Bubba did the corner before, but Bubba tipped over. I hope the AMA fined Bubba or Kawasaki for interjecting and arguing to the point of distracting Brownies mechanic DURING THE RACE! James Sr reminds me of that little league dad in the stands that gets bent over anything someone else does to his kid and has the blinders on when his kid does something to another. In Bubba's defense....he took a very aggressive and faster line than Mike did and his die-bombing the corner was a mistake as he stated and Mike retaliated the next turn, but didn't clean Bubba's clock. Things could've been extremely different if Mike had been a few feet further exiting the turn that Bubba came in super aggressive. It likely would've injured Mike (T-boning him) and could've screwed up Bubba as well. Finally, you can see the "fruit doesn't fall far the tree" when Bubba commented on the podium about having what he's got (#1 plate) and he's (Mike) is gonna have troubles the 2nd race. I think these 2 racers ride hard and can work it out on the track (and maybe the pits) w/o James Sr. Seniors intentions are to defend his son and I understand this, but it really is an example of what NOT to do as a parent!
Well, unfortunately, Millville was likely the first time Mike Brown did that. He pulled out of the first moto at Washougal a year later in 2005; that scratched him officially from title contention. As for this one, I believe Brown had every right to do what he did after Stewart had taken all but 1 moto and overall in the summer of 2004, and what he did in the corner before he took Stewart out. Personally, I do hope the AMA did step in for this situation right afterwards, but as far as I know, I didn't hear anything of the sorts. It's incidents like these where I feel that James Sr. is too much of an influence on James Jr. You can say the same thing about why James Stewart, Jr. didn't win the 2007 450cc Motocross Championship -- that, and the fact that he was too hell-bent on beating RC in Motocross before Ricky's retirement.
imagine, thinking 2 strokes are better lol, just gotta wait til the newest goat is on one////
It was all clearly the rider that got the job done.
so smiths crew put a brand new tire on for another 9th place finish? do they really think this is what got him the most prestigious result of 9th????? LUL he aint no herlings, not even 2 percent the way there lol
I don't think that Kelly Smith's finish should really matter honestly.
#7 gold
Indeed -- riding that KX125 like a stinking 250cc.
Dude poor quality and the sound of 4's, dont even bother with it ..
It's idiots like you that I can't stand -- those who whine about video quality and such. IMO, that shouldn't even matter..
Exactly... this is from 2004, quality was nowhere near what it is today...
That, too -- and DVD making was probably in its infancy at the time.
Where is your copy that you tapped when this was live and then took the time to convert it to digital form and upload it on RUclips?
I could have just asked you what your RUclips channel was? Right?? The insult would have ended us in the same place as we are now but I was trying to be an ass, like you, with your ignorant comment.
125s are so slow.
It is really rider rider rider all the way. KTM hadn't come out with their 250F yet, and Ryan Hughes paid for it big time. James Stewart was an ANIMAL on that KX125 as well.
Not really? It’s all in the rider Ryan Villipoto clocks only 2 seconds slower on a Yz 125 than the brand new 450 Yamaha.
@@leonibs5034 That's what I was saying -- rider rider rider all the way.
Stewart's 125 made a pack of 250fs look incredibly slow lol