Wsbk 2017

[pritch]

Seasons greetings to y'all.

There are new rules for allocating grid positions in Race 2. The podium finishers in Race 1 go back to row 3, in reverse order, and it gets even stranger from there. Crash.net have an explanation here: http://www.crash.net/wsbk/news/235532/1/world-superbike-announces-radical-grid-shakeup.html

We all have until the Philip Island round kicks off to get our heads around this, otherwise there'll be a collective WTF? There might be a few of those anyway.
It'll be interesting to see if it works as intended, the aim being to provide exciting racing.



I did not type Wsbk, I typed WSBK but even the advanced edit fuction won't let me change that. Bastard!

[roogazza]

Seasons greetings to y'all.

There are new rules for allocating grid positions in Race 2. The podium finishers in Race 1 go back to row 3, in reverse order, and it gets even stranger from there. Crash.net have an explanation here: http://www.crash.net/wsbk/news/235532/1/world-superbike-announces-radical-grid-shakeup.html
We all have until the Philip Island round kicks off to get our heads around this, otherwise there'll be a collective WTF? There might be a few of those anyway.
It'll be interesting to see if it works as intended, the aim being to provide exciting racing.
I did not type Wsbk, I typed WSBK but even the advanced edit fuction won't let me change that. Bastard!

Not really a surprise coming from an outfit like Dorna huh pritch ?
Its all about the Dollar and Television. Imagine winning the first leg (on a previous day,thanks Dorna !) and being shoved back to the third row for the next days race , position 9 !!!!??? :(
Whats next, a factory2 class ? :lol:

[Mental Trousers]

Stupid made-for-tv-audiences rules. I've always thought you either a) don't change the grid positions or b) use the results from the previous race to set grid positions. Reverse grids of any type are done purely to entertain audiences.

[pritch]

Was listening to the Motopod podcast today and the new rules were a topic.

I had wondered why just the first three rows? Their version was that there can be a considerable skill/experience difference between the guys at or near the front of the grid and those at the back. Rea, Sykes, and Davies are used to passing and being passed by each other. Some of the tailenders might create dangerous situations in the process of being passed by twenty odd riders.

On balance though they felt it unnecessarily complicated. One guy who apparently didn't approve did not say a word, he had just posted a picture of Mickey Mouse.

[roogazza]

Just looked , 26th Feb, first round Phillip Is. :woohoo:

[Luckylegs]

Just looked , 26th Feb, first round Phillip Is. :woohoo:

Oi Crasher!!! This means a month before you need to re-fill that fridge for the GP start... So what odds are you givin' me on Melandri this time around. Perhaps a short term dabble as well as a longer one for the season. Melandri on the podium within the first 2-3 races?

[pritch]

The first winter test is underway at Jerez. It may not be much but it's something.

Sufuoglu is not riding, he broke a wrist training on a motard apparently.

[roogazza]

The first winter test is underway at Jerez. It may not be much but it's something.

Sufuoglu is not riding, he broke a wrist training on a motard apparently.

Bet Sofog is rapt with that ? I see Rea is looking for a few more neddys and Sykes burbling about changing styles again. Can't see his style matching Rea's myself. Sykes might do well at a street circuit with no corner speed ? haha Wanganui maybe if pigs fly ? Still fast tho I guess.
Can't wait for it all to start.:cool:

[pritch]

After day 1 Rea fastest followed by Sykes , the two Ducatis next. Honda has work to do.

[Badjelly]

Ducati to produce a V4 superbike, apparently intended as a basis for production-based racing series like WorldSBK.

https://motomatters.com/analysis/2017/01/22/ducati_s_motogp_launch_a_new_rider_a_new.html

I for one think that's great news.

Disclaimer: This opinion is based on an almost complete ignorance of what it's like to ride fast sport bikes, let alone to race.

[pritch]

Suzuki are testing at Sepang, well it may be Yoshimura are testing. Apparently Yoshimura are handling the Suzuki Superbike campaign as well as Moto America and BSB.

[roogazza]

Saturday week guys ! Not long to go now.
Lets hope the P.I. weather plays the game at this first round for the year.
Go johnny Rea !!!!!!!

[Dadpole]

Go johnny Rea !!!!!!!

Who would bet against him?

Anyway - Go Melandri (As long as Mrs M is there)

[Badjelly]

Go Melandri (As long as Mrs M is there)

https://goo.gl/images/zFcZrb

[pritch]

Saturday week guys ! Not long to go now.


And it's on SKY Sport 3, 2.15 to 6.00PM Saturday.

Sunday 3.15 to 6.05PM Sunday on pop up 2.

Two weeks thereafter Thailand, still at a civilised hour for those of us downunder.

A double take on checking the calendar though, the German round is sponsored by Prosecco? I'd have thought the Germans would have had that covered.

[roogazza]

And it's on SKY Sport 3, 2.15 to 6.00PM Saturday.
Sunday 3.15 to 6.05PM Sunday on pop up 2.
Two weeks thereafter Thailand, still at a civilised hour for those of us downunder.

Cheers for that pritch, we've been hanging out for sooooo long huh ? Top class bike racing at last.
I will reserve the remote both days.
Lets hope these new crazy rules re second race grid positions, don't spoil the show. :(

[pritch]

Cheers for that pritch, we've been hanging out for sooooo long huh ? Top class bike racing at last.
I will reserve the remote both days.
Lets hope these new crazy rules re second race grid positions, don't spoil the show. :(

Yeah I haven't got the fine detail of the rules off by heart yet, but it should be easier to pick up watching. At least I know why they've done it how they have so that helps.

Actually it's pension day tomorrow and the forecast is fine, I feel a lunch out of town coming on. :ride:

[roogazza]

Yeah I haven't got the fine detail of the rules off by heart yet, but it should be easier to pick up watching. At least I know why they've done it how they have so that helps.

Actually it's pension day tomorrow and the forecast is fine, I feel a lunch out of town coming on. :ride:

Yeah ! Nah not me ! got a guy coming to do the Hay and I'll be on the Ride on doing laps !!!

[roogazza]

Current champ Sofog gunna miss the first two rounds with a practice/training injury.
That'll cheer up Cluzel and the Yank boy who was fastest yesterday.

Rea back on top yesterday in testing. :yes:

[Luckylegs]

Rea back on top yesterday in testing. :yes:

only very very just - GO MARCO

[roogazza]

only very very just - GO MARCO

yeah going to interesting with Marco in the mix, can't wait !!!! :drool:

[Badjelly]

Lets hope these new crazy rules re second race grid positions, don't spoil the show. :(

I stumbled across the WorldSBK Preview last night on Sky. All the riders they talked to were very positive about the new rules. But they didn't talk to Tom Sykes about it. (Well, they probably did and decided not to show it.)

[Autech]

I stumbled across the WorldSBK Preview last night on Sky. All the riders they talked to were very positive about the new rules. But they didn't talk to Tom Sykes about it. (Well, they probably did and decided not to show it.)

He should be fine with his early race pace, later on however...

Great to see Marco back competing, any bets on him out performing Chaz this year? :bash:

[Luckylegs]

He should be fine with his early race pace, later on however...

Great to see Marco back competing, any bets on him out performing Chaz this year? :bash:

Wait, what? - only out performing Chaz, I'm very close to publically stating that he will out perform not only Chaz, but KRT as well. Where is crasher anyway?

[Autech]

Wait, what? - only out performing Chaz, I'm very close to publically stating that he will out perform not only Chaz, but KRT as well. Where is crasher anyway?

Prick is scared that we will be right this time :wings:

As bigger Melandri fan that I am, Rea is a freak on 2 wheels and most likely heading for another championship title. So I'll settle to say that he's going to be quicker than his team mate (who is also a great rider).

[Luckylegs]

Prick is scared that we will be right this time :wings:

As bigger Melandri fan that I am, Rea is a freak on 2 wheels and most likely heading for another championship title. So I'll settle to say that he's going to be quicker than his team mate (who is also a great rider).

That's most probafuckingly right too unfortunately



<Off to the MOTOGP thread to expound my utterly amateur (maniacal :-) pick for that paddock/>

[pritch]

Tomorrow. At last. I trust y'all have laid in a supply of snacks and beverages ready?

Who will be the champ? Rea, Sykes, and Davies look likely to be the front runners again but this morning I saw a reminder, "Don't overlook Eugene Laverty". He was offered a raw deal in GPs and decided that he'd rather be competitive than ride around at the back of the field. He will have a point to prove and he ain't slow.

