2014 Silly Season?...maybe spoilers

[OT]

Sounds like Audi/Corse are looking to reduce expenses by putting a cheap(er) test mule on the GP bike for the next few years; they really don't need someone of Hayden's caliber right now, anyway, and it's easy to make him the scapegoat.

69's a multiple-series champion - he'll do well wherever he winds up.

[ducpainter]

His hard work was rewarded by a paycheck, probably a significant one. I hear the loyalty thing, but I'm not sure he would have stayed had Yamaha or Honda been beating his door down with a contract (I wouldn't have, and Rossi/Stoner sure didn't).

If I was Hayden I'd be relieved. He gets off that POS, without having to make the choice to "quit" MotoGP. Hopefully he goes to WSBK and starts having fun again on a competitive bike.

You make valid points.

Time will tell if him going to SBK, assuming it's on the Duc, is actually a way to be competitive again.

[Jester]

I'm not exactly sure what caliber Nicky is being referred to, but he hasn't won a race in 7 years and has not once been the lead rider, despite being on factory teams for 11 years.  Say what you want about 06', but the guy was testing parts for a rookie who will be remembered as a far better rider than Nicky ever was even if the Turd doesn't win a championship.  Nicky cracked 200 pts twice in his career.  The fact he's kept a factory seat is a minor miracle aside from the fact he's probably employed just to sell Americans their motorcycles.

I don't blame Ducati for finally dropping him in GP.  He needs to go to SBK and rip it up.  There is way too much talent around for Nicky to hold a spot going forward.  Honestly, Colin and Ben should go to SBK with him and form the Texas triangle *insert bike manufacturer* racing team.

[derby]

Honestly, Colin and Ben should go to SBK with him and form the Texas triangle *insert bike manufacturer* racing team.

how do you do that with three guys when one is from kentucky?

[Jester]

how do you do that with three guys when one is from kentucky?

I got a bit too excited there and tunnel visioned Colin/Ben.  On another note.  I found Ben's house here in Dallas.  I actually watched it get built, not knowing for whom, but saw an Elbowz license plate on a CLS parked out front a few days ago.  His Mini was out front too, which he was driving when I caught him over coffee a few months back.

[Speeddog]

Rossi has been in the premier class for 12 years, 13th is in process.
He's won the premier championship 7 times.

Nicky is one of 4 people that have defeated Rossi in the premier championship during that time.

The others:
Roberts jr 2000
Lorenzo 2010, 2012
Stoner 2007, 2011

So, IMO, he's in pretty elite company.
Especially since he's *never* been the "#1" rider on the team.

[zooom]

I'm not exactly sure what caliber Nicky is being referred to, but he hasn't won a race in 7 years and has not once been the lead rider, despite being on factory teams for 11 years.  Say what you want about 06', but the guy was testing parts for a rookie who will be remembered as a far better rider than Nicky ever was even if the Turd doesn't win a championship.  Nicky cracked 200 pts twice in his career.  The fact he's kept a factory seat is a minor miracle aside from the fact he's probably employed just to sell Americans their motorcycles.

I don't blame Ducati for finally dropping him in GP.  He needs to go to SBK and rip it up.  There is way too much talent around for Nicky to hold a spot going forward.  Honestly, Colin and Ben should go to SBK with him and form the Texas triangle *insert bike manufacturer* racing team.

you also don't give credit to the parts testing and development he has done as a #2 and the fact that his hard ethic of workhorse to churn out laps in progression is incredible...before the testing limitations kicked in, he was always known to put in at least 20% more total laps than anyone else...and while under contract was always polite and representative of his sponsored ride in the most positive of manners....even when he was getting obviously make the beast with two backsed by Honda in those last 2 seasons with them, he spoke no ill words...and while really being shafted during his stint with Ducati over the last few, just hasn't been a source of anything negative ( until the last couple of rounds as of recent when he has spoken more about "some" level of disatisfaction with the bike) for the factory or the team overall. He is a banner posterchild of how you want to represent yourself as a member of a team and factory.

[fastwin]

I got a bit too excited there and tunnel visioned Colin/Ben.  On another note.  I found Ben's house here in Dallas.  I actually watched it get built, not knowing for whom, but saw an Elbowz license plate on a CLS parked out front a few days ago.  His Mini was out front too, which he was driving when I caught him over coffee a few months back.

Yeppers, he lives right down the street from my brother in law. Used to see him all the time on Lovers Lane driving to Central Market in the off season. If I still rode my road bicycle I bet I would have crossed paths with on the the White Rock Lake loop.

Mmmm... make me want a Stackhouse burger and some fried string onion rings for lunch! Since he isn't riding right now maybe I'll catch him busing tables!

[tufty]

how do you do that with three guys when one is from kentucky?

Wellllllll, as I recall, technically Spies is from Tennessee or somewhere… no? 

[derby]

Wellllllll, as I recall, technically Spies is from Tennessee or somewhere… no? 

born there, but grew up in longview, tx.

[OT]

.....I found Ben's house here in Dallas.  I actually watched it get built, not knowing for whom, but saw an Elbowz license plate on a CLS parked out front a few days ago.  His Mini was out front too, which he was driving when I caught him over coffee a few months back.

Aren't there are laws against that sort of thing.....in Texas?

[Jester]

Aren't there are laws against that sort of thing.....in Texas?

Hah.  Its on a street corner I pass in the morning.  Yeah, thats my story.   

[Triple J]

Say what you want about 06', but the guy was testing parts for a rookie who will be remembered as a far better rider than Nicky ever was even if the Turd doesn't win a championship.  

I actually kinda like Pedro...he's a tough little elf, but I'm not so sure I agree if he doesn't ever win a championship. He'll very likely be viewed as a talented rider that never quite lived up to his talent, despite being on the "best" machinery his entire career.  

Pedro has more of everything in GP than Hayden...except the one thing that really matters, a World Championship. Say what you want about '06, but when the stars aligned for him (bike, injuries (his & others), etc) Hayden capitalized...something Pedro has failed to do. He seemingly had his chance the last couple races with JLo injured/out, MM banged up, and Rossi struggling with set-up. What did he do? Crashed and injured himself. We'll see how the rest of the season plays out though. I actually hope he can pull it off this year.

I bet Pedro would give up most of his podiums to get what Hayden has...just like most sports stars when it comes to championships.

[Speeddog]

It's official, no Nicky on the MotoGP Ducs in 2014.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Jul/13071869out.htm

<loudspeaker>

Mr. Crutchlow, Mr. Cal Crutchlow!

Your mineshaft is waiting!

</loudspeaker>

 :'(

[ducpainter]

It's official, no Nicky on the MotoGP Ducs in 2014.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2013/Jul/13071869out.htm

<loudspeaker>

Mr. Crutchlow, Mr. Cal Crutchlow!

Your mineshaft is waiting!

</loudspeaker>

 :'(

I can understand Cal wanting the money from a factory contract.

That said, he's be an idiot to take the Duc ride.

Are you listening Cal?