Ducati Monster Forum

As the topic states I thought I would retire my old "late season race stuff" thread and start a new thread about anything race or race bike related. The 2009 race season will be very interesting in many ways. Lots of X factors out there. Worldwide economy in the dumpster, lots of teams and riders still up in the air, Haga to cheer for instead of Bayliss, Nicky in MotoGP, AMA/DMG US racing series with all it's changes... even auto racing will be weird with Honda of all folks pulling out of F1. Crazy stuff.

Find something interesting, old stuff, new stuff, rumors, results, opinions, etc. please post them up. I'll start it out with a great archive story about one of my favorite Ducatis that I have yet to own. I remember a friend in North Richland Hills getting the first 851 I saw and him dropping it in his garage (probably due to all the excitement!!) not even an hour after buying it and crushing the side fairing!!! It still hurts today retelling the story.

Enjoy...

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2002-Aug/020808_851.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2002-Aug/020808_851.htm)

So, who do we know with a big screen TV & a sub to Speed Channel?!?

You're halfway there, PLUS you have Rock Band! Brilliant!!!

http://www.dishnetworkproducts.com/articles/speed-channel.php (http://www.dishnetworkproducts.com/articles/speed-channel.php)

Now, if every DFWM DMFer can just send me $5.

each month  ;D

We have Speed Channel and the TV's.  We also have a DVR to record the 1 am races  [thumbsup]  Would love to host race parties  [beer]

Can you move closer to Dallas please. That'd be great.  [thumbsup] ;D

MotoPia's right out... Membership only :P

Would love to join you for race parties at your house [thumbsup]

 :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

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Yep

From what I understand, you can take advantage of the cafe and lounge IF you're getting something done in the garage.

We can do some race parties at our place too!

Yep, Race Central over here as well... 62" DLP TV with tivo... Not much in the way of seating for a big group, but hey, we're not $100.00/mo. either  [cheeky]  Could be a good opportunity for another Boyd's BBQ  [evil]

O.K., my apologies to Brian for this minor thread jack...

Here is a VIDEO link of the brand new Ferrari F1 car with Filippe Massa at the helm doing a lap around Fiorano (Ferrari factory test track). 

Turn up the sound - it rocks.

Oh and the video is taken from Massa's helmet cam  :o    Always look where you want to go    Very cool stuff, especially if your Italian isn't rusty!  [laugh]   

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/14/pics-and-video-scuderia-ferrari-f60-gets-on-track/ (http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/14/pics-and-video-scuderia-ferrari-f60-gets-on-track/)

THREAD JACK OFF   ;D

spoke to Patrick last night and he isn't a member.  He might do the $25 a month thing that is only for weekends and invite us all.  OR we could all send Metcalf $5, as he suggested, and he can buy a full membership and invite us all any day of the week....just saying.

Reading the press blurb on the new GP9 unveiling, I noticed one of the sponsors they mention is Gatorade.it.  Turns out Pepsico Italia has sponsored them since '06.  Small world (I work for Pepsico)

That and other neat facts from the unveiling here
http://www.ducaticorsefriends.com/ (http://www.ducaticorsefriends.com/)

(http://www.ducaticorsefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/hayden_suppo_guareschi_stoner.jpg)

 8) Cool Link  Stan - thanks !  [thumbsup]

Link to a free MotoGP video of the Desmosedici GP9 unveiling at Wroooom:
http://www.motogp.com/en/videos/2008/Ducati+Marlboro+unveil+the+new+Desmosedici+GP9 (http://www.motogp.com/en/videos/2008/Ducati+Marlboro+unveil+the+new+Desmosedici+GP9)

Stay tuned until you get past the breakdancing and the embarrassed mumblings of our brave boys Casey and Nicky, and you'll see some pretty decent closeups of the bike.

John

I love that stuff too.  We went to the 2004 Monterrey Historics, Pebble Beach, Italian Concorso, etc.  You definitely should pick a year and go when your favorite marque is featured.  We've been wanting to take a trip out to west Texas and see Jim Hall's Chaparral museum.  Another racing development genius.

That was pretty cool. I sent it to my Dad who's a big Nascar fan and passed on the instructions to turn up the sound, to which he replied, "Too bad the Italian couldn't keep his mouth shut.".  [clap] [laugh]

It would be a nappy drive, but I'd love to see the museum [thumbsup]

That is so sad.  It would have been a great experience to have taken the class as Spencer was very highly regarded.

cdc

I read in the Trackday section that the AMA RedBull Rookies Cup is canceled as well...

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=17991.0

I've often wondered this too, how can a relatively new(?) drink company afford to be major sponsors of all the racing they're involved in, including Red Bull and Toro Rosso Formula 1 teams!!  There's got to be more to that story.  Maybe they are laundering money for the Mob.

trust me they make a lot of money... maybe here in US isn't that popular but in Europe and the rest of the world is HUGE...
jager bomb is one of the most popular hard drinks

this is from Wikipedia

that would be 12billion dollars(?) or Euros with average $3 a can... :-X

they sell also Apparel in PUMA stores

Love the new avatar setup G!
Son-unit and I went to The Red Bull X-Fighters last summer and let me tell you, they had to have a million bucks just to build and then remove those mountain courses they jump over!

The Russian mob...

Yep, Xander and I went also...  Was a blast and not too hot...

the x-fighter thing looked cool; a friend of mine went and said it was a good time.  or maybe that was the other show...where they did the combo with freestyle motocross and bmx riders.

the redbull soapbox thing always looked cool, too.  bit less extreme, though, but definitely a good time.  too bad those won't be in dallas any time soon.

I posted this over on TSAT just now; thought it wouldn't hurt to post it here too:



Just saw this deal:

http://www.panozmerchandising.com/RoadAtlanta/ViewProduct.aspx?PRODUCTID=942008144212984 (http://www.panozmerchandising.com/RoadAtlanta/ViewProduct.aspx?PRODUCTID=942008144212984)

It's a 2008 embroidered AMA Superbike polo shirt from last years's race at Road Atlanta.  $25.00    And here's the ladies version (also 25 bills):

http://www.panozmerchandising.com/RoadAtlanta/ViewProduct.aspx?PRODUCTID=8112008154651765 (http://www.panozmerchandising.com/RoadAtlanta/ViewProduct.aspx?PRODUCTID=8112008154651765)

I've ordered several things from this website over the years and their on the up and up 

Valentine's Day is on the way  


Yeah, I know it's an AMA event but... when was the last time you saw a 100% cotton, embroidered polo shirt with ANY racing theme for 25 bucks?!?  [laugh]

 [beer]

unfurtunately duhamel and hacking join a growing list of racers looking for work. right now big companies are afraid of the markets. not just here but everywhere and it isn't fair to those involved. however as a cheap plug did anyone see the new name for the usac midgets. they now have the mopar midgets and ford focus series.

Can someone please give me the run-down on AMA Superbike for this year?  Is it still the same four Japanese manufacturers or did half of 'em get pissed off and go somewhere else?   [roll]   WSBK still sounds reasonably healthy (even though Bayliss is retired, dammit!  [laugh]  ).  MotoGP doesn't have Kawasaki as I understand it... or did they leave WSBK?

Crap, you need a score card to keep all this straight for '09  :-\

I thought I heard Pegram was moving up to 1098/1198, but don't know for sure.  Aren't they eligible this year in USA?

Hmmm, very interesting.  I always "make time" for watching WSBK; GREAT racing bar none, IMHO.  As far as Pegram goes, when I was in AMS the other day talking with Scott, he did mention Pegram would be on a Duc in Formula Extreme...

It's all starting to come together for me now; I clearly need to brush up on my moto series race situation for '09 so I'm not totally useless in conversation  [laugh]   But I do know for certain we should be back to racing here pretty quick: WSBK is off on March 1, then MotoGP in mid-April.  Throw in some F1 and I'm a happy camper  [thumbsup]

If I recall Ron is correct that the Pegram team will be on a 1x98(R) varietial for the next season. That platform should meet the reqs for the series now

We need a wsbk kickoff party...  I might join up as a weekend motopia member for this...

I do miss Motopia, dammit.

what rule changes have been made to ama? because if it's gonna be the same crap as last year i am out on it. it was terrible. there were two races. whos' gonna finish first and who's gonna finish third and that was it.

No, it's not going to be the same, the AMA organizers made sure of that... Instead of being Mladin's blue and white Yoshi GSXR at the front it will be Mladin's black and green Rockstar-sponsored GSXR.  How cool is that?! 

Let's hear it for the AMA Suzuki Superbike (ASS) class!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Yea  :P

well i know how my wife works and if she is as tough as mine then the answer would be....... scowl looking face.... peircing geen eyes of anger kinda squintin....."try asking me one more time and if you do i'm gonna flatten the side of your head with this d#$! frying pan."  remember  my knee surgery. yeah i asked a few weeks ago if i could play softball this year and this was the answer i recieved. then again it wasn't worth 3 million!!!!!

If you have not seen it, Stoner beating Massa and others  in an ice kart race at the wrooom event.
http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motogp-stoner-tops-massa-in-ice-kart-race/ (http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motogp-stoner-tops-massa-in-ice-kart-race/)

Video that I can't embed here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1As2ddi1Kqw

This link is not motorcycle related but it is Formula 1, which sometimes qualifies as "racing"  [laugh]   And as I recall, I'm not the only F1 nut rolling around out here so check this out; it's a comphrensive, pictoral listing of the technical changes required for this year's F1 teams.  Everything from Kenetic Energy Recovery systems (anytime the brakes are applied, the kenetic energy is transferred to on-board batteries that can be used to "boost" the engine like a turbocharger) to all the various areas of reductions in aerodynamic down force.  The cars look exactly like darts... 

ANY FRIGGIN' WAY, here ya' go:   http://www.formula1.com/news/technical/

Opening round is March 29th, Australian GP.

Forza Ferrari !

 

Rossi gets stitches in his hand and foot.....  not the throttle hand at least!
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2009/Valentino+Rossi+has+received+stitches+to+his+left+hand+and+left+foot+after+a+slight+accident+at+his+home+in+Italy (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2009/Valentino+Rossi+has+received+stitches+to+his+left+hand+and+left+foot+after+a+slight+accident+at+his+home+in+Italy)

I confess, I've been an F1 nut ever since Mario's John Player Special won the Championship in 1978 albeit a saddened season for the only American to ever win an F1 championship.

(http://files.conceptcarz.com/img/Lotus/78_Lotus_79_DV-06-WG_b01.jpg)

(http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z234/n2f/koyama_580.jpg)

Just ran across this tidbit (relates to my F1 post earlier):

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/02/05/ktm-used-kers-system-on-125-gp-bike-last-year/ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/02/05/ktm-used-kers-system-on-125-gp-bike-last-year/)

Looks like the KTM 125cc MotoGP team LAST SEASON had already used a kenetic energy recovery system (KERS) on one of its bikes...  So much for F1 being "the pinnacle of motorsports technology."  [laugh]

I can't wait to see how this new KERS technology impacts the consumer motorcycle market; the more you brake, the faster you'll be able to go.  Should be the next greatest thing since traction control and ABS brakes.

great racing will a;ways be missed and your other answer is NO!!!


does it really matter? the guy could prob lose an arm and still ride circles around half the field.

dont care about nascar so i sit here waiting......... [bang]  [bang]   [bang]  when is the first race again the first right? man and i gotta freaking work ride that day.

Well, Chris, Daytona Bike IS this week! That can only be one thing. The start of the seson is at hand! I was checking out the TV schedules and it seems that there are several programs on this week that showcase bikes. You'll have to check out SpeedTV for most of it. Superbikes on SpeedTV has a program on this week featureing Indy Moto GP in fact I'm watching at this moment as I type. Of course it's really oriented towards the stunt/custom bikes but it does have some stuff on the GP this week.

Then again, a little thread-jacking here, you can get that same voyeuristic pleasure of watching sports competitions with surfing competition on FuelTV in HD is way cool and super satisfying to watch this time of year. In fact I think Fuel has the Billabong from Hawaii this week. (surfing hand sign) Thread jack signing off...

Very cool.  I'd love to see Spies do well... Of course I'd rather see Haga do better   [cheeky]

Good stuff, fastwin, thanks for posting [thumbsup]

So is Pegram running the 1098 in Formula Xtreme?

How about this Brian?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCklVVSk3nM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCklVVSk3nM)

have a look here too, this is a steal
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1040706314.html (http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1040706314.html)

so this (i would bought that if i had the extra money )

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1036100664.html (http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1036100664.html)

Very cool, thanks!  So is this "AMA Pro Racing American Superbike Championship" series different from the '08 Mladin/Spies Benefit Series that most people think of as AMA Superbike?

I guess it really doesn't matter.  If there's a Ducati running out there, good enough reason to hit an AMA race at some point this season.  How close do they get to Texas?  Miller Motorsports Park maybe?

Spies and Mladin where ahead just because they where better riders  than the rest...

This year will be a joke, Superstock bikes labeled as Superbikes.....  [puke] [bang]

Hey, fastwin, I've forgotten- what was the address of that storage bldg. again?!? ;D

i can handle the mines if someone can take care of the tiger issue.

i remember about the LTD i cant belive you sold it!! i want an 85-87 GSXR750 so bad... i have to finish my Katana1100 first. Since i moving to Greece this fall and bikes in Europe are plentyfull ill give some old school bikes (first on the list the GPz900R)

Just a few more days until WSBK starts

Link to PI testing... Go Fabrizio/Haga/Spies [thumbsup]
http://www.worldsbk.com/pubb_EN/news_ext.php?id=2946 (http://www.worldsbk.com/pubb_EN/news_ext.php?id=2946)

Very cool.  Looks like a very intersting season, especially with new entries from BMW and Aprillia.  Guess I was asleep when Triumph jumped into Super Sport with the 675... Should be some GREAT race watching!

Thanks for the link  [thumbsup]

this is wrong Rea did the best lap on his TenKate CBR



Spies never been on this track and he just had maybe 100 laps on his New to him (and his Tech guys) R1 and he does some amazing laps (Rea raced WSS last year) The only reason for Spies to lose the title this year is the new tracks... the Kid is Fast...  the next American GP champion... remeber that! ;)

I'm definately geeked about the new season. I'm glad aprillia and BMW are in it to win it (so to speak). I thought KTM was going to campaign the RC8. Was I mistaken or did something happen? Just checked the DVR, it is set!
Steve

SUNDAY SUNDAY SUNDAY!!!  [popcorn] [bacon] [drink] [beer] [moto]

Melandri on Hopper:

"Hopkins has given up: in his opinion money is more important, while now we have to race for nothing," said Melandri. "I'm ready to invest in myself. I'll be alone."

Hopper wanted no part of this "satellite" operation.  I think its sad, because if you've ever been to his site or seen anything he's published, the man is not educated beyond fourth grade by any means imo.  Instead of at least being a man and going out there to do his job, he's just going to sit on his butt.  I hope his career is finished.  I like Melandri's attitude.  He wants to race and still has something to prove.  Hopper has never been much of anything in GP, so I'm really surprised he's going to waste the opportunity to stay on a bike.... whether or not its fully backed by a factory.

thats the way alot of those guys are when it comes to it. they start off for the love of it but somewhere down the line it all changes and that's a shame.

To be fair to Bayliss... he never really had a very good bike or situation in GP.  Still, he surely wasn't in the kind of form he displayed in wsbk.

Hopper just disappoints me.  There are so many people that would give for any kind of ride in the GP paddock, and he'd rather sit on his butt instead of at least try.  I know he wouldn't win on the Kawi with this situation, but he wouldn't have won on it with full factory support either.  He knew that going in anyway.  Just go ride and have fun for gosh sakes.

she couldn't do that because with the competition in that series forever is a long time. however she should pull his punk card and ask him how he feels sitting not doing what you "love" to do. the fans aren't stupid and they can see your full of sh@#. who cares if you dont win at least you will get some respect for just racing and pushing the bike and himself to their limits. who knows there could be a race like indy where the weather isn't perfect and some guys falter and suddenly he's on the podium. is it the way you want to be on there, of course not. but crazy things happen in racing and it could happen. maybe he gets that one day where everything lines up; some guys have problems, his bike is really good, it's a track he likes alot. bottom line he has forgot what it's like to just get out and ride sometimes. you know what screw him tell them i'll do it just buy the plane tickets, some food for my friends and leave them some tickets at will call we are on our way. i may finish laps down but when you see the grin on my face afterwards you will no it was all worth it!!!  [moto]   ;D    ;D    ;D

Check out elbowz performance in the superpole  [beer]

Ben and his Yamaha will do it this year, good to see Baggi competitive, looks like Aprilia build a nice and fast bike! [clap]

For those who cant wait for the Stupid Speed TV try www.justin.tv or http://www.worldsbk.com i just finsihed watch live Superpole on Wsbk website for free! [bow_down]

(http://www.superbikeplanet.com/yamiow/image.jpg)

GO ELBOZ!!!!

Remember no spoilers unless noted!  I'm recording the race ( the first one on speed anyway ).  Can't watch it until Sunday night.  Speed is showing race 1 and 2, plus supersport on tuesday though.

I don't know why I don't like Spies.  He seems really nice, and he's fast as shit.  I have no reason.  And yet, I don't, and I won't be rooting for him.  Maybe I'll come around...

Are we getting together to watch this somewhere?  Should I pony up a motopia weekend membership and we can meet there?  What's the word, race fans?!?!?!

how much is the weekend pass?  I'd be interested as well.

my son and a couple of his friends can confirm how much of a great guy that spies is. they all three now have shirts and will be watching at my house. i will be pulling for the texas raised kid.

I just watched all 3 Races (SK1-SK2-SS) online and Free  www.worldsbk.com

Good stuff, race two was Even better than Race one and Supersport was just amazing , you have to watch SS if you like road racing!

F%$% Speed TV [laugh] [puke]

Believe it's 25/mo, weekend access only.  Going down today to sign up.  Who's up for racewatch at motopia?

I'd be in for watching the race anywhere... is SPEED showing both races or is it a split telecast?

I only see one race on Speed....

Bah, just race 1 [bang]

Looks like I'll be using worldSBK.com to watch the races this season

I've already read the results from the weekend and want to see how it all panned out

Include me in on this deal  [thumbsup]

I'm out.  to-be and I are needing some stuff so duty calls so I am recording the 3 o'clock race, although I can't find the next two races.  [bang]

Yeah, post up quick if this is going to happen so I'll have time to be there by race time  ;D

We are hosed...  Motopia has no satellite... So no tv, just video...

Turn on your tivo, and meet me at the dub at 3pm to TALK about racing...

If you dont have dialup try this link http://www.worldsbk.com/pubb_EN/sbkTV.php#

they saw pre race footage, no ads, and after race interviews, they even going to have SuperStock600 and 1000 this year online for free, Cant wait to see the European rounds because i know is just a mayem in those classes!

It says I'm not authorized to view content

Strange for me it works and im in Garland....  :-X

try this if you dont want to wait till Thusday to see it.... just use European Proxy on your browser

http://www.ghacks.net/2006/05/01/howto-watch-abc-tv-streams-outside-the-usa/ (http://www.ghacks.net/2006/05/01/howto-watch-abc-tv-streams-outside-the-usa/)

GREAT racing today...  Saw race 1 on speed and race 2 online...   Seat of your pants stuff...

Totally awesome racing  :o  I'll tape the other two SPEED broadcasts on Tuesday  [thumbsup]

Anyone have plans to watch Daytona live this Friday night? I know that Eurosport Cycle has an event planned with burgers and the race on the big screen at 7:30. I'd think that getting there earlier to eat and drink some beers would be in order. Any takers?

Here's the Speed Channel schedule:

Next EpisodeFri Mar 6 @ 8:30pm ET
The Daytona 200       
Schedule date time 
03/06 8:30pm ET The Daytona 200 
03/07 2:00am ET The Daytona 200 
03/11 12:00pm ET The Daytona 200 
03/12 2:30am ET The Daytona 200     

Watching the first race at Phillips Island last night was very exciting. I thought for a moment the pass at the end by Haga was him bumping the back end of Norkirchsnerhiemelbachzimmerstien ??? But it was just a hicup on his part and not Haga's fault. Brilliant!

all 3 races were excellent. memo to ducati and haga.......i think your biggest threat in the title hunt won race 2 and looked really good doing it.

So... isn't that the same Suzuki Corser was on last season   :-\   Go Ben Spies!

Haga is awesome.  He's been awesome for like 100 years.  How old is that guy anyway?!?   [laugh]  (Wait!  He's prolly younger than me...  [bang]  ).

40's

But not as sweet and nice looking as you  :-[  :-*  [laugh]

So, has anyone solidified any plans for the Daytona race Friday night? Is there a party? Eurosport Cycle? Shack in the country? Bar? Nothing?  :-X

I'm at home w/fam. nights.  Usually.  And this would be one of those usual times  ;)  So nothing personal against Daytona or the AMA... O.K. maybe the AMA  [laugh]

Sounds like there's a lot of potential for race-watching out there tho.

 [beer]

I think Haga said during the press conference that his burfday was Monday and he's 34.  Talk about old, how about Corser?!

I read Pegram was clocked at 199.9 mph on the 1098R at daytona. Fastest SBK so far! Who says a twin can't make some hp's??!!

Yeah, all 3 races were awesome (and by the way: Howdy everyone!).

How about ant west?  Underpowered by a HUGE margin on the straight, and still fighting for the win!


Lisa, Spies is on a Yamaha, right? Can't be the same suzuki if it's a yamaha!  :P 
You must be thinking of Neukirchner, but I think he's on a 09 GSXR.  But yeah, full factory bike for a change, as opposed to the half spec he had last year.

But, how about Laconi?  Back to life on a Duc...

Corser and Suzuki? last time Corser raced the GSXR1000 was 2005 i think and he won the championship that year..



haga born 75 so he is 33 going 34... Started SBK in 98 Full time aboard the brand new back then R7

max Neu had 07 bike for the first 4-5 races then Suzuki gave him an 08 bike, this year pretty much everyone is on 09 bikes

I think is a bit early to call haga a champion this year Checa is strong so are the Suzuki guys, the Aprilia arent slow neither and Rea will have a go later this year...