[Dadpole]

Weather looks very Philip Islandish http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/forecasts/phillipisland.shtml

How long have we been waiting for a season with more than two potential contenders?

Go Marko and Eugene... :banana:

[roogazza]

Weather looks very Philip Islandish http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/forecasts/phillipisland.shtml

How long have we been waiting for a season with more than two potential contenders?

Go Marko and Eugene... :banana:

The Irish dude has reported troubles with the Aprillia/Milwalkeee thingy,might be getting the excuses ready lol. :msn-wink:

Oh and , Go Johnny !!!!!! #1.

[pritch]

The Irish dude has reported troubles with the Aprillia/Milwalkeee thingy,might be getting the excuses ready lol. :msn-wink:

Oh and , Go Johnny !!!!!! #1.

Apparently Laverty went well at the previous test but struck problems at PI.

I note that the WSBK live timing app is currently available free for iOS and Android. Live timing, live lapping, interviews and live laps etc.

[roogazza]

Apparently Laverty went well at the previous test but struck problems at PI.

I note that the WSBK live timing app is currently available free for iOS and Android. Live timing, live lapping, interviews and live laps etc.

I was thinking he'll go well on the Aprillia,just tossin a bait out there mate.
His style is very 250 gp ish ? Thought they'd be a good match ?

Tomorrow it is then,after an early morning fang that is !!!! :yes:

[pritch]

Well I hope nobody was bored. Could be even more interesting tomorrow with Torres, Van der Mark, and Laverty on the front row?

I thought Harry Lloyd done good for a debut performance as WSBK commentator.

[Luckylegs]

Oh ffs.... egg

[Dadpole]

Harry Lloyd did well, though he sounds like he is commentating on a gay Mardi Gras. Did anyone else wonder about his comment about a kiss from Johnny Rea?

All good on the racing front though. A good portend for the season?

[Autech]

Shit what a SSP race!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[roogazza]

Haven't read anything about it yet but I see the new grid positions for race two of a round didn't seem to alter the end result.
Still think its a dumb idea tho,more risk for the front runners that needn't be ?
A french mate said to watch Mahias (spelling?) in SS and he wasn't wrong , really aggressive and second only just to Rolfo (how old is Rolfo haha?)
Little Johnny Rea pretty much back in control tho lol. :banana:

[pritch]

(how old is Rolfo haha?)


Seems like he's been around forever. He'll be 37 on the 23rd of next month.

I was pleased Ant West did well, he probably deserves a good ride, but then again his misfortunes are basically of his own making.

The Supersport guys can play among themselves until Sufuoglu comes back.

[roogazza]

Seems like he's been around forever. He'll be 37 on the 23rd of next month.

I was pleased Ant West did well, he probably deserves a good ride, but then again his misfortunes are basically of his own making.

The Supersport guys can play among themselves until Sufuoglu comes back.

Thought Cluzel was a shoe in but no, Jacobson the yank had a tough day on the MV.
West seems to pop up at the Aussie races or when it pisses down. Always struggled to find rides. He comes across as not the sharpest knife in the draw, maybe the reason ? :scratch:

geez 37,pritch, nearly as old as Valentino. :woohoo:

[pritch]

West seems to pop up at the Aussie races or when it pisses down. Always struggled to find rides. He comes across as not the sharpest knife in the draw, maybe the reason ? :scratch:


A few years back he had a ride with a good Yamaha team in Supersport. He was stringing a few wins together and looking a chance at the title. Then he got the offer of a ride in MotoGP, so he bought himself out of the Yamaha contract.

I have some sympathy for the guy 'cause he has been doing it tough riding with no pay at times, but like I said, he brought it on himself to an extent.

[Autech]

A few years back he had a ride with a good Yamaha team in Supersport. He was stringing a few wins together and looking a chance at the title. Then he got the offer of a ride in MotoGP, so he bought himself out of the Yamaha contract.

I have some sympathy for the guy 'cause he has been doing it tough riding with no pay at times, but like I said, he brought it on himself to an extent.

Anyone else hear the "Aussie aussie aussie, oi oi oi" cheer they did? So dumb lol. Good on him placing well despite some crappy machinery, shows that there is still some tracks that a rider can do really well at over the best in the world, look at Stoners record there for example.

I get the feeling West is more a rider than the complete package that is required to win at the top level, perhaps he can't communicate well with the engineers etc to set a bike up well. Would explain his sporadic performances despite appearing to have great talent on the bike. Haven't followed him from day dot to be fair though so perhaps you old timers might know more, like:

Why did he get the Motogp offer? Was it because Dorna like to have an Aussie star and he was the best option at the time?
Did he actually work at a maccas to fund his racing? If so that's awesome

[pritch]

Haven't followed him from day dot to be fair though so perhaps you old timers might know more, like:


Nah me memories going. Can remember though that at one stage he got helmet sponsorship from some company I'd never heard of then when it rained, and he could be expected to shine, the helmet fogged badly.



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_West_(motorcycle_racer)

[Mike.Gayner]

I admit race 2 was a great watch, but the reverse grid remains a colossally retarded idea.

[Dadpole]

It has been a long wait for WSBK to return - and it was worth it. WSS was frantic and will only get better... Nice to see an long shot like West have a moment in the sun. Watch that young Ryde though. He is fast.

The main class looks like we may be in for a great season (as long as they keep Rea contained) - Go Marko :clap:

[roogazza]

Seems like he's been around forever. He'll be 37 on the 23rd of next month.

I was pleased Ant West did well, he probably deserves a good ride, but then again his misfortunes are basically of his own making.

The Supersport guys can play among themselves until Sufuoglu comes back.

Further to me talking about the french guy Mahias,I got another E mail from My French contact who has worked for ELF for years. He was saying Mahias lives not 40 Kms from him and was a late starter in Racing. Always struggling for money and rides but a real talent. Jacques is always pushing his cause and thinks a lot of him.
I'll be watching him with interest.(nice to see a Yamaha up there too):cool:

[pritch]

I admit race 2 was a great watch, but the reverse grid remains a colossally retarded idea.

"Reverse grid" is a bit of an exaggeration, it's only two rows that change.

Sort of like the POW Commandant, "Today we will have a change of underwear, hut A will change with hut B..."

[Autech]

Nah me memories going. Can remember though that at one stage he got helmet sponsorship from some company I'd never heard of then when it rained, and he could be expected to shine, the helmet fogged badly.



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_West_(motorcycle_racer)

Looks to me like he's fucked off too many teams by chopping and changing all the bloody time when a worse bike comes up in a better championship.

[roogazza]

Chang International Circuit - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chang_International_Circuit

Not familiar with this circuit, so keen to see it all unfold.
Round 2 WSB, 11th and 12th March. :wari::wari:

[pritch]

Chang International Circuit - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chang_International_Circuit

Not familiar with this circuit, so keen to see it all unfold.
Round 2 WSB, 11th and 12th March,this weekend. :wari::wari:

The Superbike riders are doing it tough, posting photos of beautiful weather at beaches and pools at upmarket resorts. They have a few more days to enjoy it before they go back to work.

[Mike.Gayner]

Holy crap just watched the WSS race :drool:

[Autech]

Holy crap just watched the WSS race :drool:

Fucking good eh?

[roogazza]

Full race results (1) from the second round of the 2017 World Superbike Championship at the Chang International Circuit, Thailand.

