View Full Version : Ben Spies on a MOTOGP Ducati?
cowpoos
1st July 2009, 20:26
THis is not really a speculation thread....but....with Bens contract Being a one year only deal...and him attracting alot of attention in both that major International race arenas.
I wonder...if Bens hard riding style would be the match for the Motogp Ducati?? well after they dump Hayden that is!!
Waddya fink?
Fatjim
1st July 2009, 20:34
I think Yamaha should put a third bike in. you can see the 1-2-3's now!
"D" FZ1
1st July 2009, 20:57
I would like to see Ben spend at least one more season on a Superbike and then stepping up to Moto GP.
lostinflyz
1st July 2009, 21:10
a delusional rider would take a duke gp ride. the only reason to go there is its your only option. while it wont happen a smart (and cool move) would be to go to moto2 next year (and hopefully win) and learn to ride wheels in line and be a fully rounded rider for a proper shot at gp.
Deano
1st July 2009, 21:16
I dunno about a Duc, but it seems to be a foregone conclusion that he will enter the MotoGP fray soon enough.
As long as Haga wins the SBK.....for once....... I will be happy for him. Nori deserves a title for all his efforts.
Ben is young and will do very well I reckon.
I think Ben is beyond Moto2 already.
steveyb
1st July 2009, 21:23
Both Toselands and Edwards' positions in the Tech 3 team are under pressure.
A really good rider could win with that teams bikes as long as Yamaha continue to supply them with the same spec as the Fiat team.
I am a Toseland fan but it seems that he is just not able to get on with the MotoGP bike. Edwards must be about to be forced into retirement, and good on him too, an outstanding career, but for that lack of a good MotoGP win.
Pedrosas position could also be under threat.
Capirossi will be forced to retire also.
Canepa might be made into a scapegoat even though they say he is an investment for the future.
Takahashi is unlikely to survive.
Either or both of Elias and de Angelis will be lucky to survive, but the Honda has shown to be a bit shite this year, so likely that Elias can survive due to pedigree and cash support.
So there could be any number of rides available next year.
Only guarantees in my book are: Rossi, Lawrence, Dovi, Kallio, de Puniet, Stoner, Hayden, Vermulen (maybe), Simoncelli and maybe Talmasci and Gibernau depending on contracts.
Apparently Spies has decided what he wants to do next year, but is not letting on yet. I reckon it will depend on if he wins WSBK or not if he goes to MotoGP.
BIG DOUG
1st July 2009, 21:27
Who is this lawrence person you speak of? have I missed something lol
cowpoos
1st July 2009, 21:30
Lawrence,
? <lawrence who?????>
Toot Toot
1st July 2009, 21:30
Only guarantees in my book are: Rossi, Lawrence, Dovi, Kallio, de Puniet, Stoner, Hayden, Vermulen (maybe), Simoncelli and maybe Talmasci and Gibernau depending on contracts.
Umm what about Jorge Lorenzo?
mynameis
1st July 2009, 21:31
Drop blady useless Toseland and take him I say.
BMWST?
1st July 2009, 21:35
Both Toselands and Edwards' positions in the Tech 3 team are under pressure.
A really good rider could win with that teams bikes as long as Yamaha continue to supply them with the same spec as the Fiat team.
I am a Toseland fan but it seems that he is just not able to get on with the MotoGP bike. Edwards must be about to be forced into retirement, and good on him too, an outstanding career, but for that lack of a good MotoGP win.
Pedrosas position could also be under threat.
Capirossi will be forced to retire also.
Canepa might be made into a scapegoat even though they say he is an investment for the future.
Takahashi is unlikely to survive.
Either or both of Elias and de Angelis will be lucky to survive, but the Honda has shown to be a bit shite this year, so likely that Elias can survive due to pedigree and cash support.
So there could be any number of rides available next year.
Only guarantees in my book are: Rossi, Lawrence, Dovi, Kallio, de Puniet, Stoner, Hayden, Vermulen (maybe), Simoncelli and maybe Talmasci and Gibernau depending on contracts.
