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motorcyclebloggers.com » Race Talk - MotoGP, WSBK http://motorcyclebloggers.com The original group motorcycle blog Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:04:09 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 en hourly 1 Save Us Obi Whaaaa …… Kenny Roberts http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2010/03/02/save-us-obi-whaaaa-kenny-roberts/ http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2010/03/02/save-us-obi-whaaaa-kenny-roberts/#comments Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:22:33 +0000 rhino http://motorcyclebloggers.com/?p=1779 The state of roadracing in America is dismal. The AMA/DMG alliance has basically killed what was a totally entertaining, viable and lucrative business. For the first time since I started watching racing 30 years ago, we need someone to step in and organize a “new” series. This year’s Daytona 200 is likely to be the least watched of all time. Less teams, less racers, less press and less spectators ….. what a great combination for success. I’ve been watching the demise of the series for an entire year now and all I can say is who’s minding the store? It’s almost as if the powers that be want American raodracing gone so they can give us NASCAR instead. I’ve got news for them, motorcycle fans and NASCAR fans have very little overlap.

The straw that is breaking this camel’s back for me, is the fact that the series doesn’t even have a date at one of the best racetracks in the country, Miller Motorsports Park. Beyond the fact it’s practically in my own backyard, what sense does it make to not have an AMA race here? Who makes out in that deal. It’s punitive, only! Probably because the Miller folks refused to pay exorbitant fees to sanction the race.

So what needs to happen to regain the former glory. Someone with capital and charisma needs to step up and start another series. And I think Kenny Roberts Sr. is just the man to do it. His support of racing has been relentless and now that he’s finally given up on fielding his own team and bike in MotoGP, the opportunity to ressurect roadracing in America is ripe.

Please Kenny, save us!

]]> http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2010/03/02/save-us-obi-whaaaa-kenny-roberts/feed/ Ben Spies: Apparently Limitless Talent http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2010/02/05/ben-spies-apparently-limitless-talent/ http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2010/02/05/ben-spies-apparently-limitless-talent/#comments Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:39:47 +0000 rhino http://motorcyclebloggers.com/?p=1766 Count me thoroughly impressed. It seems nothing can stop Texan Ben Spies from marching straight to the pinnacle of the motorcycle roadracing. This guy is a juggernaut. In only his second pre-season test (Sepang, Malaysia), he had the 5th fastest time. The only riders to better him were the 4 aliens (Rossi, Stoner, Pedrosa and Lorenzo) recognized as such for their speed difference over the rest of the field. Spies seems to be making unstoppable forward progress. And there’s no sign that any of the normally difficult hurdles to becoming the MotoGP World Champion are anything more than just another minor task for him to master.

Notable names behind Ben at the same test were the other two Americans and MotoGP veterans: his teammate and fellow Texan Colin Edwards and former World Champion and factory Ducati rider Nicky Hayden. Meanwhile, most of the other MotoGP rookies were down at the bottom of the order. Gee, maybe Superbike riders aren’t so bad after all. Maybe the 250s aren’t the only way to learn the craft.

If this keeps up, this guy will be running up-front in the opening races, winning races by mid-season and will be a favorite to take the World Championship in his second year. The last time I was this excited by a rider was when I was watching the current and 9 time World Champion, Valentino Rossi, moving up through the ranks.

After a somewhat humble beginning to his roadracing career, the man known as “Elbows” (for is elbows out riding style), won the AMA Superbike Championship 3 years in a row, and competing against Suzuki’s Mat Mladin (6 time AMA Superbike Champion) at that. Then he goes to World Superbike and in his first season (that’s right, rookie year) and on a new brand of motorcycle (Yamaha) wins the Championship against the likes of Noriyuki Haga on the factory Ducati. And in the process he takes the most pole positions in a season (11) where he’d never seen most of the tracks! These results seem like Hollywood fantasy.

Now moved up to MotoGP, the highest rung on the motorcycle roadracing ladder, he continues his relentless push. I haven’t been truly impressed by American riders since Wayne Rainey and Kevin Schwantz back in the early ’90’s, but Ben’s giving me a reason to stop cheering for Rossi (arguably the greatest racer of all time) and support the home team again! My apologies to Nicky Hayden, but his flash-in-the-pan pales in comparison.

With the class moves back to 990 cc bikes next year, this bodes even better for Ben.