HA!  Well there ya' go; 'splains ever-thang  [bang]  [laugh]  Go Ben Spies (still!)

Even Spies said he doesn't think the ama series will last much longer...

amazing what poor management can do.

Why the heck are 600s racing in the Daytona 200??!!??!! That is supposed to be the premier US SUPERBIKE race!  That means the big bikes!

And how the heck is a 1125(?) Buell equivalent to a 600? That should mean a 1098 and an 848 are eligble. So confused. Where's my beer

848 where eligble... http://www.bikesportnews.com/_media/_pdf/2009_AMA_Pro_Road_Race_Program.pdf (http://www.bikesportnews.com/_media/_pdf/2009_AMA_Pro_Road_Race_Program.pdf) page 9

I think the race was pretty good lots of action and the last 5 laps where great.. Much more bikes cometing for the win and it will more fun in other rounds with tighter course...

Good Job BBoz! [clap] [clap] [clap] [bow_down]

Here's a pretty cool article on the history of WSBK for those like me who are clueless.

http://www.autoevolution.com/sport/world-superbike/history/ (http://www.autoevolution.com/sport/world-superbike/history/)

SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Don't read unless you've already watched the race  ;D


Yeah, that had me goin' too, it's like one giant "open-class."  I guess it doesn't matter if the AMA can get even half that many bike entries for the rest of their races this season it will make for tons better racing. The rule makers will probably want to do something with the twin-cylinder bikes to bring a bit more parity there tho.  And those 675s too - that would be cool to see Triumph up at the sharp end of the grid. 

I watched the whole race (which was kind of weird for me since I usually don't make more than the opening lap on most of this AMA stuff... Don't get me started  [laugh] ) and thought it was excellent.  That pace car crap with Bostrom there at the end was bad, but other than that, good close racing.

And one other thing for those "in the know"; did I understand the commentators to say anyone could show up and race Daytona?  I think that's the way it is in the Rolex 24hrs at Daytona for sports cars and Prototypes but there's a 107% rule (all qualifying times must be within 107% of the pole sitter's time) to make sure you don't have dangerously slow people out there.  Is there a qualifying rule like that for AMA's Daytona race?

ANOTHER SPOILER ALERT!!!!!! DON'T READ IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE DAYTONA 200!!!!!

Totally sux for Josh.  I really wanted him to win it straight up this year.  Glad Boz got it though.  It was a good race.  Loved the hookup crash where the bikes got stuck together like two spaniels, and the rider was sliding backwards on the track on his hands and feet.  That's gonna be a classic!

Yeah, all he needed was metal toe sliders and he would have sparked  :o   

This is a bit better http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superbike_World_Championship (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superbike_World_Championship)

And Scott Russell won on a ZX7R (ZXR 750 in Europe) not a ZXF  [laugh]

And a bit more info, WSBK was the result of the World Formula 1 Series. That was a bike series where manufacters could enter with no limits 4 stroke machines only... last bike to win F1 was Bimota...

well at least it was competitive and not the yoshi show.

here comes the saying

Among the blind the one-eyed man is king

 Here's a nice shot of the BMW getting sideways...  I think that's Corser (Xaus is 111, right?) and Smrz on the 1198

(http://demotorsite.clint.be/images/stories/0903/090303_SBK-Phillip-1-01.jpg)

BTW, the above photo is courtesy of a belgian bike magazine's website

But just to show Xaus some love (this one is courtesy of Soup):
(http://superbikeplanet.com/image/2009/wsbk/phillipisland/1/z.jpg)

andrae great pics!!! [thumbsup]

just saw an interview with ben bostrom and he says that he believes the 600 class will thrive with the new management but is still not sold on the pace car. as i am not after still trying to figure out why they waved him by. they still need to get some serious fan input and consider it. maybe try to go to a few more tracks rather than the same ones. dont get me wrong miller, road atlanta and etc are great tracks but they are missing everyone on bikes from eastern az. to ark and louisiana up to ok. they got what 13 total races and 3 are in cali with 2 at daytona. with the money that the ownership has an investment in a track closer to the southern middle states seems very wise to me.

To go in those places they have to have decent tracks, AMA wouldnt never race in Cresson, too small not so safe.

they go to California because there where the Motorcycle world in US lives (magazines, Corporations, Clothing and part companies and a Shit load a lot more people who ride bikes and follow racing, sadly but true!)

They also race

Utah
Alabama
Atlanta
Wisconsin
Ohio
Kansas
Virginia
New Jersey

for 2009

and why the hell not in TX? 

Where in TX? Cresson? to small... Eagles Canyon in the middle of Nowhere and  lack of Stands etc.....

I'm sure if they showed interest stands would be added and/or a new track built.  didn't some guys try building a track near Denton a while ago?  I remember getting something looking for investors; like I had the cash for that.

Houston. 

(http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z234/n2f/arial_07MSRHouston.jpg)

This picture was taken several years ago right after MSR-Houston opened.  It's been further developed since.  Several configurations possible - just like Cresson.  All the hotels and major airports are close.

I remember when Texas Motor Speedway opened in 1999, a marketing research company had said Texas had the largest untapped motorsports market in the country.  If the Cresson tracks don't pass muster for major-league motorcycle racing, it won't be long before someone steps up to the plate and sorts it out. 

I also have heard that the 1.1 mile infield road course at TMS is getting reconfigured so the facility can attract more racing series - not just NASCAR and IRL.  I always assumed they were shooting for the sports prototype endurance series (like American Le Mans, etc.) but maybe they're ultimately shooting for bikes... Something along the lines of the night race at Daytona  [evil]  If you put the infield together with all the banking and front straight of the NASCAR track, it's a 2.9 mile lap...

Make it so!!!!!!!!!

 [bow_down]

Eagles Canyon is in Decatur close to Denton...

But still EC is in the middle of Nowhere....  [bang] [popcorn] 

Yeah, I think Eagles Canyon could one day be another Laguna Seca, all it needs is hotels, big roads leading to it, maybe a town  [bang]  Nothing that a booming economy won't cure...

yes Miller is 27 miles  far from SLC but there are a few smaller towns around but   Miller also won best new race track worldwide a couple years ago, so being a great race facilty wins over distance from a big city. Im not saying EC is bad but last time we where there didnt have much of runoff areas (rocks dont qualify as runoff) had a small cafe which wouldnt work if 5000 people show up, didnt have any covered padocks and no grandstands or RV parking spots...

please read the last line of my previous statement. i did not say just come on out. it said an INVESTMENT would be a wise choice. like a TMS or houston or somewhere near OKC. you could get people from ark,tex and ok. there. short trip from all three places plenty of hotel space. i would go there, tulsa , houston , austin even little rock or shreveport. but not all the way to kansas. have you ever ridden in kansas or northern ok how flipping boring would that trip be.

Is anyone here OLD enough to remember Texas International near College Station?   [popcorn]

How far is that from Texas World Speedway?

My bad. Oops! couldn't remember the name. Not saying your old or anything...  [popcorn]

Acutally I used to wrench for a friend's race team down there during the SCCA season in the late '70's early 80's. Track never seemed to get off the ground the way the owners intended it to.

see post below for groveling...

Check this out Brian...

http://fordflashback.com/dims.asp (http://fordflashback.com/dims.asp)

Interesting stuff  [thumbsup]

While we're on the subject of semi-local tracks, does anyone know what the current ownership situation is at TWS?  I heard a few years back that the son of the original owner, sold it to a local group of investor/racing enthusiasts (Ferrari of Houston ties if I recall).  At the time it was greeat because most people who were familiar with the owner's situation were thinking he would sell the entire property to a developer who would buldoze the place and turn it into a neighborhood   [roll] PH-fft!!! [laugh]

At least TWS is still a viable track - even if it's not quite up for MotoGP or AMA, it is still an awseome road racing circuit for the masses  [moto]

Definitely still a great roadracing track, for both the cars and the bikes (but not at the same time :) )

I heard the same rumors 1-2 years ago about the track being sold to someone who was going to scrape it.  Seems like a pretty good cash cow.  They're operating nearly every weekend, with either racing, club stuff, or teams testing.  About the only maintenance is hosing down the crappers and recharging the TP rolls.  Never heard what happened regarding the rumor, but it's still on the racing schedules for 2009.

Not that old, just been racing there for the last 13 years or so   [moto] [bacon]

How did you know?  [beer]

is that warm in Belgium?  ? ;D

Like that's a really tough guess....  :P




 [beer]

Is that club racing with Ferraris for the last 13 years?

Nope, that would be fun though

Yeah... well... no.  not really. [roll]  Cold and wet, but that shouldn't stop us from sitting on patios and whistling away, should it?  ;D 


And so it shall be!  To be honest me and some friends have been on a Guinness and Kilkenny streak, but the odd Westmalle or Grimbergen still makes it through... 

BTW, if you guys ever have a chance, try a beer called "Bons Vœux" (actually 'avec les bons vœux de la brasserie Dupont' but who has the time to call it by its full name?)  I think Central Market type places might carry it.  Fantastic brew!
(http://www.brasserie-dupont.com/Dupont/Images/BonsVoeux.jpg)

But I digress.  Not the thread to be talking about brews...  I think there's a 100+ page thread for that!!!





Superpole is tomorrow, right?

By the way, last I heard Gus was slaving away at his work.  70 hour weeks, no weekend, etc...  I haven't actually talked to him in a couple of months!  Guess they're having him work enough to make up for all the jobs that got cut...

It looks like the 999USA is going to have to wait a while to be ridden again... shame!

Oh, btw... I just picked up a French bike magazine (L'Intégral) and they have a nice 6 page article on NCR.  Couple of full page shots in there.  Highly suggest picking one up.  Nice way to brush up on that french too!

I think we're all in total agreement (even Gus).  But that seems to be the nature of financial auditing in a time of downsizing... Or maybe at any time.  It's f'ed up, that's for sure.

"forensic auditing" that's where it's at   [roll]   Sorry to hear Gus is so buried with work.  But...

How ya' doin' Andre?!  Fun to follow some of your shenanigans on this thread.  Yeah, I'm seriously jealous  [laugh]  Oh well; when are back to D/FW?  Ever?  [evil]

Lisa

P.S. 

(http://www.brasserie-dupont.com/Dupont/Images/BonsVoeux.jpg)

You know, I think I saw some of this the other day when I was at the store - wedged right between the Keystone Light and Pabst Blue Ribbon.  Didn't know what it was so I just went with the Keystone; why mess with success?


P.S.P.S.

When is superpole? 

 [evil]

Hey Lisa!

I'm doing well, surviving the M.A. so far, so no complaints  [thumbsup].  Life's on hold for a bit, while I finish my thesis, but I'm hoping on a trip to Paris to either celebrate the completion or to get away from the thesis for a couple of days.  I'm not sure when I'll be back for good, might be next christmas (unlikely), the summer after that, or maybe 2011...  It all depends on how far I go with the grad work.  I think I'll brave it out for another master's after this one (maybe literature, maybe a pre-docish master's in philosophy).  So that's all up in the air for now... Gotta finish one before going to the other, right?

I might be back for a little while over the summer, but that seems unlikely as well.  I think I need to improve my french (quite a bit) so I might just stick around for that.  At least I've given up on Dutch and German for now, so life should be a little simpler!

Oh, I think superpole just ended.  I just got home to that little red light on my DVR, so hopefully it's all going to be there [popcorn]!  Man, I hope I get to go to a race this year!

p.s.  I think I saw a bottle of Saison Dupont (same brewery as the Bons Vœux) at the Central Market in Plano this xmas...  So there's hope  you might see a Bons Vœux some where!

Yeah, just watched superpole. Twas a doozie!  [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup]

Very nice to see the commentators in the french Eurosport having nothing but good things to say about Spies (and even trying to call him Elbowz  ;D)!  Smrz was on fire, Kiyonari tucked the front on turn two of his first hot lap, and the Ducati Corse guys seemed to have phoned this one in.  Byrne put in a good effort, as did Nakano.

No big accidents, which was nice to see, and overall a nice spectacle. 

Hope I didn't give too much away in terms of spoilers...  But if you do want spoilers, here it goes:  (Pole - Spies. 2nd - Smrz. 3rd Biaggi.  Then: Haga, Sykes, Nakano, Checa, Byrne.)

André

You should try to see the pole lap on youtube if possible.  He smashed the record by .8 of a second, and was wrestling the bike out of corners.  Great to watch!

Really a pity we don't have Bayliss in there for some prespective; wonder if he'll be tempted out of retirement what with all the hub-bub?  [laugh]  And I guess, more importantly, if our home-grown talent walks away with everything this year, how long will he even bother with WSBK?  Put him on the D16GP7 I say!

Looks like the best lap video hasn't been posted yet.

Here's the link for the highlights (doesn't have the full pole lap, though):

http://infrontsp.rd.llnwd.net/a1386/o16/Free/WorldSBK/2009/BlockUS/20090312_SBK_LOSAIL_SUPERPOLE_HL.wmv?MSWMExt=.asf (http://infrontsp.rd.llnwd.net/a1386/o16/Free/WorldSBK/2009/BlockUS/20090312_SBK_LOSAIL_SUPERPOLE_HL.wmv?MSWMExt=.asf)

from what I've read, his wife might have something to say about that.

Ben Spies is on Fire i wouldnt compare him with Bayliss just because is a different Era, For example you cant compare bayliss with Polen etc etc.... Different Era different riders...

Ben is there for something good and his target is to replace Vale when he retires in a couple years.... Ben will get a Factory m1 in MotoGP!

---

No reason to have Spoilers here just because SpeedTV will never show Superpole   [laugh] [bang] Tks God for worldsbk TV! [bow_down]

---

How about Biaggi and Nakano, Brand new bike second race and he puts this thing in top 3!!!

If Fabrizio keeps riding like that he is off and Smrz is On the factory team, Ducati never keeps uncopetitive riders for longer than 2 seasons! :-X Same goes for Nicky, if he doesnt deliver by the mid of this seasson he will is going to look for a new ride for 2010! [coffee]



For those who cant wait for SuckTV try this link is pretty simple to make it work... just basic copy paste on the browser tools..
http://www.sportbikes.net/forums/general-sportbikes/412474-how-watch-wsbk-races-wsbk-website-get-around-speed-channel-block.html (http://www.sportbikes.net/forums/general-sportbikes/412474-how-watch-wsbk-races-wsbk-website-get-around-speed-channel-block.html)


(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3177/2971188009_1017bcea0e_b.jpg)

(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/222/484305155_7fac12d787_o.jpg)

They didn't have Mac instructions.  I tried it anyway, but I couldn't get my system to transfer to the proxy IP address.

Yeah, great races!  This year will be freaking amazing!   [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup]

I was just browsing crash.net, and they have some nice photos of the weekend.  Here's a few:

(http://pix.crash.net/motorsport/710/PA552155.jpg)

(http://pix.crash.net/motorsport/710/PA552291.jpg)

(http://pix.crash.net/motorsport/710/PA552288.jpg)

(http://pix.crash.net/motorsport/710/PA552560.jpg)

Hmmm, guess Hopper found something to do this year afterall. Looks like we'll be seeing him next weekend at Valencia. The plot thickens...

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Mar/090319m01qa.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Mar/090319m01qa.htm)

too late titty baby. hey lets play a game. it's called go outside, hide and go screw yourself. forget hopper he had a chance to do the right thing until something better came along.

you're not going to believe this but I saw this VERY setup in McKinney at my friend's shop yesterday. Guy comes in with mountains of stuff that's not even on the market and the exact same exhaust on his 09 R1.  anyway, heard the new bike and it sounds like a twin.  I'm gonna drop by his shop again and check the dyno numbers on the bike but there was no less than $10k worth of performance goodies from the GP guys. 

$10K worth of performance goodies from Race spec bikes isn't much.  The SBK spec forks (Ohlins FGR900)are like $10k alone

uhm, it already had Ohlins  :o.  talking computer gadgets and engine hardware

I highly doubt a stock '09 R1 comes with SBK spec forks.  All I could find that comes in regard to the R1 forks/shock are that they are made by SOQI, a Yamaha subsidiary.

I guess my point is $10k in race spec parts isn't much... YMMV

it's a hell of a lot to me  :P  that'll pay for my wedding at least.

BUT it did have Ohlins, I asked and checked.  still, the bike sounded amazing but it was Yami's puke blue.

Oh I agree completely, that's a lot of money to put into a streetbike.  But race-bikes are purpose built and shaving 1/10ths of seconds comes at a cost. 

I'm sure that R1 was sweet to see/hear. 

still nothing like a twin wide open though.  I'll trade torque for HP anyday!

It will be interesting to see how the US/AMA neutered Yamaha SBKs perform vs their World SBK brethren. Not head to head but within their respective series. Actually the magazine dyno numbers have been down on the new Yammi compared the the ZX10R and Gixxer but the "way it puts is power down" is the God send. Not high end HP numbers. Isn't that always the case? Personally I am very interested. If a new SBK is in my future it very well could be a new Yammi over any Duc that's offered. Just saying. I have all the Ducs I could ever want. They have nothing in their line up I want at this stage in my life. Just my devalued two cents. Which is probably worth like one cent.

well you better let me know if your "devalued" cents applies to pricing of Ducs in your stall. just saying ;)

Hah, get in line bub!

BOT, though.  That's a good question, Brian.  I'm not up-to-date on the spec differences between WSBK and AMA rules

who cares if someone (haga) doesn't get handle on spies this thing could be over quickly.

Yeah, don't want to see that. Not that it wouldn't be cool for Spies but these aren't a bunch of yahoos. These are the best in the world and every week someone always steps up to the plate. It may be their favorite track, best bike set up, whatever. Spies will have his work cut out for him at every race... make that both races at every track. Look at what Checa did at Miller last year. Granted, Bayliss threw it down and almost got run over by four bikes at a 100mph+. But that was Checa's day, he was unstoppable. Wasn't it Kiyonari's last year in England. Was that Donington Park? He kicked everyone's ass. Damn near everyone at that level has their day in the sun at some point. I just don't see Spies, as good as he and the bike are, walking away with it. Gonna be a killer season for sure. [thumbsup]

Spies will win every single race this year! [bow_down] Nobody ever did 3 out of 4 rounds Wins as a rookie before...   most of the rookies did 3 crashes in 4 races... [laugh]

So was Spies ever approached by Ducati to ride in WSBK?  Bet he was now.  Haga and Spies, anyone?   [evil]

good question Lisa.  why is it the most aggressive riders are with Yami?  I'd love to see Valentino and Spies, although I like Stoner but he's not nearly as crazy as the Doctor.

they hire the best.....

this year

or next

i dont see vale to Ride for Ducati any time soon...

if you read his book he said they approached him but he didnt like the idea of promotic Ducatis all day long when he isnt racing (he did that with Honda and he hated it)

Plus vale will stay for one more or two years in MotoGp and then Rally Racing...

Spies  Will try this year for the title and Yamaha might put him on a Tech 3 yamaha Replacment for Edwards, who's about to Retire anyway!

Danny Eslick might get a WSBK ride for 2010 with his good perofmrnaces this year.

Actually if i was Ducati i would  talk to Eslick for second rider replacment for Fabrizio [wine]


Oh and Daytona Class is going to be FUn this year, let the Sparks FLY!~http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=35928 (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=35928)

Yep, that was one interesting interview. [roll] Eslick looked like he was going to have to break up a fight or get stuck in the middle of one. Hacking certainly didn't do his team or sponsors any good acting like a prick. Fined and suspended. Nice. Makes me want to throw away my Arai Hacking replica helmet. Embarassing. :P

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/03/22/hacking-fined-suspended (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/03/22/hacking-fined-suspended)

i think if he (hacking) continued afterwards then he should be suspended. in order for a sport to grow you have to have good guys and bad guys. the bad guys however have to be clean racers and still respectful. i understand what they are trying to do and so far i believe they are really onto something with the daytona class. i also agree that new ownership comes in and says "hey this is how it's gonna be done irregardless who u are." there should be the one guy either everyone loves or loves to hate. the only example i can really think of is jeff gordon in his early days of nascar. everyone hated this kid because he drove so hard all the time and beat all the old gaurd, but he was respectful which garnered him much praise after several years. rossi is another good example. not everyone likes the guy but he races very hard and forces everyone to bring a lunch because it's a long day if your gonna beat up the doctor. which in my eyes is why not one person can say he sucks as a racer or he is a disrespectful racer. sure he rode stoner's arse at leguna. hey kid get up dust yourself off and go show this guy what you are made of. 

Good one Chris. [thumbsup] Good example using Gordon/NASCAR and Rossi is unbelievable. Who could argue with that. He'd podium on a Vespa. He transcends the brand of bike he rides. I've said it before, we are all lucky to be around during his reign to see him race. And have you ever seen anyone more entertaining during a post race interview? Does he ever stop having fun? I know it's really hard work but that guy knows he has the best job in the world for him. He's just fun to watch.

Anyway, does anyone know the history of the bad vibes between Hacking and DiSalvo? They've never been on the same team and I have never read about or have seen any crap between them on the track. You see that nonsense occasionally in NASCAR... bumping, hooking, fist fights after the wreck, fines, etc. But I had know idea Hacking was so pissy about DiSalvo and I agree with Jason, he didn't talk with Eslick during Hacking's interview. Eslick leaned over and said something to DiSalvo, but all he did was grin and nod. Never spoke. Weird. No not weird, stupid on Hackings part. The team should be furious at him.

Hacking was team mate with Disalvo when they raced AMA supersport for Yamaha..

They were? Guess I don't remember that. I have always associated Hacking with Kawis and DiSalvo with Yammihammers. I pay attention to AMA stuff but not that close. I can see that being the place where all this BS started. Hacking's too old to be acting that way. Expect that from some immature racer but I thought he knew better. I bet he knows it now. :P

Any plans for a watching party?

here is Hacking and Disalvo in Superstock  Hacker #2 Disalvo #40 Team Yamaha.

(http://www.goonrider.com/racing%20images/03%202006/99%2040%202%20SST.jpg)

I knew you were right and that pic does jog what's left of my memory. Like I said, for some reason I have Hacking stuck as a Kawi rider. Kind of like Duhamel/Honda or Mladin/Suzook. They must have had some sort of "issue" back then that maybe still exists today. But Hacking sure was acting weird through the whole press conference.  Major uptight body language, like he was looking for a scene. Oh well, pay the fine, serve the suspension and lets all move on.