Apparently Spies has decided what he wants to do next year, but is not letting on yet. I reckon it will depend on if he wins WSBK or not if he goes to MotoGP.
Capirossi ? really,he has been the best Suzuki rider this year.
A year is a long time in MOTOgp,it was only a year but one that the Yamaha was a crappy bike.
Will be interesting,i think Mr Stoner may have some influence on the seats available.He must be putting all sorts of pressure on Ducati to get something sorted out.Its obvious that there is something flawed with the bike as no one else can ride the thing.He must be seriously frustrated.
phantom67
1st July 2009, 21:51
Who is this lawrence person you speak of? have I missed something lol
I think he means Lorenzo ;) I have my doubts about Gibernau though.
Also: Steve, Makoto Tamada DID ride for Tech 3 Yamaha, you can look it up :p
lostinflyz
1st July 2009, 22:29
I dunno about a Duc, but it seems to be a foregone conclusion that he will enter the MotoGP fray soon enough.
As long as Haga wins the SBK.....for once....... I will be happy for him. Nori deserves a title for all his efforts.
Ben is young and will do very well I reckon.
I think Ben is beyond Moto2 already.
ay his quality is beyond the moto2 and it would be a step back but a low pressure situation on say the tech3 moto2 bike learning to ride gp style i still think would be a wise move, with a garantee to go to gp the following year.
who was the last world sbk guy to do much. toseland, vermulen, bayliss, edwards,haga, ect have all shown that sbk dominators do not make great gp riders. The only one (maybe edwards too, and i think hes fucking awesome) to do much from a sbk backround is hayden, and even he hasn't set the world alight on the 800's.
question, will there be 18 bikes on the grid next year???? i cant see kwaka coming back and is onde 2000 going to keep going without gibernau (will he make seasons end??). maybe thats a free bike for mr. aspar to make a team with??
lostinflyz
1st July 2009, 22:30
Both Toselands and Edwards' positions in the Tech 3 team are under pressure.
A really good rider could win with that teams bikes as long as Yamaha continue to supply them with the same spec as the Fiat team.
I am a Toseland fan but it seems that he is just not able to get on with the MotoGP bike. Edwards must be about to be forced into retirement, and good on him too, an outstanding career, but for that lack of a good MotoGP win.
Pedrosas position could also be under threat.
Capirossi will be forced to retire also.
Canepa might be made into a scapegoat even though they say he is an investment for the future.
Takahashi is unlikely to survive.
Either or both of Elias and de Angelis will be lucky to survive, but the Honda has shown to be a bit shite this year, so likely that Elias can survive due to pedigree and cash support.
So there could be any number of rides available next year.
Only guarantees in my book are: Rossi, Lawrence, Dovi, Kallio, de Puniet, Stoner, Hayden, Vermulen (maybe), Simoncelli and maybe Talmasci and Gibernau depending on contracts.
Apparently Spies has decided what he wants to do next year, but is not letting on yet. I reckon it will depend on if he wins WSBK or not if he goes to MotoGP.
rumor is talmasci's ride is for 3 years if he wants it. Major cash i guess
scrivy
2nd July 2009, 09:09
pffffttttttttttttt..........
If Ben's that good, why doesn't he go racing sidecars........... :shutup::wari:
Takahashi is unlikely to survive.
Hehe... Yuki Takahashi out of MotoGP (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/149224/1/yuki_takahashi_out_of_motogp.html)
Yeah not sure what Spies will do. Logic would say that he'll replace either Edwards or Toseland at Tech 3 next year and then replace Rossi the year after when he is supposedly going to retire.
NZsarge
2nd July 2009, 09:40
Hehe... Yuki Takahashi out of MotoGP (http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/149224/1/yuki_takahashi_out_of_motogp.html)
Yeah not sure what Spies will do. Logic would say that he'll replace either Edwards or Toseland at Tech 3 next year and then replace Rossi the year after when he is supposedly going to retire.
That makes sense to me, thought that'd be the go myself but i'm with "D" FZ1, I think he should do one more season on the R1 before move across to Moto GiP. A straight swap with Toseland or Edwards eventually?
steveyb
2nd July 2009, 10:40
Told ya so!!
steveyb
2nd July 2009, 10:42
Umm what about Jorge Lorenzo?