Go get ‘em Elbows,

Rhino

]]> http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2010/02/05/ben-spies-apparently-limitless-talent/feed/ “Nitro” Nori Haga’s Frustrating History http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2009/11/21/nitro-nori-hagas-frustrating-history/ http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2009/11/21/nitro-nori-hagas-frustrating-history/#comments Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:34:55 +0000 rhino http://motorcyclebloggers.com/?p=1757 Noriyuki Haga has been competing in World Championship motorcycle racing for over a decade. He’s competed in World Superbike during 10 seasons. He’s established himself as one of the best riders of all time, able to win races at virtually any track, any season on any bike. But the guy just can’t seem to put a Championship season together. I like the man and hope he finally get’s a Championship before he retires.

This year, Ben Spies (rookie season - American) foiled Haga’s latest (and most likely best chance) attempt and is moving on to MotoGP next season. Watch out Valentino, you may have one mare competitor able to make Championship #10 even more difficult.

Here’s Haga’s final position season standings for every year he’s raced WSBK:

 

Year       Position

2009     2nd

2008     3rd

2007     2nd

2006    3rd

2005    3rd

2004    3rd

2003    didn’t compete in this series this season

2002    4th

2001    didn’t compete in this series this season

2000    2nd

1999    didn’t compete in this series this season

1998    7th

1997    6th

 Talk about a bridesmaid!

Wonder who will show up next year to spoil his party?

James Toseland (former champ)

Johnny Rea

Cal Crutchlow

Max Biaggi

 I sure hope Nitro puts it all together soon. Besides being a fan favorite and deserving, he ain’t gettin’ any younger.

Rhino

]]> http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2009/11/21/nitro-nori-hagas-frustrating-history/feed/ Melissa Paris (Hayes) to ride World Supersport at Miller http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2009/05/13/melissa-paris-hayes-to-ride-world-supersport-at-miller/ http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2009/05/13/melissa-paris-hayes-to-ride-world-supersport-at-miller/#comments Wed, 13 May 2009 18:10:42 +0000 rhino http://motorcyclebloggers.com/?p=1716 I was raised in a family of mostly women and my mother taught me from day one, that a woman can do anything a man can, if she puts her mind and energies into it. She was one of the first true feminists.

So I’m not one to give woman any special consideration when it comes to particpating in sports. In fact, when they get there own leagues, it’s only further proof they need a handicap.

In motorcycle racing, it’s no different, especially since it doesn’t require any special strength and a smaller stature can actually be helpful. Several woman have tried their hand at motorcycle racing with minimal success. But the media goes crazy for these gals despite the fact they are bringing up the rear. Recently, Jessica Zalusky was given all kind of media attention while more deserving male racers were ignored. I understand it, but I don’t like it!

But finally, I believe we have a couple glimmers of hope on the girl racer horizon. A couple of women who can compete directly with the guys without excuses.

I’ve been watching Melissa Paris’ career with great interest as of late. While many may only know her as the wife of AMA racer Josh Hayes, her skill on a roadracing motorcycle is significant. While I don’t know all the details of her racing career (check out the link below),  she’s very fast and dedicated. I do know that at Daytona this year in the 200, she finished the highest of any previous female garnering a 21 place finish. Not too shabby!

http://www.melissaparis.com/

Now, apparently she’s been offered (and accepted) a wildcard ride at the upcoming WSBK weekend at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah at the end of May. While her chances of winning that race are virtually nil, I’d love to see her finish a few places up the order. Best of luck Melissa!

The other young woman who’s impressed me for a couple years now is Elena Myers. I first read about her having success on a 125 two-stroke in the club racing scene in California. But since then, she’s gone more national and has kept up some serious winning ways. She really impressed me at Miller last year in the 125 USGPRU race and I hope to see her name start showing up at bigger venues.

http://www.elenamyers.com/

I think both these gals have some seriously good prospects of competing in motorcycle racing on equal terms with their male counterparts, and I look forward to the day (hopefully in my lifetime) that a woman stands on top of the podium at a MotoGP, WSBK or AMA event.

Rhino

]]> http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2009/05/13/melissa-paris-hayes-to-ride-world-supersport-at-miller/feed/ Where has AMA / DMG Motorcycle Roadracing Gone? http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2009/03/27/where-has-ama-dmg-motorcycle-roadracing-gone/ http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2009/03/27/where-has-ama-dmg-motorcycle-roadracing-gone/#comments Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:11:25 +0000 rhino http://motorcyclebloggers.com/?p=1615 I’ve been watching every race of the entire AMA season on SPEED TV for many years. But this year, apparently someone has decided they aren’t going to air it!?!?!