1. Jonathan Rea GBR Kawasaki Racing ZX-10R 20 laps
2. Chaz Davies GBR Aruba.it Racing Ducati 1199R +6.279s
3. Tom Sykes GBR Kawasaki Racing ZX-10R +8.165s
4. Marco Melandri ITA Aruba.it Racing Ducati 1199R +8.239s
5. Michael van der Mark NED PATA Yamaha YZF-R1 +11.384s

6. Alex Lowes GBR PATA Crescent Yamaha R1 +14.862s
7. Jordi Torres ESP Althea BMW S1000RR +26.035s
8. Leon Camier GBR MV Agusta RC F4 RR +31.755s
9. Nicky Hayden USA Red Bull Honda CBR1000RR SP2 +33.305s
10. Stefan Bradl GER Red Bull Honda CBR1000RR SP2 +35.208s
11. Xavi Fores ESP Barni Ducati 1199R +35.428s
12. Randy Krummenacher SWI Puccetti Kawasaki ZX-10R +38.865s
13. Lorenzo Savadori ITA Milwaukee Aprilia RSV4 +39.869s
14. Markus Reiterberger GER Althea BMW S1000RR +40.140s
15. Roman Ramos ESP Team Go Eleven Kawasaki ZX-10R +47.407s

16. Alex de Angelis SMR Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R +57.203s
17. Riccardo Russo ITA Guandalini Yamaha YZF-R1 +1 laps
18. Ondrej Jezek CZE Grillini Kawasaki ZX-10R +1 laps

Did not finish

19. Eugene Laverty IRE Milwaukee Aprilia RSV4
20. Ayrton Badovini ITA Grillini
Read more at http://www.crash.net/wsbk/results/241784/1/thailand-race-results-1.html#mRM1OrweXTd1wehX.99

[roogazza]

Woohoo ,second race even better.

Few twists and turns in SS as well. :love:

[Dadpole]

AAAND once again I fell asleep during race 1. Old age is a terrible thing...

WSS was a race and a bit. I half expected Smith to bowl somebody in the last laps. Race 2 kept me awake no trouble.

[roogazza]

This weekend people !
Will Johnny keep the Doocatis at bay?

[Dadpole]

And british superbike too. I need to find a source for the broadcast or torrent though.

[Dadpole]

Remember to wave and shout for Avalon Biddle racing in the new SSP300 class:niceone:

[roogazza]

And british superbike too. I need to find a source for the broadcast or torrent though.


Remember to wave and shout for Avalon Biddle racing in the new SSP300 class:niceone:

Donnington for BSB should be a ding dong ?

and I don't think I've seen anything other than a 1000 stock race on the Sky coverage at WSB ??
Will have a look tho, Ava Piddle you say ? :lol:

[Dadpole]

For the non-sky people like myself, there are other broadcasters. ;)
Someone once told me that there is a torrent thing where all races are available a few hours after the event.

PS: BSB is being shown on Eurosport 2

[Dadpole]

Davis on pole - Yay

Smoke from a Yamaha
Flames from a Honda

[roogazza]

Davis on pole - Yay

Smoke from a Yamaha
Flames from a Honda

Pretty good wasn't it Dadpole ?
I managed to set the clocks back and cocked up my copying Derrrr ! Got 17 laps of the first leg so didn't miss too much.
Look foward to tonites coverage with the handicapping.Lowes and yamaha will be happy with that,I think he gets pole ? :weird: :wacko:

[Dadpole]

I think I was as gutted as Davis about the first race.

Would anybody bet against Rea for the crown again?

[BMWST?]

I think I was as gutted as Davis about the first race.

Would anybody bet against Rea for the crown again?
I think Rea has one hand on the title already. Chaz needs to take a leaf out of MM book,2nd is better than 0,esp when he is on the back foot with problems in the practise.Oh well its a long season.Another problem Chaz may face is the speed of Melandri.

[roogazza]

5 Wins and a second, not bad going Johnny Rea . :2thumbsup

Results: Race 2

Pos No. Rider Bike Gap
1 7 C. DAVIES Ducati Panigale R
2 1 J. REA Kawasaki ZX-10R 0.483
3 33 M. MELANDRI Ducati Panigale R 2.479
4 66 T. SYKES Kawasaki ZX-10R 10.562
5 60 M. VAN DER MARK Yamaha YZF R1 13.336
6 12 X. FORÉS Ducati Panigale R 16.951
7 81 J. TORRES BMW S 1000 RR 18.638
8 36 L. MERCADO Aprilia RSV4 RF 18.700

[pritch]

Just got round to watching race 2. Davies really earned that, both he and Rea were on the ragged edge.

[Dadpole]

Assen this weekend. Is anyone interested? :laugh:

[caspernz]

Assen this weekend. Is anyone interested? :laugh:

Yep, got this penciled in. My home country round :Punk:

[roogazza]

Assen this weekend. Is anyone interested? :laugh:

I'll be there ,remote in hand !

Just hope those Dutchees'keep the fingers in the Dykes,we want a dry race. :laugh:

ps you getting more traffic with the Gorge closed ? I need new rubber anyway.

[Dadpole]

Hi Gazza

The bastard traffic is bad. I tried standing there shaking my fist, but it did no good. I considered stripping to my undies and standing there shaking my fist. The wife agrees this would persuade people to go another way

[pritch]

I must check that I'm set to "record". Next ad break?

[Dadpole]

Q1 was sheer idiocy at the end. Why do they feel the need to all be on the same piece of track? Any slipstream help is negligible, but they will drop a good lap to stop a follower then dick around waiting for a tow themselves.

[roogazza]

Hi Gazza

The bastard traffic is bad. I tried standing there shaking my fist, but it did no good. I considered stripping to my undies and standing there shaking my fist. The wife agrees this would persuade people to go another way

I was thinking last night,(do that now and again ) that road ain't gunna put up with too much traffic before some of the already bad corners start breaking up ?
I hope the 'truffle hunters' don't start hanging out up there looking for revenue ? :shutup::facepalm:

Enjoyed the first leg of WSB tho, Rea and Davies having a bit of verbal in Qual. Race 1 sorted itself out anyway.(without giving away results)......:corn:

[BMWST?]

was an awesome race till the last lap.Woulda been really intersting,cant help but think that the same fella would have one,but the other fella had done a very good job until that penulimate lap.A last lap demon braking manouvre was on the cards though.Wonder what happened?

[roogazza]

:Punk::banana: Three times world champ here we come ? :corn:

[Dadpole]

:Punk::banana: Three times world champ here we come ? :corn:

It does look that way. That combination of Rea and surely the best bike on the grid makes it a race for second.

On a positive note: The 300 race was a thriller. Which is better? Moto3 or SSP300.

[pritch]

On a positive note: The 300 race was a thriller. Which is better? Moto3 or SSP300.

Dunno but that 300 race was all elbows and knees and being a girl certainly didn't get Ana Carrasco any extra consideration.

[Mike.Gayner]

WSBK is officially a gigantic yawn.

[Dadpole]

WSBK is officially a gigantic yawn.

The crowds (or lack of) would seem to agree with you. I find the support races to be more entertaining to be frank. The new 300 class looks to be the highlight of the weekend. I also think that Moto3 offers the best on the MotoGP round too.

How does the MotoGP race seem to be much better than the WSBK races though? Is it the pre-race build up? It just seems to be much more of an event than superbike. Perhaps it is that the finish order in SBK seems to be almost the same each race. Or have I just fallen for the marketing bollocks?

[Mike.Gayner]

The crowds (or lack of) would seem to agree with you. I find the support races to be more entertaining to be frank. The new 300 class looks to be the highlight of the weekend. I also think that Moto3 offers the best on the MotoGP round too.

How does the MotoGP race seem to be much better than the WSBK races though? Is it the pre-race build up? It just seems to be much more of an event than superbike. Perhaps it is that the finish order in SBK seems to be almost the same each race. Or have I just fallen for the marketing bollocks?

MotoGP is legitimately more interesting racing, and it really hurts and motorsport when you can reliably pick the winning order on any race weekend. Rae, Sykes, Davies. Every, damn, time.

[roogazza]

Full free practice two results from the fifth round of the 2017 World Superbike Championship at Imola, Italy.

1. Chaz Davies GBR Aruba.it Racing Ducati 1199R 1m 46.229s
2. Jonathan Rea GBR Kawasaki Racing ZX-10R 1m 46.694s
3. Tom Sykes GBR Kawasaki Racing ZX-10R 1m 47.125s
4. Marco Melandri ITA Aruba.it Racing Ducati 1199R 1m 47.191s
5. Xavi Fores ESP Barni Ducati 1199R 1m 47.862s

6. Alex Lowes GBR PATA Crescent Yamaha R1 1m 48.089s
7. Leon Camier GBR MV Agusta RC F4 RR 1m 48.101s
8. Michael van der Mark NED PATA Yamaha YZF-R1 1m 48.265s *
9. Leandro Mercado ITA IodaRacing Aprilia RSV4 1m 48.284s
10. Eugene Laverty IRE Milwauke
Read more at http://www.crash.net/wsbk/results/245424/1/imola-free-practice-results-2.html#wUCU8c2joGxoPOod.99

[Dadpole]

I am just hoping to see Melandri at the pointy end. Otherwise I fear the main race will see me fall asleep (again).