I'm late to this party so...

When's the next race... and which series - AMA "Daytona-Class" or Super Sport, WSBK, MotoGP?  ;D

Good, interesting read on the abysmal state of AMA Pro Racing.

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/editorials/2009/03/26/editorial-chicanery (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/editorials/2009/03/26/editorial-chicanery)

Another good read, this one's about Mike the Bike!

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Mar/090326ingley.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Mar/090326ingley.htm)

Why is it that every single time I read anything about AMA Superbike (or whatever the hell it is these days), I end up just shaking my head, "geez, whatta waste..."? 

I agree with everything described, BUT, someone please just fix the freakin' series!  I think everyone concerned from a professional standpoint (i.e., the teams, sponsors, factories, etc.) have made it perfectly clear: the current rules suck.  So are the owners of the series waiting for the thing to implode in dramatic, This is The End kind of way, or do they think they've made responsible changes that will one day mature into something great?  Stranger things have happened, I suppose...

NOT!

Invest the time now in hiring people that care enough to save American motorcycle road racing, not when the thing's a smokin' heap propped up against a tire wall.

Sad indeed. The sponsors are not going to be happy and the promoters are not going to be thrilled either when tickets aren't sold. I am sure there will be a good race here and there. It's certainly not like the racers won't be trying but the article does voice the team's and rider's frustrations with the way things are being run. Maybe MIC should have put together their own series but the economy may very well have doomed that concept. Sad. 

Sorry but why the rules suck? Have you watched any of the races they where much better than any other year, yes Mladin still kicks ass but, maybe he is so much better than any  other else anymore, maybe they should Ban GSXRs and Australians from Compiting in AMA

the Daytona Class is fun and work for more than a handfull of bikes...

Japanese manufacters where pissed off next year they will be all over those series because GOOD RACING  in Sunday is GOOD SALES in Monday...


If the series is a mess how about last year where only GSXR1000 was competitive in SBK, only HONDA CBR600RR was competitie in FX, and finally only yamaha R6 was competitive in SS...

i would rather see Buell and Aprilia Mille than the same ol every weekend! [wine]

Formula 1 practice from Australia is on! Let the season begin!!

YE-SSSSSSS!  Thank God for Tivo  ;D   Set it for 7 hours of F1 related stuff over the next several days...  Ahh, I love Formula 1  :)

And it looks like there will be some surprises in F1 this year... I only caught the last 2 minutes of fp2 this morning, but will record the qualifying tomorrow. Or tonight.  However these time zone things work.

By the way, LCR honda will now run the Playboy logo!!!

(http://www.lcr.mc/Images/PageHeader/PLL_1806_CUT.jpg)

(http://www.lcr.mc/Images/PageHeader/PLL_2827-3_CUT.jpg)

(http://www.lcr.mc/Images/PageHeader/PLL_2815_CUT.jpg)

(http://www.lcr.mc/Images/PageHeader/PLL_2336_CUT.jpg)

more, not so safe for work pictures are up on their website: http://www.lcr.mc/ (http://www.lcr.mc/)

MotoGP might be saved after all  ;D

mo' photos, courtesy of www.playboy.it (http://):

(http://www.playboy.it/files/imagecache/fotogallery_big/photogallery/6/PLL_1806.jpg)

(http://www.playboy.it/files/imagecache/fotogallery_big/photogallery/6/PLL_2827.jpg)

(http://www.playboy.it/files/imagecache/fotogallery_big/photogallery/6/PLL_2007.jpg)

(http://www.playboy.it/files/imagecache/fotogallery_big/photogallery/6/PLL_3050.jpg)

quite a few, definately NSFW, photos up at: http://www.playboy.it/fotogallery/playboy-e-team-honda-lcr (http://www.playboy.it/fotogallery/playboy-e-team-honda-lcr)  [popcorn]

I'm sure there's a nice article in there too  [coffee]

disappointingly, Tech 3's photo shoot had no naked women, or monsters, to spice it up:

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3455/3388999793_23b18a4e1a.jpg?v=0)

 [roll]

boring :P

Aussie F1 qualifying is done!  This is going to be pretty interesting over the next few races as the behind teams try to catch up with the ones that figured it out already.  At least for now.  Don't want to imply any more than that.  The race should be interesting with those giant front wings.  Seems like they will be really vulnerable out there.   [bacon]

what were all the changes to F1?  and speaking of being vulnerable to the wind...it's going to be a pregnant dog riding later today.  glad i don't have fairings!   [thumbsup]

Today and tomorrow is IRTA MOTOGP tests the winner gets a BMW car...

see live times here http://www.motogp.com/ (http://www.motogp.com/)  or catch live action  on www.justin.tv (http://) (http://)  [thumbsup] i heard in Europe will be shown live so Andre will see it on his TV   [bang] [bow_down]



(http://resources.motogp.com/files/images/xy/2009/MotoGP/n497268_hayate_0.original.jpg)

looks like a healthy coat of armor all on those tires...   [roll]

that's a speed secret.
I think they started making the tire molds very smooth so they didn't have to use chemical release agents. So the tires are very smooth and polished looking.

I'll try to jot down the F1 changes later. Too hard on the iPhone, but its a bunch of big changes with aero and traction to improve passing.   The huge front wings are more vulnerable in turn 1 to other cars. I predict more than average wing damage.  ;D

French eurosport will show 1 hour of it tomorrow, so I'm recording that.   [thumbsup] [thumbsup]

nice shot of the hayate bike, hadn't seen a good one yet

gibernau's bike:

(http://pix.crash.net/motorsport/710/PA559253.jpg)

just plain UGLY! they should fire the graphic designer [bang] :-X ;D

Shocking news!!! Stoner switches to BMW!!! :o

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/03/29/stoner-wins-bmw-1 (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/03/29/stoner-wins-bmw-1)

 [clap]

F1 race was great, lots of passing, some unfortunate carnage, but very exciting, which is saying a lot for an F1 race!  No spoilers here, but the results were really unpredictable, a real tossup in qualifying and finishing positions.  Should be an interesting season.

The FIA really changed the formula this year, so the cars are very different.  The teams had to pretty much start from scratch, so some are obviously starting out better than others.  The main objective was to improve overtaking.  In recent years, the aerodynamics were dominant in the designs, and the results made for very difficult passing between cars of similar capability.  They had large rear wings, and lots of other aero devices that left a big wake behind the leading cars, and screwed up the effectiveness of the trailing car's aero, so they didn't have enough down force and traction to pass.

They also are trying to be more "green", so the teams have the option of incorporating a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS).  During braking, the KE lost can be recovered in an electrical or mechanical energy storage system, and the stored energy can be reused later in the lap for up to 6 seconds per lap.  It adds around an 80 hp boost.  Pretty cool.

They're also trying to reduce cost for the teams.  Not just because of the recent economy problems, but it's been too expensive for a long time, especially for the smaller support teams that don't have major automotive companies behind them.

Aero/Overtaking Changes:
Larger front wings for more downforce behind another car
Smaller rear wings to disturb the air less behind them
Fewer aero devices - barge boards, and other appendages
Slick tires!!  No more grooved tires, so more traction with rubber to make up for less aero downforce
Movable front wings - driver operated to adjust downforce and drag during turns and straights
Two required tire compounds are now two steps apart instead of adjacent compounds

Economic Changes:
Engines must last three races instead of two
Max rpms reduced from 19k to 18k to help engines last
Less testing
Less wind tunnel time

I know there are more changes, but those are the major ones I can remember.

Race plays again at 3:30 today (Sunday) on Speed.

DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN RACE!!!!


f1 race was awesome. love the new rule changes.
ferarri- tough luck
hamilton- dumb luck
kubica- just plain dumb
ross brawn- mucho congrats dude!!!

congrats to stoner!!!!
nice save nicky!!!

yeah, but did you see who got the blame??  BS in my opinion

That really was awesome stuff in Australia; I used to live and breath Ferrari F1 but since the whole grooved tire thing, Schumacher's retirement, then Ross Brawn bailing to Honda, I  had pretty much lost intrest in the sport...

But, WOW!  Ross Brawn... what can you say?!   :o   I can not believe the results from today's race.  Very spectacular stuff and totally unpredictable thanks in large part to the '09 regs change.

One of the tid bits I caught about the new rules for this season is that with the start of the season today, the teams are no longer allowed testing days between races.  That makes the two 90 minute practice sessions on the Friday of a race weekend HUGELY important since this is really the only time the teams can legally test new race bits on their cars; might be using the new stuff for that weekend's race or maybe one that's a couple of races away.  Mmmm, lots of potential for plots and intrigue - gotta love it  [laugh]

All of that  makes it great for the fans in the stands on Friday since under the old rules, very few of the front running teams would even bother to head out onto the track on Fridays.  Sucks if you bought a three-day race ticket  :-X

Anyway loved the race - looking forward to next weekend's event, woo-hoo  [beer]

The '09 race season has FINALLY started for just about all forms of motorsport for this year; does anyone else follow The American Le Mans Series?  They ran the 12hours of Sebring last weekend, then they'll have a few more races here in the U.S., then the teams pack up and head for Le Mans in June...

Excellent broadcast coverage from SPEED makes this one of the more intresting race series to follow (ten races per season), so if you ever run across an ALMS/IMSA race on TV, I highly recommend checking it out.

ALMS is really good.  Excellent cars and great racing.  I've stayed away from it pretty much though.  I hate to get all fired up about another race series, I'll never get out of the house!

I really like the ALMS form of racing. It's real road racing. The Le Mans series of cars represents the cutting edge of automobile technology from the competing factories in the highest form. They spend tons of cash on these cars and it shows. The series is very exciting to watch I find. It's cool to see everything from vettes to Ferraris to one off factory rides going at it all at the same time. Total mass confusion on the scorers I would think.

We need the ALMS in this country. It's the only form of true factory sponsored road racing we have here in the states. That is an anomaly in and of itself. I say that because of the tried and fried true blue racing Americans claim to know is done mainly on an oval track. I guess it's easier for bubba to keep up with on the couch. It's sad now a days that the only racing America supports is taxi cabs racing in a circle. Oh now you say come on RED NASCAR has some road courses. Yeah, sure I know but if you will check the ratings on those days bubba has checked out with bubbette and the bubblings and gone down to the crick!!  :o

Back in the late '60's Hollywood had a brilliant idea and made a movie about that way ferren place over across the water called Le Mans. Soon after Americans got on board with all things European including racing styles. This was the heyday of the road racing/rally racing/cafe racing set. It was all of a sudden cool. Now it's just old stuff to many GenX and Yer's. It is an artform to be able to road race on a purpose built track like that of the famous Eurpopean tracks. Europeans know the thrill of watching a rally or endurance race on those courses. Most of the world thinks of us here in the U. S. as bumpkins who don't care about true road racing.

It's sad that we here in America can't support a F1 race. We're damned lucky to have two MotoGP races and one WSBK race! That is the whole sum total of international racing to come here. To Americans it seems that all you need is an engine with the bhp of a small jet stuffed into a taxi cab and that equates to fun for bubba and more profits for the France's and more money for the sponsors. For crying out loud how can you sit in front of your tv and watch taxi cabs go round and round at the one mile oval of Martinsville for 4 freakin hours people????? Scheistenhooover how comatose do you want a person????? :o Give me a third tier road racer on a 250cc class MotoGP road race doing practice laps over Martinsville any day of the week! I just don't get it why all the good stuff goes to the Orient or Middle-East and Europe like F1. Hell the closest F1 race we have in this hemisphere is Sao Paulo South America!

The AMLS drivers are sometimes F1 racers. Some were at Sebring prepping for the F1 season. That's as close as Americans are going to get to a famous F1 driver on these shores. All in all the ALMS is THE premier American race series that is true road racing. Just my opinion. Cheers  [beer]

The movie Le Mans wasn't a 60s Hollywood gig. It was 1971 (close enough...) and it was all Steve McQueen! He couldn't get anyone to do it so he did it himself! He produced and funded it. It is an awesome movie, a little slow moving at times but a great racing movie. If you haven't seen it then you have to. [thumbsup] Love all those Gulf Porsches!!

Le Mans The Movie Trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ls08-F6I5Ss#lq2-hq-vhq)   


PS!!! click on the words You Tube and the trailer will come up.

That's what I like about you Brian, meticulous! Very cool post.  [thumbsup]

I watched last weeks  Fontana race last night and saw a nother local boy done good, Clint Shobart (26) whom I got to know a little last year at a CMRA race. Bevelhead and I had the pleasure of being camped out next to his family and watched the race with them. His father Bubba was an AMA champion. Clint showed a lot of talent last year and is doing so this year on the AMA Supersport circuit. He's going to be one to watch. I missed the very last of the race last night but I think I heard that he had won a race too.

MotoGP: Sete and his Shady Sponsors

Sete Gibernau is returning to MotoGP after an absence of two years to ride a Ducati for the Onde 2000 team. The bike was unveiled bearing two names, those of a convicted fraudster and a small African country ruled by one of the world's worst dictators. Has MotoGP taken a step too far in its search for financial backing?

The name of the first sponsor is Francisco Hernando, who owns the Onde 2000 property development company. He is known in Spain as "El Pocero" which translates as "The Well Digger". This is a reference to his origins as a manual labourer digging wells and sewers. Despite being virtually illiterate, he owns the grandest yacht in Spain and is the mastermind of huge property developments. [El Mundo (Spanish)]

Hernando's rise from poverty to boss of a multimillion Euro property empire would seem like a marvellous rags to riches tale, if it were not for the controversy which has dogged him. "El Pocero" was convicted of tax fraud and sentenced to four years imprisonment in 2007, but managed to stay out of jail by paying the tax man 3 million Euros. [El Pais (Spanish)]

His grandest property development is at Seseña, just outside Madrid, where more than 13,500 apartments were built. Of course, the Spanish property market crashed hard this year, with Seseña being described as a ghost town by a BBC reporter who visited. The number of residents is estimated at less than a thousand, with people trying to sell the apartments at a loss. [BBC]

So how is a Spanish property developer finding the cash to sponsor a MotoGP team, when his flagship development plan lies in tatters?

Now is when our story turns sinister.

Francisco Hernando is maintaining his property empire by building in foreign countries. One of the countries he has linked up with is "Guinea Ecuatorial", or Equatorial Guinea, a former Spanish colony in Central Africa. This tiny country has a population of around half a million, and is ruled with an iron fist by Teodoro Obiang Nguema, who appears in 11th place in Parade Magazine's list of the World's Worst Dictators (having dropped out of last year's top ten position.) [Parade Magazine]

Although Equatorial Guinea holds "democratic" elections, Obiang's party wins every time (with 97% of the vote in the 2002 election). His rivals do not stand against him, as the system is so corrupt that they cannot possibly win. [BBC] Opponents of the ruling regime risk torture and death. This gives Obiang god-like powers over his countrymen, and crucially, total control over the country's oil and gas reserves.

Equatorial Guinea's annual income from selling oil is estimated at more than 4 billion US dollars. With a population of just half a million, this means the country is theoretically one of the wealthiest in Africa, with a GDP per capita close to that of Portugal and nearly twenty times that of neighbouring Cameroon. In fact, the discovery of oil has led Equatorial Guinea to record the second highest growth in GDP per capita in the world for the period 1975-2002. However, the people of Equatorial Guinea are among the world's poorest, subsisting on around one dollar per day. [BBC]

Obiang and his family, on the other hand, are rich beyond most Westerner's wildest dreams. At one stage, it was discovered that Obiang had deposited $700 million of oil money in a bank in the United States, where he was educated. More than $2 billion is hidden in foreign bank accounts. [IRIN] His son Teodorin, who is known for his flashy lifestyle, owns a record label in the US, and has splashed out millions on fast cars. [London Times] Western governments, particularly the United States, stay out of Equatorial Guinea's affairs because they benefit from the country's oil boom. [Slate] A group of bungling British and South African mercenaries recently tried to overthrow Obiang, not because he is evil, but because they had been promised oil contracts if they succeeded. [The Independent]

Less than half of the people in Equatorial Guinea have access to clean water. A simple visit to a doctor would cost many weeks' wages, and is therefore impossible for most people. [IRIN]

The country's infant mortality rate is terrifying. Twenty percent of Equatorial Guinea's children die before they reach five years old. [UNICEF]

Why is Equatorial Guinea sponsoring a MotoGP bike when its children are dying in their thousands? How low will MotoGP sink to ensure there is another bike on the grid in 2009?
 

Sad story.  Hate to see that sort of thing but... it's Gibernau's bike so it shouldn't get any air time on TV; who cares how a backmarker is doing.

All true... but his hair is awesome!!! [laugh]

Isnt about Airtime but  how they let companies and organizations like this in a sport! .... Cigarette sponsors seem to  so innocent now :-X

+1 giannis

we all want theses sports to move forward and this cannot be seen well on a global scale.


 i think hamilton was very lucky to finish in the points and dont care what anyone says that wreck was all kubica's fault. he wasn't gonna catch button so take your time and settle for 2nd.

apparently Hamilton admitted that he deliberately slowed down to let Trulli past, so the FIA will probably reverse its decision.

And so they have:
http://www.crash.net/Formula+One/News/144718/1/lewis_hamilton_disqualified_from_australian_gp.html (http://www.crash.net/Formula+One/News/144718/1/lewis_hamilton_disqualified_from_australian_gp.html)

Hamilton has been disqualified from the Melbourne GP, for providing misleading information to the race stewards

OK you guys! Get that car crap off my thread!! [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

Sounds like the Moto2 class is getting really messed up. Makes me wonder if the AMA/DMG are involved?? [laugh]

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/04/02/spec-engine-for-motogp2-class (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/04/02/spec-engine-for-motogp2-class)

This could be a very interesting World SBK race at Valencia. 17 bikes within a sceond of each other always makes for good racing. [thumbsup] I don't really care who's fastest today or in Superpole, that's not racing on spec tires. I can see every race this year being like this. Does it get any better?

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/04/03/biaggi-on-top (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/04/03/biaggi-on-top)

An old guy I used to wrench with once said..."Racin is just Racin."

Ben Spizzzz on pole Again.... [bow_down] [bow_down] 3 Races 3 Poles, he did it with his backup bike! [clap]

great race weekend. f1 was a blast (full wets or intermediate hmmmmm... wrong!!)
the world sbk races were both good but not as dramatic. supersport sounds like it was goooood cant wait until tues to see it.

WSBK was very good this week, for Ducati that is. Seeing Haga and Fabrisio take 4 of the six podiums was refreshing! I'm getting tired of seeing that damn Suzuyahadaki group dominate races. The 1198 looked really fast in the corners and the braking was great. That is what killed the jap bikes it looked like was that this course needed a bike set up to handle the down speeds at the corners. Ducati did it with ease. But wow, seeing Spies' bike endo over and over again was spectacular. He's better at lowsiding than Pegram is at highsiding  :o

Change of topic from WSBK to MotoGP...   [coffee]

I'm looking at the practice results from the opening round of MotoGP in Qatar.  Got me thinking again about a conversation a few people were having recently about the future of the desmo valve train in production, "main-stream" Ducatis of the near future; does anyone know how the valves are operated in the RACING Ducatis?  You'd have to assume desmodromic valves went out of their MotoGP racing program years ago... So... pneumatic valve actuation would be my guess.

Also, how many rpms do these GP motors turn nowadays?

Anyone know?

I'm going to study that Desmosidici over at AMS today  [evil]  How cool is that; a MotoGP bike on the showroom floor of your local Ducati dealership?  :o

ask if you can test drive that thing.  I just want to hear it cranck up and run.

They are not pneumatic like the Honda and Suzuki engines. I haven't read or heard if the Yamaha or Kawi use "air engines" or not. I beileve Ducati uses a desmodromic actuation although it is much more refined than the street version as one would assume.

As far as revs go, I'm guessing over 16K but under 20K. Somewhere in between maybe? I'll ask Hayden or Rossi next time they call me for advice. [laugh]

Do tey have a real GP bike on the showroom or you talking about the Replica?

125 QP right now and  motoGP QP in 1 hour here...

http://www.justin.tv/azoto (http://www.justin.tv/azoto)  (in German, but who cares, SpeedTV only shows the race )

just minimize the browser to video screen size it runs better.... [beer]

Brian, I ended up talking with Jeff this afternoon at the meet-up; you are right, GP Duc motor uses desmo valves.   And they've got no problem running rpms easily in excess of 19 grand  :o   

I take it all back - every snarky comment I ever made about archaic desmodromic valves  [evil]   I BELIEVE! (Can I get an AMEN?)



Yeah, so what?  I'm easily amused  [laugh]  [beer]

Bet they sound pretty good going by at 19K!! You'd need earplugs and ear muffs! ;D

So how was the AMS BBQ lunch thing? Pics, reports, gunfights...?? Really wanted to make it for a little decompression time from honey dos/housework/getting ready for the inlaw Easter invasion of 2009. :P Just a few minutes on the bike, some BBQ and good BSing around with bike folks would have done me a world of good! [thumbsup] The only upside to my tragic story is they will eventually leave us in peace and go home. I will then make a thermo nuclear margarita and watch the MotoGP races in the evening. [clap] [drink] [laugh]

thermo-nuclear margarita   [thumbsup]   Awesome.


It was a great turn out at AMS-D.  All the usual suspects.  Marty was running the demo ride deal this time; one guy on a GSXR went out on an 1198 while I was there.  No drama, just good chili dogs n' great folk. 



I did find more info on the Ducati MotoGP website; could have sworn all the engine specs and detail were NOT there last time I checked... Oh well,  now I know  [bang]  [laugh]

Have you seen the qualifying results?

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/motorsport/moto-gp/qatar-gp/2009/qualifying.html?u=1239483580587 (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/motorsport/moto-gp/qatar-gp/2009/qualifying.html?u=1239483580587)

 :o   Helluva gap to 2nd!

And Hayden had a NASTY crash.  Unfortunately no cameras got a good look at what caused it, but he highsided and didn't get up.  I read somewhere that he had a cut on his chest and "severe" back pain.  Not looking good at all.

