2011 AMA Motocross Champion Ryan Villopoto (Photo: Kawasaki Racing)

· Building on the concept of “if,” -- a term used often in talking about motocross -- it would be interesting to see how the 450 Class might have played out if one were to strip away the hard luck races each of the three top riders experienced this season. It's easy to say that Dungey would have walked away victorious had his bike not run out of fuel in Texas while in position to win, but who’s to say Reed wouldn’t have kept the ball rolling had he not gone airborne in Minnesota. Villopoto had the least amount of misfortune to deal with this season, and in the end, that was the defining factor in winning this championship. When competition is as close as it was this season, minimizing the mistakes that are almost bound to happen can make or break one’s title hopes.

· The rider that walks away with the championship is typically the statistically most consistent rider in the field. That played out to near perfection this season in both the 450 and 250 classes. Villopoto led the most laps in 2011, and also boasted the best finishing average of any rider in the premier class. He also finished on the overall podium at every round in the championship. Based purely on his efforts, Villopoto should have won the title. And he did.

The same can be said for Dean Wilson in the 250 Class. The numbers say there wasn’t a better rider than Wilson throughout the entire series in 2011 in either class. He led the most laps of any rider in American Motocross, garnered the most points in the series, had the best average finish of all competitors, and won more motos than anyone. The sophomore rider simply dominated this summer and it's no wonder he was crowned champion. Dean Wilson was the rider of the year this summer.

· With Wilson’s dominant victory at Pala to cap off his breakthrough season, Mitch Payton’s Pro Circuit team was able to take the overall win at all 12 rounds, marking the first time in history a team has collectively accomplished such a feat. Additionally, Wilson and his teammates, Tyla Rattray and Blake Baggett, swept the championship podium -- something that hasn’t been done in the modern era of the sport. In all, it was the most one-sided performance by a single team in a time when parity is at the highest point in many years. Payton’s effort has set the standard since the '90s and managed to raise the bar yet again in 2011.

· Kevin Windham’s calling to be a part of the nationals yet again was huge from a fan standpoint, and added to the veteran rider’s legacy. He simply went out to have fun, and saw some great results in the end.

· Brett Metcalfe’s first career win was long overdue, and made for one of the most heartwarming moments of the year when a rider who’s worked so hard, for so long, finally get a taste of success.