Sunday is the real racing with the so-called "support" classes doing their stuff.


North West 200 . Live coverage (hopefully) at http://www.bbc.com/sport/northern-ireland/motorbikes starting tonight at 8PM our time.

[roogazza]

Must be the age Dadpole, I find myself nodding too. Missed ten laps last time. :yes:

[Dadpole]

Must be the age Dadpole, I find myself nodding too. Missed ten laps last time. :yes:

Worse when I am half awake and keep zoning in and out missing a couple of laps at a time.
"Mumble... Wha.... What happened to Davis???"

However - WSBK currently is almost a procession from lap 1 so a mid race snooze is OK.

Northwest on now http://www.bbc.com/sport/live/northern-ireland/39645247

[russd7]

Sunday is the real racing with the so-called "support" classes doing their stuff.


North West 200 . Live coverage (hopefully) at starting tonight at 8PM our time.

that 300 class is good racing, just hope avalon biddle can get her confidence up to run further up the feild.

[Dadpole]

North West 200:

I watched the first and last races. :eek5: The final race was fantastic. First to third under a second after 9 laps. Multiple overtaking and outbraking moments. Slipstreaming in twos and threes.

I am not really a fan of road racing because of the carnage on occasion, but the NW200 is something special. Time to fall asleep watching WSBK? :sleep:

[roogazza]

Was gunna watch Leg 1 this morn but decided a fang was more important. Bloody cold winging up your way dadpole !
Saw the result tho,that effort must have made laverty's eyes water at 160 mph ?? Lowes won't be on his christmas card list, huh ?
Ideal track for the Doocati,so it looked like Rea must have used his head, as usual. :Punk: :corn:

[BMWST?]

was nothing really lowes could have done differently.There was contact between Lowes foot or lower leg and Laverty's front mudguard which apparently severed the front brake hoses.Was hard to see who moved into whom

[roogazza]

Hard to remain keen after all the red flags. So I copied it.
The handicapping gifting Sykes but he was still run down.
Wish the commentator would shut the fuck up,so nice when we lost them for a bit. :yes:
The Irish one is better but the Pom sounds like a Gay Hairdresser slowing down his speech to fill gaps in his babble.

Didn't see the NZ girl in the top twenty, but then I lost the result for that as the copying ran out.

[Dadpole]

Rumour has it the "Gay Hairdresser" is being groomed (!) to take over from Nick Harris in MotoGP. Be very afraid...

SBK was business as usual in that the usual suspects were there in a slightly differing order. I found myself looking at the laps remaining and wishing they would count down quicker. :(

I think I will confine myself to the support races next round, then I may appreciate the main race after missing a couple.

PS: The commentary missing in race one let Me entertain the wife with my version. It is a bloody hard job to keep up a stream of babble and evidently my version is far too obscene.

[roogazza]

Rumour has it the "Gay Hairdresser" is being groomed (!) to take over from Nick Harris in MotoGP. Be very afraid...
SBK was business as usual in that the usual suspects were there in a slightly differing order. I found myself looking at the laps remaining and wishing they would count down quicker. :(
I think I will confine myself to the support races next round, then I may appreciate the main race after missing a couple.

PS: The commentary missing in race one let Me entertain the wife with my version. It is a bloody hard job to keep up a stream of babble and evidently my version is far too obscene.


Yes lol, I became aware of the lack of commentary ,quite enjoyed listening to the screaming engines in preference to Yap. Why they persist in trying to fill the airwaves with crap I dunno ? Less is good for me. Hey,I got eyes,I can work it out !! :angry2:

The handicapping hasn't been a success apart from making the starts more dangerous for the guys who win Leg 1. Gifting Sykes pole for getting 4th in the first race at least gave him 6 laps in front. :lol:
Little Johnny is a demon in traffic,but its xtra pressure all the same.

[Mike.Gayner]

The handicapping hasn't been a success apart from making the starts more dangerous for the guys who win Leg 1. Gifting Sykes pole for getting 4th in the first race at least gave him 6 laps in front. :lol:
Little Johnny is a demon in traffic,but its xtra pressure all the same.

The handicapping has been a complete waste of energy and an enormous risk for everyone on the front 2 rows. I didn't even watch the weekend's races, seeing those same three names at the top, yawn.

[pritch]

The Irish one is better but the Pom sounds like a Gay Hairdresser slowing down his speech to fill gaps in his babble.



Pom? Jeez Gaz that's an Australian accent. Harry's a chatty little bugger but he has surprising knowledge of motorcycle racing for a young feller. I whinged about Green and Harris et al so feel I oughta give the young bloke some slack. I hope his style doesn't become too idiosyncratic though.

[BMWST?]

i havea new pet hate phrase from a commentator....as well......

[Doppleganger]

Woohoo got to see Milandris Mrs tottering down pit lane with his hat bless her, highlight of the race :-)

[roogazza]

Pom? Jeez Gaz that's an Australian accent. Harry's a chatty little bugger but he has surprising knowledge of motorcycle racing for a young feller. I whinged about Green and Harris et al so feel I oughta give the young bloke some slack. I hope his style doesn't become too idiosyncratic though.

Really pritch ? I didn't pick that ! Must be an educated one then ? lol.

[Badjelly]

I whinged about Green and Harris et al so feel I oughta give the young bloke some slack. I hope his style doesn't become too idiosyncratic though.

I miss Jonathan Green. There's something about that scream :wait:

[Dadpole]

I am willing to give young Harry a fair bit of rope as he is (1) enthusiastic and (2) not Nick Harris. He needs to lose the long, drawn out bits where he loses his train of thought though.

I enjoy the BSB coverage from Jack Burnicle and James Whitham. During the race I have a mental picture of Wallace and Gromit in the commentary box. You can find BSB on Youtube.

I did not watch long enough to see "Milandris Mrs tottering down pit lane with his hat bless her" I may have to watch the race again just for that bit.:drool:

[roogazza]

Woohoo got to see Milandris Mrs tottering down pit lane with his hat bless her, highlight of the race :-)

Yes me too ! Spotted Mrs Melandri a couple of times :drool:

I saw Melandri carrying the "mini Manu" around . Quite the family affair WSB.

[pritch]

Really pritch ? I didn't pick that ! Must be an educated one then ? lol.

I know that you're joking but yeah, I guess he is. He was working unpaid on the MotoPod motorcycle racing podcast for a couple of years while he was at university in the UK. I thought he did a good job on the podcast. When he finished university he went to work for Dorna in Spain briefly, while there he started commentating on the CEV Spanish championship races. He left Dorna for a job at Mahindra in the UK, but must have kept up the commentating on the CEV championship and that has seemingly lead to bigger things.

As someone else said I wish him well because he's not Nick Harris or Jonathon Green, and hating every commentator would seem a tad ummm obsessive(?).

Next time you hear him the Australian accent will be obvious.



Overnight there was some chatter about WSBK being something of a procession at the sharp end these days, with some considering remedies. I guess nothing much will happen until Dorna decide it's a problem.

Someone questioned the lack of competitiveness of the Honda riders, I think it was David Emmett replied that Honda Japan put no money into Superbikes. Whatever funding the teams have comes from Honda Europe. Honda should maybe reconsider that because it's not a good look. They've got two former world champs on the big bikes, so blaming the riders wouldn't be very convincing.

[roogazza]

I know that you're joking but yeah, I guess he is. He was working unpaid on the MotoPod motorcycle racing podcast for a couple of years while he was at university in the UK. I thought he did a good job on the podcast. When he finished university he went to work for Dorna in Spain briefly, while there he started commentating on the CEV Spanish championship races. He left Dorna for a job at Mahindra in the UK, but must have kept up the commentating on the CEV championship and that has seemingly lead to bigger things.
As someone else said I wish him well because he's not Nick Harris or Jonathon Green, and hating every commentator would seem a tad ummm obsessive(?).
Next time you hear him the Australian accent will be obvious.
Overnight there was some chatter about WSBK being something of a procession at the sharp end these days, with some considering remedies. I guess nothing much will happen until Dorna decide it's a problem.
Someone questioned the lack of competitiveness of the Honda riders, I think it was David Emmett replied that Honda Japan put no money into Superbikes. Whatever funding the teams have comes from Honda Europe. Honda should maybe reconsider that because it's not a good look. They've got two former world champs on the big bikes, so blaming the riders wouldn't be very convincing.

