Motocross
Meet Stank Dog, Straight Rhythm's Two-Stroke Champ
RBSR's Two-Stroke Shootout was set to be an easy win for Ryan Villopoto after Chad Reed got hurt. At the end of the day though, it was Gared Steinke on top of the podium.
Red Bull Straight Rhythm 2017's Two-Stroke Shootout was built around the hype of three riders coming to race the old pre-mixers: Ryan Villopoto, Chad Reed and of course Ronnie Mac. All three had exchanged much entertaining banter and ignited a storm of speculation on social media. All the moto fans were talking about who would win.
A Steinke Scrub
© Garth Milan
Enter: Gared Steinke. A late addition to the Two-Stroke Shootout, Steinke was not a total unknown to the motocross faithful. In fact, he's something of a two-stroke deity after contesting the entirety of the 2016 AMA Pro Motocross Nationals on a Husqvarna 125 and even scoring points. But few had Steinke at the top of their fantasy bracket, since the idea of him beating Villopoto or Reed is typically worthy of commitment in the pits of any standard moto race. But not at Straight Rhythm. After upsetting Ryan Villopoto in their semifinal, Steinke took his KTM250 all the way to the top of the podium, beating the Mac in a two-stroke dream final. Let's hear from the man they call "Stank Dog".
Red Bull: Take us through your weekend at Straight Rhythm?
Steinke: It was a very fun and exciting weekend. Actually one of the smoothest weekends I've had as a privateer haha. Also one of my best nights of racing in my entire life.
What have you done to get ready for Straight Rhythm?
Going and trying to race the monster energy cup was one of the best things I did to get ready for the straight rhythm. It really gave me a good opportunity to test the bike at race pace and make some really good changes.
Gared Steinke and Ryan Villopoto
© Garth Milan
How'd it feel beating the four-time 450 Supercross champ Ryan Villopoto?
It was one of the best feelings I've ever had why'll racing a dirt bike. Just racing against him was a great feeling but to beat him was way too sick.
Did you expect to win this past weekend or were you pleasantly surprised?
I expected myself to win and few other people did too, knowing how good I am on a two-stroke and knowing I'm the only one who actively races one.
The only way to end the Two-Stroke Shootout
© Garth Milan
What's one disadvantage to racing the two-stroke in a unique race like Straight Rhythm?
The lack or torque the two-stroke has. You have to be spot on with your timing.
One advantage?
A huge advantage would be you have the crowd and all the fans on our side.
Do you plan to come defend your title next year?
I will be there next year, and will be looking to win again
3 min
Red Bull Straight Rhythm 2017 Action
All the best action from RBSR17
When's the next time we might see the two-stroke hit the track?
Probably late next winter. Right now I'm busting the four-strokes back out and getting ready for Arenacross coming up.
Anyone you'd like to thank?
Definitely. Big thanks to Scott Russell from Motosport Hillsboro, Haeseker Racing, Smoke Buddy, Stoney Ranch, Fly, True MX, Ankle Savers, No-Toil, MX-Tech Suspension, Bill's Pipes, TracktionMX, MotoOption, Devol and MikeVizerPhoto.