Pulpmx Point/Counterpoint

He’s got two and in this Pulpmx Point/Counterpoint, Swizzle and I argue about how many more wins James Stewart’s going to get.

How many more races will James Stewart win?

Swizzle- It’s funny to me that following the Daytona mudder, all of the sudden there arises a whole new slew of theories about James and JGR. The one I’ve seen the most is that the Yamaha is just a better mud bike than the rest. Sheesh. It never ceases to amaze me; the lengths moto fans will go to grasp any shred of optimism to use as evidence for some theory they have concocted to indulge their hopes for their “guy”.

So now of course, following the Daytona win by James, again the question arises, “can James turn this into a streak”? Simply, no. James’ ride in Daytona was impressive but that’s exactly what he should have done with RV crashing and remounting from dead last. He had only his teammate to dispose of and then focus on riding as error-free as possible. He said himself; he was cruising for the last 1/3 of the race.

That was no momentum shift; it was things falling in order, as they should when the top gun of the series finds himself playing caboose in a shit storm.

That being said, I still see James pulling down two more W’s before the checkers in Vegas. The laws of probability are against RV to win out and James is still a prenominal talent who continues to fight despite a bike that throttles him back.

I bet you’re jockeying for an invite to Stewy-land on your “Timmy-cation” so you’re probably going to predict a sweep by Stewy; hey that sounds like K-Dub logic. “Vote for me and I’ll vote for you”.

Yeah, that didn’t turn out well either.

Matthes- Nah, been to Stewland in Florida and while amazing and glorious, in the end it turned out to be just another rider compound. Albeit an amazing one. Besides, it’s too far from Timmy’s and I just don’t like being that far away from the guy when I’m in Florida.

Back to the agenda at hand and that’s talking about Stewart. That seems like what everyone else just always wants to do- talk about Stewart. I’m as guilty as anyone I suppose with me asking every single podcast guest I have “What’s wrong with Stew?’ but anyways, I was happy to see him win at Daytona. Trust me when I say this has been hard on him. He’s either the biggest faker ever when it comes to texts to me or he’s truly hurt, depressed and upset that he can’t figure out how to be Bubbalicious once again.

Well I’m here to say that it’s going to be back. He won Daytona, Ryan Dungey and Chad Reed will continue to be out and Ryan Villopoto’s got such a points lead, he can chill out, get some seconds and still bring this baby home. So there’s seven races left after Daytona and I say Stew goes 4-3 as in, four wins, three not-wins.

Stamp that Swizzle.

Swizzle- Wow, 4?! That’s bold of you. I know you’re feeling a little high and mighty after your stamping of Stew’s Daytona victory but I’m sad to say Mr.Matthes, that streak of prediction will end at 1. While I agree, RV should chill out and protect that points lead, that would have to be in addition to JS7 having his bike figured out and the issues which have troubled him all season, since 2010 really, being curbed. I believe RV’s ferocity and level right now trumps JS’s. RV’s brain isn’t connected like others. He’s filled with piss n’ vinegar, just pure hatred of anything less than the highest perch on the podium. Dialing it down and watching the guy who was claimed as “fastest man on the planet” for so long, walk away? In the words of Jerry Sienfeld, “IIIIII dooonn’t think so”.

So sure, if RV starts throwing it away and making insurmountable mistakes and James gets a good start and keeps it rubber-side down for 20 laps, you could be right. But for 4 wins out of 6?

Foo, you crazy.

Matthes- Here’s the math for you Mr. I didn’t have the superior schooling of the Canadian system growing up, there’s seven races left and RV’s got a big points lead. Almost two races worth actually. So the last two races, give Stew the win. RV’s going to be coasting and counting money. So BAM, two wins right there at Salt Lake and Las Vegas. Now look at Seattle, it’s shitty, rutty and wet- much like the conditions we just saw Stewart dominate in and besides, RV will be riding cautious at that race. That’s three broseph. Now he just has to win one more out of the four remaining races and I, once again, look like a Sooper Genius. RV’s not going to lay down for anyone and doesn’t want anyone thinking they’re better than him so I’ll give him the win this weekend in Indy. After that it’s Toronto, New Orleans and Houston… Stew’s got to win in Canada, The Big Easy or the city that ummm, errrrr, has Launch Control in it. And as I said in the first paragraph that pesky Chad Reed and Ryan Dungey won’t be there to foil his plans. He’s got his starts figured out, he’s happier and he’s got nothing to lose. He has to start laying it down and collecting wins and hope that Villopoto’s out hunting in Florida and a Bigfoot eats him or something.

Game, set, match Swizzle.