I'll listen to him next time,maybe the semi polished accent was passed on at Uni ?
The last bit on Hondas I've read in a few places.
I was surprised, my German mates who I see only once a year thought Bradle was very lucky to win his title?
I take in lots of snippets evry year I'm with my fellow race fans. But yeah we're all really armchair experts huh ? ( I won't repeat what I've heard about Horhay,Hayden etc for that reason).

[pritch]

I was surprised, my German mates who I see only once a year thought Bradle was very lucky to win his title?


Well he was to the extent that Marquez crashed at Sepang and had a head injury that caused him double vision. Wasn't MM's fault, parts of the track were wet and the marshals apparently didn't use their flags to indicate that fact. Arriving at at a corner at high velocity and finding the track was wet would be a nasty surprise for anyone. That ruled him out for the rest of the season.

Still, they count the winners at the finish - of the race and of the season. Bradl's name is in the book.

[roogazza]

Fair enough as you say,he won it !
Couple of Mugellos ago I was intro'd and had breakfast with Bradl in the Red Bull Hosp. He was seated across from me and I was thinking this guy is 12 yrs old ?? haha, tiny fella and looked so young!
Then the Red Bull rookies came in and they looked about 10 !!!

[mulletman]

Nicky Hayden is in a bad way after a bicycle crash into a car..

http://www.motofire.com/2017/05/news/breaking-nicky-hayden-in-hospital-after-serious-bicycle-accident/

[pritch]

That's actually a good report. When I woke I saw reports but there were few details available, and that report had been done hours previously. Here's hoping Hayden is OK. Most of the top riders use pushbikes to train so sadly he probably won't be the last.

Last week an angry driver chased Tour de France winner Froom off the road on to the footpath. Froom escaped but his expensive bike was totalled.

[Cosmik de Bris]

That's actually a good report. When I woke I saw reports but there were few details available, and that report had been done hours previously. Here's hoping Hayden is OK. Most of the top riders use pushbikes to train so sadly he probably won't be the last.

Last week an angry driver chased Tour de France winner Froom off the road on to the footpath. Froom escaped but his expensive bike was totalled.

From comments on other sites it seems the Europeans are less tolerant of cyclists than we are! They must be really bad.

[roogazza]

331025
Donnington next, can the Doocati do as well here ?
Go Kawasaki No1, Johnny Rea. :shifty:

[Cosmik de Bris]

331025
Donnington next, can the Doocati do as well here ?
Go Kawasaki No1, Johnny Rea. :shifty:

I think Sykes goes well here but Chas will know the circuit well too.

[Dadpole]

Donnington round. Will anything change in Superbike?

I wish I had the awesome powers of Carl Fogarty
"But when it comes to racing, Fogarty predicts that a Brit will once again make it on to the podium at the English track on the weekend."
http://www.bikesportnews.com/news/news-detail/worldsbk-needs-its-edge-back-says-king-foggy

[roogazza]

Donnington round. Will anything change in Superbike?

I wish I had the awesome powers of Carl Fogarty
"But when it comes to racing, Fogarty predicts that a Brit will once again make it on to the podium at the English track on the weekend."
http://www.bikesportnews.com/news/news-detail/worldsbk-needs-its-edge-back-says-king-foggy

Yes Dadpole, with so many Poms in the Series its a good bet one will place top three.
Foggy was a stroppy bugger in his day. Probably why I always back the ones who don't flap so much.
Could be a good one this weekend,I like Donnington. :rolleyes:

[Cosmik de Bris]

Yes Dadpole, with so many Poms in the Series its a good bet one will place top three.
Foggy was a stroppy bugger in his day. Probably why I always back the ones who don't flap so much.
Could be a good one this weekend,I like Donnington. :rolleyes:

Yes, the brits find an interesting piece of land and stick asphalt on it.

[Dadpole]

What happened there? Almost a proper race instead of a parade? Was that really SBK I watched (without falling asleep)?

[roogazza]

What happened there? Almost a proper race instead of a parade? Was that really SBK I watched (without falling asleep)?
A few changed places near the end. Was hoping Rea would hold on but alas.
Now for the handicapping in the second leg.:wacko:

[roogazza]

Pirelli, in agreement with FIM, Dorna and MOTUL FIM World Superbike Championship Race Direction, has decided to pull the rear V0602 development solution (option A) from the tyre allocation available to riders in the WorldSBK category for the Donington Park round. The decision was made following what happened in Race 1 to the rear tyre of Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) who abruptly lost pressure in the twenty-first lap, causing the rider to crash.
Although specifying that the solution being pulled has not shown any problems up to now, being successfully used by many riders in both Race 1 and in Race 2 of the Imola round and by Tom Sykes, Alex Lowes and Marco Melandri in Race 1 at Donington Park, because at the moment it has not been possible to ascertain the causes (whether with the tyre or due to external factors) that resulted in the abrupt deflation, in the primary interest of rider safety and while awaiting further analyses on the tyre being investigated, Pirelli and Dorna have therefore agreed to pull this tyre from the allocation available to the riders. In compensation, Pirelli will provide each rider with an additional standard SC0 compound tyre (option A), thereby increasing the number of available tyres in this solution from 8 to 9 for the Donington Park round.

[pritch]

The decision was made following what happened in Race 1 to the rear tyre of Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) who abruptly lost pressure in the twenty-first lap,

I love the understatement in that. "abruptly lost pressure" which means it exploded. Another one they use is "lost its structural integrity" That can mean whatever it was exploded too.


Spot the oz accent Gaz?

[caspernz]

I love the understatement in that. "abruptly lost pressure" which means it exploded. Another one they use is "lost its structural integrity" That can mean whatever it was exploded too.


Spot the oz accent Gaz?

Crikey, yes I saw Rea crash and then the close-up on his rear tyre...not nice at that speed. The understatement is giggle inducing indeed. Bit like the airlines talking about a cabin decompression event when we'd talk about a bomb...

[Ocean1]

I love the understatement in that. "abruptly lost pressure" which means it exploded. Another one they use is "lost its structural integrity" That can mean whatever it was exploded too.


Spot the oz accent Gaz?

Or an electrical component failure.

'Cause the rod went through the alternator.

[pritch]

Or an electrical component failure.

'Cause the rod went through the alternator.

Or the piston hit the spark plug? That isn't quite the same thing though, those are PR spin rather than use of professional language.

[roogazza]

I love the understatement in that. "abruptly lost pressure" which means it exploded. Another one they use is "lost its structural integrity" That can mean whatever it was exploded too.


Spot the oz accent Gaz?

I did mate, had a little chuckle on that one pritch !! :laugh: Still keep the volume way,way down tho !!
Just watched the races a minute ago . Some great dices from last nights recording.

[roogazza]

http://www.crash.net/wsbk/news/250960/1/sykes-calls-for-reverse-grid-to-be-binned.html

Yep that would suit me,tho I am not a Sykes fan. Never liked the handicapping myself.
For that matter change the race format back to both races Sunday as well. :yes:

[roogazza]

http://www.crash.net/wsbk/news/250973/1/reverse-grid-rule-to-be-evaluated-at-the-end-of-2017.html

The problem may be that Lavilla seems to think its working ???????/

[Dadpole]

Back in Italy this weekend. Who will be at the pointy end?
For the gamblers among us, Ladbrokes in the UK are taking bets on Rea winning the championship - at 1 to 50. Get in now people....

[roogazza]

Back in Italy this weekend. Who will be at the pointy end?
For the gamblers among us, Ladbrokes in the UK are taking bets on Rea winning the championship - at 1 to 50. Get in now people....

I see they're talking about universal ECUs for WSB. ????????
I don't think I'd bet against little johnny winning a third Title. The traffic in the second Legs when he wins the first Leg, doesn't seem to bother him one little bit?
However his team mate ain't as good in traffic and suffers.(I get a giggle at that).:laugh::shifty:

[Dadpole]

I don't think anything bothers little Johnny. He almost makes it look easy compared to his rivals. Why, oh why couldn't he have got on a competitive bike years ago...

[pritch]

In the Brit Queen's Birthday honours there is mention of the award of an MBE to Mr Rea. Relatively rare recognition of a motorcyclist.

Also although not a motorcyclist, but no doubt known to us all, the list also features Sir Billy Connolly.