Yeah, I ran across that bit of doom last night too.  The Kid can't buy a break  [bang]   Hope it's not serious  :-[

Found this today:
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2009/Hayden+doubtful+for+Ducati+race+debut (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2009/Hayden+doubtful+for+Ducati+race+debut)

Yep, bad race weekend start for Hayden. Mechanical trouble with both bikes, blows an engine on top of all that, then highsides (ala Lorenzo in China last year!) lands on his back, slides down the track and over the curbing. No wonder he didn't bounce right up. He was checked out at the hospital, nothing broken but he will not be very comfy racing today that's for sure. Bet he feels like he was beat with a baseball bat. :P Just hope he finishes the race without incident and the ghost of Melandri doesn't follow him around all season. Things can only get better and he's a determined, hard worker. I wish him the best. [thumbsup]

Tough way to start the season for Nicky, and still amazing speed from Casey, coming from an off season in recovery from his wrist surgery.

watching the warm up right now, and Hayden is on track.

250 starts in  a bit!!!

http://www.larachefoot.we.bs/tv1.html (http://www.larachefoot.we.bs/tv1.html)

 :o  Holy smoke!  He'll win the hearts of the Italians for sure  [thumbsup]

Go NICKY!

125 ... terrible weather
250 ... great race
GP... 30 more mins [thumbsup]  damn weather cancelled the race

Hmmm.  I've got my tivo set to record the SPEED SDD coverage tonight; did they get the race in?

you will see only 250 motogp cancelled because of rain..

Rain/Night/Light reflections on track make it very dangerous for those kinds of speeds....

next round!

  :-X    Oh well.   Thanks for the info  [thumbsup]

Yep, it's not a spolier if there is nothing to spoil. DON'T READ THIS IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW THE 125 AND 250 WINNERS!

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/04/12/qatar-motogp-race-canceled (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/04/12/qatar-motogp-race-canceled)

Race will be on tommorrow night... same time! i guess Speed TC will broadcast a day later.. for the rest of us there is Internet TV [laugh]

Race will be on at 18:45 GMT, I think. 

SuperbikePlanet.com says the Tuesday afternoon Speed Channel re-run of the Qatar 250 & 800 races will have the actual Monday night 800 class race. Guess we'll see.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Apr/090413hysed1.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Apr/090413hysed1.htm)

That makes sense - SPEED has already got that time slot blocked-off for MotoGP...  I mean just think of the mass uproar of unhappy viewers tonight if Unique Whips were pre-empted by some goofy motorcycle $@*t? 

Yes People can miss this awesome motorsport program called Unique Whips  [popcorn] [bang]  [laugh]

But, you're living on the edge if you watch Super-Bikes!  [puke] why do they do that!?  [puke] Gives us clean-living superbike riders a bad name.

Qatar, wow. Season starting, surprised already. No spoiler here.  :-X

I did watch the 250cc race last night and was thoroughly entertained. Those are cool rides.  [popcorn]

...and not that I would evah say anything.... [evil]  [roll]  ;D but I'm sure you've been at least as fast as .....who on that sheet?  [clap]  [beer]

No Spoilers but Damn this is SOME BORING RACING.... Makes the New AMA Racing exiting (which it is, the dayona sportbike class!)

Road Atlanta was a test for those guys. They still managed to make it look like a stroll in the park through the 'esess'. It's that downhill mega right hand 90 degree turn that slows em down...a little.

yes the AMA Daytona was awesome...  [thumbsup]

Rather pissed about last night's SpeedTV MotoGP coverage! They re-played last years Qatar race because of heavy rains. I know the race was run and won by a capable rider. I don't know why they didn't show it though.

They played this year's race today.  I just know because my father was watching it when I talked to him a few hours ago.  The race was delayed by a day, so they couldn't do much else on Sunday.  It's better to replay last year's race than to do what Eurosport did: broadcast a couple of hours of torrential rain hitting the tarmac.

Hmmm, rain pooling on a race track... now THAT had to be interesting  [bang]

I tivo'd the delayed coverage on SPEED today; it was  more interesting than rain on a race track but that's all I'm going to say  [laugh]


Now Svoloch (wherever you are), WTF is up with Canepa?!?!  [evil] 

I'm about to take a look too at the second race.  [thumbsup]

I know several of you may have already ran across this little gem but for those of you haven't, here is a great article on the evolution of the Ducati GP bikes - chassis specifically - from the GP3, GP7 and on through to the current GP9.  There a couple of very awesome pix that are click-worthy as well...

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=36146 (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=36146)

im not sure but i think Lisa just posted the same above? :-X :o

Cool stuff  BUT.... all this techology is pointless if they cant make the bike rideable by everyone on both teams, Nicky Hayden said a couple weeks ago that this bike beat the crap out of him...

Example:  back in 2002 and 2003 Yamaha M1 was a DOG! the Racers could pondium on a perfect day but usally end up finish 10 or bellow.. the bike was just a piece of Junk compared to RCV211.... Rossi took over the development of the bike in 2004... Look at the Team(s) now  3 out of 4 bikes in top five. Rossi and the people around him made the bike easy to ride for eveyone...

Can Ducati do the same?  Do you think Ducati let the riders provide feedback to make the bike easier? or the just make whatever they think works and whoever makes it (in our case Casey Stoner) good for the rest, Keep trying (Checa, Capirossi, Melandri, Elias, Guitolli,Barros, Hoffman,Bayliss, Caneppa,Kalio and Hayden)

Yeah, I've wondered the same thing.  By all "insider" accounts the GP9 (and the GP7 to a lesser degree) is a widowmaker; no apologies, just a fire-breathing, limb-ripping beast that only Casey Stoner can consistently ride at race winning pace.

But I guess that is the question; do the Ducati GP team only listen to Stoner for feedback?  While it doesn't look effortless for him, he's obviously got the GP9 on a pretty short lead.

If you read the Road Racing World little blurb I posted yesterday, all of the chassis development has been focused on chassis rigidity; rear suspension connected directly to the engine (no frame), then rear suspension and seat frame/exhaust hangars connected to the engine (eliminating more frame), and  the only thing the "main frame" does now is bridge the small gap between the engine and steering head...

There's not much else left to chase down in the chassis flex department.  Hopefully that's been the ridability issue for the other riders.  Maybe once Ducati have removed that aspect of chassis dynamics/set up, more people will be able to ride The Beast competitively.

in the GP9 department, I have hopes for Kallio.  Hopefully they're not misplaced! I have hopes for Hayden and Canepa as well, so my 2c aren't worth much  :P

Yep, I seriously would like to see Hayden do well.  Don't know much about the other two riders, but hey, more Ducatis on the podium or solidly in the points is never a bad thing  [laugh]

 [beer]

Cool on another Canepa fan, Andre!  As for Hayden, well, if anyone is in touch with Derek, please direct him to stats for race 1 and let him know that the Svoloch is grinning

Has anyone else heard that Hermann Tilke of F1 race track design fame has been contracted to produce a new mega-track near Atlanta?!?

While it sounds as if the investors are mainly interested in attracting an F1 calendar spot in the future for a US GP, a "proper", FIA-spec race track with attendant infrastructure should have no problem getting a race or two from MotoGP and/or WSBK  :o


Here are some aerial views of other Tilke-designed tracks currently on the MotoGP calendar:


(http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z234/n2f/sepang-1.jpg)
Sepang


(http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z234/n2f/Bahrain.jpg)
Bahrain


(http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z234/n2f/china_shanghai_mapandinfo.gif)
Shanghai


From a Dallas perspective, Atlanta is a lot closer than Laguna Seca (or Indy) - it'd just be I-20 straight into Atlanta  [evil]  ROAD TRIP!!!   [evil]

atlanta is a very short trip and i could be convinced to go there before leguna or even utah. been to california for 5 yrs and still think all the people with half a brain have already left. utah, where you gonna get your boogie on after the sat sessions? indy on the other hand is still the meca of all motorsports in this country.

The way Economy is Right now maybe  by 2020 would be ready...  if they build this track  that means Indy has to go, I dont think the teams would like to 3 Races overseas...  they already took off China...

As far as I know, he's the only factory test rider to win anything in the last few years (world superstock championship 2 years ago, right?).  Also holds the record for first man on earth to total a Desmosedici RR, 1098R, and 1198R - which probably comes with the test rider job [bang]

I think he's struggling with the fact that he's taller & heavier than everyone else.  Apparently he was way down on top speed on all other ducati riders.  Hopefully they'll sort something out!

Kallio has a solid shot, though.  The man could make that 250 KTM GP bike work, which was said to be very tough to ride fast (consistently).  I think (hope) that in 3 races he'll be fighting with the top 5, and Canepa will be closer to mid pack.  We'll see.

The main hope, though, is for closer racing.  What the hell happenend to the single tire making the race closer theory?

BTW, the 24h du Mans (Le Mans, motorcycle) just started.  THAT, my friends, is a proper race.  46 riders starting, more make of tires than motogp has manufacturers, and, as of right now, a leading group of 7 bikes.

The first few laps have been entertaining.  Lots of sliding, lots of apexes being missed as the endurance tires warm up.  Oh, and there's a kawi leading.  Oh, nope, now it's a, humm, honda? Yeah, honda.

Man, this is fun stuff.  The start is awesome: the riders have to run across the track, jump on the bikes, and try not to run each other over on the way out.  All while PACKED stands are cheering so loud you can't hear the bikes from some cameras. They're still cheering.

Man, next year I'll have to go see this in person!

Any surprise here?

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Apr/090424wsbkqm.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Apr/090424wsbkqm.htm)

Gonna be a great race weekend! MotoGP, World Superbike, AMA stuff and oh yeah, some F1 car racing thing!! [laugh] [clap] [beer]

Washed out... again. :P

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/04/24/qualifying-washed-out-in-motegi (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/04/24/qualifying-washed-out-in-motegi)

SPOILER SPOILER!!!!!

Guess who's on pole at Assen with a new lap record?

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/04/25/spies-again-1 (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/04/25/spies-again-1)

Man i would love to see Mladin on WSBK, Mat was the only guy who could run and beat Ben.. No wonder the made AMA so boring they where ahead of the other riders... [bow_down]

SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER

Oh MAN what a great race for WSBK 1!  I couldn't believe the pass that Spies made on Haga.  And then he miffs it in race 2 and washes out on turn 1 and hands race 2 to Haga.  Man what a great WSBK race at Assen.

Let's hear it for Ducati, 3 out of the top 4 bikes were Ducatis.

250cc GP race about to start.....

Wow, Rossi to make this years Isle of Man!!!! ... sort of.

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/04/29/rossi-for-isle-of-man (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/04/29/rossi-for-isle-of-man)

Good read on Hopper.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Apr/090428c.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Apr/090428c.htm)

Dang it! Out of all the races I would like to think I could go to in my lifetime that is remaining I'd like to do the TT. This is flat out all or nothing racing. What a memory that would be!  :-\

I Will let you know how the 2010 TT would be , ill be there!! [beer]

Wow! F#@king awesome Gman!! What I wouldn't give to go to the Isle of Man races!! It ranks many spots above the Barber track/Barber museum trip!! Which is way up on my list. That is a once in a life time trip. How cool is that? One of my favorite videos of all time is an old VCR tape of Joey Dunlap doing a hot lap with it recorded off his helmet cam. I think he was on an older V-4 1000 Honda. It was from the 80's... I think. Awesome stuff!

Maybe you can hang out with Hodgson since he is from there! [clap]

American Airlines - DFW - IOM - DFW = $1001 & 24 hours travel time  !

im Riding to UK then take the Ferry to IOM....

Brian i meet Neil and we talked a lot when he was at AMS but i dont think he lives there  offten, he has a house in California, he might spent the off time in IOM...

Also met him at AMS/Dallas a while back and got him to sign a Hodgson/Ducati poster (that's framed and hanging in my garage with other world champ signed posters) and a Ducati book. Very nice guy. He was a real gentleman. Didn't hassle him about his racing stuff... it was just business. Sign this stuff and I won't hassle you. I was impressed with his demeanor and attitude. Nice guy and a real pro! [thumbsup] Hope he heals up for the next AMA race! [moto]

Honda gets the nod for Moto2 engine manufacturer.

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/05/02/honda-to-power-moto2-class (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/05/02/honda-to-power-moto2-class)

Hey Giannis,

Do you know how soon in advance those ferry tickets need to be booked?  I'm tossing around the idea of going to the TT... maybe '10 will be the year!

O.K. so the MotoGP grid is set for Jerez... Hayden is 2 full seconds off Stoner   :o

R-uh r-oh, Ras-ro

 [popcorn]

Yep, looks the curse of the #2 Ducati rider continues. Bummer. Hope it gets better.

Good news for Zemke though. He deserves a shot at SBK again. Even if for just a few races. On the world stage too... which is nice. [thumbsup]

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/05/02/zemke-to-world-superbike-1 (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/05/02/zemke-to-world-superbike-1)

ill get them this fall.... they usally sold out before spring. Would be cool to be this year since they have Rossi there... You might be able to find airplane tickets for this year but you have to use public transportation for the good spots and try hard to find a room or even a bed!  ;D Would be cool to camp but IOM gets wet that time of the year  [laugh]

If Hayden has same results as Marco it will be hard for Ducati to find a B rider for 2010.. nobody will want to ruin their year by being backmarkers... Check Melnadri with a privater bike ends up 6th  [clap] [bow_down]

That's EXACTLY what I was thinkning after watching the race yesterday.

it seems to me that the duc must be ridden right on the edge all the time. look at the way the thing moves around constantly with stoner. maybe they need to find someone willing to ride like that every corner of every lap. any suggestions? what about a call up from the minors (250)? bautista, barbera or simoncelli just throwing out ideas. alittle embarrassing to watch a factory bike that far back and off the pace.

I am sure Nicky is not happy about the situation. That's not his style. He's a hard worker and an "up front" kind of guy. I don't know what the problem was in Spain. I didn't read or hear anything that would have caused his poor results. Sure, it's easy to see the issues in the first two races but not Jerez. Maybe he was still banged up and just didn't go public about it. Kind of a "man up" deal. Who knows.

I know this gives svoloch a warm and IZ_ feeling to see him floundering at the back but I certainly had a lot of hope for the Hayden/Ducati pairing. Will he beat Stoner? No. I just want to see some decent results. More specifically, I just want him to put Pedrosa and Puig on the trailer and watch them whine about it!!! Pay back is hell Dani!!!

The real question is will Nicky get another chance at a GP ride if the Duc deal goes south.  I mean couldn't believe the ride Melandri had on Sunday; who is this guy anyaway?!?  He's probably just glad he escaped with his life after his Desmo run-in  :-\  Hope it works out for Hayden - he's a better rider than his results indicate...

Preachin' to the choir, I know  [bang]  [laugh]

So I'm checking the TV listings for this Sunday's WSBK races and... What's this?!  BOTH races shown back-to-back?    :o

Very cool - go SPEEDTV  [thumbsup]

Kallio was up with those 3 guys when raced in 250s i cant see what the other 3 guys can do more than Mika.... They bike is just unreadable no matter who you are or Casey Stoner is that good and rides fast on a piece of shit (exhuse my French!)

Maybe Ducati should keeped Loris Capirossi, he was from the start with the Desmosedici team and my the end of his Ducati carrier he scored podiums and wins! He knew how to develop the bike... the other guys at this moment DONT.... [drink]

Take a look on what Rossi did to yamaha, the bike was a pile of Junk till 2004  now  they leading every race!


Lisa Marco Melandri is a World Champion in 250cc... i think a double world champion and he has a few good motogp wins on his resume... :-X

Is there any consensus on the rideability problem challenges of the Desmo?  The camera view from Stoner's front fork was downright scary: the whole front end seemed to be in a jittery speed-wobble most of the time.  Maybe the power delivery is so abrupt the front end is never actually down... It's the ultimate Italian unicycle  :o

I had forgotten about Melandri's 250 experience.  What's that old saying, "You're only as good as your last race"?  Glad to see he's back in race-winning form.

Russell in, Spencer out.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/May/090505russellreplace.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/May/090505russellreplace.htm)

g, i was just throwing ideas against the wall. i thought about kallio. could be their best bet especially if capi wouldn't come back. you never know what happens behind the scenes and if some people hold grudges.

I think the suzuki has more potential for Capirossi at this moment than the 800cc Ducati. After all, Capi is fastest on some tests on the suzuki, he just needs to figure out how to be fast consistently.

Bayliss back on a Ducati race bike!!!! Sort of like Rossi being at Isle of Man...

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/May/090507a.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/May/090507a.htm)

More fun Ducati stuff.

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=36519 (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=36519)

Oh shit! This is not good for Laconi. Sounds very bad and dangerous... and also a little too familiar. :P I hope for the best! [thumbsup]

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/05/15/laconi-suffers-series-injuries (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/05/15/laconi-suffers-series-injuries)

crap... Sounds worse than being hit by a Wild Turkey :P

i hope he recovers from this...  :-[

Scary stuff. Sure hope he's okay.

Wow, just wow! Six home runs in a row! Can this kid be stopped?

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/05/16/that-man-spies-again (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/05/16/that-man-spies-again)



OK... here's something for the three Pedrosa fans in the country.

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/05/16/pedrosa-takes-le-mans-pole (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/05/16/pedrosa-takes-le-mans-pole)

CRIKEY!!!!!!!!!!!

Great race stuff this weekend! WSBK from South Africa... very exciting!! Great racing! MotoGP from LeMans... boring! No spoilers, just comments. Chime in and say what you think after you see the races or read the results. I always cheat and read the results long before TV broadcast. Once again, WSBK just kicks butt on MotoGP. My two cents. Enjoy!

from Pro Italia Motorcycles 5/20/09 email newletter:

I don't suppose this would be aired on the sssPee'd Channel?

This would be so cool to see. Wow, four world champs going at it in superkarts at Laguna. How cool would that be?

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/05/27/rossi-rainey-roberts-and-lawson-facing-off (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/05/27/rossi-rainey-roberts-and-lawson-facing-off)

Wow, those are some really fast scooters!!

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=36723 (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=36723)

MILLER WSBK SUPERPOLE SPOILER!!!! DON'T READ THIS IF YOU WANT TO FIND OUT LATER!!!












Holy shit! Just unbelievable... just no stopping that kid.

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=36753 (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=36753)

I think the quote "just no stopping that kid" takes the cake.  :-*

Would be a Spoiler if SpeedTV get their shit toghter and show it live... So Spies Won  pole and took the record from Doug Polen... [clap] [bow_down]

Well, this is good news. I was getting tired of the stupid AMA Pro Time broadcast show. I would much rather TIVO or watch the specific AMA races that I choose rather than have to watch an entire 2 hour program and fast forward through the BS to get to what I want to watch. Dumb format... finally back to normal! [thumbsup]

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=36777 (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=36777)

OK, I just watched the TIVO broadcast of the World Supersport race from Miller. Why did they have the regular AMA commentators do that race? Where were the good WSBK/MotoGP European commentators? I like Scott Russell as a racer but he kinda sucks as a color commentator and Ralph Sheehan just needs to be pistol whipped. He sucks on a major scale. S#@t, he couldn't even pronounce Kenan Sofuoglu's name right and good old boy Russell did???? WTF? Like some other sporting events, it's best just to watch it with the sound muted. Did Sheehan take bad commentator lessons from Gregg White? I hate to say this but I miss Freddie Spencer...  :P Good racing just bad TV. [bang]

I agree with all negative comments and violent innuendo about Ralph and Greg. I thought Scott did a decent job for his first time as junior commentator, and I enjoyed every single time he corrected Ralph's ridiculous statements.

RS - Wow, did you see how RacerX really caught RacerY's draft and passed him n the straight!?!!
SR - some hesitation... RacerY got a much better drive exiting that turn allowing him to zip by RacerX (there was NO drafting on that pass)

and so on...

I was hesitant to bring the whole crap commentary up regarding the WSBK races but yeah... horrible.  Actually thought Scott Russel did reasonably well (didn't realize that was his first pass at color commentary...) but the other two, GONG!  Kinda made my teeth hurt switching directly from the MotoGP crew over to the "regular" AMA train-wreck  :-X

I also watch the SPEED broadcast coverage of the Rolex Sportscar and the American Le Mans series; if I was just guessing, I'd say SPEED blew their commentator budget on those five guys - they're pros that add a ton of value to the broadcast.  Now if only us moto fans could be so lucky  [bang]  [laugh]

Maybe I was a little harsh on Russell. I absolutely loved him as a racer and now I have to look at him (and listen to him) in a different role. "Suck" was too strong a word. That applies more to Sheehan. I am sure Russell will improve... especially if they give him something better than a trained ape to work with! :P

I'm actually not positive that's Russell's first commentator gig, just the first time I've seen him do it.

Speaking of racers being commentators, I thought it was cool when Steve Martin of WSBK participated in a recent SBK race weekend as a substitute rider. Gives him a little more credibility.

Well, steve martin raced WSBK for years, on DFX,  and Foggy Petronas (and maybe Ducs at some point?).  Unfortunately most races I see now are in French, but for a while I was able to see MotoGP on Eurosport UK.  Holy crap, those are good commentators.  Julian Ryder, Randy Mamola...

This could be neat. I would love to see KR Sr. back with his racing team... just with someone other than his youngest son as rider. :P

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/06/03/roberts-to-moto2-class (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/06/03/roberts-to-moto2-class)

i'd like to hear Bayliss as an announcer. Troy's Story shows he can speak reasonably well, has a good sense of humor, and can talk technical details quite well. Then again, you can beat the really excited british guys.

But really, the guy who sounded like Matthew McConaughey...whether he used to be a racer or not, the whole time I watched, I kept hearing "alright alright alright. ... it'd be a whole lot cooler if you did.... i keep gettin' older and they stay the same age"

This is only indirectly related (at best ;D), but I thought some of you might get a kick out of it:

http://www.theonion.com/content/news_briefs/professional_racing_drivers (http://www.theonion.com/content/news_briefs/professional_racing_drivers)

Ha!  That's awesome.

