Stephane Roncada has stepped up, aboard his Pro Circuit-tuned Kawasaki KX250F, to be the first rider to challenge Bubba Stewart in the last year-and-a-half. He did so at the Las Vegas supercross East/West shoot-out a few weeks ago, and he also “traded paint” with Stewart at the Hangtown National Motocross round last weekend in Sacramento, California. In fact, during the second moto, Stewart and Roncada traded the lead numerous times, with Stewart ultimately taking the victory by a relatively slim margin (by Stewart’s standards) over Roncada.
Some people seem surprised with Roncada’s speed. A little history is in order. Roncada battled on equal terms with a young phenom several years ago by the name of Travis Pastrana. The year was 2000, and the venue included both the 125 Eastern Region Motocross series, and the 125 Outdoor National Motocross series.
2000 saw a close fought battle between Roncada and Pastrana. Roncada won four Eastern Region Supercross races in 2000, while Pastrana earned two victories (Pastrana did win the 125 East/West shoot-out that year, however). Roncada took the title over Pastrana in Supercross.
Outdoors, it was an equally close battle between Roncada and Pastrana for the 125cc National title. Pastrana won five rounds that year, while Roncada won four. In the end, Pastrana took the National title outdoors by just two points over Roncada (Pastrana ended the series with 484 points, while Roncada had 482).
The bottom line is that Stephane Roncada is fast. Indeed, he has battled Ricky Carmichael straight up on occasion (a rare occasion, granted). His speed should be without question. Hampering Roncada in the last two years has been nagging injuries and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. If Roncada is healthy and 100%, he can run just about anyone’s pace, including, apparently, Bubba Stewart’s.
The story could be different as the 125 Outdoor National series heads East, however. Stewart is more comfortable on the dirt back east, and his victory margins could spread. Don’t be surprised, however, if the occasional battle erupts between Stewart and Stephane Roncada.