[Dadpole]

Billy may claim to be a biker as he once drove(rode?) a trike.. Despite that he deserves a MBE for his efforts to have the world piss itself laughing.

Rea will get one because he realises the dream of all politicians by crushing his opposition beneath his feet.

[T.W.R]

Billy may claim to be a biker as he once drove(rode?) a trike.

:lol: Don't know much about BC then do you :pinch:
He was quite a prolific biker in his younger years & was interviewed many a time by the english magazines in the 70s & 80s about some the exploits he & his riding buddies got upto :yes:
https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=22029&d=1134686558

[Dadpole]

I stand/sit corrected Sir. I was reading those Mags at the time and don't recall seeing anything about him - or perhaps is is simply my mind giving up a little bit more.

[Dadpole]

Far Canal. If you have not watched the race yet all I can say is "Distant man-made waterway"....

[roogazza]

Nice to see Melandri's wife . Hope he does well again so we see more of her.:drool:

[Dadpole]

Nice to see Melandri's wife . Hope he does well again so we see more of her.:drool:

Yes, yes and yes please.

Of note is that I stayed awake and watching through both races - and not just for the chance to ogle Mrs Melandri.

[Luckylegs]

Supporting melandri is like supporting the warriors - sigh!!! Still now he's won one. That's about how 2014 went on the aprilia

[Dadpole]

Melandri supporters get a special bonus in the shape (:love:) of Manu when he podiums.

[roogazza]

Quite happy to see Johnny reach the half way mark in the Championship 50 points ahead.
Sykes is picking up the crumbs ?
great effort by VandeeMark , the yam seems to be improving tho Lowes is still jumping off too often.

[Dadpole]

To me, the surprise is that Rea is only 50 points ahead. He seemed so dominant at he start of the season that I feared a total whitewash.

[roogazza]

https://motomatters.com/analysis/2017/06/19/pirelli_to_bring_stiffer_rear_tire_to.html

So tyres are not just a problem in Motogp,WSB are having their own fun.
No wonder Rea was a bit spooked ???
Little bit of a break before we go to Laguna and time to sort it huh ?

[roogazza]

http://www.crash.net/wsbk/news/266922/1/pirelli-supplies-two-new-compounds-after-recent-blowouts.html

[Dadpole]

USA this weekend - for those interested.

I watched this mornings race live on BEIN tv (US channel) Their commentary was still better than Nick Harris. :yes:

[roogazza]

USA this weekend - for those interested.

I watched this mornings race live on BEIN tv (US channel) Their commentary was still better than Nick Harris. :yes:

I watched the first leg this morn,instead of going for a ride. Then the sun came out :angry2:
I'll copy leg two which comes in on Sky 54 at 8.30 am Monday. (then I can fast forward the shit bits ).
(like the ra ra USA anthem and the commentators if they shit me).

Well, I watched the handicap races, same guys ended at the front.
(so I hope this rule of handicapping is squashed next year ?).
No spoiler from me, but Johnny Rea kept me happy by increasing his points lead.

[Dadpole]

There does not seem to be much love for SBK these days. No spoilers, but I was watching race 2 and had a phone call. I didn't shout bugger off, instead I took the 15 min call and watched with a casual interest.

See if you can guess the three on the podium....

[Doppleganger]

Watched the second race when I got home from work yesterday. Ashamed to say I fell asleep for 12 laps, no really I did!!!
felt no urge to rewind and watch what I'd missed.

[roogazza]

There does not seem to be much love for SBK these days. No spoilers, but I was watching race 2 and had a phone call. I didn't shout bugger off, instead I took the 15 min call and watched with a casual interest.

See if you can guess the three on the podium....

I see I make my share of posts Dadpole, and I seem to do the same (pop out n make a coffee and wander back,same ol' !!!)
But you can still hear the , "Classic Laguna pass" ! :mad:
Both legs hardly got the pulse above :sleep: ????

(and no win for Melandri,so no Manu ???).

[Dadpole]

I see I make my share of posts

I was thinking of overall interest. The crowd(?) at Laguna was small as they all seem to be at the SBK meetings. Media must simply recycle their old race reports after changing the location name.

With no support races - other than the US domestic series (who cares) - to watch, it became a case of watching because it was marginally more interesting than checking the letterbox for the latest bills.

And no Manu :baby:

[roogazza]

Yeah mate I get ya.
Thats what all the other changes are for , races on diff days and handicapping etc etc.
Dorna now want bikes to be more stock I think ? closer racing is all its about, to try and bring in the fans. (and money !!)

[Cosmik de Bris]

Dorna now want bikes to be more stock I think ? closer racing is all its about, to try and bring in the fans. (and money !!)

They already have SuperStock so they could just drop WSBK.

Cheers

[Mental Trousers]

I was thinking of overall interest. The crowd(?) at Laguna was small as they all seem to be at the SBK meetings. Media must simply recycle their old race reports after changing the location name.

The crowd numbers were over 65,000 I think, which is nearly 30% more than 3 years ago. Laguna Seca's layout hides crowds from the cameras cos they're all spread out on the many hills around the course.


With no support races - other than the US domestic series (who cares) - to watch, it became a case of watching because it was marginally more interesting than checking the letterbox for the latest bills.

I didn't get to see any of it but Shane Richardson is kicking arse in the domestic competition SuperStock 600's. He finished 2nd, beating a whole heap of SuperSport bikes in the process.

[Dadpole]

Laguna Seca was 30% up? That is good to know. Perhaps their (US) racing scene is improving after the balls-up it had become a few years back.

I hope WSBK can get to the level of BSB where the rules have produced good tight racing. Sometimes on goat tracks, but you take what you can get.

[Mental Trousers]

Laguna Seca was 30% up? That is good to know. Perhaps their (US) racing scene is improving after the balls-up it had become a few years back.

I hope WSBK can get to the level of BSB where the rules have produced good tight racing. Sometimes on goat tracks, but you take what you can get.

I was going off the top of my head, which was surprisingly close considering. Here's the actual numbers http://http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/motoamericaworld-superbike-spectator-attendance-up-at-mazda-raceway-laguna-seca/

[roogazza]

http://www.crash.net/wsbk/news/269073/1/fogarty-suffers-multiple-injuries-in-dirt-quake-off.html

Some news for Foggy fans.

[Dadpole]

http://www.crash.net/wsbk/news/269073/1/fogarty-suffers-multiple-injuries-in-dirt-quake-off.html

Some news for Foggy fans.

He has fans? :lol:

[roogazza]

He has fans? :lol:

LOL, I wasn't !
Apparently that is that tho, cos he has promised his wife,no more !
I hate seeing older dudes hurt themselves after coming back years later to just have a ride !:yes:

[Dadpole]

While we all vegetate during the 'Summer' break, may I suggest BSB at Brands Hatch (available on Youtube). If WSBK was this good them the stands would be packed.

[pritch]

This is a WSBK video clip which is not inspiringly informative, but you may have to log in or sign up to view it. It is free though. The interviewer is Harry Lloyd, Gazza's mate, and he is allegedly interviewing "Steve Jenker". Obviously I can't be absolutely sure but I think that is Steve Jenkner who used to ride 125 GPs back in the early oughts. Ohlins tech is the sort of job former GP riders can find themselves doing.

http://www.worldsbk.com/en/videos/2017/2017%20WorldSBK%20Laguna%20Seca%20Inside%20Honda%2 0Front%20Suspension

[Dadpole]

Interesting (though not very informative) clip, but what moron thought adding a 'thump thump' sound track would make it better.... :angry2:

[roogazza]

Well the break is over mid season,we have WSB from Germany this weekend.

Sykes has been off but is fastest in Fp2 ,but hey thats not uncommon at this stage.

BSB too I think ?

Go Johnny Rea !!!!! :rolleyes:

[pritch]

This morning I note there is a discussion on Twitter about how to make SBK more interesting. One person wanted to change tyre brands, but other suggestions included slowing down the Kawasaki and Ducati, or giving the riders personalities a bigger profile. Obviously Kawasaki have more bucks to throw at it because they aren't spending big in MotoGP.

It's a pity people arent finding it sufficiently exciting because the top three riders all deserve to be there. If Honda pulled finger it'd make a difference. I did read once that one of the Jap factories, can't remember if it was Yamaha or Honda, basically contributes nothing to the effort from Japan. The entire programme is run from Europe.

