[rsheidler]

Re: Hondas loss is Ducatis gain.

No question about the fact that they would like an Italian or Spanish rider. Compared to other manufacturers, it seems that this has been Honda's aproach all along -- look at 125 and 250 GP and all the Honda factory riders are Japanese, Italian or Spanish. Aprilia, on the other hand seems to hire Japanese, French, German etc as well as Italian or Spanish -- maybe the manufacturer being Italian gives them ore flexibility re the rider's nationality.

At least among the hard-core fans, it seems like not all that bid a factor in their loyalities (didn't seem to detect a lack of support for Bayliss at Imola, for example, and I understand that Haga is a big favorite among Spanish and Italian fans).

In any case, what I DO NOT UNDERSTAND about Honda's actions is the apparant decision to blow off World Superbike -- either pulling out entirely or going with a small-scale effort. Racing has always been central to Honda's core values -- I cannot imagine old man Honda pulling out under such circumstances -- he must be spinning in his grave.

 

[rsheidler]

>>Honda ... screwed the pooch this time.... my dog got scared and ran to my wife for comfort<<



I think I may see a pattern here -- I am not sure it was the screaming that frightened your dog ;-)



Looks to me like Honda have decided to put all their eggs in the MotoGP basket. They have a hugely talented (and expensive) line up in GP but even when Colin reportedly offered to ride 2003 WSB for 1/2 or even 1/4 of his current salary, they were too cheap.



This is what I was afraid of when the FIM decided to go with 4-strokes in GP -- the amount of money everyone is now throwing into GP has gotta come out of the racing budget someplace else, or else they gotta find a whole lot of outside sponsors to pick up the tab (and calling the shots re rider selection -- hence the pressure for riders of certain nationalities). Not sure that either Suzuki or Kawasaki will field factory teams in WSB with all their money and manpower directed to GP, I hear that Yamaha have already ruled it out. I sure would hate to see WSB end up with Factory Ducati and Aprilia Teams and a bunch of privateers -- AMA last year was bad enough, with most of the field on Supersport GSXR750s.

 

[Joe_Momma]

Meh, I saw that tape. I was pretty dern wonderful, but somehow i liked the "more modern" GP bikes going at it, and it helps that Suzuka is my favorite track. Yes, I actually been to Philips Island, Suzuka, Laguna (mazda) Phoenix, Daytona, Road Atlanta, and Willow. If you haven't seen that race, you need to. If I had known it was going to be that good, I would have recorded it.

 

[santambrogio]

motonline.com writes that Honda wants Edwards back.



Great race, sure beats watching NASCAR.

 

[SeanAlexander]

Re: Hondas loss is Ducatis gain.

I'm just guessing.... Ben Bostrom. it makes sense... he has a contract to ride an RC-51 next year, why not do it in WSB? I think he'd do ok in the Michellins, now that there seems to be such a large gap between them and Dunlop... New Bike, New Tire, More Grip, More H.P. If he can adapt his riding style to Michellin's wheels in-line style of grip, I think he'd do ok, as long as he wasn't too distracted and he kept his motivation high.

 

[KPaulCook]

Re: Hondas loss is Ducatis gain.

Good point ole wise one.

 

[wfowade]

Too much talent depth?

Do you think Honda is looking at the prospect of having all these talented riders in one series and thinking it could open the door for someone else due to the heavy competition among the various Honda teams?

Still, it will be sad to see the #1 plate on anything other than a Honda should Edwards not be a "Red Rider".

Congratulations Mr. Edwards!

 

[Tom_Glassen]

My sentiments exactly - superb racing.

Two top notch racers going all out. Yes, you might say they go 'all out' in all the races, but not like this.

It was one of the greatest races I've had the pleasure of witnessing. Edge of the coutch stuff. I'm not one to yell out during sports events, but my voice resounded through the house several times on this occasion.

 

[33059]

Re: GP SUZUKA 2000

This was the sports event of the weekend. The second race was the most competitive and exciting race I have ever seen, Even my wife (a non rider) got excited. The passes were downright scary and I dont now how Bayliss held unto that Ducati with all that rear tire slipage.