I wish I could understand what’s going on in the minds of the AMA/DMG honchoes? I used to be a pretty dedicated fan. Not only did I watch every race, but I usually attend at least 2 each year in-person.

If I don’t see some races pretty soon on SPEED, especially the weekend they actually occur, they can count me GONE!

In fact, I’m starting considering trying the paid webcast, to see if it would be the more cost effective way to go when watching WSBK and MotoGP.

If that turns out to be the case, then Dish Network is going to lose $70 a month from me also.

Rhino

]]> http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2009/03/27/where-has-ama-dmg-motorcycle-roadracing-gone/feed/ RRSW - Round #9 http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2008/11/19/rrsw-round-9-jason-mcdonnell-75/ http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2008/11/19/rrsw-round-9-jason-mcdonnell-75/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 01:39:09 +0000 gothicbeaST http://motorcyclebloggers.com/?p=1281 (Sorry, no more “Beast Reports”, to over the top, not how I see myself at the track.)

Round #9 was a Big weekend for me with two bikes and 5 races on Sunday. .. As allways I want to thank my sponsors, kurveygirl.com (Got Dzus and Vesrah Brake Pads) and M4 Exhaust (Best SV650 Exhaust on the market).

This months race was held at Firebird Raceway’s Main track.  On saturday I went out on the SV and then my new GSXR1000. The tower turn was slippery in the morning but improved during the day. I noticed that I shift the SV allot going from 3rd to 6th all around the track and I putted around the track on the GSXR in 4th most of the time. By the end of Saturday I had done 11 practice sessions and I was tired. Lap times were not that great, but that is ok.

Sunday morning practice and the track was in ok condition and I tried using 2nd gear in the tower turn. I did not crash so I figured I would use 2nd during the race.

Race #1: Lightweight SuperSport. Just 5 of us racing, and I got a bad start again as I bogged the motor. I spent a lap or so getting around Alan in a clean pass and then noticed I had zero chance to catch the leaders. I put in some laps and finished the race in 4th.

Race #2: Unlimited GP. A bunch of people were racing this race and I was way back on the grid. My first start ever on the 1K was a disaster and even Billy Pedro on an SV got to turn #1 before me. I started passing a few people and was catching up to Chris Taylor when the red flag came out. So I got a mulligan and we started the race all over again. 2nd start was better and I passed a few people going into turn #1. Chris Taylor tagged the inside curb and went wide and I got by him. Did a few laps and then clipped my knee on a cone in turn #5 (right after the bridge after the wheelie bump), it was ok but I nearly ripped my knee slider off my suit. Starting lap #7, I was looking down at my knee puck down the straight and then looked back to see my Low Fuel light flashing. Then I shifted into 5th after the bridge and realized I just missed my braking maker and was at the #2 cones when I got on the brakes hard and saved a crash going into turn #1. The rest of the race I felt I was going slower and slower and then got lapped in the tower turn on lap #11, so my race was then over. Checking lap times later on found my lap #10 and #11 to be my fastest laps, so I guess I am still just getting comfortable on the bike. I end up 14th out of 18 for the race.

Race #3: Lightweight Superbike. I got a good start and passed a few people going into turn #1, this is getting to be a pattern of me being last into turn #1. I get around Kerry #21 in an aggressive pass over the curbing and then latch onto Steven Hymers tail. I spend the rest of the race running on the back of Steven’s tail. I could not out brake him into turn #1 and we ride nearly the same lines in the back section. I am happy to be able to hang with him for once. I end up 7th out of 10 in the race.

Race #4: Thunderbike. I got another slow start and started passing people very very carefully. I am 2nd in points right now and I did not want to screw anything up on that race. The race is only 6 laps and on the last lap I am behind Billy Pedro and I draft him down the front straight going into turn #1. I pull out from behind him at the bridge and wait to see who sees god first. Billy rolls off at the #3 cone and I keep it pinned to the #2 cone and fly by going into turn #1. I hold Billy off and finish 4th out of 10 in the race.