Ah well it is what it is - and at least it is bikes...

[BMWST?]

This morning I note there is a discussion on Twitter about how to make SBK more interesting. One person wanted to change tyre brands, but other suggestions included slowing down the Kawasaki and Ducati, or giving the riders personalities a bigger profile. Obviously Kawasaki have more bucks to throw at it because they aren't spending big in MotoGP.

It's a pity people arent finding it sufficiently exciting because the top three riders all deserve to be there. If Honda pulled finger it'd make a difference. I did read once that one of the Jap factories, can't remember if it was Yamaha or Honda, basically contributes nothing to the effort from Japan. The entire programme is run from Europe.

Ah well it is what it is - and at least it is bikes...

i think it is Honda.Its far too late but Go Chaz

[Dadpole]

I found race one so interesting I gave up a third of the way through. I hope it is just me rather than the racing. I did try to guess the size of the crowd but couldn't find one.

[roogazza]

I found race one so interesting I gave up a third of the way through. I hope it is just me rather than the racing. I did try to guess the size of the crowd but couldn't find one.
Thought I was losing it too, Dadpole, was flipping over to All Blacks V Wannabies of all things !
I was looking for crowd as well. :confused:
I went back to the racing as the tyres faded for the Green machines.

But hey, Manu was there !!!!!!! :msn-wink::laugh::shifty:

[Berries]

This morning I note there is a discussion on Twitter about how to make SBK more interesting. One person wanted to change tyre brands, but other suggestions included slowing down the Kawasaki and Ducati, or giving the riders personalities a bigger profile...

Look at them on the grid. Not quite Foggy and Falapa is it? Perhaps it does need more work in the personality department.

Edit- And the post race interviews were shithouse if raising the profile were a consideration.

[eelracing]

Look at them on the grid. Not quite Foggy and Falapa is it? Perhaps it does need more work in the personality department.

I agree it's all a bit Brit dominated and they're about as exciting to watch as a round of golf.
The series needs to get more different nationalities racing,the last time I actively followed it was when Slighty and Crafar were involved.
Maybe something along the lines of the A1 car series that had diff teams from each nation would be a good start...Dorna has the cash to fund it.

Who the fuck can be bothered with the sad exercise it's become these days.

[rustys]

BSB is far more interesting than WSB, it the same old same old.................

[roogazza]

I would rather have ,no Handicapping and taking it back to both races on the same day.
It just drags the shit out. Bet it hasn't worked for Dorna either ?
But hey,someone has to win the races, so if Davies or Rea are the best there is, so be it.:rolleyes:

[Dadpole]

The 600 and 300 races have been the interesting bits of SBK for a while now. On a positive note; I gather that was the last time they will use Lausitz. It has all the atmosphere and charm of a long-abandoned car park.

[Mental Trousers]

WorldSBK is going to have to look at going the same route as BSB/MotoGP etc. Control ECUs. Both series have improved immensely since they started running control ECUs.

[macka77]

I agree If wsbk just adopted the same rules as bsb surely the bikes are not going to be the main factor in winning for a few years bsb gave some of the uncompetitive brands more engine modification to keep the field tighter

[pritch]

i think it is Honda.

Yeah I just saw somebody commenting. No works machinery, Fred Merkel was riding for a team run from Italy (Rumi?). The Castrol bikes were run by an English team and Toseland's bikes were Ten Kate from Holland.

[Doppleganger]

Watched both races.... well sort of, watched the starts and then the first couple of laps until Davis hit the front then fast forwarded to the last two laps.

WSBK has lost a lot of its appeal to me, two brands fighting it out well for the first couple of laps anyway then its just a procession. The interviews post race are sterile and pointless can almost predict what Sykes is going to say.

Love watching BSB and MotGP

[roogazza]

Must admit it's been a long time since I waited up for any road racing, I'll watch for a bit then copy the stuff.
It enables you to fast forward at least.
I don't even follow the practice /Quals that closely either like I used to.
These are the best the World has to offer too,not our local stuff which I've avoided for years.
(has MNZ sorted last years mickey mouse sbk series yet, who cares ??):yawn::yes:

Bugger it , summer is coming, we can get out and ride ourselves,get some mojo back.:yes:

[Dreama]

Hmmm, I thought race 2 was pretty good really. The opening laps are definitely more exciting with the top riders in row 3, Davies fought long and hard to get to the front and his style gives the impression he's always a hair away from disaster, the duel with Rea was good ......... what was wrong with the race ??
As for the interviews, Rea is always a pleasure to listen to and so is Davies. Sykes comes over as a twat but so what.
Bagging the local racing is just sad. The fact that Rees and Sloan are embroiled in dispute simply indicates how close it was. Perhaps mistakes were made in the officiating, that happens at all levels, move on.
There are a lot of young men and ladies who dedicate their lives to racing here and it's pretty tacky when the older (assumption) and disgruntled feel it's necessary to demean it.
FWIW, you want boring ? ..... go road riding.

[roogazza]

I'm not a Sykes fan so agree with just that part. The rest nah !
Handicap racing at this level is a joke,imagine risking your neck for "the show"?

As for local stuff,anyone can do it and lots of us have.
All you have to do is enter,nothing special at all in that, its just a sport.

I like my motor racing at a certain level,best in the world stuff, that's all. :rolleyes:

[Dadpole]

Roll on the 300 and 600 classes. The main race(s) may be worth a quick gander too...

[pritch]

Sykes out for the weekend after a get off.



That was a more than averagely spectacular get off. Instant red flag, but a bonfire in the middle of the track will do that.

[roogazza]

That was a more than averagely spectacular get off. Instant red flag, but a bonfire in the middle of the track will do that.


Sykes doesn't do that very often.Well, not that big anyway ? did he break a pinky ? :rolleyes:

The Spanish Elvis did good on the BMW, I like that guy. (and Camier on the MV)......

[pritch]

did he break a pinky ? :rolleyes:



A dislocated fracture of a finger anyway.

Update: Two fingers and a wrist it turns out. When I heard he was going to Barcelona I wondered if he was off to see Dr Mir but no, details as follow:

http://www.crash.net/wsbk/news/882691/1/sykes-undergoes-surgery-on-fractured-fingers-and-wrist

[roogazza]

A dislocated fracture of a finger anyway.

Update: Two fingers and a wrist it turns out. When I heard he was going to Barcelona I wondered if he was off to see Dr Mir but no, details as follow:

http://www.crash.net/wsbk/news/882691/1/sykes-undergoes-surgery-on-fractured-fingers-and-wrist

seems confident of being at the nxt round tho huh ? :confused:

[Dadpole]

And my predictive powers never cease to amaze. The 300 race was a cracker - with a surprise winner too. The main event(s) had some good battles further down the field. Somebody please drown the commentary team. They seemed to be monitoring the race over a phone and kept repeating what the other had just said. :bash:

[pritch]

I was really pleased to see Ana Carasco win. She has been around for years but some of her teams were short of cash. Now she has had a win, she may be able to do it again.

[roogazza]

And my predictive powers never cease to amaze. The 300 race was a cracker - with a surprise winner too. The main event(s) had some good battles further down the field. Somebody please drown the commentary team. They seemed to be monitoring the race over a phone and kept repeating what the other had just said. :bash:

yeah mate I enjoyed 300's, SSP, Stk1000s too. Rea romped away in WSB, but it was still ok.
You know I agree with the commentary comments. Just a break between constant babble would be an improvement for me. :rolleyes:

[Dadpole]

On Youtube one can get the occasional WSBK race with just basic sound. It is for the non-english feed and it is good to just listen to the engines. However, after a few minutes you may realise what an important part a good commentary has in watching a race.

BT Sport MotoGP is a funny commentary team. They argue, expound theories and go off at a tangent (mainy during FPs) but enhance a race no end.

[roogazza]

On Youtube one can get the occasional WSBK race with just basic sound. It is for the non-english feed and it is good to just listen to the engines. However, after a few minutes you may realise what an important part a good commentary has in watching a race.

BT Sport MotoGP is a funny commentary team. They argue, expound theories and go off at a tangent (mainy during FPs) but enhance a race no end.

When I lived in Aussie (Adel) mid 80s I used to enjoy Bazza Sheene doin commentary. Great for 125s he was right into them, as well.

[Dadpole]

Bloody 'ell. I lived in Adelaide (on and off) until about '83.

Too right about Sheen though. He could almost put you on board inside the riders mind.