Colin Edwards rules! Honda rules! WSB the best racing No doubt.

 

[fastducatirider]

Re: Hondas loss is Ducatis gain.

so that explains nicky hayden's ride how??

-peter-

 

[12er]

Look honey, there goin' left again...

 

[36215]

You could have seen racing like that in NASCAR or F1!

Yeah, and monkeys might fly out of my butt!

No conveniently timed "debris on the track," no "team orders," just two true champions slugging it out, toe to toe, all the way through the last lap of the season! (And I don't believe for a *second* that by that point Edwards had any worries about Xaus at all - he just wanted to stand on top of the last podium of the year!)

Awesome racing, can't wait 'til next year!

 

[DucButt]

When my new girlfriend wanted to see what my superbike fanaticism was all about, I couldn't have asked for a better race! All her friends thought she was in for a boring time (think NASCAR, billy-bob), but I think she's hooked now...



Edwards, MotoGP champion for Ducati in 2004! It's not my style to be pessimistic, but I hope Nicky doesn't meet the same humility that ANY of M. Schumacher's teammates know all too well. Next year surely won't be the Rossi-fest of this year, but I would not want my first season in MotoGP measured directly against Rossi's.

 

[Benji_2]

I just saw the races at Imola and I have to say, I think these are the two best races I have ever seen in any series!!!! Incredible!!! You know, watching Bayliss throughout the season, he always seems to be so smooth. At Imola, I saw him getting out of sorts more than I think I've ever seen him. I just couldn't believe in the second race how close Xaus was keeping. I was on the edge of my seat, I thought that maybe Bayliss could pull it off. It's amazing to see two riders run so close together throughout whole races, pass each other back and forth and not crash. If it was Hodgson and Haga up front like that I would be waiting for lightning to strike (of course with Haga around, and I do like Haga, that is always a great possiblity). I just have the upmost respect for Edwards and Bayliss. Both guys are so sportsman like and what it truly amazing is that both absolutely refuse to give in or give up. Mentally, these guys are win, win, win. Fantastic racing, I feel sorry for people who aren't into bikes, they just have no idea.

 

[rsheidler]

>>Both guys are so sportsman like and what it truly amazing is that both absolutely refuse to give in or give up. Mentally, these guys are win, win, win. <<



That is exactly the combination that makes these guys (and a few others I can think of -- Rossi, any of the Bostroms or Haydens, for example) great. That combination of unfettered competetive spirit on the track, and perfect sportsmanship both on and off the track.



If you were a team manager, or a major sponsor, one of these guys would be exactly what you want -- they will do their absolute best to try win (even when they don't need to to take the championship) and you will never be ashamed to see them on TV wearing your logos, unlike some others I can think of.

 

[rsheidler]

>>I would not want my first season in MotoGP measured directly against Rossi's.<<



I was also making the connection to Schumacher. I wish Nicky the best, but I can't help but think that Nicky would have been better off with Yamaha instead. He would get a lot more factory attention (don't have to divide it amongst Rossi, Biaggi, Kato etc etc). Much better to be measured against Checa (who is one of my favorite riders) than Rossi and Biaggi.



Geezuz -- GP season still has several races to go, and already I am impatient for next season!

 

[34005]

I echo your observations of Colin, and would also add Bayliss. I think this last race really showed the strength of both racers. It reminded me of the Roberts/Sheene battles of years past!

 

[34005]

Latest rumors put Edwards on an RCV next year! WOW! Wouldn't that be fun - Rossi, Biaggi, Bayliss, Edwards, Hayden! Wheee!!!!

 

[34005]

Oh yeah!! and Kato too!!!

 

[rsheidler]

Gawdam, I hope you are right -- that could make for some great racing. Where did you hear this rumor? I had been hoping that something like that would happen (with either Honda or Yamaha) but hadn't picked up anything more than wishful thinking from other fans like me. Sure hope that turns out to be true!



Oh yeah, I agree with adding Kato to that list (at least in the dry)