This is just awesome stuff! I can't believe how fast these guys are lapping the IOM course. I remember when breaking "the ton" was a huge deal. If you have never seen it you have to watch the old video of Joey Dunlap (I think...) with a bike mounted camera. I am sure there are several more modern vids of a flying lap but that was the first one I ever saw and it still sticks with me. These guys are fearless. [bow_down]

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/06/05/donald-makes-history (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/06/05/donald-makes-history)




EDIT!!

Sometimes you get the bear, sometimes the bear gets you...  :P

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/06/05/donald-injured-at-isle-of-man (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/06/05/donald-injured-at-isle-of-man)

Man, That sucks.
Steve

Kind of a spoiler here regarding today's AMA Superbike race at Road America. If you don't care about the spoiler you aught to read this... pretty cool!!








http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/06/07/pegram-beats-mladin (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/06/07/pegram-beats-mladin)

 :o  Further signs of The impending Apocalypse  [laugh]

Sweet.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image/2009/us-superbike/elkhart/elk3/TR3_8755.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image/2009/us-superbike/elkhart/elk3/TR3_8755.htm)

Friday FP1 practice times - I know it's early, but go Nicky!
http://www.crash.net/MotoGP/Results/148196/1/catalunya_motogp_-_friday_practice_times.html (http://www.crash.net/MotoGP/Results/148196/1/catalunya_motogp_-_friday_practice_times.html)

1'42-1'44 wouldnt cut it...  Casey's record there is 1min 41.1 and they are going to go lower tomorrow in qualifing maybe 1.40-139?

Crazy last laps for sure!!! [wine]

That was one unbelievably crazy race yesterday.  Further proof of an awesome season.  It's all VERY close still, and watching Lorenzo pull that kind of riding out of the Doctor was unbelievable...   Not hard to see from their riding how much these 2 do NOT get along.  There was so much shouting at Rembrandt for the last bit of that race...   

With Stoner, Rossi, and Lorenzo at the front, and some great riders nipping at their heels, can't afford to miss a single race this year...

Oh and for all the back and forth last year about why I thought Hayden would suck it in Ducati's second seat...   Well.  Nuff said.  It should have gone to Canepa, who would have benefitted from the developement.  He and Hayden are not that far off, and Hayden's got the factory bike. 

Apparently they've invested in some high tech cameras for this year's Isle of Man TT...

here are a couple of good vids: (I suggest going full screen  [evil])

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVCcMQ7fumM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5raeq8EysE

 [bow_down] [bow_down] [bow_down]

Dang, that was so cool! I truely wanted to catch this on TV but could not find any coverage here in the states except on the web.

That was some nice Hi-Def slomo. Now if the speed channel and the European producers could fire up the HD signal to send over here it would be nice. 'm so tired of watching WSBK in 720p. I mean that's so last week lame  [roll]. Bring on 1080p!

Yeah, I couldn't find any coverage in Belgium either, and I'm too much of a wuss to stream ITV4 illegally...

Oh, and someone was kind enough to put 15 minutes of Guy Martin together:

http://vimeo.com/5210444


Can't wait to buy this year's DVD... (and last year's as well, actually)

Talk about stealthy...

(http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z234/n2f/electro-mo.jpg)

Not sure if the Isle of Man TT broadcast covered this but this series could be awesome.  Potentially kind of weird... fast but no sound  :-\


http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/24/fim-to-launch-a-new-electric-motorcycle-racing-series-in-2010/ (http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/24/fim-to-launch-a-new-electric-motorcycle-racing-series-in-2010/)

I love Simoncelli, this is great news for him. Could be great news for Spies too!! [thumbsup]

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/06/24/simoncelli-to-gresini-honda (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/06/24/simoncelli-to-gresini-honda)

Get your DVRs all set because it's going to be another great weekend of racing! WSBK from Donnington Park in England and MotoGP in Assen, Holland. This is all good stuff because it's too hot and nasty to do much else!

Just a heads up, the Assen races will actually be run on Saturday the 27th but SpeedTV will broadcast the MotoGP races and WSBK races Sunday afternoon back to back. First the SBK races starting at 2:00 followed by 250GP and the big boys.

Enjoy! [thumbsup] [beer] [moto]

With Rossi on pole and Lorenzo in the third spot Team Fiat/Yamaha is looking strong. Pedrosa at 2nd will give some interesting moments in the first few laps.

Party? did someone say pool/watching party?

Check out my new thread on the Moto Liberty race watch party this Sunday at 2:00 at Rembrandt's Dutch Pub. http://caferembrandtdallas.com/ (http://caferembrandtdallas.com/)

Just another day at the office for Spies.

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/06/27/spies-still-the-superpole-king (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/06/27/spies-still-the-superpole-king)

I won't even comment on the MotoGP race. [roll]

Man, I forgot the MotoGP race was running on Saturday this weekend, so I'm cruising my usual moto web huants and run across the results!  D-OH  [bang]

Got it t'voed anyway (along with the WSBK races). 

But as far as Spies goes... I'll just have to watch the races  [thumbsup]

DO NOT OPEN THIS LINK OR READ IT IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN WSBK RACE TWO!!!!


This could have been a lot worse. This wreck looked really sick on the replay. Never good getting stomped on by your bike in a high speed crash. Ugly...

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Jun/090628d.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Jun/090628d.htm)

Edit:

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Jun/090628e.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Jun/090628e.htm)

Agreed  :P  Career ending I wonder?

I don't know. Not as bad as mine but bad enough to very seriously screw up his championship hopes this year. Then there is the wrist injury. :P Hopefully that is not the case. He deserves the crown like no other. [thumbsup] But a one to three month healing and rehab period is major in the middle of the season... that's not good. I know there is a month off until the Czech race in Brno then the end of summer Euro vacation hits. Next race after the doldrums of summer is Sept. 6th at Nurburgring, Germany. So, that's all of July off, the Czech race, then all of August off, then Nurburgring. That's two months off and missing one race weekend for sure. That's probably the best case scenario. Again, that's being very optimistic about him even being able to race in Germany. I'm sure his doctors would go nuts if he tried. But he is a balls to the wall fighter and you know if Pedrobot is racing in pain in MotoGP so will Haga in WSBK.

Just wish this hadn't of happened. Obviuosly! I wanted to see a down to the wire, race by race, neck and neck finish to  the season. No DNFs, no crashes, just WFO racing. Of course that's what everyone wants and other than 2006 with the Nicky and Valle show I can't remember one. Just hoping for the best with this just like everyone else... including Spies. [thumbsup]

Been a Haga fan for a long time...  hopefully this is just a bump in the rode.  He has some time to Brno, and I seem to remember him winning a race last year 2 weeks after collarbone surgery...   great Haga interview afterwards, "Corrabone no paining, bike go wary fast..."

Speaking of Nicky, he is #15 in the standings, and Canepa is #16.  Anyone want to revisit my analysis from last year on whether or not Nicky was right for seat #2 at Ducati?  Also, with Simoncelli coming up to Gresini, and people walking around Donnington and Assen with rolled up unsigned contracts in their hand, show at present seems to be in the pits...

Funniest observation from the weekend, was Steve Martin pointing out that the Yamaha team captain thinks that Spies would be better off hanging around in Superbike with the Yamaha kids for a few years...  yep..  go figure, who would have guessed?

I will say this, I TRULY thought Spies was going to get spanked this year, and absolutely positively could not have been more wrong.  He is showing a Rossi-like consistency on the track that seems VERY rare to me. 

-Svoloch

Yep, I had high hopes and reservations about Spies in WSBK. As well as Haga with Ducati... gotta love that guy!! I was worried that Spies would jump into MotoGP right off the bat from AMA and not fair well. I think he landed where he needs to be. This bad situation for Haga... make that an extremely unfortunate incident, plays well into Spies hands... again unfortunately for Haga. I read on all the other boards about Spies possibly taking a Aprilla ride next year in WSBK and all the other silly season MotoGP BS. Personally, I think he needs to stay where he is. World SBK is really working to his advantage. And if Haga is hurt it only (unfortunately) plays in his favor. Win the Championship in your rookie year... how awesome is that.

I think WSBK is the class that rocks not MotoGP. Ben may want to go to MotoGP but as a fan the WSBK series it is so much better it's not even funny. Especially with all the stupid "cost savings" rule changes that will be coming next year in MotoGP. Limited engines, limited to one bike, etc... Sorry, WSBK kicks ass over the MotoGP nonsense. Besides, we ride the same bikes that WSBK uses, not MotoGP. Race on Sunday, sell on Monday mentality. It's interesting that WSBK has had no real threat or consequences from the world economic crisis but it seems to be kicking MotoGP's ass. Funny...

WSBK rocks and I hope a certain Longview, Texas resident does well. [thumbsup] [moto] [drink]

Well Spies goes for championship this year, Haga i hate to say it but start showing his old self (crashes and poor results  :-X ) He races WSBk since 1998 that's 11 years.. Spies is very mature and if he wins it this year i dont see racing WSBk again, is pointless...

I think Yamaha can  find an extra satellite bike for him, sponsors will come for a WSBk champion! [thumbsup] Toseland or Edwards will leave in the end of this season (Toseland maybe to Yamaha SBK team? [popcorn] )

And whats the deal with Stoner? He gets sick on Race day from now on? He looked ok in Warmup, did he got sick when vale hit the 8sec gap? :-X

Watching #46 ride off into the sunset whenever he wants would make me sick. [laugh] I still say the last race in Spain between Valle and Lorenzo was one of the best I have ever seen. Top five races for sure! Just awesome. The fact that Lorenzo pushed Rossi that hard all the way says one hell of a lot about Lorenzo's abilities. Just racing Rossi that hard for the whole race and even finishing second would be a "win" for most racers. [clap] [bow_down]

I really wonder if he just got heat stressed at Catalunya, or if the heat stress may have triggered something harder to diagnose? Puking twice in your helmet can't be helpful when you're trying to close a gap, or even if you're just trying to keep Dovizioso behind you. Hopefully, he hasn't developed appendicitis. An inflamed appendix can be subclinical for weeks or months and then flare with symptoms of cramps, nausea and vomiting when heat, exertion or other stressors are present. Imagine what a month out recuperating from surgery would do to his season.

Just my $.02 as an RN with a personal history of both heat exhaustion and appendicitis (not at the same time, though).

Thanks for the intel. You could be on to something with that. You're right, something like that could torpedo your season in a hurry. You always are thinking about racers crashing and the related injuries taking them out not just good old fashion illness. I remember Jay Springsteen (AMA flat track racer) years ago had a recurring stomach ailment that was constantly messing up his races and seasons. I forget what it was but it would rear it's ugly head on a regular basis. :P

Here's some news on Haga. Situation is looking a little better. [thumbsup] Knowing his drive and determination he will probably take Superpole at the next race!! I wish him well. [clap]

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/06/29/haga-set-for-surgery-today (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/06/29/haga-set-for-surgery-today)

Does anyone know if AMS/D is going to have a Laguna Seca MotoGP race watch party? I see nothing on their website so I am just wondering. ???

Check out the link to Yamaha-motor.com! The video is funny as sh#t!!

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=37191 (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=37191)

If memory serves me right SpeedTV DOES NOT broadcast the Laguna Seca MotoGP races! I am pretty sure it is KDFW FOX Channel 4. Just a word to the wise to check the guide for both SpeedTV and Channel 4/FOX. That;s what I'm doing right after I post this! [thumbsup]

I think they may have also covered the Indy race last year too. Anyone out there with a better memory than me... probably everyone! [laugh]

This is a useful web site for race-related broadcasts:

http://www.racefantv.com/USTV.htm (http://www.racefantv.com/USTV.htm)


[moto]

That's right, FOX Sports broadcasts the stateside MotoGP races at Laguna Seca, and Indy, too, if I'm not mistaken. Great. Action will no doubt be called by "Popular SPEED personality Ralph Sheheen", as the Speed website calls him (who?!?), and either Freddie Spencer or Kevin Schwantz as color man. What will be lost in this star-studded lineup is the technical details and tracksider information that the Dorna commentators offer. I think Speed figures they need to dumb down MotoGP for the Fox viewers, who are used to watching Indy Series and NASCAR oval track racing. These are the same brilliant programming minds who devised AMA PrimeTime, the "destination programming" for airing AMA SBK two weeks after the race and Daytona Pro Racing, the latter being a class solely devised to let 1025 Buells run against Japanese middleweights and Triumph 675s, in hope that the Buells might somehow win!

Anyone who wants to be a well-informed MotoGP enthusiast should consider buying themselves a season pass to MotoGP.com and watching the races online. As sports entertainment values go, it is not that expensive. Compared to your last carbon fiber purchase, it's dirt cheap.

i dont think Buell won any races lately .... they have a Weight disadvantage since Atlanta!

Hey, check this out! I'm thinking about buying one for svoloch!! [laugh] [moto]

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/07/02/the-nicky-hayden-ducati (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/07/02/the-nicky-hayden-ducati)

You better not 'cause he'll have two then  [evil]

So Pedrosa wins, Rossi takes second, and Stoner....4th???

Stoner FTL.  He was doing so well, and was riding like his former self for most the race, then just lost it....what happened??

He's sick and no one seems to know why or what it is. He just flames out and gets nauseous, damn near has to be lifted off the bike. I thought his tires went off chasing Rossi but I read later that it was him not the bike or the tires. A race or two ago he actually got sick to his stomach during the race and barfed a little 2-3 times in his helmet and still managed to podium. Imagine that! They wiped him and his leathers down and off to the post race interviews he went. Tough SOB. There was a lot of on line joking about his cute wife wearing him out but I think the joking around has stopped and the attention has turned more serious.

It would be great to see a KR SR. team back on the grid. Any grid!

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/07/07/roberts-back-in-world-championship (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/07/07/roberts-back-in-world-championship)

Who knows.....we'll see how this seasons turns out....I'm looking forward to Indy.  I'll be there, off of turn 1. :D

Funny vid from the Yamaha MGP team @ the U.S. headquarters

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Jul/090708viral.htm

This is a real bummer for Max N. I was really looking forward to his return after the nasty ass broken leg healed up. This is a real set back for him and the Alstare team. I have always liked his style, when he is on he does really well. He has got to be depressed over this!

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/07/16/neukirchner-talks-about-the-crash (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/07/16/neukirchner-talks-about-the-crash)

More cool video stuff. Vito has the best job in the world and sideburns that only Bostrom could love!! [laugh]

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=37250 (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=37250)

Damn! Somebody mark this day in red on the calender! When was the last time that Mladin wasn't the fastest or second fastest qualifier in AMA SBK?? Wow! Ninth place!! Jeez... good for Hayes though! [thumbsup]

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/07/17/hayes-gets-first-superbike-pole (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/07/17/hayes-gets-first-superbike-pole)
   

Mladin probably did that on purpose to give himself a challenge.

Good point! AMA/DMG probably paid him to sand bag it to pump up TV ratings! [laugh]

Well, well, well would you look at this;  it would appear that one Kentucky-fried Kid out-paced one V. Rossi in FP2 today at the Sachsenring.  Oh, and by the way, the #69 rider managed to break into the top 5 while he was at it [evil]

And in the QP he managed the 4 spot, and might have surpassed Stoner, if he hadn't cannon-balled himself into Canepa in turn 8 while trying to flat track through a puddle. He's still looking for his own setup on the bike, knowing that Casey's data is just not right for his style of riding. According to his MotoGP.com interview Friday,  his team made some changes to the rear of the bike that made it necessary to "do something to the front", so they changed the bars.

(http://thekneeslider.com/images/xr900e.jpg)

No, this isn't the way the bike looks...
Yet.

The grid.

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=37369 (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=37369)

I love MotoGP... Now THAT's a grid I can live with  8)

I just can't live with the results! I thought Stoner had it dialed in up until the tires gave out MIDWAY through the race. The wrist shouldn't be a problem this late into the season either. So WtF is going on with Ducati 2009? CF frame not up to snuff? Wha Wha Wha???

Stoner confirmed in the post race press conference he and the team guessed wrong on their choice of tires.

I was just glad to see Stoner racing like his "old" self; hopefully he's back to 100% by the next race.

Yep, just picked tire A and not tire B. It was nice to see him up front and holding off Rossi/Lorenzo for so long. Hopefully they now have a handle on his illness and a proper direction for treatment. No one needs to be racing at the MotoGP level barfing into their helmet mid race trying to hang onto a podium spot. :P That's one tough kiddo. [thumbsup]

Ah, still dreaming   [roll]  of the day when the 27 AND the 69 bike stand on the podium together  :o

What an awesome and historical spectacle this would be!! I wasn't there but I remember that race and the close finish and the incredible attention it got in the bike press. Hell, people are still talking about it...even Rossi!! I'd give anything to be there and see this and get KR Sr's autograph... how cool. [thumbsup]

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/07/20/roberts-and-the-tz-to-indy-mile (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/07/20/roberts-and-the-tz-to-indy-mile)

So, what we have here is a spec tire race? Seems like things were a lot more competitive when the teams decided on a tire manufacturer at the beginning of the season. The competition between the tire companies was part of the event. Now the choice is between Breedledee (Bridgestone tire A) and Breedledum (Bridgestone tire B)....
Personally, I would hate to see MotoGP devolve into  a spec race,  a la Moto2. At least the 1/4-liter marques have some individual personality.

I wouldn't count that out this season but Hayden's "frank" assessment in interviews of his own lack of performance has got to be getting on his sponsors and Ducati's nerves.  It would have silenced a lot of critics (but probably not Svoloch  [evil]  ) if he could have managed to finish the last race at least in the position he qualified  :-\

Hayden can be great on the Duc but the clock is ticking.  I sincerely hope he does well in the last half of the season.

The real question is, where does Ben Spies hang his helmet next year?

Indeed  8)

With all due respect, spec tire racing in WSBK has produced fantastic results. Spec tire or not it has always come down to who picked the right tire for the race. WSBK or MotoGP. That's a constant, spec tire manufacturer or not.

I think Spies should stay where he is next year. Whether he wins the title or not this year. Another year of fantastic results (again, title or not) would up his play in MotoGP that much more. Besides, the new rules in MotoGP for 2010 kinda suck, don't see that crap in WSBK. He has found a gem in the Italian Yamaha team and should exploit that for 2010. Why go to a satellite MotoGP team when you could be winning WSBK titles? Just saying... besides, WSBK races are typically much better than MotoGP for the spectators. Of course the last couple of MotoGPs have been real exceptions!! [thumbsup] [moto]

Ditto, Big Ben has nothing but time on his side for this ride. You're right he's in for some titles if he stays and works this deal into stupid fame. He'll go on to be one of THE best riders if he stays healthy there has been. He's got the drive and (at this time) he's got the youth. MGP has it's pitfalls, mostly political it seems but  WSBK seems to be almost a NASCAR-like kind of following albeit better looking women!!. Rossi isn't going anywhere as long as he's competitive and there are too many Stoner's and Rossi's just waiting to rip him a new one. He's going to be a great draw to our sport much like Tiger Woosie Woods is to Galfe.

Is Rembrandt's still having their Sunday Moto GP watching parties? Is anybody having a watching party? of any sorts? Cars? Trucks? Porn?

I haven't gotten any word from Moto Liberty lately asking me to post up any more Rembrandt watch parties. I never got the chance to make it to the last two so I don't know what the turn out was like. Obviously, ML has to kick in some $$ to Rembrandt's for the pleasure of having the party there and to offset some of the food/drink discounts, so if the crowds haven't been very large the parties may not have been worth it to ML... dollar spent vs number of customers that show.

Colin will be back this weekend from a week away from home, so I'm sure we will be a re-bonding nuclear family unit all weekend... not enough kitchen points = no watch parties for me. :P

Donnington grid all set to go. Bummer for Hayden. I thought he was really on to something lately and his season had finally turned the corner. Maybe he just doesn't like D. Park... oh well, he never has to see it again after Sunday.

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/07/25/rossi-takes-pole-at-donington-park (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/07/25/rossi-takes-pole-at-donington-park)


More of the same from Mr. Spies in Brno!

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=37472 (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=37472)

Yeah, take a closer look at WSBK superpole spots 6&7! I  think they about have those bikes dialed in! We should have an excxellent finish to the 2nd half of the season. Biggio is looking better and better each race too. Got to hand to those new kids on the block.

Ho-ho! Aspar is going to Duc it out in MotoGP next  year: http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2009/Aspar+confirms+motogp+project+with+Ducati+in+2010 (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2009/Aspar+confirms+motogp+project+with+Ducati+in+2010)

Their first choice of riders is 250cc Aspar guy Alvaro Bautista.  [thumbsup]

Fernando Hernandez of Onde 2000 is supposedly willing to fund Sete Gibernau's second come back at Brno. Crank up the rumor mill, it's midseason in MotoGP.

How many Ducatis can they fit on the grid next year, anyway?

Bautista has been hinting all year he wanted to ride a Duc. Him Simencelli and Ayoama are all going to be hot shoes next year but not on a 250cc.

Why someone would want to do that? [bang] Did you see where the other Privater Ducatis Are? Dead LAST [bang] The 250 Rooks have to be in non factory teams next year..

that leaves a seat or two in Tech3 Yamaha. Gressini Honda one seat, maybe one extra bike on the new Telefonica Team .... Kawasaki isnt Sat neither Suzuki...

Caneppa is out but if was a 250 top name i would rather race same class again than ruin a year on a bike that is unreadable and looks like Ducati doesnt have a person who can develop this bike for the rest of the guys neither [drink] :-X

It's sad to see the Yamahas and Hondas so rideable at the satellite level but the Ducati's are not. Can no one other than Stoner ride that thing to a podium finish? Ducati Corse isn't stupid. Why is that one bike such a pain in the ass for anyone other than Stoner? Hell, Stoner and Hayden both came from dirt track beginnings. It's not like Stoner was a dyed in the wool 250GP guy like Pedrobot or Lorenzo. What is up with the Ducati bikes? New 2009 carbon framed bike be damned, it made no difference last year or the one before that!!?? Whaz up??? ??? [bang] :P

Yep, my thoughts exactly.  Very rotten Donington race for The Squad  :P

Stoner has not been able to ride it like he (or top brass) wants and same with Nicky. Who knows what the problem is. Truth is we all know that the bikes can't be ridden to it's full potential. So why not de-tune and cut back on developing new technology and concentrate on the riders? It takes riders to win podiums.

