Race talk - WARNING!! SPOILERS!!!

[MadDuck]

After a promising performance during wet practice...Val qualified in the back of the GP pack (but ahead of the CRT bikes).  I think he's praying for wet conditions...to quote his video interview "... looks like on the wet we are a little less worse."  Kudos to Nicky for qualified 3rd, placing him on the front row for race day.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2012/motogp+qp+report

Doesn't that beg the question, " If Nicky can grab a front row position, well...........? "

[freeflydive]

Nicky was asked if he could explain why "he is so much faster" than Val!  He downplayed it by saying he hasn't given it much thought ...but believes Rossi will be ahead of him as the season progresses.  Ironically, even Nicky isn't sure he can stay in the front during the race.  The entire Ducati team is praying for wet conditions since they believe they are more competitive with their electronics package and ability to maintain heat in the tires in those conditions.  They were testing in Jerez a month ago...so hopefully they have varied settings to match up to whatever weather conditions they are dealt.  

[MadDuck]

There's no questioning my loyalty and affection for Ducati and I like Rossi a great deal also but praying for rain so you can be competitive is about as lame as it can get in my book.

[Speed 3 Pilot]

Maybe someone should tell Ducati to look for other solutions, 'cause it ain't gonna rain every race day...

[freeflydive]

Unfortunately for some, the MotoGP race was declared dry just 5 minutes before the start!  It had an amazing start with the riders racing elbow to elbow for the first couple/few laps.  It got a little boring once everyone got their separation.  Nice finishes from Crutchlow and Bradl in Jerez...I think this the most animated I've ever seen Stoner as he crossed the finish line after having Lorenzo nipping at his heals.  I'll have to catch Moto2 tomorrow.

Until mañana, hasta luego!  

[DRKWNG]

Stone finally broke the "no win in Jerez" monkey that has been on his back.  And HOT DAMN for Crutchlow!!  I'm betting he'll be on Ben's bike next year.

[MadDuck]

Stone finally broke the "no win in Jerez" monkey that has been on his back.  And HOT DAMN for Crutchlow!!  I'm betting he'll be on Ben's bike next year.

I was telling Gloria that exact same thing all through the race.   

[Speed 3 Pilot]

And HOT DAMN for Crutchlow!!  I'm betting he'll be on Ben's bike next year.

Yup, Ben better get crackin'...

[MadDuck]

This coming weekend, May 5th & 6th

MotoGP at Estoril, Portugal

WSBK at Monza, Italy

AMA at Infineion (Sears Point) CA

British Superbike at Oulton Park.

All of that plus Gloria wants to go watch Think Like a Man.

Oh Boy!

[MadDuck]

If Free Practice times & 1st Qualifying Session times are any indicator there should be some good stuff this weekend. Spies seems to have his bike sorted.    The Ducs don't look too good for Monza but they never really do anyway. That might be a shootout among the BMW's and the Aprilia's.

[freeflydive]

Overall a boring race, but Rossi had his best finish this season at 7th place.  Nice battle for 4th within the Yamaha satellite teams.  Next stop...Le Mans on 20 May!

[118811]

Enjoyed the Daytona series at Infineion!!
Better than the MotoGp at Estoril

Northern Cal riders are sure lucky to have tracks like these
Laguna Seca & Sears Point
Any body here had the chance to ride either?

[freeflydive]

Not yet...Teresa tried to sign me up for CA Superbike School at Laguna Seca this past April.  Unfortunately, my presence was required else where (compliments of the Marine Corps).

[Speed 3 Pilot]

MotoGP at Estoril...another yawner...

WSBK at Monza...WTF, over...

[MadDuck]

Yep. The AMA Daytona 600cc races were great. Haven't seen the 1K races yet. Infineon looks like a fast, fast track. Some of those downhill corners look downright scary!