Jorge Lorenzo = George Lawrence in our speak!!! hehehe
steveyb
2nd July 2009, 10:47
I think he means Lorenzo ;) I have my doubts about Gibernau though.
Also: Steve, Makoto Tamada DID ride for Tech 3 Yamaha, you can look it up :p
:crybaby::Oops:
The Gibernau thing is totally a family and mates stitch up. His extended family is umbilically linked to motorcycle racing (The Bulto family of Bultaco fame) and via the Nieto family they have more money than a bull can shit. So it really is just a jolly for him, although not that jolly unless you like broken bones. My guess is he will either maintain the status quo or the team will disappear. It will not go with Aspar.
Crasherfromwayback
2nd July 2009, 11:16
Yeah not sure what Spies will do. Logic would say that he'll replace either Edwards or Toseland at Tech 3 next year and then replace Rossi the year after when he is supposedly going to retire.
Put him side by side with Edwards...two Texans together...they'll either get on great guns...or come to blows!!
codgyoleracer
2nd July 2009, 11:26
That Spies boy has a style of his own. If you compare Colin Edwards career to his own - then i suspect the quicker he gets to GP (in a factory team the better).
The obviously competitve ones are Yamaha & Honda. - Whilst the Ducati could be risky. Kawasaki / Suzuki - arnt there at the moment either.
Glen
Bardman
2nd July 2009, 12:02
I Hope he sticks with WSBK for another year at least. I Guess it may come down to who has the biggest cheque book.:shifty: as to where he will carry on his career.
cowpoos
2nd July 2009, 13:15
Interesting how a few people think Nicky Hayden is better than Spies...I put that thier jokingly!
Crasherfromwayback
2nd July 2009, 16:30
Interesting how a few people think Nicky Hayden is better than Spies...I put that thier jokingly!
Considering I still think Spies will win the superbike title...especially now poor old Nori's hurt himself...he'll be one of only a few racers who've ever gone over and kicked ass in their first season abroad!
by the looks they GP bikes arnt that easy to hjump on and go fast look at Vermulen for example VERY fast yet he isnt shining, Toseland another Fast SBK boy not really shining, I dont think Spies is going to come straight in and start dominating to be honest he's a magnificent rider but I doubt he is just gonna be there dominating from the word go.
Nicky Hayden is very underated to he is in his first season with ducati and his results are getting better now,
He did win a world title if you cant remember that he beat Rossi I dont care hwo people say he didnt deserve it if you can be consistent and win a title then be it.
To Finish first first you must finish.
I see Hayden having another title behind him for sure he was treated like crap at Honda when you read how everything was based around Pedrosa in the end when he announced he was leaving the team pretty much said fine run the bike from what it said and he started getting his best results when the bike was based on him
cowpoos
2nd July 2009, 16:53
Nicky Hayden
He did win a world title if you cant remember that he beat Rossi I dont care hwo people say he didnt deserve it if you can be consistent and win a title then be it.
Nah...Rossi lost the Title...Hayden didn't win it!!
Na, he's a Yamaha man through and through nice to make it a threesome at Moto GP
Nah...Rossi lost the Title...Hayden didn't win it!!
Sigh..........
by the looks they GP bikes arnt that easy to hjump on and go fast look at Vermulen for example VERY fast yet he isnt shining, Toseland another Fast SBK boy not really shining, I dont think Spies is going to come straight in and start dominating to be honest he's a magnificent rider but I doubt he is just gonna be there dominating from the word go. Lorenzo did but he came up from the 250 GP eH!
by the looks they GP bikes arnt that easy to hjump on and go fast look at Vermulen for example VERY fast yet he isnt shining, Toseland another Fast SBK boy not really shining, I dont think Spies is going to come straight in and start dominating to be honest he's a magnificent rider but I doubt he is just gonna be there dominating from the word go.
Nicky Hayden is very underated to he is in his first season with ducati and his results are getting better now,
He did win a world title if you cant remember that he beat Rossi I dont care hwo people say he didnt deserve it if you can be consistent and win a title then be it.