Screw the electronics and trick carbon stuff. Just give Stoner and Hayden a couple of extra cans of Red Bull before the start! Voila... problem solved and for cheap! ;D

Stoner without electronics? I want to watch that... I bet Nicky can ride the thing better with out all those stupid electornics he comes from an Era where GP bikes had minimal traction control in 2003 and he slide that thing everywhere back then.. but the 800 need GP250 style riding you cant cut corners like before you have to be smouth and on the gas like a 250 bike...

Honestly, one of the biggest issues is that the other bikes have caught up as far as tuning is concerned.  The Ducati can't power past everyone on the straights anymore and is actually losing out on top speed now.  Go back to 07' and Stoner would lose ground in the turns on a lot of tracks only to pick up a football field on the straights.  Now you have a bike that can't power past anyone and never was a complete package as far as being agile.  The Duc is good, but its main strength is gone for the moment.  De-tuning would destroy the only bright spot of that bike which is the engine.  Then you'd have a slow bike that can't turn instead of a fast bike that can't turn.

Hayden isn't going to win another championship and he isn't magically going to get better.  The kid is old as far as riders go, and his skill set isn't going to change.  Stoner is very good, but not going to be remembered as one of the greats.  Lorenzo is the next great talent of this generation... at least as the current field is made up.

We'll see how the new engine rule affects things.  The manufacturers have only five engines to play out the rest of the year and even with more exotic materials and parts, who knows which factory will get it right and which might end up dropping some points with blow ups and or lose ground by sacrificing power for longevity.

+1 [beer]

Good post Jester, I agree. [thumbsup]

I'm just worried that with the new restricted number of engines they will have to de-tune them to make them last longer... read: slower. Even the one bike per rider rule next year is going to be goofy. If they have only one bike AND they reduce the testing and race weekend practice time the teams will have damn little time to get a bike dialed in correctly for a given race. With two bikes they can set one up differently in the garage while the rider is out on the track testing the other bike's settings. Whip in, give a quick post ride report and zoom out on bike #2... back and forth until they have something to work with. Next year it will just be frantic wrench spinning and some damn good guess work and pray you get it right by race time.

My concern is that by next year the mega buck MotoGP bikes won't be any faster than World Superbikes. Who is going to care about F1 car racing if they aren't head and heals over other classes of road racing cars? Will you care about Ducati's MotoGP team if they are a second slower than Haga or Fabrizio in WSBK at the same track? I guess we will just wait and see... sure don't see all the goofy rule changes in SBK.

that will never happen a motoGP bike will never be leser to a SBK just because a WSBK is is a Street bike made to a race bike while GP bikes are build for Racing in mind... Most of the people who rode SBKs and then GPs will say that they are different animals so stable so much faster... the limit in laptimes will be the tyre and suspension technology and rider skills...

Even 30 tenths of a sec is a big different in lap times as you can see in a motoGP Grid now the SBK bikes are 2 or more Secs behind on same tracks that's a huge difference in racing.

One bike less motors is a bit stupid but right now it favors Ducati, Yamaha and Honda while Suzuki and Kawasaki dont have the resurces for such developement... maybe with this new rule more brands will jump in...

Will see, This Year Racing was good and is going to be even better in both MGP and SBK... [bow_down]

Good for Mat! [clap] I hope more people follow his lead. Racing on a potentailly deadly track is just stupid! Maybe 50 years ago when people would race anywhere they could but not in 2009. The Isle of Man should be the last crazy place on earth people should race bikes... and the point is they don't HAVE to, they choose to. To me there is a difference.

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/07/31/mladin-tells-why (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/07/31/mladin-tells-why)

Get well soon, Casey  :-\

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2009/Stoner+to+miss+Czech+GP (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2009/Stoner+to+miss+Czech+GP)

No offense, but as a member of the mobile vulgus Ducati, I like the Finn's chances.
http://www.mikakallio.com/mvhome/index.html?did=297&lang=en (http://www.mikakallio.com/mvhome/index.html?did=297&lang=en)
Ducati mob rulz....

This is great news for Melandri. It was expected but still great news that it actually is happening. The Gresini team could be one of the best satellite teams around! With Melandri and Simoncelli on board this could even give the Repsol boys some trouble. I would love to see that!! [thumbsup] [moto] [popcorn]

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/08/15/melandri-back-to-gresini (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/08/15/melandri-back-to-gresini)

More good news for the 2010 MotoGP line up. I love Bautista in the 250GP wars and I think he could do well on the Rizla Suzook team. I'm sure he will be taking Capirossi's place as the article suggests (due to rumored retirement) and I bet Vermeulen takes Toseland's spot on Tech 3 Yamaha team. We'll see who teams with Bautista on the Rizla squad. That should be interesting.

Toseland has made no friends in MotoGP and his crew chief swapping stunt this last year pissed off everyone from Edwards on down and it still didn't help his performances. Just like Kenan Sofuoglu's great decision to go back to World Supersport after doing nothing in WSBK, maybe Toseland should go back to WSBK after doing nothing in MotoGP. No shame in that! Toseland's a great SBK rider, maybe that is where his destiny leads him. Hey, there was some rider named Bayliss that didn't do so well in MotoGP and he seemed to fare pretty well going back to WSBK. [thumbsup] Of course he did stick it to them in the last MotoGP race of 2007 coming in as a "guest" rider!!! Guess he showed them!! [clap] [bow_down] [bacon]

Anyway, good for Bautista! I'm looking forward 2010 goofy rules and all! [thumbsup] [moto] ;D


http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/08/16/bautista-to-suzuki (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/08/16/bautista-to-suzuki)

So Team Aspar is looking again.  ???  Elias or Barbera....

http://teamaspar.blogspot.com/2009/08/alvaro-bautista-with-suzuki-in-2010.html (http://teamaspar.blogspot.com/2009/08/alvaro-bautista-with-suzuki-in-2010.html)

After his "zero to hero" performance at Sachsenring and 3rd at Brno, I think Elias has proved he can still hunt; but then, I have a soft spot for underdogs. Give him credit: of all the Ducati also-rans in 2008, he stunk the least (12th).

In these strapped-for-cash times, it might come down to which rider brings the most lucrative sponsorships to the table. Hopefully Aspar doesn't need the money...

I like Elias too. He's not a Championship winner but he can produce really good results when the opportunity strikes and his bike is set up right. On the right bike with a good team he still has the ability to be a consistent performer. I hope he lands a good ride somewhere. [thumbsup] He is ending the season in the right way. Try to go out on top. [thumbsup] Like Hayden and Honda, he knows he's toast with Grisini but he still is giving it his all for the team and his future. Gotta respect that. [clap]

 

So during the televised race broadcast of Brno, did anyone else hear the very brief commentary/crash analysis regarding "the airbag going off inside the suit"?  It was a Dainese suit I think (not going to go into any more detail - don't want to spoil the race for anyone who hasn't watched yet  ;D )

DON'T READ THIS POST IF YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED THE BRNO MOTOGP RACE... YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!!!




I guess I missed that one. The "best" crash coverage besides Lorenzo's low side was Kallio's "interface" with Melandri. Was that it? I was too interested in replaying the bump and crash to pay a lot of attention to what the commentators were saying.

Did anyone else notice that it would have been impossible for Lorenzo to breathe without unzipping his suit, much less ride after the airbag deployed and instantly turned him into a replica of the Michelin man? Once that thing goes off, your race is done, regardless of whether the bike might still get you to the finish line.
It is definitely better than broken ribs and/or a cardiac contusion. Let's see if he wears it at Indy, though.

Capirex already has a contract offer for next year from Suzuki.  The Mole is out of a job.  I think Tech3 is going to wait on Spies before filling JT's seat.  JT is toast.

Didn't know that for a fact about Toseland. Figured Vermeulen might nab his seat. What about the rumors on Capirossi retiring... just 2010 silly season BS?? Figures. Kinda hope Spies stays where he is and does more in WSBK but I know he's chomping at the bit to try it. My take is that he is plenty young to spend another year or so in WSBK kicking ass and maybe taking a championship or two. That would certainly up his value in MotoGP. Just my 2 cents. Oh well, they never listen to my advice anyway! [laugh] [bang]

Capirex referenced his looking forward to working with Bautista and I know they had already tendered a contract offer to him.  Pretty sure he's coming back for one more year.  I don't think JT's future is official, but considering he got everything he wanted this offseason, caused problems within Tech3, and then went backwards down the order... I'm pretty confident he's out of a job.  Hayden's gonna be out of a job if Lorenzo swaps to Ducati, but he'll probably move to Fiat or Swap with Colin to the Tech3 bike until Spies comes up.  I would imagine Spies takes JT's seat with factory support if he wins the sbk crown.

All good stuff! It will be fun to watch. Half the fun of a racing season is seeing who goes what and where at the end of the season. [thumbsup] Just hope the economic climate doesn't torpedo all these juicy rumors! [bang] It will be interesting for sure to see where Spies lands. I still stand by my previous post about him staying in WSBK... I'd love to see him kick ass there for a couple of years then move on to MotoGP. [clap]

Yeah I'd like to see a full season of wsbk with Haga staying healthy and Spies not running into odd mechanical stuff.  Another year of those two ripping it up would be awesome.  I think the Aprilia is going to be even stronger next year and bet the BMW improves a lot as well.  Its possible we could see JT and Vermeulen back in the mix as well.  It could be one hell of a year if it pans out.

On the American front:  It sure is sad to have watched what seems to be the death of American bike racing.  For now anyway.  You'd imagine most of the young American talent will scratch and claw to find ways into the Euro championships with how things are here.  Its going to be tough for the youngsters.

The money is over here as opposed to Europe pay-wise for the riders. Even the young guys like Blake Young with no championships get paid more here in AMA/DMG wasteland than they would in say World Supersport. That's a big incentive... $$$$. There is not a boat load of Ben Spies quality riders in the US who can go over there, make a big splash and get the big buck contracts. I could see them staying here for bigger $$$ on a smaller stage. Big fish in a little bucket. Worked for Mat!

Minus Mladin the races will still go on next year, some of them might even be real good, but the bar will definitely be lowered. Not a good comparison but imagine MotoGP without Rossi and Lorenzo. There will still be winners and losers but it just won't be the same. Never the less, someone (Hayes??) will step to the front of the AMA/DMG SBK podium and give everyone something to shoot for. WSBK is none the worse without Bayliss (even though I miss him), I suppose the US SBK scene will stumble along without Mat. It has too...  :P

Mat stated at VIR that his heart hasn't been in it for a few races. No shame there, everyone and everything gets old sooner or later. Anyway, what does he have left to prove? or regret, for that matter: I don't think he'll do a Brett Fauvre. He would make one hell of a good riding coach.

Records are made to be broken, too. Maybe no one will touch Mat's record for the next few seasons, but even before his final race, you can other riders like Hayes, Bostrom, Pegram, and the Haydens stretching themselves, which has been entertaining to watch.

Good points Brian.  The thing I worry about for our youngsters is the visibility though.  You know at the end of the day, we all want to prove our mettle and reach the pinacle of whatever it is we choose to do.  Some make it and some don't, but its going to be real hard to get noticed for a shot at overseas racing when your homefront series are lost in the depths of mismanagment and dwindling fan base.  I don't see how the money and sponsors can remain where they are when fans pull out and manufacturers start to lack incentive to put anything into it.

Hopefully AMA/DMG will learn from mistakes and build it back up in the years to come.  They have taken a beating unlike I've seen from racers and fans alike... not to mention their own twisting of rules with the Buell and other situations in the past year.

AMA will be more exciting without Mladin due to the competitiveness, but will it even be available for viewing?  Do we care?

It has been really sad to see how few spectators there are in the stands and around the track when I watch the AMA/DMG races on TV. There is definitely a big drop in attendance from years past. Even then it wasn't like the stands were packed, but they damn sure are empty now. After the bikes whiz by there is emptiness and the sound of crickets! I can't imagine the track owners and promoters are happy with it all. I am sure they were pitched a huge pile of "bovine scatology" by DMG about how much better it will be now that they are in charge. I'm sure DMG blew smoke in everyone's eyes about NASCAR this and NASCAR that and how these "new" AMA races will draw in the masses just like the Daytona 500! :P Yeah, right. [roll]

I wonder if they really see how bad things are? I really don't see their business ego admitting they were wrong and going back to what it was like before. They have done nothing except show arrogance and keep adjusting their blinders and ear plugs to drone out the objections from racers and fans. Mat is clearing out about a year too late. I am sure his heart is not in it. What else does he have to prove and why put up with all the crap and the bozos in charge? His life will only improve after the end of the season. [thumbsup]

More fun stuff for the 2010 MotoGP grid!! Barbera has a ride all right... on a new Ducati team!! I think Pinocchio called this one a few days ago about Team Aspar but now it sounds like the Aspar/Barbera connection is solid. Very cool!

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/08/19/barbera-to-motogp (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/08/19/barbera-to-motogp)

I wonder if the Hayden bike will drop in price after they dump him.   :-\  for that matter the cedici if they dump Stoner not "communicating"

What does that mean? ???

per everything I've read Stoner wasn't forthcoming with the news to his sponsors and/or his Ducati team about sitting out and rumor has it they are pissed!  As for Nicky.....hell if they turn off traction control he should do better after all he grew up on a dirt track.

Didn't know all that. I'm still pissed Casey didn't call me and let me know. I can't imagine what the sponsors thought. [laugh]

Casey stopped by my house last time he was in the US and complained the entire time. I threw him out, vomit and all  [evil]

HA!, that's hilarious  [clap]  [thumbsup]

It was intersting to see Hayden's performance without Stoner on the grid...  Someone said that Hayden doesn't perform to his potential if he's not the # 1 in a team.  Not sure if that's true or not but these last two races have been pretty good for him.

Indy could be awesome  [popcorn]

The last time Hayden was probably considered #1 on any team was here in the US when he won the AMA SBK title on a RC51 in 2002. Even when he was leading or contending for his '06 MotoGP title he still was the red headed stepchild to Pedro-bot on the Honda team. :P

Hayden pipped Rossi for the 2006 championship by 5 points - exactly the number that Elias cost Rossi by finishing 0.002 seconds ahead of him at Estoril that year. That was the race when the Kentucky Kid's face matched his hair, as he cussed Pedrosa out for causing his DNF.

If Elias had settled for second at Estoril '06, would a Rossi win there have broken the resulting end-of-season points tie with Hayden in the Doctor's favor?

The record:
Seas   Class     Moto                Team          Race   Win   Pod   Pole   FLap   Pts   Plcd   WCh
Hayden
2006  MotoGP   Honda RC211V    HRC           17      2      10      1      2       252   1st    1
Rossi
2006  MotoGP   Yamaha YZR-M1  Yamaha      17      5      10      5      4       247   2nd   0

[popcorn]

This just in: If Lorenzo picks Ducati's offer over Yamaha's, Ducati will likely drop Hayden's option:

http://www.motorcycle.com/news/lorenzo-to-decide-future-at-indy-88674.html (http://www.motorcycle.com/news/lorenzo-to-decide-future-at-indy-88674.html)
 :-\

Very interesting indeed. The move to Ducati has sucked for everyone. Don't really know why but it has. That is another 30 page thread that I won't go into! The Yammyhammers are the best bike out there day in and day out. Of course they  have the best riders too. That never hurts. Leaving Yamaha and going to Ducati could be suicide for Lorenzo. It's a HUGE gamble. Do you want to go from being the best or second best rider on the track to a mid field performer if you are lucky if the Ducati #2 rider curse still exists? I don't know. Who knows? Rossi could get hurt and bingo... Lorenzo is top dog in the Yamaha camp. Main question is whether Stoner, with his problems, stills flies the Ducati flag or is it already time to look elsewhere? Time will tell...

Yeah, I almost said that, but thought better of it. It should be the thought on every Ducatisti's mind:
Maybe it's time for the #1 rider for Ducati to develop the bike for the average Joe Racer, not just for himself....question is, is that rider Stoner, or someone else?
If Casey would just relax his death-grip on self-improvement, and let a little of his talent trickle down to others, good things might happen for everybody.

Good point. [thumbsup] You'd think Ducati Corse would want their other bikes on the grid to perform as well as Stoner's? Don't you think they would like to have 4 out of the top 5 finishers all to be on Ducatis at every race? Hell yes. I don't know if it's just Stoner's personal ability to ride that wild thing so well or if he gets all the attention. All those other riders are good riders in their own way. No one is a complete loser by any means. So maybe it IS all Stoner and he just has a way to make it happen. It would be nice if he shared with the others. [laugh]

I don't see Lorenzo taking Ducati's offer unless he can be the #1 rider. It might not be that hard for Ducati to choose between a rider who puts in 30+ laps per QP session in traffic at race tempo vs. one who sits in the box watching the timesheets, only going out to find a clear piece of track when he has to defend his position.  When Lorenzo rode through most of 2008 with a pair of fractured ankles, he showed his guts and determination. His physical stature is nearly identical to Casey's: 172 cm vs. 171 cm; so the bike would not need major dimensional alterations.

Lorenzo's management said the team that signs Lorenzo will announce at Indy. If Ducati were to sign him as the #2 rider at Hayden's home track, that would be a real kick in the teeth for the hard-working Kentucky Kid. Can this really be what they are considering? ???

From what another article said about the head of Marlboro's sponsorship to Ducati (their top sponsor) being in the pits last race to talk to Lorenzo, it was mentioned that Marlboro will be the ones to decide who rides. They like Lorenzo's ability to be available to the public so they can merchandize him. Stoner won't do public appearances.

Some very real and somewhat disturbing comments from Capirossi about Ducati. He's right, what happens if Stoner keeps having trouble? And if they were willing to throw big bucks at him to get him back what does that really say about Ducati's faith in Hayden... and his future with them? Either those Hayden 848s will go way up in price or they will be impossible to get rid of. Could be the new two wheeled version of the white elephant gift? The Edsel of the Ducati world? Glad I have my RC51 Hayden Replica... at least he did something on one! [thumbsup] Certainly isn't for a lack of trying and hard work. The kid is a true team player. [clap] Again, can anyone ride that damn bike but Stoner? Jeez...

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=37864 (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=37864)

Brian i cant believe you dont have this one! Such a Sexy Machine... [bow_down]

(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/99/266511842_82e296a931_o.jpg)

and with a Arrow GP exhaust looks even better!

(http://i39.tinypic.com/28jh0s9.jpg)

Couldn't afford the Repsol CBR so I had to settle for a Joe Rocket Repsol jacket. [thumbsup] Those are hard to find.

Still trying to digest sexy and Brian in the same sentence.... :o

Don't waste your time. :P

Fine then, how lunch today at Jack's?  [thumbsup]  ;D

Sorry, no can do. Leaving town. I have to miss the cdc mass also. I'll have to send a sympathy card to his wife and family. Would rather do it in person.

End of threadjack on my own thread. [laugh]

Where the heck does Hayden go now?? It's obvious Ducati is looking under every rock to find someone to replace him. He still really seems to have a great attitude knowing that they are looking elsewhere. Then again he did the same thing with Repsol Honda. You have to admire his work ethic.

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=37866 (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=37866)

Fortunately for Nicky, it wasn't all about the money for Lorenzo. Good for Capirex, too, for turning Ducati down. I don't think they'll ask Melandri to come back, as if he would! So much for finding a marketable Italian or Spaniard to bring in the Euros...If they do find a candidate for the #2 seat, Hayden will be the third rider in as many years to walk around the MotoGP paddock with a Bolognese stiletto stuck firmly between his shoulder blades.

This just in: Nicky came in 2nd in FP1, .155 behind Pedrosa, with Rossi 3rd at .307.

This may be an interesting weekend.

Melandri has already signed with Gresini. Deja vu all over again. Who knows, maybe Nicky will resurface in WSBK? Twenty bucks says that's where Toseland lands. Hasn't exactly hurt Biaggi, might be good for Nicky and Toseland. The silly season just keeps getting sillier.

Has Gresini got a seat available for Hayden? There are too many riders who want to come up from the 250cc class to wait out their year on a satellite team for that to happen, I suppose. Nicky may have to go back to AMA Superbike then.....what a fall from grace that would be!!!! :(
No takers against WSBK placement next year for Toseland, he could rule there once again - just his style.... [thumbsup]

Gresini has Melandri and Simoncheli  the second  hired by HRC and he will ride a Full Factory Ride... and no empty spots for Nicky Hayden...

I think Yamaha reserves a spot on the tech 3 team for Ben Spies... If he win the Championship this year Yamaha will ask him if he wants to move to motoGp... and Crutchlow fill up hs SBK seat...

And no one mentions a thing about Colin Edwards' advancing season? Past few races he's looked good.

Colin always been there he is a top 5 guy and usally never ends up above 10th ..either with Yamahas or Hondas in the past..

Guess Hayden and Ducati kissed and made up! That third place finish at Indy damn sure didn't hurt Nicky's chances at re-signing! [thumbsup]

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/09/03/hayden-signs-with-ducati (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/09/03/hayden-signs-with-ducati)

I guess they figured if they didn't re-sign him they would be stuck with a bunch of 848 Hayden Replicas!! [laugh]

Very cool  [thumbsup] 

Wonder wassup with Stoner... really?   

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=26727.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=26727.0)

Nice ongoing discussion we have in the Racing and Trackday section of the board.  Lots of speculation and thoughts over the time he's been "sick."  Check it out if you haven't seen it yet.   [thumbsup]

A little late on this one but I guess this puts an end to all the silly season rumors about Spies.

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/09/04/spies-signs-with-yamaha (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/09/04/spies-signs-with-yamaha)

Looks like Yamaha knows how to get good contracts they have the best GP, WSBK, WSS, AMA SX Riders signed and looks like now that Mladin Retires Hayes would be a force in American Superbike...  [popcorn]

and they have a bike people can ride for a change.   :'(

What bike?

Not about bikes but still cool!

