Schwantz is smoking crack.

[tufty]

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2010/May/100514-34-21.htm

The WSBK field is softer just because Spies isn't in it? Puhleeze, there have never been so many top level riders and teams competing against each other.

Kevin, I love you man and Spies is a talent no doubt... but COME ON!!

[gm2]

softer in that there's not one guy the whole pack is chasing.  which is true.  there's a ton of guys who can win.  many of them have been winning.  very competitive.  super fun.

last year, there was one guy that (as long as he finished the race) everyone was chasing, every time.  plus, nori has fallen off the table. 

that's not such a crack smokin' pov.

[derby]

that's not such a crack smokin' pov.

well he did say he was gonna get some criticism. 

[tufty]

softer in that there's not one guy the whole pack is chasing.  which is true.  there's a ton of guys who can win.  many of them have been winning.  very competitive.  super fun.

last year, there was one guy that (as long as he finished the race) everyone was chasing, every time.  plus, nori has fallen off the table. 

that's not such a crack smokin' pov.

... and yet lap time are down this year.

[Spidey]

Man, I was looking forward to a vid of actual crack smoking.  I'm really disappointed.

 

[derby]

... and yet lap time are down this year.

another year of development on the bikes, newer tire technology... there are a lot of variables at play regarding laptimes.

the reality of the situation is that the top of the current worldsbk field was smoked by a first year rookie on a brand new race platform with less then a year of development on it. well, all except for one of them, but the rookie in question took his motogp ride.

on top of that, last year's number 2 is far from lighting the world on fire this year.

the rest of the pack is basically doing what they did last year, just without spies and haga in front of them.

yeah, i'd agree... in the context he was using, the field has softened.

[gm2]

smoked

crack dun found!     =)

[fastwin]

another year of development on the bikes, newer tire technology... there are a lot of variables at play regarding laptimes.

the reality of the situation is that the top of the current worldsbk field was smoked by a first year rookie on a brand new race platform with less then a year of development on it. well, all except for one of them, but the rookie in question took his motogp ride.

on top of that, last year's number 2 is far from lighting the world on fire this year.

the rest of the pack is basically doing what they did last year, just without spies and haga in front of them.

yeah, i'd agree... in the context he was using, the field has softened.

Good point, well said. Couldn't agree more. Haga is off form, Spies is gone and everyone else is just doing the business. Still kick ass racing!! [moto]

[BastrdHK]

Spies' Superpole record was beaten at Kyalami, I haven't paid attention in the other rounds.  I think Biaggi also set a new one at Monza.

I like seeing the Brits go at it.  Toseland looks rejuvenated, it was hard to like him GP b/c of some of his tactics, but he looks the wiser, more respectable rider on the Yam team.  Crutchlow is getting pretty cocky in Superpoles.  I heard him comment in Portimao after he finished down the field, "At least I beat James!"

Good to see James respond to the challenge....interesting rivalry.

I like Checa, but I have a hard time believing he will scrap as hard the Brits if it comes down to it.

[fastwin]

I like Checa too, always have. He's been around a long time, very experienced but he's still got the drive and the skill when it's his day. He can show the young 'uns how to get it done and still not break a sweat!

[zooom]

I like Checa, but I have a hard time believing he will scrap as hard the Brits if it comes down to it.

scrap,maybe not in the style of the young brits as they are used to bashing fairings and pushing wildly on the hairy edge on each other, not only to make the pass, but I think in certain aspects to spook each other for mental reasons....I think he is a cagey and wiley old man who knows how to more smoothly push his will through on the bike and the pack....