To Finish first first you must finish.
I see Hayden having another title behind him for sure he was treated like crap at Honda when you read how everything was based around Pedrosa in the end when he announced he was leaving the team pretty much said fine run the bike from what it said and he started getting his best results when the bike was based on him
Precisely. Ducati have basically implied that 'Fuck ya, Stoner can ride it the way it is, why cant you'. Honda mentality. From what I have read, Ducati have changed there tune somewhat, and are now going to be more flexible with bike setup etc, and help make the ducati work for Stoners teamate for a change.
Hayden is a world champ, wouldn't it be a mistake to dump him too quick? I mean, look how Meldandri was doing on the Ducati, and look where he is now.
My bet would be a Suzuki ride.
Crasherfromwayback
2nd July 2009, 17:18
Nah...Rossi lost the Title...Hayden didn't win it!!
Hehehe...that's a load of shit and you know it!
Deano
2nd July 2009, 17:52
Nah...Rossi lost the Title...Hayden didn't win it!!
That's just semantics bro. At the end of the day, it's Hayden who got the prize.
Deano
2nd July 2009, 17:54
Hehehe...that's a load of shit and you know it!
It's like saying that time that Poos biffed his Gixxer at Manfeild - it wasn't Poos that crashed the bike, the asphalt leapt up at him. Bwahahaha
Sorry Poos.
cowpoos
2nd July 2009, 19:37
It's like saying that time that Poos biffed his Gixxer at Manfeild - it wasn't Poos that crashed the bike, the asphalt leapt up at him. Bwahahaha
Sorry Poos.
I think you ment to say...'that time Poos went to the beach...Poo's jumped in the sea...but Poo's didn't get wet...the sea got Poo's :)
Deano
2nd July 2009, 20:04
I think you ment to say...'that time Poos went to the beach...Poo's jumped in the sea...but Poo's didn't get wet...the sea got Poo's :)
I think you've confused yourself with Chuck Norris.
cowpoos
2nd July 2009, 20:25
I think you've confused yourself with Chuck Norris.
I killed Chuck Norris...I crashed a Gixxer into him!
discotex
2nd July 2009, 20:53
I wonder...if Bens hard riding style would be the match for the Motogp Ducati?? well after they dump Hayden that is!!
Waddya fink?
I think the new rules are that new riders to MotoGP must ride a season with a satellite team first.
So unless Kallio or Canepa are leaving Pramac we won't be seeing Spies on a Ducati. Hayden has at least one more season to start getting results I'd say.
Whitebait
2nd July 2009, 21:01
Nah...Rossi lost the Title...Hayden didn't win it!!
I'm with the others! Hayden earnt that! It's not like there were only two riders on the grid!
It's MOTO GP for fucks sake any one that throws a leg over one of them deserves a medal.
Maybe we can jack something up so The G Jones gets Ben Spies ride if he leaves........:clap:
Just think if MOTO GP was like the 125's with everyone going as hard as they can with the bikes evenly matched.......:shit:
Also my comments about the other riders was not ment to be dissing them they are absolutly good I mean they aint running were people thought they would.
And I agree there was more than 2 riders out there season
Crasherfromwayback
2nd July 2009, 21:34
by the looks they GP bikes arnt that easy to hjump on and go fast look at Vermulen for example VERY fast yet he isnt shining, Toseland another Fast SBK boy not really shining, I dont think Spies is going to come straight in and start dominating to be honest he's a magnificent rider but I doubt he is just gonna be there dominating from the word go.
I don't for a minute think Spies would go to Moto GP and dominate. BUT...he's had the advantage of racing against those guys on the Suzuki twice last year...with great results. On the Suzuki no less. I think he'd be much like Stoner in his first year on satelite machinery. Fast but crash a bit too often pushing things too hard. I think he's definately GP material though.
Like I said...not too many have turned up for world superbike duty as a greenhorn and kicked arse like he has. Doug Polen...Scott Russell...Johnny K (but he was an ex gp refugee anyway). The boy's seriously fast.