Grew up with Charles and his younger brother Mark has been my best friend for over 45 years. Charles is a really good rider also and has an incredible collection of motorcycles and vintage race cars. He bought a 999R just so he could make sure he got on the Desmosedici customer list! This is really neat for him and the memory of Rett. He was just an incredible kid. Died way too young.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/classifieds/news/automotive/latestnews/stories/DN-Autos2_29emp.ART.State.Edition1.4ba1a34.html (http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/classifieds/news/automotive/latestnews/stories/DN-Autos2_29emp.ART.State.Edition1.4ba1a34.html)

the GP9

mistake.  for Hayden and for Ducati.  I've pontificated about why ad nauseam over the last year or so but nothing this year has proved me wrong.

-Svoloch

Yes Stoner was the only one and that was 2007... I heard from some inside people who said that the Desmosedici motor is full developed and to do more they have to drop the Desmo system and go with pneumatic valves like the rest of the teams...

Not sure what fully developed means.  Played out on "innovatability"?  Or is it that the perceived shortcomings of the pneumatic valves have been overshadowed by compensating gains within the system?

I think some of that must be that Ducati is the only vendor working on it, and is small, whereas other venodrs have the benefit of having everyone else working off the same fundamental tech?  How do you know when you are at the end of a tech item like this?

BTW what a weekend!!!!!!!!!!!! both in WSBK and GPs!!!!!!!! [bow_down] [bow_down] [bow_down] Im really exited about Ben he can be the next kevin schwantz (without the crashing part) One more year in WSBk to kick some more ass then GP or if he wins this year he will team up with Colin Edwards... Tech 3 Would be a Full TEXAN team  [bow_down] [clap] [clap] [clap] Texas Tornado and Texas Terror [beer]

i mean the peak of development for this 800cc motor... all engines are.. you just can't be competitive with the same motor for 2-4 in MotoGp you have to try new things...

you at the frames. They try new things pretty much every 2-3 months...

Yes, was an unbelievable race weekend!

I got in late last night from my sister/brother in law's house (birthday burger cook out) and decided to watch the first WSBK race even though I was pretty tired. Well it was so good I made myself stay up for race 2 and was damn glad I did! Awesome, just f#@king awesome! No race spoilers here but as well as Spies rode yesterday I was even more impressed with Checa. Once in a blue moon he and the CBR/Fireblade just rock! Last year's double at Miller is a good example. Washed up GP rider my ass! Rea wasn't exactly putting around either. [thumbsup] [moto] [bow_down]

True about Cheka but i think the problem is Setup the riders are good.. I think now they wear Ohlins Suspension so we are going to see those Hondas on top again.. Rea might sign with a Factory team next year, maybe Ducati or even Yamaha/Aprilia Factory. And i heard another big team will switch brands...  i suspect they will switch from Either Ducati or Kawasaki to Yamaha (Ben Spies ex Factory bikes with yamaha Support)

Hmmm... interesting. The silly season doesn't stop with the riders, it extends to factories and race teams too. [popcorn]

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2009/Rossi+comments+on+2011+Ducati+rumours (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2009/Rossi+comments+on+2011+Ducati+rumours)

It may be everyone else's dream, but not mine. If Rossi signed with Ducati for 2011, then he'd be totally insufferable.  Unless he started to lose, which would either be poetic justice, or make me like him as an underdog, I can't decide which....dear god, why won't he sign with Ferrari and just go away?

On a happier note, maybe the engine leasing rule designed to reduce costs will increase competitiveness as well. The current factory/satellite system has unjustly penalized capable riders like Edwards, Elias, DeAngelis, and DePuniet by artificially withholding development, parts, and engines. When everyone has to build their own frames around leased engines, some interesting privateer entries might emerge.   

Will never happen... Rossi is a HUGE Superstar, Ducati Wants as much attention as they can get.... if Rossi Wins will be Rossi who won not the Ducati... This is the Reason he left Honda and in his book he says that Ducati asked him to sign too but they do like a lot of PR and is int to this stuff... hahahah

I would love to see Rossi on a Suzuki, see what he can do with it...

O.K., so this isn't exactly race-related but it is pretty damn cool.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/honda-to-launch-first-ever-dual-clutch-gearbox-for-motorcycles-w/ (http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/honda-to-launch-first-ever-dual-clutch-gearbox-for-motorcycles-w/)

Not sure I'd want an automatic transmission on my sportbike but it does sound like the new DSG will have a fully "manual" mode in there somewhere as well...

i think the 3 mode would be cool... when you are lazy and tour the auto clutch will be one less thing to keep track when you ride.. then you want to ride harder switch to Manual and rip through the gears!

 [moto]

I rode the FJR with automatic clutch............hated it, felt like it was going to stall around turns.  of course, this setup is different but Yamaha quit making that version because no one bought it.  just saying.

If I had a boulevard cruiser, and by that I mean an HD or the japanese version, I might be interested. I like changing gears too much while riding around 'town' in a sporty fashion to give it up.

Check out the Yamaha promo video of Spies. It's funny as sh#t! I love the last scene with Rossi! [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/09/09/so-that-s-how-he-does-it (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/09/09/so-that-s-how-he-does-it)

Another video of Spies but this one is a serious interview with Jonathan Green after the Nurburgring races. Spies has made a lot of head way in interviews since joining WSBK. His old AMA race interviews were always short and shy. He has become very well spoken and carries himself like the pro he is. [thumbsup] It's going to be another classic fight to the end in this year's WSBK series. Can't wait to see it! [clap]

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=38037 (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=38037)

Had to throw this in for all the Pedro-bot fans! [evil] [laugh] [thumbsup]

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image/2009/motogp/indy/fan4/33o.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image/2009/motogp/indy/fan4/33o.htm)

 [laugh]  [laugh]  That's hilarious!!!!!!!!

OK, is it just me or do I see the end of Hopper's career just around the corner?

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/09/10/hopkins-out-for-season (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/09/10/hopkins-out-for-season)

Did he ever had one? :-X

Good question. He did have one of the longest racing careers of any rider in the big boy GP class, he had that going for him at least. I think you would have to use carbon dating to discover his last podium though. :P Nice enough guy just not very productive. Amazing he kept factory rides as long as he did.

Wasn't Hopkin's early MotoGP career chronicled in "Faster"?   The Anglo-American...  ???

Lisa
(The Heinz 57-American)  :D

Yes some thought he wpuld be the new Kevin Shwartz... too bad the only thing he successed was his crashes and injuries... He should be pretty good in AMA ... [cheeky]

I was sort of hoping he'd catch a second wind in WSBK. He's no Spies, Haga or Biaggi but it would have been nice to see him be competitive, maybe podium some races. Instead all he did was fall off and get hurt, then get hurt some more. :P Hate to see that happen to anyone, even Pedro-bot. [moto]

Interesting article about Rossi and some things to think about. What would MotoGP be without Rossi? I suppose some day we will find out. I've said it before, sure there will be other great riders in years to come but will any one of them "out Rossi" Rossi? Personally, I doubt it. Thank God I live in a time when I can say later in life "Yeah, I watched him race for years. It was awesome!" [clap] [wine] [moto]

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Sep/090914rossi.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Sep/090914rossi.htm)

These are some things I think about in sport. Is Tiger actually worth that much money or is the sport of golf in need of that sort of superstar in order to attract wealthy buyers to purchase it's products? Is it justified to pay a bloke $30,000/Euros for taking his life in his own hands and racing the TT and the same time pay a Milandri-type rider more each year to ride? Should MotoGP advertise more in order to attract more wealthy buyers? Should the motorcycling industry as a whole come together and compete against the likes of (deep breath) NASCAR  [puke] ? Why not have moto racing of all types more standardized and commercialized like the aforementioned so people can become more involved in the sport? Maybe make Moto racing a multi-race event at many more venues here in the U. S.!

Let's face it our passion is second to the cagers. We need more exposure to the general public here in the U. S. If money gets behind moto racing then motos will become popular again and Rossi and Woods will be in commercials together like Federererererer is. Why aren't the parrallels to F1 and MotoGP brought out more? Hello!, Make Rossi a board member of the FIM! That way you might just faret out some of the hoity toity flim flam that has become F1. Am I off base here folks? If so just tell me to shut up and get off my podium. he he...Like Jimmy Buffet says at the start of "Fruitcakes"..." We need more Fruitcakes in this world and less bakers! We need people who care! I'm mad as hell and I don't wanna take it anymore!"

AMA Grand National Championship used to be a multi-race, multi venue competition in the good old days. I loved it back then. You had short track, half mile and mile flat track, TT and road racing. You had to run them all and score points in them all to compete for the #1 plate. It was awesome but time and expenses passed that form of competition up. Things became very specialized. The first 1976 AMA Superbike championship began that process and the slow collapse of the old GNC #1 plate competition. It was really cool in it's day. Produced some amazing racers for sure. Can you say Kenny Roberts, Sr? I knew you could. [laugh] [thumbsup]

  [thumbsup]  Well said. +1

I'm no genius but even I could see something like this coming.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Sep/090916a.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Sep/090916a.htm)

With the possibilty of Toseland and others heading to WSBK the 2010 season might even be better that this one! How awesome is that?? [clap] [beer] [thumbsup]

... and in regards to my last post there is this interesting article. Hmmmm, puzzling evidence. I think we'd all like to see Team Texas on the MotoGP grid sooner than later? [thumbsup]

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Sep/090917a.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Sep/090917a.htm)
 

it would be cool to watch spies in GP.

Yeah... who knows though?  Might end up like two Siamese fighting fish in a little glass bowl   :o   Not sure any GP garage stall is big enough to have those two personalities in such close proximity!   [laugh]

I, for one, see an Edwards/Spies Tech Trois box as being "tres sympathetique". So what if it's a French garage? There is a "French Connection" to Texas, after all: La Reunion! Mickey Mouse and Marcel Marceau aside, Vive La France! If they can get some podiums, more power to them! [thumbsup]

they will argue... and eventually settle it over beer and frito-pie.   [beer]

That's the best post I have seen in years! [clap] Where the hell have you been Gus??? [beer] [drink] [thumbsup] [moto]

 [coffee]  FRITO PIE :o  That was hilarious; spoken like a true Southerner!

How ya' been, Gus?  Coming back this way anytime soon?

Gee, what a suprise this is. :P Personally, I only see Yamaha being the only manufacturer sticking with DMG's nonsense. After the way DMG treated the bike makers before the season and during the season why should the American distributors waste hard earned/hard to come by money on these bozos? Especially with no foreseeable changes anytime soon. I can once again see the others picking up tent stakes, moving on and starting their own series. Note that Honda is putting the racing shop in "storage" not getting rid of it. I wonder where this will leave Erion Racing? Just feel sorry for Neil. Hope the shoulder heals up over the winter and he lands on his feet somewhere. [thumbsup]

At the sound of the gun the 2010 AMA/DMG silly season debacle will start. [laugh] [bang] [coffee]

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/09/18/honda-won-t-renew-corona-deal (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/09/18/honda-won-t-renew-corona-deal)

I thought Honda had pulled up stakes even before this last season.  Other than honoring contracts, I'm pretty sure they were nowhere to be found.

DMG has no idea how to run a motorcycle series.  Hopefully everyone will stick to their guns and not cave to poor offers.  The problem is that a bunch of these guys are jobless now with the series in shambles and when it comes to a paycheck, they may not be able to hold out forever.  Too bad.

AMA at its best wasn't a sport that had a huge following, but it did have a very dedicated crowd that did watch.  With that thrown away, I'm not sure American motorcycle racing has a very bright future.  It will take years to lure people back, even if DMG fixes all the issues.  With lack of manufacturers and manufacturer interest, what's the point?

I agree, what's the point and I'm sure Honda and others do too. :P Bad economy + DMG = nothing good.

Honda did kinda sorta pull out this year but what they really did was put all their factory folks in Corona Extra uniforms and leathers. They only kept Hodgson because he was still under contract so they might as well have him race on something that Honda made. Better than paying him to sit at home. Unfortunately Duhamel and Zemke were at the end of their contracts. Even Zemke with the #1 Formula Extreme plate couldn't be helped. Honda didn't care because there was no longer a Formula Extreme. :o He found something to do but not Miguel. May be the last we see of Miguel given his age.

It will be interesting to see what the others do now that Honda has shot one across their bow. I still think Yammyhammer will stay. They committed this year when others were wavering. They'd probably like Hayes to win SBK next year. They haven't done that since Thomas Stevens won the championship in 1991! And that's the ONLY time they've done it.

Not hard for Yammy to win the championship if they're the only manufacturer on the grid next year.   :P

I hope it all turns around for the sake of the young generation of riders.  If it all goes down the drain, we'll see less and less Americans making their way to the big dog series.  That will be sad.

Agreed. [thumbsup]

So when does the CMRA, WERA and other series ban together to promote their own racing? How bout re-surfacing the tracks around Texas and do an unlimited (MGP-type) series here in Spies country?
Hey, if taxi cabs can go round in a circle a little faster than rush hour traffic in Houston and "La Frances' "can make people believe it's actually fun to watch AND get them to cheerlead behind the mindless drivers with mass advertising products all-the-whilst controlling it to the point of telling each driver..."psssst, it's your turn to win this week", I think there are enough cyclists who like road racing to make it profitable. With two MGP's in the U. S. the future only gets brighter.

Then again I could be completely offbase here.

WERA has stated many times that they DO NOT want to take over/take the place of AMA Pro Racing. Not in a management sort of way, that's obviously covered by our good friends at DMG. WERA doesn't want to replace AMA racing. I think they are happy just doing their own thing and don't want to make it an "us vs them" series competition. CMRA just does their own little regional thing and I am sure they too are happy doing just that. I see no big take over or expansion moves by anyone on the horizon due to the unpopularity of the DMG run series.

However... I could see the manufacturers getting together (without Buell [laugh] [bang]) and starting their own series. Which they threatened to do last year over the tensions with the DMG yahoos. If the economy was hitting on all eight cylinders and they were all doing well I could really see some possiblities with a Motorcycle Industry Council series. And who better to benefit from it? Themselves. Talk about a good self serving interest! ;D [moto]

I'd actually like to see H-D (Buell) included in the racing series. Kind of a put-up or shut-up when it comes to "baddest boy on the block" mentality. Likewise, I want all four japanese manufacturers, the british, and the germans included with the several italian manufacturers that sell bikes here.

I find it interesting, and more of marketing than design strategy, for some manufacturers to build bikes that don't really get all that close to a traditional classification sport bike. I say marketing, because it gives them an excuse when they don't compete as to 'why'.

Enough "big-twin" b-s that the harley buellison dealerships spew. Likewise for the technological advances by the germans. prove it, on the racetrack, that it means something.

While I don't like NASCAR, I must say the manufacturer battle is pretty good. With motorcycling, you've got two of the biggest boys on the block essentially sitting on the sidelines making claims about how good they are. (I am aware that BMW is now racing...)

Does the DMG bunch also manage the Rolex Sportscar Series?  I know for sure there is a 100% tie between NASCAR (the Bill France family) and the RSS.  The reason I'm asking this is because I could have sworn I heard over the weekend on a telecast with the President of RSS, that he was also the managing director of AMA...

Now I'm not a huge fan of NASCAR - I know enough about the series to stay "current" - but once the France family took control of the Rolex Sportscars Series, their quality of competition has improved 1000% percent, along with their viewership not surprisingly.  In fact they are in the enviable postion of having to ADD race dates to keep the sponsors happy  :o

If there is some tangential tie between the AMA and the folks at NASCAR, maybe their series can improve too.  The only real question is are we really ready for a Viagra/Monster Energy/Huggies GSXR?

Didn't think so  [evil]

But, don't you see, it's precisely the American Spectacle of NA$CAR that makes up it's appeal! All those colorful blurs rushing past the fence, the cars and racing suits covered in cool stickers all over the place from sponsors you and I patronize every day, right here in the USA! And everyone stands up and puts their ballcaps over their hearts when the American Idol winner steps up to belt out the National Anthem! From the spectator standpoint. it's a no-brainer, a lot easy to understand than other professional sports, and it's American!. Better'n that, it's Southern! Why, it's Southern Hockey, by gawd!
Did I mention it was American? ;D

Of course, if it weren't for the economy, the deal with DMG probably wouldn't have been necessary. But if anyone can make another NA$CAR out of AMA racing, DMG can. It may not be anything that track day enthusiasts care to watch, but ask yourselves, how many NA$CAR fans are serious about going fast themselves? Probably a small minority, with the majority being thrill-seeking spectators ponying up lots of cash, and who measure the return on their entertainment dollar in spectacular, but fortunately harmless, crashes. [roll]

Hmmm..sounds like that would cover the entire life cycle in reverse, kinda like if Benjamin Button had been a motorcycle racer. Unless those Huggies turned out to be Depends, which had doggone better be inside my leathers if I ever go racing! [laugh]

An interesting idea explaining why only one rider seems to be able to ride the Ducati GP bike:

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/15september09_desmomystery.htm (http://www.motorcycledaily.com/15september09_desmomystery.htm)

Makes some sense but this "issue" must just be one of many that have kept the current Ducati GP team from consistently scoring points for BOTH bikes competing [bang]

Wow, where did this come from? Simoncelli in WSBK this weekend? Isn't he trying to win another 250 GP title and move on to MotoGP? What's up with one race WSBK deal???

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=38195 (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=38195)

Cool pictures from Imola:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/photo.php?pid=2683824&id=706353648 (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/photo.php?pid=2683824&id=706353648)

watched race 1 of imola last night, watching race 2 tonight. i already know the results, but it was great fun to watch the race.

That was some very hard fought territory the front 8 riders did. I thought the jockeying was great. And OMGoodness did you see young Simoncelli! Jeez louise fresh from MoGP on 250's and now in the big leauges. He's what like 20 years old! What a rider.

Looks like you have to log in and have an account with facebook to see the pics... which I don't have. Oh well.

I think we could all this coming given the "IZ_" wording of Yamaha's press release when they re-signed Spies for another two years. I guess they had to wait to see how arm twisting it would take for Toseland to play ball and be a team player. I think he will do well in WSBK.

I still wonder if Spies is jumping series too soon. I would love to see him duke it out with Haga and Co. in SBK. I just like that series better than MotoGP. It will be interesting for sure! [thumbsup]

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/10/01/trading-places-1 (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/10/01/trading-places-1)

Oh dang B, I didn't think about that. Since you're a biker-dude if you were to get a FB account you'd be in touch with mille's of moto fans around the world. That is if that's a benefit of course. If not I'll dl some of the pics that look interesting and post em. Only a couple of um-girls to look at. Don't understand that when it's there in front of you to photograph WHY NOT?

It seems ambiguity has it's purpose

I think the timing is just about right. Edwards said once he waited too long to move up. Learning to ride superbikes, then switching to MotoGP prototypes can teach riders habits that are easy to revert to under pressure, but that don't translate well: you can't ride a thoroughbred the same way you do a quarterhorse.

Ben could do a lot worse than learning the MotoGP ropes at Tech 3. He'll have Edwards for a teammate and Herve Poncharal for a manager. With a determined couple of Texans on the satellite team, 2010 could see some fierce competition in the Yamaha camp.

You're right. It could really be a great team. Who better to have in the corner of your satellite team as a team mate than Colin Edwards. A fellow Texan and a no bullshit, tell it like it is kinda guy who happens to know what he's talking about. Rossi thought an awful lot of him. Not an easy person to impress I'm sure. Too bad Toseland didn't make it work better and pissed him off... and many others. Had their relationship been better Toseland might have gotten some tips and help from the other side of their garage instead of a curtain! Sounds like the Pedro-bot vs Hayden days! :P

From http://superbikeplanet.com/2009/Oct/091001-45on11.htm (http://superbikeplanet.com/2009/Oct/091001-45on11.htm)
[cheeky] [cheeky]

Typical funny Edwards stuff! [laugh]

And now for something completely different: another kind of Italian v-twin racing!

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=38289 (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=38289)

I like the idea of a sporting Harley with Ohlins and Termis! [clap] [moto]

As a reluctant and self-hating Spies fan, I think it's a good move.  As a Haga fan who has been waiting 90 years to see Haga win a championship, I think it's a GREAT move.

Also excited to see Crutchlow come into WSBK

I'm liking Crutchlow too but damn did he throw away the race lead at Imola or what?? Couldn't believe it! After that hard fought of a race, finally gets the lead and then tosses it. Looked liked something I would do! [bang] Need to check the championship score to see if he can still wrap it up. It would be nice to see something other than a Honda win the WSS Championship. [thumbsup] [wine]

Sounds like NASCAR! Love that thunder. That is very cool.  [thumbsup]

One less WSBK round next year, no Qatar race. Hate that it ends so soon in October. Bummer...

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/10/06/world-superbikes-2010 (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/10/06/world-superbikes-2010)

Gonna be epic at Phillip Island this weekend. [thumbsup] Twenty bucks says Rossi goes medieval on everyone after his 4th at Estoril. He'll be wanting to pad that 18 point lead over Lorenzo. He already leads the Friday time charts. Jorge washed out the front end but he's OK and also fast. Stoner could be the spoiler here. It is his home track and he has won the last two PI races. I think he has something to prove after all the s#@t he got for taking off three races to rest. Pedro-bot?... who cares? [roll] Just wish Hayden would put in a decent ride. I'm sure he feels the same way. [cheeky]

 [evil] [evil] Could this be misconstrued as a .....(dare I say it)....spoiler?  [evil]  Even though the race was last week...he he..had to do it... [laugh] [laugh]

If people haven't watched it by now...  [roll] [evil] [bang]

Silly Season stuff that's not so silly anymore:

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=38458 (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=38458)

I wish Checa well, I've always liked him. Was wondering where he would end up after his Ten Kate gig was up. Pretty cool to see him on a Duc. [thumbsup] I'd love to see him turn in some good results, he's a trooper who can still deliver the goods under the right conditions! [moto]

Wow!! Awesome Phillip Island race!! Who would have thought that Gabor Talmacsi would lap the field? Just awesome!! Ooops! I forgot, no race spoilers. [laugh]

Seriously, it's a killer race. You'll love it! [thumbsup] [moto] [popcorn]

Great duel to the end, great display of skill by the top guys, watching some of those power slides made me really pucker  :o 

It's going to be an awesome double header next weekend!! WSBK wraps up yet another kick ass season at Portimao, Portugal. Without a doubt one of the coolest circuits of the year and it is guaranteed to be a ball buster of a race!! Talk about having it all on the line!! A good old fashioned slug-fest for sure.

