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35700
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7/10/2006
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Aliso Viejo, CA
US
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1215th
Edited Date/Time
8/25/2022 9:54am
This week's guest in the Vital MX forum QNA is David Bailey. During his career, David was a Supercross champ, 250 champ, and two-time 500cc champ with Team Honda back when factory 500cc two-strokes still roamed the earth. With a combination of style, technical proficiency, and hard training, he was always impressive. Of course, he also had some legendary rides as a five-time winner with Team USA in the Motocross Des Nations. That included the one in '86 at Maggiora, where this year's edition of the race will be held. Unfortunately, David's riding career ended too soon, with a paralyzing crash before the start of the '87 season. But he later became a renowned broadcaster, and Ironman competitor...and winner.
Bring your best questions, and he'll be peeking in here this week to answer them. As always, keep it respectful, and ask questions that you would like in a face-to-face meeting.
Thanks again for taking the time to do this!
The Shop
Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. Who was the toughest guy to pass? Did you ever hate being being a certain rider?
What were some of the initial discussions (among riders / team managers) like concerning the Production rule?
30 years later what are your thoughts on that rule?
Thanks for your time - Always enjoyed your insight when commentating on the races.
Didn't you show up in Aptos, Ca from time to time to test pipe's with Paul Turner? I heard stories about you being out at a local riding spot above Sea Scape. It's not full of houses!
I enjoyed the battles you have with various people... Hope all is well with you.
I used to love watching the races with you and Art calling the action. When's the reunion scheduled for?
Doesn't necessarily have to be about the race....
Thank you for your time. Kevin
I grew up in your era and the Factory RC's were pure eye candy.
With the fast pace at which the works Honda's you rode were progressing, what did you feel was the biggest area of improvement in them and what was the biggest disappointment in your opinion?
Thanks for your time.
I'm heading to Unadilla this week and have been going for many many years. I've seen it at its best and at its worst.
It sure has changed over the years, the track.. and the crowd for that matter..
Is there any Unadilla experience that sticks out in your head and maybe makes you chuckle or shake your head? Maybe both? On track or off..
Thank you and have a great day.
Steve
My wife left me for another man, and one of the first things I did was hang my framed Paul Buckley picture of you at the 1986 Daytona supercross on my living room wall. No one was around to tell me no and four years later, it's still there. Everyone who sees it, loves it and so do I. I have to say that you were my childhood idol and continued to inspire me with your positive outlook on life before and after your injury.
My question is what are your thoughts regarding the current era of U.S. riders who don't seem as eager or willing to race the MXoN? RV skipped it a few years, Dungey another year, etc. Also, what are your thoughts on the last few losses at the MXoN? Thanks for taking the time to do this.
Pit Row
Gzus
Hi David; kept this for damn near 40 years! You were still a privateer at Unadilla and gave this to my wife she was so excited and after that day her favorite. I knew that one day you would smoke them all ; what style ; wishing you well kind regards C J
Who do you feel is the most naturally talented rider that you have witnessed? Then till now.
Who do you think will win the 2017 450 SX title, and why?
p.s. as per post above we miss your race calling
Will we see any?
1) Hmmm, there are so many that were special, but I'll go with my first ever Anaheim in 1983. NBC Sports, water hole, sold out croud, even tricker bikes than '82, kind of a sandy track, KMET rockers, buzz in the air, no real expectations or pressure, but I figured I should probably be top 5, hopefully podium. Just exciting. I was in new blue JT stuff (my first year in it) and Hannah was on the team, I had become friends with Johnny O.. the only thing I wasn't stoked about was I didn't have my helmet yet so I ran a solid red one. So I made huge 11's out of #plate backgrounds and put a JT visor on it and headed out there. My mechanic was Cliff White as Paul had decided to stick around the shop more and develop things. 1/2 way through the night Paul looked at me and pretty much said, you can win. I knew he meant it and I went out and won. Magoo looped it and I snuck through behind Broc, but it clogged everybody up behind us. Then Broc did a flyin W through the rockers and I was in the lead and living a dream. I didn't want the race to end. Over the finish line jump I had never really done a no hander, but I was so stoked it just happened. I didn't know what to do after that. I kind of rode around, gave a thumbs up over to Cliff and then I heard the crowd and looked just in time to see Johnny pass Broc for second in the last turn and then do a no hander over the finish. Man what a moment! My mom was out there in the starting line, my friend Tom Mueller from Wrangler, NBC and I was just buzzing. As we walked to the press box Broc paid me some compliments and I realized things were going be different!
2) Pontiac was a really good one the year RC looped it and his visor was hanging 1/2 off. That moment changed the dynamic of the race. Art stood up, I damn near did and crazy things kept happening one after another and then Davey said, guys... don't count out Carmichael! He's up to (10th or something) and he's running the fastest laps. Great race! I left the TV booth early and went to ask for Ricky's jersey. An orange sweaty #4
I thoroughly enjoyed all my time at Honda. It wasn't always easy, but we had such smart people and such good riders we solved things pretty fast. 1983 for example, the '82 bike was already great yet they went and made lots of changes. Kick starter, chain, pipe etc went to the other side I think, different styling and feel, a round silencer instead of oval (which I didn't like the sound of at first) and we couldn't ride 'em. Hannah came to the team that year and and he was like, hmmm. I think he even rode an '82 bike at Anaheim. But, the team went to work and he won both nights in Seattle and I was second and he, Johnny and I swept Daytona! '84 was simple. My 500 was incredible! I burnt my leg on the pipe every week, but it was worth it. 1985, they made huge changes again and although the bikes looked radical and way ahead of everyone else, we struggled at first. That ended up being my favorite 250 ever!
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