Race #5: Lightweight GP. I have been a big grid filler all season and I try to just focus on doing my best and not worrying about how poorly I finish. The race was only 8 laps and the sun was starting to set as we started the race. Again I got a poor start and got around Alan and was on the tail of Steven Hymer. I spent the race glued to his tail but just could not find a way around him. I tried to get some big drives though the tower turn and did some big slides exiting the tower. But in the end I could not get by Steven and I had an Overall finish of 7 out of 8 in the race but again it’s ok, because I improved on my average lap times during that race.

In reflection, the 1K is going to be something I can improve on. I think 1:10’s are defiantly possible in the near future with some more corner speed and better gearing.

Also the 1K helped my SV times because when I jumped back on the SV everything was so much slower and I felt I could go deeper into turns than before.

My SV lap times improved over my last two times at Main by about 1.5 seconds a lap average. Last May I was running mostly high 17’s and 18’s, by the end of the weekend I was doing low ’17 and some ‘16s. 1.5 seconds improvements may not be much but for many, but for Main that is a big deal. I give up allot down that straightaway and I have to pick up time in the back section. I think if I had the aggression and a clear track a super high ’15 might have been possible… but we all know “would have, should have, could have” type statements.

Most importantly I wanted to thank the following people.
* Julie and her brother Joe for acting as a pit crew. Running two bikes for me is a big job and without their help, I would be in trouble.
* The LW Village crew, Alan, Mark, and all the other little people. It’s nice to hang out in a group and talk about our races. It is nice to be able to race and come back and be friends afterwards.
* Mr #1 for allowing me to put my bikes in his trailer on Friday night when the drag guys started to use the Pro Pits for tech.
* Chris Taylor for agreeing to go race with me. I think Chris has it in him and we should be battling it out next season in a few races.
* The RRSW staff (Jack, John, Randy, and everyone) for putting on the show, you guys make all this fun possible.
* The corner workers and people who do the small jobs that make racing possible. I appreciate the clapping and your unending support for us and our racing. Thank you for your help and efforts.

One more race in 2008 left and then our 2009 season starts. I will be running Unlimited GP and Unlimited Superbike for 2009 and I hope to become more than just a Grid Filler.

]]> http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2008/11/19/rrsw-round-9-jason-mcdonnell-75/feed/ Silly Season in Full Swing http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2008/10/14/silly-season-in-full-swing/ http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2008/10/14/silly-season-in-full-swing/#comments Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:46:29 +0000 rhino http://motorcyclebloggers.com/?p=1207 Can Valentino Rossi continue winning MotoGP Championships, and for how long?

Now that Pedrosa is on Bridgestones, can he finally take the premere class?

Will anyone other than Casey Stoner figure out how to ride the Ducati?

Can Nicky Hayden learn to love a Ducati after so many years on a Honda?

Can Noriuki Haga finally win the World Superbike Championship by riding a Ducati?

Why isn’t Italian Valentino Rossi riding an Italian bike (Ducati), especially since it’s competitive and it would potentially give him titles on 3 different marques?

Why on earth did Suzuki keep Vermeulen and Capirossi when Ben Spies is the only rider who has even a remote chance of getting them another world title in the forseeable future? And how will Ben Spies fair on a Yamaha in World Superbike after so many years kicking ass in the AMA on a Suzuki?

Can Corser and Xaus put a BMW back on the podium?

And isn’t Biaggi back on his old favorite brand, Aprilia?

Will Kenan Sofoglu regain his form by moving back to World Supersport?

When will DMG, the AMA, and the teams finally figure out what the hell they are going to do next year?

If they don’t, will a new series try to pick-up what’s left over?

What series, bike, class will Mat Mladin be riding next year? Or will he be riding at all?

How many Americans will we see in the World Superbike series next year?

Will Jordan become the dominant Suzuki team next year?

Which new class will become the next up-and-comer breeding ground? Red Bull Rookies, 250 4-strokes, 450 4-strokes, 125 2-strokes, Moto-ST?

How many bones does Roger Lee Hayden still have left unbroken?

How many more years of mediocre results can Colin Edwards milk into more factory MotoGP rides?

Which series will the KTM RC8 be fielded in next year?

Will Miguel DuHamel ever retire and give somebody new a chance?

 

These are the questions which try a moto-man’s soul!