Deano
2nd July 2009, 21:38
I killed Chuck Norris...I crashed a Gixxer into him!
You mean Chuck Norris killed your gixxer dude.
Probably stopped it in less than 2 metres eh Skidmark ?
cowpoos
2nd July 2009, 21:43
I think the new rules are that new riders to MotoGP must ride a season with a satellite team first.
So unless Kallio or Canepa are leaving Pramac we won't be seeing Spies on a Ducati. Hayden has at least one more season to start getting results I'd say.
Spies is not a rookie...has race in motogp before...
cowpoos
2nd July 2009, 21:45
Probably stopped it in less than 2 metres eh Skidmark ?
Well it has Up side down forks!! bwahahahaha!!
steveyb
2nd July 2009, 22:41
The new rule regarding rookies riding in satellite teams from next year on will probably not apply to Spies as he has had wild-card rides on the Suzuki.
I'm pretty convinced that Hayden has the goods to make the Ducati work for him if he is allowed to change the bike to suit him.
I don't think many of you quite get how sensitive these machines are and how the factories dictate how the bike will be built and set up. Mostly that comes from seeing Rossi get on a bike and make it work, but in the main part that is because the factories build the bike for him and do to it what he and Jeremy B want them to to.
That is among the reasons why he left Honda, cos they stopped doing that. They started saying, this is the engineering solution so you must use it this way. Seems that Honda have not really learned that racing is a human endeavour that includes riders and not just engineers.
Why Suzuki can't find real or perhaps useable horsepower is anyones guess. With the handling of that bike it could be a world beater with the right horsepower.
BMWST?
2nd July 2009, 22:51
The new rule regarding rookies riding in satellite teams from next year on will probably not apply to Spies as he has had wild-card rides on the Suzuki.
I'm pretty convinced that Hayden has the goods to make the Ducati work for him if he is allowed to change the bike to suit him.
I don't think many of you quite get how sensitive these machines are and how the factories dictate how the bike will be built and set up. Mostly that comes from seeing Rossi get on a bike and make it work, but in the main part that is because the factories build the bike for him and do to it what he and Jeremy B want them to to.
That is among the reasons why he left Honda, cos they stopped doing that. They started saying, this is the engineering solution so you must use it this way. Seems that Honda have not really learned that racing is a human endeavour that includes riders and not just engineers.
Why Suzuki can't find real or perhaps useable horsepower is anyones guess. With the handling of that bike it could be a world beater with the right horsepower.
you have outhought yourself....you say the bikes are sensitive,if you increase horsepower maybe the suzuki wont handle
The yamaha was a pig once too dont forget...seems to be a very fine line between horsepower and handling......
And JT CE etc show that wsb riders are not the cream of the crop.....Moto g is a whole new level!
discotex
2nd July 2009, 23:10
Spies is not a rookie...has race in motogp before...
The new rule regarding rookies riding in satellite teams from next year on will probably not apply to Spies as he has had wild-card rides on the Suzuki.
I don't think wild cards count guys. Can't be arsed trying to find the rule in the book but...
http://www.motogpmatters.com/opinion/2009/03/28/the_rookie_rule_a_paper_tiger.html
"Under the new rule, any rider eligible for Rookie of the Year - that is, any rider who has not previously been entered as a full-time rider at the start of a MotoGP season - will not be allowed to join a factory team in their first year of MotoGP, and will instead have to serve an apprenticeship at a private or satellite team, before stepping up to the very top step of the very top series. "
EDIT: but I did read somewhere that Suzuki are exempt from the rule because they don't have a satellite team.
And JT CE etc show that wsb riders are not the cream of the crop.....Moto g is a whole new level!
Well using that logic any ex gp rider going to superbikes would absolutely dominate. I am yet to see that from biaggi (probably the best rider so far to convert), hopkins, nakano, checa, barros, west...
Well using that logic any ex gp rider going to superbikes would absolutely dominate. I am yet to see that from biaggi (probably the best rider so far to convert), hopkins, nakano, checa, barros, west...
