motogp rocked yesterday.... ( spoiler )

[svoloch]

Anybody else catch it?  Stoner qualified for pole in the rain, then shot off the line and they never caught him...   He finished with over a 5 second gap...  Battling for 2nd and 3rd was pedrosa and rossi, and it was QUITE the battle, multiple pass/repass situations, but in the end, Rossi is just at home in those types of battles, while pedrosa is definitely a rocket, but he seems to need to get out in front and just stay there ( like last week ).

Speaking of last week, NONE of the desmosedicis stability issues were in evidence.  Somebody figured out SOMETHING, because this was the old, unstoppable Stoner that we have all been missing.  His lines were sharp, execution was crisp and smooth, and the mothermake the beast with two backser was just plain fast as shit!

Spies appears to have done ok ( 15th on an unfamiliar bike on an unfamiliar track ) but unremarkably.  If he gets a shot at Assen, it might get interesting ( tougher track, but he's had seat time in the gp bike now )

anyway, fun race, I'll probably watch it tonight again

[bryant8]

Give a call if you're going to rewatch it.  I'd like to check it out

[cdc]

Capirossi will ride Assen, broken hand and all. 

Speed replays MotoGP Wednesday morning, early morning like 3am early.  Tivo that B.

cdc

[♣ McKraut ♣]

someone keep it around on their tivo...i'd like to check it out

[bryant8]

I would, but...

1. I would need to own a TiVo

2. I would need to get SPEED

3. I would need cable.  

I'm waiting for TW to provide services at my apt complex.  Looks like the end of this month at least

[fastwin]

I heard that some old fart keeps them TIVO'd.

Stoner said (either on cycle news, road racing world or SBK planet... I read them all online) that Ducati did a super job testing at Mugello after that GP and came away with some really good results. I'd say that pretty much showed in this Sunday's race. Besides, some teams just find the golden ring at some races and some tracks definitely suit certain bikes and riders. I think their universe was in alignment at Ducati and Stoner was really on his game. Great race! Of course I think their secret weapon is Sete Gibernau and his hair and the fact that he (and his hair) is doing the testing for the Duc MotoGP group. Must be the styling muse...

[cdc]

I heard that some old fart keeps them TIVO'd.

Is he the MOF (master old fart)?

cdc

[Jester]

Stoner credited an electronic breakthrough for his bike's performance.  Pretty funny imo.  You take away all those fancy electronics and Stoner would poof into the sunset.  He claimed they were able to settle down the chassis and control the engine to keep the bike from bucking all over the place... translation:  Stoner is able to hamfist the throttle at full lean again and the electronics cover up the mess for comfortable victories.  I hope this doesn't start another run like last year.  I enjoy fights for first.

Can tell I really don't like Stoner eh?   

[bryant8]

As long as the DTC that trickles down to the SBKs is well tested, I'm good

[bryant8]

what little of F1 i've watched this year, no TC makes a huge difference and makes for a much more exciting race.  electronics i think are great, but overall J you are right, it covers/makes up for skill. 

we all know that rossi can slide all around these electronic bred racers. 

[fastwin]

Ashock, Lisa and I were talking about the dumping of traction control from F1 yesterday at lunch in Muenster. Doc's was kind enough to have the French F1 GP on the big screen TV for us upstairs. I'm just waiting for the new and improved Electronics Package for bionic neck control to trickle down to me! Can't wait for that upgrade!!! I'll ride like the wind after that. [moto]

[never2loud]

Of course Rossi can walk all over Stoner; as the Grand Statesman of MotoGP, Rossi's got more years on GP bikes of all stripes than almost everyone. 

I mean is Stoner even old enough to shave?  His sippie cup prolly had traction control for godssake 

[Duc L'Smart]

someone keep it around on their tivo...i'd like to check it out

Please add me to the list

[fastwin]

Of course Rossi can walk all over Stoner; as the Grand Statesman of MotoGP, Rossi's got more years on GP bikes of all stripes than almost everyone. 

I mean is Stoner even old enough to shave?  His sippie cup prolly had traction control for godssake 

That's good! Even Jen (the resident hater of all things motorcycle) who wouldn't know Rossi from Michelangelo knows Stoner as "that baby faced kid". She can't believe he's old enough to be married. Too damn young to be married in my book! So many umbrella girls so little time. They should have a baby face contest between Stoner and Pedrosa!

[cdc]

There is no doubt Rossi is extremely talented but we can't all be Rossi fans.  If we all were, we might as well have him ride around alone and hand him the trophy after his world tour.  Currently, he is the best of the most experienced GP riders.

In all fairness, these new kids are talented too.  Last year's champion was the best package of bike, team, tires and rider among other things.  The Desmosedici is the most powerful and fastest bike on the grid but without electronics, it is not easy to ride at the competetive levels required to win against the best in the world.  This year, more experienced riders like Melandri can't get along with the Ducati.  Last year, Capirossi couldn't match Stoner despite his experience with Ducati and the GP scene either.  The year before that Sete couldn't match Loris.  Casey is the only one who can ride the bike even when it is not at its best and win when it is.  That has to say something about him.  

Rossi used to hound Sete Gibernau running behind him only to take the lead in the last lap and at one time put Sete in the dirt on a last lap, last turn pass to win.  Rossi destroys his opponents after he toys with them for awhile.  I'm not sure if Pedrosa has the cajones to beat Rossi in a tight race.  He didn't last year but may be trying this year.  Lorenzo is on the same bike as Rossi except for the tires and has done well for himself except for his injuries.  He likes to challenge Rossi.  Casey and his Ducati is one of a very few with the mindset that he can beat Rossi.  Having done it last year gives him confidence he can.  

Traction control and electronics maybe the only way riders can race these GP bikes which are likely more powerful than their lighter more peaky two stroke counter parts of the past.  Tire technolgy won't be able to keep up without it.  Traction control in 4 wheel racers is a different thing.  That kind of racing is boring anyway.

cdc

Although Casey ran away with the race last Sunday, Pedrosa did the same the weekend before that.  In both cases, Rossi had a good fight for second with Pedrosa and with Casey.  

I guess it shows that I like Stoner but respect Rossi.

cdc