And MotoGP with their next to last race at Sepang, Malaysia. Any bets on Rossi wrapping up another championship at Sepang?? I wouldn't bet against him. [bang] Hopefully Nicky won't get punted again and can actually turn in a decent preformance. [thumbsup]

I love these two race weekends... it's a long winter without them. :P

loved the color!

So (dax), does that mean that some(dax)one would be willing to open their home(dax) garage to a watching party? (dax) ...just sayin... ;D

OK, this is just funny as s#@t!!

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Oct/091027sleepwithfishe.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Oct/091027sleepwithfishe.htm)

Haha, I'm catching up on my dvr watching and milli and I just watched Malaysia GP, and then the WSBK races. The write up about Rossi noticing the change in color of the U in the Phillip Island Race was pretty wild: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/motorsport/6408037/MotoGP-Malaysian-round-preview.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/motorsport/6408037/MotoGP-Malaysian-round-preview.html)

I gather Rossi has learned a way of looking known to good quarterbacks, or master swordsmen: look everywhere, focus nowhere.
Keep your eye on the mountain, grasshopper...

2010 WSBK Champion?  Going to be hard to beat.

Discuss.....


(http://pix.crash.net/motorsport/360/PA671642.jpg)

I agree. Toseland could have a very good year on a well proven, sorted out bike. [thumbsup] He's no slouch, those 2004 and 2007 SBK World Championships weren't just handed to him. BUT, Haga isn't going to get any slower and Fabrizio had a very upbeat year. That is still one hell of a tough team. Biaggi won't be getting any slower either, although he does need a faster teammate. :P

One thing Toseland will not have next year is Tom Houseworth as a Crewchief nor will he have Greg Wood wrenching on his bikes. Twenty bucks says Spies would admit that bringing those two guys over from Yoshimura was the smartest decision he made this year. On or off the track. In interviews thoughout the year he always gave credit to them and the rest of the team for his success. [clap] I just hope that Toseland doesn't try to steal his teammate's Crewchief in WSBK!! [laugh] [bang] Didn't work so well in MotoGP. ;D

Cool story about John Kosinski. Jeez, they aren't kidding, the guy hasn't aged a bit! Damn! I remember when he was just a kid coming up through the ranks in the late 1980s. Pretty neat that he still enjoys it. [thumbsup]

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/flat-track/2009/10/28/kocinski-rides-again (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/flat-track/2009/10/28/kocinski-rides-again)

Cha-ching and bling for Spies!!

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/10/31/bling-bling-for-spies (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/10/31/bling-bling-for-spies)

I doubt if he'll ever wear it.

Wait a minute, that's a pinkie ring, isn't it?

Welcome to our ting, Benjamino....
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2570/4075958682_2d9925bba4_o.jpg)

If he's smart, he'll wear it.

It's different when The Don wears it though.

Not sure how bad this could be for The Team next year but the cynic in me says it can't be good...

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2009/Livio+suppo+leaves+ducati+marlboro (http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2009/Livio+suppo+leaves+ducati+marlboro)

I think the staffing change in wsbk might be a breath of fresh air - (Tardozzi)

With Tardozzi leaving the Ducati WSBK team after all of his success that leaves two big holes in Ducati Corse. Ouch!

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Nov/091106ozzi.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Nov/091106ozzi.htm)

Making such a big error with fabrizio and haga, point wise, I think could be a big part of it.

Don't the teams at this level of competition have "team rules"? Isn't winning the championship the point? Why have #2 rider put #1 rider further in the hole? I always revert back to the Pedrosa knock down of Hayden in the second to last race in 2006. Although some on the "racing & trackdays" board seem to think nothing was wrong with that, like Hayden somehow deserved it. It's just "racing". Huh? WTF? Honda's lame ass answer (defending Pedro-bot) has never stopped pissing me off. >:(

I understand its about personal success to the riders, but team success, though a concept probably better displayed by NASCAR of all racing leagues, seems lost on some of these moto-riders.

The only team rule in motorcycle racing that I've ever heard of is "Be faster than your teammate". The fact that he's on the same equipment as you makes him the first rider you've got to beat.

I didn't make that up, Obi-Wan Kenobe said that.
I forget which episode. ;D

Nice little interview with Tardozzi. Doesn't really explain the Imola race decision but at least he gives proper credit to Spies. Tardozzi has always been a gentleman and a pro. [thumbsup]

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Nov/091106dozzi1.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Nov/091106dozzi1.htm)

Yeah, I remember that kind of language comin' from obi-wan in his jedi documentary "Faster" [laugh]

Here come the big blocks... deja vu all over again. Sounds like the 800s are toast. ???

http://www.motomatters.com/news/2009/11/06/ezpeleta_mulls_a_return_to_1000cc.html (http://www.motomatters.com/news/2009/11/06/ezpeleta_mulls_a_return_to_1000cc.html)

http://www.motomatters.com/news/2009/11/07/motogp_back_to_1000cc_from_2012.html (http://www.motomatters.com/news/2009/11/07/motogp_back_to_1000cc_from_2012.html)

I'm not defending either side, but go back and watch that race again from 06'.  Hayden almost lost his bike and took out Pedro about three laps prior to the famous incident.  He came into a corner under Pedro and damn near lost the front of the bike in what would have resulted in the same thing.  /shrug

That's been stated many times before. Don't personally remember it but I trust your (and others) memory of it. I still say was it tit for tat? Is it OK for Pedro-bot to return the "favor" to his teammate who was in the championship lead? At least Nicky didn't knock him down! Hayden was racing for the World Championship, Pedro-bot was not. Hayden may have goofed, I can see the point, that's a given. But his teammate shouldn't have returned the "favor" when he wasn't in contention. I know it's heated competition on the track but Repsol Honda's limp excuse/explanation should have had Hayden bustin' some chops in the pits and at corporate. Just saying... Glad he's gone from that mess. It was a bad marriage and that's something I know about! [thumbsup] OK, for the record, not the one I am in now!!!! OK?[laugh]

Pedro actually wasn't out of the championship in Estoril.  He was 34 points adrift with two rounds remaining so his goal was to close that gap to 25 or less going into Valencia.  The numbers were difficult, but he was still in it.  Pedro was riding in great form over most of the season, so it was reasonable for him to push as hard as possible and see what happened, given that Hayden ( experimental clutch or not ) had been a little shaky over the previous four rounds.

I'm not sticking up for Pedrobot and I don't agree with what happened to Hayden, but I don't think he deserves as much flak as he got for the incident.  In the end Hayden still won the championship, so it turned out ok.

VOTE PEDRO

 [evil]

(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2009/11/8/1257694028255/Dani-Pedrosa-celebrates-h-001.jpg)

 ;D

He does not look pleased.   ;D

That's because all the paddock girls are still leaving with Valentino!  [bang]

 [clap]

 [laugh]

Spies is 4th fastest at the end of the Valencia tests....
http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/154577/1/ben_spies_fourth_after_five_days_at_yamaha.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/154577/1/ben_spies_fourth_after_five_days_at_yamaha.html)

No love lost in the Yamaha MotoGP pits. Rossi even mentions the sweet deal to switch to Ducati. Could be very interesting next year. Makes you wonder when Rossi will leave and go race cars. You just know that's gonna happen sooner or later.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Nov/091109-qa7.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Nov/091109-qa7.htm)

Not sure if Ben Spies is back in Dallas after the season, but I'm pretty sure I saw him running WRL this morning while I was on the pedal bike

Maybe Rossi can write his own contract terms with any team, but does he really think there wouldn't be any friction from the other side of the garage if he went to Ducati? Hah! the gloves would really be off then!

I know he has a place (condo, etc...) in our general area since Giannis ran into to him at the Best Buy at Central/75 and Park Lane earlier this year. G-man said he was very nice and chatted him up about racing and stuff. Wouldn't surprise me to see him buzzing around White Rock Lake. He needs to get in shape for MotoGP!! [laugh]

Should we start a "ElbowZ-sightings" thread? [laugh]

No offense since iI was born and raised here but if I had his $$$ and a nice contract with Yammyhammer Dallas would be the last place I would want to call home. There are airports all over the country, for that matter the world. I think Tres Piedres, NM has some space available I bet!! [laugh] [thumbsup] Beats BigD...

he reads this board you know  :o  you're now officially on his shit list.  [leo]

Yeah, I overheard him talking to a buddy while we were standing in line at the post office;


Spies:  Damn that fastwin guy!  Why is he always picking on me?  Doesn't he know I have feelings too?  Fragile feelings, I tell you..."

Spies Friend:  Dude, suck it up - give 'em The Elbow next time you see him.  Duh.

Sorry , -1 there.  :(

Let's not forget, even though Ben was born in Elvis-town, he was raised in Longview. Yes, he's been around the country and the world, but so far he's only seen it from the inside of his motor-home - I imagine a racer's travels are probably like being in the Navy, you cruise to exotic ports o' call, and then spend most of your time there on board and on duty. When he finally gets home after a long season, the bright lights of Big D probably hold the same attraction for him that they have always had for anyone who grew up in East Texas.

Besides, I don't think a guy that alternates between wearing longhorn skulls and the Lone Star Air Force roundel on his helmet is going to leave Texas anytime soon. :)

Certainly no slam on Texas, never, no way. But think of all the cool places to live in Texas other than Dallas. I could think of about a hundred even before my coffee kicks in. Too many jerks in this town that think WAY too much of themselves and they drive that way to prove it. :P Dangerously so.

there are punks in EVERY town.  D aint the best at everything but if you want to improve your evasion skills this is the town IMO

I agree, there are much better places in Texas to ride a street bike than Dallas. I wonder if Spies even owns a street bike? Maybe so, but it's probably one of these:

It still doesn't have a kick stand.... [laugh]

I once read that Freddie Spencer had never ridden a motorcycle on the street only on a track. Maybe he knows something that we don't. [bang]

On the track at least everyone is an expert, is focused on going to the same place, and is going in the same direction. [moto]

Back to race stuff, I renewed my MotoGP subscription for the Winter, but I don't know why, exactly. Maybe so I can watch all the races again. I might solve Stoner's mystery disease, or figure out why he crashed on the warm-up lap at Valencia. I can determine who, besides Rossi, wears their boots inside their leathers, and why. I can follow the Moto2 build-up, to see whether that series is really going to make it out of the gate (KR had already bowed out before Valencia, blaming a lack of sponsor money - not a good omen).

I really need to get a life.... [bang] [laugh]

You and me both. ;D

It's official. Back to the big blocks in MotoGP for 2012.

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/12/11/motogp-1000s-in-2012 (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/12/11/motogp-1000s-in-2012)

Why did we go to 800cc anyway? Wasn't it to make them more "rideable"? Now we go back to mega horsepower motors just a couple of years later. [bang] What happened to the big deal about saving everyone money? Any guess what the combined cost of developing 800cc bikes and developing new 1000cc bikes after next year will be for all the competing teams? Jeez... talk about cubic money! :P Sounds like DMG was involved. [laugh]

Everyone raise their hand if they didn't see this coming? [roll]

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=38945 (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=38945)

I believed Bayliss when he said he was retiring for good. Mladin I didn't. I fully believed he quit AMA series because of DMG. That's it, period. He and Bayliss still have it in them and could do very well but I think Bayliss having three World Championships and his health was good enough for him. Mladin still has the fire in his belly. It will be interesting to watch and see if this happens. 

I wonder which offer involves the "machinery" that Mat finds so "interesting"?
Could it be:

http://www.suzuki-racing.com/news_page.aspx?SRS_ID=7&OBJ_ID=17707 (http://www.suzuki-racing.com/news_page.aspx?SRS_ID=7&OBJ_ID=17707)
 ???
Damn! and I was hoping Ducati. [bang]

Hey, Claudio Domenicali! Fillipo Preziosi! Attenzione! You had better make Mat an offer quick. Either that, or ask Davide Tardozzi if they have any retirement villas left on Lake Como.

Good one! [laugh] Been to Lake Como on my one and only bike trip through Europe. I remember it being really cool! [thumbsup]

I am sure it drove Mladin crazy all year to be stuck in the AMA/DMG mud pit while Ben rocked and rolled through WSBK. Knowing how well he and Ben have matched up over the years he probably was wishing he was on the grid with Spies all year. Knowing how unhappy he was it's no wonder that he lost interest in the series. How do you get motivated for that mess when you watch Ben putting it to them on the greatest tracks in the world? You just know that on the right equipment and team Mladin would be on the podium a lot. Time will tell...

Getting Mat on equipment he is interested in riding is one thing. Getting Mat back on a Ducati for the first time since the early 90's with Ferracci would be something else entirely (pure fantasy), especially if it was a factory Ducati WBSK ride.

Seriously, Ducati needs to do something about getting the "right" rider, but Mladin's business "interests" with Yoshimura are too strong for him to consider a switch, no matter how interesting that would be for us Ducatisti:
http://matmladinimports.bikegearwarehouse.com/ (http://matmladinimports.bikegearwarehouse.com/)
IMHO, a WBSK ride on a Suzuki is a sweetheart deal that Yoshimura has owed Mat for a long time.

I agree. No Duc, not even a satellite team. But I could see Suzook making room for a 7 time US SBK champ. However it goes 2010 will be just another killer WSBK season! [thumbsup] All the Brits will be smokin', Haga and Fabrizo will be wanting the crown and the man that will stand in the way? ... Biaggi. He could be the Ben Spies for 2010. Think how great the Aprilla worked for a first year effort this year. Who would have thought Aprilla would have done so much better than BMW? I expected more from Bimmer and less from Ape but was thrilled with the results. I only expect more from Biaggi and Co. next year. Then again, BMW isn't going to sit around all winter crying in their steins of beer. [drink]

All this WSBK talk is just making me wish the 2010 Phillip Island round was tomorrow!!! ;D

Say good bye to Stiggy Racing in WSBK and WSS. Didn't see or hear anything about this. Kinda out of the blue. Hate to see them go, they were a good team getting good results. Hope to see them back soon.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Dec/091213z.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Dec/091213z.htm)

Kawi pulls the plug on AMA race team. Yammyhammer and Suzook will be mighty lonely on the grid next year. Wonder what Ducati will do? No firm word on them as of yet, at least not that I know of. Anyone hear anything??

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/12/18/kawasaki-out-of-ama-road-racing (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2009/12/18/kawasaki-out-of-ama-road-racing)

I don't think Buell will be on the grid either!  ;D Can we now say that Buell had it's one hit? Does that count them as a one-hit-wonder?

2010 Racing begins:

Feb 27-Mar 1, WSBK, Phillip Island
March 14, Formula 1, Bahrain
March 20, American Le Mans Series, 12 Hours Sebring
April 11, MotoGP, Qatar

Just thought you'd like to know  ;D


[beer]

Feb. 27, huh? As the man said, that is a long time between drinks.

In the meantime, check out the Discovery HD Theater channel's recap coverage of the 2009 IOM TT on Monday nights. They aired a hour-long segment this week on the rebirth of the cafe racer that has repeats scheduled. Also they showed a two-hour piece on the 2007 Mille Miglia Storica - nice vintage GT cars, beautiful Italian scenery, good commentary. It's nice to see Stirling Moss is still driving. Their World Rally Championship recap coverage has been pretty good, too.

http://dhd.discovery.com/ (http://dhd.discovery.com/)

Didn't take Tardozzi long to land on his feet after he left Ducati!!

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2010/Jan/100105b.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2010/Jan/100105b.htm)

Fun in the snow! Go Nicky!!! [laugh] [thumbsup]

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2010/01/15/hayden-beats-alonso-massa-stoner (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2010/01/15/hayden-beats-alonso-massa-stoner)

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2010/Jan/100114-21.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2010/Jan/100114-21.htm)

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=39134 (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=39134)

I wish Hooper well. It's been downhill for him since 2007. WAY too many crashes and major injuries. Then to add insult to injury (literally...) Kawi pulls the plug on MotoGP thereby loosing his ride. Then off to Stiggy Honda (now extinct...) and WSBK for more horrendous crashes and injuries. Does this party train ever stop?? Apparently not. Next stop the wasteland of AMA/DMG bullshit superbike. I feel for the guy. He's gone full circle, started with Team Hammer and now back with M4 (current Team Hammer). Sad trip, a well paid factory MotoGP rider to being one of maybe 10 bikes on the AMA SBK grid with maybe 25 fans in the stands. How about another kick in the shorts? AMA SBK is now second fiddle to Daytona Sportbike!! The shit just keeps sliding downhill. :P How does he get a ride (wonder if he is even getting paid??) and Jamie Hacking doesn't?? Makes no sense. I hope he at least doesn't crash and get hurt some more.

So, so early yet but I have a really good feeling about WSBK this year. Hell, someone tell me when there was a bad year??!! [bang] It's starting off with a bang and will surely end with one.

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2010/01/22/haslam-gets-it-started (http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/road-racing/2010/01/22/haslam-gets-it-started)

The Brits are looking damn good so far... still, so early.

Can only hope that MotoGP is half as interesting. Hope it's not the Rossi/Lorenzo show with a win or two from Pedrobot. At least there will be the Spies fun factor. Unfortunately it will all be neutered by the stupid engine limit rule! I read Ducati used 18 engines per bike last year... this year it will be six. :P Bummer. I'm sure they all spent more money on engineering long life motors than they did on high revving horsepower motors. Stupid rule = dull racing. As always, we'll see. [thumbsup]

By that token, Ducati will be out of engines one-third of the way through the 2010 season. I read somewhere that they are planning to detune the engines for longevity. So now, instead of "Tire Wars" it's "Engine Wars", to see who can make six engines last the season? I will reserve judgement....

Somehow I don't see anything good coming from this. [bang]

I foresee a long dry spell for Ducati, especially in motogp.  I believe that Hayden will be done after this year.  WSBK is a toss up, but I predict a good season for honda this year.

Go Haga!
Champ year!

With Portimao testing rounds done it looks like the only Duc in the crowd that was worthy (  [bow_down] ) was Shaky! Outdoing the factory boys! Here come the Brits though. Johnny Rea looks to be hot already.
http://www.roadracerx.com/features/photos/slideshows/slideshow-portimao-world-superbike-test/ (http://www.roadracerx.com/features/photos/slideshows/slideshow-portimao-world-superbike-test/)

I still think that Honda has it this year.  Spies was the only reason Yamaha had a chance.  I'd love to see Ducati win, but I just do not see it happening in any of the major venues.

I agree. The Brits and the Hondas are cooking it! Ducati will have a tough time against that group. It will be fun to watch. As always!

I'd like to see some broadcasts of the Brit SBK series. That is where Rea and Toseland and that guy with the C in his name came from. I don't have enough crooked teeth to say his name.

Haslam and Rea have been grooming on those Hondas the past two years and it shows. Honda will do  big things this year. You can feel it.

I'm getting tired of watching all the re-runs on the DVR of WSBK and MoGP.

Check out the HD Channel; every other week they're running all of the Isle of Man races.  Great racing!  You may need a translator though for most of the English commentary... Especially the rider interviews! 

And now that you mention it, orthodontia has definitely NOT made it over there yet.  Very grim in HD...

 [beer]
 

That was a great find, and I really enjoyed following it from week to week when they began airing it in December. I just wish there was HDTV coverage of the IOM Grand Prix, which is the vintage bike race held in August. Cafe Racer magazine's last issue had a short pictorial on the 2009 event. The contemporary riders have faster times on the vintage machines than was possible when they were new, due to improved suspension components and tires. It would be great to see riders taking the Ballaugh Bridge jump on 40 year-old British thumpers, as in days of yore!

I've had all the episodes recorded for 6 months now and still get a kick out of watching them!! Also watching the MoGP and WSBK races too. It's what is keeping me going through the winter.

Pretty damn sad...

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2010/Jan/100128d2001.htm (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2010/Jan/100128d2001.htm)

One Ducati. One Beull.

Sounds like Rock Bottom Racing might even stand a chance ;D

I seriously wonder what the Superbike grid will look like at Daytona. DMG cut the prize money for all SBK races to virtually nothing and now will only pay to 3rd place!! :o They are trying their best to kill Superbike racing and putting all their eggs in Daytona Sportbike. Seems as if the only class they want to support has to have the word "Daytona" in it. The France family has no respect for the SBK class or it's history. The USA gave the world the SBK class. And at this rate we'll be the only country in the world to not have SBK racing. [bang] No wonder Honda and Kawi said screw you and walked away! It will be interesting to see how much effort Yamaha and Suzuki put into it this year. I'm sure their budgets will be drastically reduced. At least Suzook won't have to write those big ass salary checks to Mladin and Spies anymore!! ;D

...sniff sniff...I love ya man!

I wouldnt put to much into off season testing times.  Its going to be the same people as last year at the front.  With the addtion of JT at the replacing Spies.  I think Biaggi will win a few more races this year.  Probably see one of the Althea Ducati's take a few podiums as well. 

I feel as though the racing season is truly underway now with the Rolex/Daytona 24 hours. One note of sadness is to see Hurly Haywood retire. I had the honor to be a crew member to a  local celebrity racer who raced with Hurly in the '80's.  I never got the chance to meet him though.

Yes indeed, the 24hrs at Daytona!  Tivo'd all of the coverage... Something like 10 hours?!  Yeah, baby - love the endurance prototypes.  I'll slowly ration my viewing of the race to try and make it to the start of the moto season   [bang]  [laugh]  Might have to watch it a couple times... maybe backwards  [cheeky]

WSBK last weekend in February, Phillip Island.   YEA!

And just an FYI for any other car racing fans out there:  the 12hrs of Sebring is March 20.  It's the opening round of the American Le Mans Series.

So... Party at Boyd Manor?!?

Well... yeah!  Why the hell not?

 [beer]

I do have the last Stoner race recorded PI MotoGP last race. Just sayin.

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/156560/1/rossi_and_lorenzo_stop_sharing_data.html (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/156560/1/rossi_and_lorenzo_stop_sharing_data.html)

Any predictions on the outcome, Rossi vs Lorenzo?  It's going to be an awesome season for sure.