Rhino

]]> http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2008/10/14/silly-season-in-full-swing/feed/ OnTheThrottle.tv (OTT) live webcast - Laguna Seca, Sept 2008 http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2008/09/26/onthethrottletv-ott-live-webcast-laguna-seca-sept-2008/ http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2008/09/26/onthethrottletv-ott-live-webcast-laguna-seca-sept-2008/#comments Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:28:06 +0000 gothicbeaST http://motorcyclebloggers.com/?p=1157 The upcomming AMA Superbike round at Laguna Seca will be covered by www.OnTheThrottle.tv with 18 hours of webcast coverage.  The Gang over at www.OnTheThrottle.tv are developing exapnded coverage of the races for us webheads that are crazy about motorcycle road racing.

Check out the press release below and watch a few if not all the webcast coverage this weekend…

OnTheThrottle.tv (OTT) is proud to announce Live Internet Webcasting this weekend Sep 27th and 28th during the Corona AMA Superbike Finale from Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, presented by Parts Unlimited. Over 18 hours of non-stop coverage will be available right here at HYPERLINK “http://www.RoadracingWorld.com” www.RoadracingWorld.com all day Saturday and Sunday.
Coverage includes:

Live behind the scenes coverage and interviews of riders and teams as the race weekend unfolds.
Live hot pit coverage of Qualifying (Supersport, Superstock, Formula Xtreme, Superbike)
Live Post Qualifying Press Conferences from the Laguna Seca press room.
Live Podium Ceremonies after each race.
Live Post Race Press Conferences from the Laguna Seca press room.
Pre Race Show coverage and analysis from some of the industry’s top journalists.
Live Truman Show: Reality style coverage of the hot pit and paddock action including race teams, fan interviews, Umbrella girl coverage, etc.

Saturday Coverage: 8:00am – 6:00pm PST
Sunday Coverage: 8:30am – 4:30pm PST

OnTheThrottle Producer, Dave Williams, commented on why the sudden move to live webcasting for Laguna. “We really want to provide fans with a new experience that will be the template for 2009 and beyond of behind-the-scenes coverage that supplements SPEED’s flag to flag race coverage. The Superbike Finale at Laguna is the perfect opportunity to show the fans and the industry the level of coverage we can provide over the internet. As fans ourselves, we really want to provide the ultimate racing experience for those who can’t attend an event.”

About OTT: www.OnTheThrottle.tv is the industry leader in video production and distribution in the exploding field of online media. OTT provides innovative entertainment and educational video content of race event coverage, How-To and Lifestyle shows, and marketing video for the motorsports industry through our syndication network.

——————————————-

OnTheThrottle’s webcast schedule for the Corona AMA Superbike Finale at Laguna Seca

Don’t forget to tune into RoadracingWorld.com for live webcasting this weekend from Laguna. Below is our webcasting schedule.

During the Truman Show coverage, cameras will be placed at various points of interest to capture things like engine tear downs, crashed bike resurrections, or Umbrella girls dispensing energy drinks and taking pictures with fans. Rider interviews and team updates will also occur during Truman Show coverage.

Remember, SPEED will air both the Supersport and the Superbike races live on Sunday afternoon. Watch the race live on SPEED and grab your laptop live behind the scenes coverage at the same from OnTheThrottle!

Legend:
FX = Formula Xtreme series
SS = Pro Honda Oils Supersport series presented by Shoei
STK = Superstock series presented by Dynojet
SBK = Superbike series presented by Parts Unlimited

Saturday 9/27
8:00am PST The Track goes hot for practice and OTT goes Live

8:00am – 11:00am FX, STK, & SS practice
Pre Race Show, Truman Show coverage
11:05am –11:30am FX Qualifying group A coverage
11:40am –11:50am FX post qualifying Press Conference coverage
12:00pm – 1:00pm Lunch Break, Opening Ceremonies, Truman Show coverage
1:00pm - 1:25pm SS Qualifying group A coverage
1:35pm – 1:45pm SS post qualifying Press Conference coverage
1:45pm – 1:55pm SS Qualifying group B, remainder of session coverage
2:00pm – 3:00pm SBK practice, Truman Show coverage
3:00pm – 4:00pm FX Race coverage from Hot Pit, Podium Ceremony and Press Conference coverage
4:00pm – 4:30pm Red Bull Rookies Qualifying coverage
4:35pm – 5:15pm SBK Qualifying group A coverage
5:25pm – 5:35pm SBK post qualifying Press Conference coverage
5:35pm – 6:00pm SBK Qualifying group B, remainder of session coverage
6:00pm – 9:00pm Track Cold, Truman Show until we’re tired