On a brand new bike though man, I actually thought he was doing exceptionally well?
slowpoke
3rd July 2009, 12:48
I can't see the point in Spies staying in Superbikes. Whether he wins the championship or not he's far and away the fastest rider on track, and it's tracks he's never even seen before. WSB use different tracks to MotoGP so unless he's racing purely for enjoyment then he's just wasting time in WSB next year.
On a brand new bike though man, I actually thought he was doing exceptionally well?
Yeah he is doing awesome on the Aprillia and is a classy rider but he went onto the suzuki the year after corser dominated on it and wasn't as fast as corser. I think I was just trying to say that both series have incredibly fast riders and no one rider (as of yet) has been good enough by themselves to cross over from one series to the other and dominate straight away. Just shows how much of a team sport motorbike racing is!
NZsarge
3rd July 2009, 12:59
What about Hayden taking Edwards seat at Tech 3 when he leaves?
How many riders have gotten off a superbike, and done particularly well in GP?
I think Spies is good, but I think he'll do a West if he goes to GP, particularly on the Ducati that nobody but Stoner can master.
Yeah he is doing awesome on the Aprillia and is a classy rider but he went onto the suzuki the year after corser dominated on it and wasn't as fast as corser. I think I was just trying to say that both series have incredibly fast riders and no one rider (as of yet) has been good enough by themselves to cross over from one series to the other and dominate straight away. Just shows how much of a team sport motorbike racing is!
Yup, totally agree
slowpoke
3rd July 2009, 13:21
Just shows how much of a team sport motorbike racing is!
More than most realise, I think. Look at Bayliss: does averagely in MotoGP, goes back to WSB. Does a one off appearance on a bike he hasn't ridden for a couple of seasons, with his WSB team crewing for him and wins. Amazing.
I can't see the point in Spies staying in Superbikes. Whether he wins the championship or not he's far and away the fastest rider on track, and it's tracks he's never even seen before. WSB use different tracks to MotoGP so unless he's racing purely for enjoyment then he's just wasting time in WSB next year.
Thats right - After he wins the championship this year he'd just be stalling his MotoGP development by staying in SBK (although it might be a good `cash - in' opportunity...)
Well using that logic any ex gp rider going to superbikes would absolutely dominate. I am yet to see that from biaggi (probably the best rider so far to convert), hopkins, nakano, checa, barros, west...
All those riders were on the way down, or the way out of MotoGP - including Biaggi. The last GP `refugee' still good enough to be up there (but no one would work with him) was Kocinski - and he did dominate SBK.
Wingnut
4th July 2009, 10:30
Thats right - After he wins the championship this year he'd just be stalling his MotoGP development by staying in SBK (although it might be a good `cash - in' opportunity...)
If he was in it for the cash, he would have stayed in the AMA. I read somewhere - It was Hodgson I think - saying how there was a significant increase in rider salary going from WSBK to AMA? Sounds a bit odd but I guess he would know.
Regardless - Spies has made no secret of his desire to ride at the GP level. He is a "Competitive Machine" who I doubt would give up till he reaches the top in the top level. I doubt he will struggle to get a ride in GP next year if thats his preference.
Crasherfromwayback
4th July 2009, 17:37
How many riders have gotten off a superbike, and done particularly well in GP?
I think Spies is good, but I think he'll do a West if he goes to GP, particularly on the Ducati that nobody but Stoner can master.
Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey, Revvin Kevin, Wayne Gardner, Mick Doohan...and a Kiwi by the name of Simon Crafar! How's that for starters mate??
Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey, Revvin Kevin, Wayne Gardner, Mick Doohan...and a Kiwi by the name of Simon Crafar! How's that for starters mate??
Ok then, some real good ones. I wasn't trying to make a point with my question, I have no idea where anyone started out, I dont really pay attention to that stuff.
