It’s December 13th, 2008. As the holidays approach and 2008 comes to a close; the last days through new years mark a time when race fans will twiddle their thumbs, waiting fervently in anticipation for the beginning of the Supercross season. As I reflect on years past with line ups on the starting gate including Ricky Carmichael, Kevin Windham, Chad Reed, Jeff Emig, Ezra Lusk, Sebastian Tortelli, David Vuillemin, James Stewart, and Jeremy McGrath, I can’t help but wonder what kind of season Anaheim 1 will usher in. Following Ricky’s retirement it took virtually no time for the house of Carmichael to be divided up with Stewart snatching up Aldon Baker, RC’s famed trainer. Decoster not totally sold on “the hype”, Mike Alessi with exception to his skills in the outdoor nationals came up with a big fish, namely Chad Reed. Now speedy Reedy know’s what it’s like to sit upon Carmichael’s saddle with a team supporting him that is serious about winning. Can a house divided, with it’s spoils plundered stand ? Surly not!, which is a true indication that RC is truly retired with exception to doing some testing, mentoring and continuing to endorse Fox Racing. I for one surely hope that Ricky doesn’t mar his legacy as the GOAT (greatest of all time), by following in McGrath’s footsteps, while losing a race here and there. If the outdoor nationals and the US Open in Vegas are any indication of what we can expect for 2009 then it may be a year where we see a rider go 16-0 for the first time in SX. There are lots of rumors and speculation with regards to Ryan Villopoto’s debut in the big bike class. There is no doubt that he’s one of the best Lite’s riders ever to straddle a pony, but history is brimming with story’s of riders sharing his talent and ability; man-handling the small bikes only to enter the big bike class floundering. Think back on how many times Stewart found himself on his head trying to tame his 450. If Villipoto can keep it on two, it’s no doubt he has the speed and the drive to ride up front. In all my years as a fan I have not seen two racers, particularly James Stewart and Ryan Villipoto, who are more serious about winning with exception to Ricky Carmichael in the days when he dethroned the King of Supercross, Jeremy McGrath. There is just something about a new season that makes me miss the season’s that have passed. I miss seeing ‘the cobra’ David Vuillemin stalk RC in Los Angeles Colesium passing him on the last lap to take the win. I miss the days when No Fear was just a stupid t-shirt company having nothing to do with racing motorcycles. I miss the days when the outdoor nationals were the true test of a racers career and when having an outdoor title was more signifigant than a supercross championship. I miss seeing Jeff Emig challenging McGrath. I miss the moment that Reed shoved RC into the corner a lap down from the checkers in San Diego to take the win. I miss Ernesto Fonseca. I miss Travis Preston on the Podium.  I could go on and on about what I miss. Instead I’m going to embrace the future, this upcoming season and the fact that riders are going to have supercross only contracts, which I think sucks. In my opinion it’s images like the one above will always remind me of why I’m such a huge fan of racing. RC chasing Stewart at Mt. Morris now that’s racing.