Sunday 9/28
8:30am – 9:00am Red Bull Rookies practice, Truman Show coverage
9:05am – 9:30am STK Qualifying group A coverage
9:40am – 9:50am STK post qualifying Press Conference coverage
9:35am – 10:00pm STK Qualifying group B, remainder of session coverage
10:05am – 11:00m SBK & SS Practice, Truman Show coverage
11:15am – 12:00pm Red Bull Rookies Race coverage from Hot Pit, Podium Ceremony and Press Conference coverage
11:40m – 1:00pm Lunch, Autographs, Opening Ceremonies, Truman Show coverage
1:00pm – 2:00pm SS Race coverage from Hot Pit, Podium Ceremony and Press Conference coverage
2:00pm – 3:00pm STK Race coverage from Hot Pit, Podium Ceremony and Press Conference coverage
3:00pm – 4:00pm SBK Race coverage from Hot Pit, Podium Ceremony and Press Conference coverage
4:00pm – 6:00pm Post Race Weekend show possible, Truman Show coverage

]]> http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2008/09/26/onthethrottletv-ott-live-webcast-laguna-seca-sept-2008/feed/ Laguna Seca Drying Up? http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2008/09/16/laguna-seca-drying-up/ http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2008/09/16/laguna-seca-drying-up/#comments Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:58:25 +0000 rhino http://motorcyclebloggers.com/?p=1143 In the September issue of Roadracing World magazine was a report of this year’s attendance figure from the MotoGP races at Laguna Seca. The number was 131,250. While this sounds impressive, the numbers from the previous 3 years were also reported. The were 2007 - 143,020, 2006 - 145,120 and 2005 - 153,653. It doesn’t take much of a mathematician to see the trend, it’s downward!

While lots of excuses will be paraded out to explain the declining numbers, let me give you my take on it. I was one of the attendees in 2005 (MotoGP’s first year back after a long absence). I had a very nice time! But between the cost of hotels ($400/night for mid-level accommodations), major traffic issues (I had to walk from the bus halfway up the hill because we were stuck in gridlock), the crowds (I couldn’t get over the Dunlop bridge on raceday) and Cannery Row’s melee (the access to many activities have been limited to VIPs and opportunities to park on the Row are becoming more sparse). So these past 3 years, I’ve voted my displeasure by not attending. I think myself and many other avid race fans are saying enough’s enough.

I hope the trend continues, not because I want the MotoGP race to once again disappear from US soil, but because the planners and gougers need to understand they can’t just keep screwing the patrons and expect them to suck it up. At some point of maximum greed and diminishing returns, your audience is going to stop coming! But never let it be said that self-serving capitalists might actually consider the consequence of their actions until it’s too late.

I may attend the Laguna race again eventually, but I’m going to wait for a pretty special reason (Rossi’s eventual retirement, perhaps). And even then, I’m going to do my damnedest to spend as little money as possible. Fortunately, Miller Motorsports Park here in Salt Lake CIty has given me a pretty brainless choice for spectating on a budget. It might not be MotoGP, but it’s just as entertaining! I guess I should consider giving Indy a try also?

In fact, at current prices and exchange rates, I’m thinking I could fly over to Europe and see a race at one of the true classic tracks for the same money.

Rhino

]]> http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2008/09/16/laguna-seca-drying-up/feed/ The Rossi Curse: Updated (Misano) http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2008/09/02/the-rossi-curse-updated-misano/ http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2008/09/02/the-rossi-curse-updated-misano/#comments Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:35:11 +0000 rhino http://motorcyclebloggers.com/?p=1118 For the third race in a row, Casey Stoner (current World Champion), has crashed in a MotoGP race. The most recent 2 crashes were DNFs and provided zero points in his quest to retain his title.  At Laguna he was flustered by Rossi. At Brno, Rossi was starting to gain on him. But at Misano it was a totally unforced error! Valentino Rossi has an almost insurmountable lead with only 5 rounds remaining and seems poised to take his 8th World Title (1-125, 1-250 and 6-MotoGP).

 Now the question is: is the Ducati becoming more difficult to ride, is Stoner reverting back to his previous crash-prone form, or is the Rossi Curse more powerful than coincidence?

 Note: Rossi hasn’t actually commented on Casey’s ability to win more races …… yet.

 

Rhino

]]> http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2008/09/02/the-rossi-curse-updated-misano/feed/