Sensei
4th July 2009, 20:34
I heard that Colin Edwards may be taking over the RSV4 Aprilia next year in SBK , Only 2 people have gotten on with the Ducati Stoner & Caparossi both bloody tinny guys which may be why the big guys can't get on with the bike ?? not sure just a thought .Yamaha have never won a SBK Title so Ben would be their best hope at the moment of doing that I believe so would think Yamaha would leave him there for the mean time .
steveyb
4th July 2009, 20:40
I don't think wild cards count guys. Can't be arsed trying to find the rule in the book but...
http://www.motogpmatters.com/opinion/2009/03/28/the_rookie_rule_a_paper_tiger.html
"Under the new rule, any rider eligible for Rookie of the Year - that is, any rider who has not previously been entered as a full-time rider at the start of a MotoGP season - will not be allowed to join a factory team in their first year of MotoGP, and will instead have to serve an apprenticeship at a private or satellite team, before stepping up to the very top step of the very top series. "
EDIT: but I did read somewhere that Suzuki are exempt from the rule because they don't have a satellite team.
Yep, you are right.
So unless Spies races for Suzuki, he will have to join a satellite team.
But I think that there are a couple of satellite teams with the goods to get riders on the podium (Tech 3 and Gresini).
Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey, Revvin Kevin, Wayne Gardner, Mick Doohan...and a Kiwi by the name of Simon Crafar! How's that for starters mate??
Ok then, some real good ones. I wasn't trying to make a point with my question, I have no idea where anyone started out, I dont really pay attention to that stuff.
And while researching something else, I found this. Dated July '04
"Crafar is working for Ohlins in MotoGP helping all and sundry with
their suspension. He was a very methodical person the way he
approached his racing so would probably be ideal for suspension work".
pritch
5th July 2009, 13:42
Those currently voting Spies for Moto GP have perhaps already forgotten that just a couple of years ago Toseland won SBK in convincing fashion. Edwards too was a SBK champ who didn't carry the same form into MotoGP.
Actually I'm having trouble coming up with any names that have crossed over - either way - with similar success.
Young Mr Spies' future though will probably be decided by his mum and she likely doesn't read KB;)
slowpoke
5th July 2009, 17:44
Those currently voting Spies for Moto GP have perhaps already forgotten that just a couple of years ago Toseland won SBK in convincing fashion. Edwards too was a SBK champ who didn't carry the same form into MotoGP.
Actually I'm having trouble coming up with any names that have crossed over - either way - with similar success.
Young Mr Spies' future though will probably be decided by his mum and she likely doesn't read KB;)
Hmmmm, dunno 'bout Toselands wins being in convincing fashion, he limped over the line to beat Haga by a couple of points on the ten Kate Honda and trailed Laconi for most of the season on the factory Ducati.
He'd done nothing in British Superbikes or World Supersport so he's hardly representative of the cream of WSB despite his two championships.
He'd taken over the Factory Ducati ride from Hodgson at a time when the championship was a gimmee for their squad (Bayliss, Hodgson, Edwards, Xaus in MotoGP) and later the Ten Kate bike was a jet, as proven by Vermuelen the previous year and racing against the aging over stressed 999 Ducati.
Anybody at that level is a good rider but his championships are flattering his abilities. Against the 1000c IL4's he came 5th on the factory 999. A year later, on the same bike, Bayliss won the championship.
roadracingoldfart
5th July 2009, 21:22
Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey, Revvin Kevin, Wayne Gardner, Mick Doohan...and a Kiwi by the name of Simon Crafar! How's that for starters mate??
Dont you dare forget Scotty Pete.
roadracingoldfart
5th July 2009, 21:24
pffffttttttttttttt..........
If Ben's that good, why doesn't he go racing sidecars........... :shutup::wari:
Hes sitting just waiting for you to send the email man ..... Just do it Douglas!!
steveyb
14th July 2009, 10:05
:crybaby::Oops:
The Gibernau thing is totally a family and mates stitch up. His extended family is umbilically linked to motorcycle racing (The Bulto family of Bultaco fame) and via the Nieto family they have more money than a bull can shit. So it really is just a jolly for him, although not that jolly unless you like broken bones. My guess is he will either maintain the status quo or the team will disappear. It will not go with Aspar.
Fuck I'm good at this.
http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/149719/1/sete_gibernau_shocked_as_team_quits_motogp.html
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