[roogazza]

Bloody 'ell. I lived in Adelaide (on and off) until about '83.

Too right about Sheen though. He could almost put you on board inside the riders mind.

Were ya, I did 13 yrs there,up the north east ,Tea Tree Gully area. Lovely place.

Yes, he could tell ya the moves before they even happened.
The London accent ? wasn't too bad either. :eek:

[Dadpole]

I was in North Adelaide for a while as a toyboy (it was a long time ago) for some mad bint, then lived in Port Adelaide.

For recreation I was a drinking member of the Chiton Rocks surf lifesaving club. What a laugh that was. The thought of me rescuing some drowning sod....

One time I was swimming at Henley beach way when the shark siren went off. The locals left the water. I left the water, drove home and locked myself in the bedroom.

[roogazza]

Magny Cours this weekend. Rea getting close to his third title.:cool:

[Dadpole]

I had little doubt about Rea from Race 1 FP1.

The pairing of Rea and that team/bike is (in a way) bad for WSBK. Send him to MotoGP... :blank:

[roogazza]

Magny-Cours - Free practice results (2)
Full free practice two results from the eleventh round of the 2017 World Superbike Championship at Magny-Cours, France.


1. Jonathan Rea GBR Kawasaki Racing ZX-10RR 1m 37.489s

2. Michael van der Mark NED PATA Yamaha YZF-R1 1m 37.928s

3. Marco Melandri ITA Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale R 1m 37.966s

4. Chaz Davies GBR Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale R 1m 37.980s

5. Lorenzo Savadori ITA Milwaukee Aprilia RSV4 1m 38.016s

6. Xavi Fores ESP Barni Ducati Panigale R 1m 38.031s

7. Leon Camier GBR MV Agusta RC F4 RR 1m 38.032s*

8. Alex Lowes GBR PATA Crescent Yamaha R1 1m 38.133s

9. Eugene Laverty IRE Milwaukee Aprilia RSV4 1m 38.152s

10. Tom Sykes GBR Kawasaki Racing ZX-10RR 1m 38.217s

11. Leandro Mercado ARG IodaRacing Aprilia RSV4 1m 38.661s

12. Jordi Torres ESP Althea BMW S1000RR 1m 38.702s

13. Raffaele De Rosa ITA Althea BMW S1000RR 1m 39.205s

14. Roman Ramos ESP Team Go Eleven Kawasaki ZX-10RR 1m 39.354s*

15. Davide Giugliano ITA Red Bull Honda CBR1000RR SP2 1m 39.698s

16. Ayrton Badovini ITA Grillini Kawasaki ZX-10RR 1m 39.733s

17. Anthony West AUS Puccetti Kawasaki ZX-10RR 1m 39.770s*

18. Riccardo Russo ITA Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10RR 1m 40.050s

19. Alessandro Andreozzi ITA Guandalini Yamaha YZF-R1 1m 40.237s

20. Ondrej Jezek CZE Grillini Kawasaki ZX-10RR 1m 40.522s

[Dadpole]

Pissing down (How unusual for France). Rea on pole by over a second. Not bad for a chap who crashed and lost most of the qual session.

I think he needs to be handicapped. Make him use slicks on a wet track and wets in the dry perhaps?

[roogazza]

Pissing down (How unusual for France). Rea on pole by over a second. Not bad for a chap who crashed and lost most of the qual session.

I think he needs to be handicapped. Make him use slicks on a wet track and wets in the dry perhaps?

Yeah wet race (nice if you're into that but I ain't) At least with the present format tomorro might be dry with no splashing about?
France and rain seem to go together No ?
(fuck knows when the rain is gunna stop around here as well?)
#33 did well , and we got a chance to see Manu as well!!!

Johnny Rea, three time Champ and a step above the rest. :not::clap::wari::wings:

[Dadpole]

I watched the Eurosport coverage and had NO closeups of Mrs M. :cry: A bonus though, was no Aussie (Harry) but Steve Parrish instead.

I hoped a wet race might slow the Rea juggernaut. Fat chance. His launch off the line was perfect, then he was in a different race to the rest.

[roogazza]

I watched the Eurosport coverage and had NO closeups of Mrs M. :cry: A bonus though, was no Aussie (Harry) but Steve Parrish instead.

I hoped a wet race might slow the Rea juggernaut. Fat chance. His launch off the line was perfect, then he was in a different race to the rest.

Lol pritch laughed (well,I think he did ?) when I mentioned Harry ,sounded like a gay hair dresser ?

I think I caught manu without much makeup on during FP1 or 2 ? she wasn't keen on looking at the camera haha. marko did well tho ,said it was first time in the wet on that bike.
Sorted out Sykes anyway ! :clap:

ps don't know what the problem was with West tho,way down the feild ?? (being such a wet specialist).

pps no ride up your way today looks like it might piss down ?

[Dadpole]

Dry here, but it looks crappy to the West at the moment.

[roogazza]

https://motomatters.com/standings/2017/10/01/2017_world_superbike_championship.html

[Cosmik de Bris]

Another great line from one of the commentators:

"There are three laps to go, after this one there will be two".

Cheers

[Dadpole]

Just watched the 300 and STK1000 races with tight racing and last lap "who will win?". THAT is what the main event is lacking.
BSB is also close racing with any number of potential winners each round (Suzuki at Assen)

Sadly, the Harry Hairdresser commentary was in the 300 & STK races. If they televised The Second Coming and hired Harry to commentate, people would switch to the shopping channel. :doh:

[roogazza]

Guintoli: "I am very happy to return to WorldSBK"
Tuesday, 17 October 2017 13:09 GMT

2014 World Champion to compete in final rounds of season
As the final two rounds of the 2017 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship approach, Kawasaki Puccetti Racing have announced they will welcome the return of Sylvain Guintoli to the paddock, racing for the team at Jerez and Qatar.
The French rider took a step back from the WorldSBK paddock this season, but will return on board the ZX-10RR at circuits which he has seen success around in the past; finishing on the podium around Jerez on three occasions and winning around Qatar twice. Securing the world title in 2014 around Losail International Circuit, the 35 year old has some good memories around the circuit, and is keen to try out the green machine.
"I am very happy to be able to return to the MOTUL FIM World Superbike Championship for the last two rounds of the season,” beams Guintoli. “Jerez and Doha are two fantastic tracks, of which I have beautiful memories of past years. I cannot wait to try the Kawasaki ZX-10RR and I want to thank both Manuel and Kawasaki for this great opportunity. "
Team-manager Puccetti has had a tough season with his riders sustaining injuries throughout 2017, but the Italian is thrilled to have Guintoli on board, hoping to have a strong end to 2017.
"We are very happy to have a top rider like Sylvain riding our bike for the final 2017 rounds,” adds Puccetti. “Guintoli is a strong rider with several seasons in MotoGP™. His experience will be important to continue the team's growth.”
On top of the news regarding Guintoli’s return, there is more change in the Puccetti’s World Supersport Team, as they draft in Axel Bassani to replace an injured Sofuoglu. The Italian will be on ‘stand-by’ if Sofuoglu is not classed as fit ahead of the weekend. Anthony West will make the step over from the WorldSBK team to the WorldSSP team, replacing Kyle Ryde.
Puccetti continues: “In Supersport unfortunately the rider’s championship is almost impossible to win, but we aren’t giving up on the team championship. The objective of Canducci, Bassani and West will be to finish the race in the top 5. Even in the STK1000, the title is still on the line. It will not be easy, but we will try. "
Italian Bassani is delighted about the news: "I'm happy to be able to finally get on the go! It's been months for me to look like this and finally it's over! I will do my best to replace the world champion worthily. Now I just think of concentrating on the racing weekend! "
Keep up with the Kawasaki Puccetti Racing team’s progress throughout all three classes this weekend, all with the WorldSBK VideoPass.

[Dadpole]

Certainly the poor cousin to MotoGP this weekend....

[roogazza]

Just watched the 300 and STK1000 races with tight racing and last lap "who will win?". THAT is what the main event is lacking.
BSB is also close racing with any number of potential winners each round (Suzuki at Assen)

Sadly, the Harry Hairdresser commentary was in the 300 & STK races. If they televised The Second Coming and hired Harry to commentate, people would switch to the shopping channel. :doh:

Found myself turning the vol right down for the first leg in Jerez.
Harry Hairdresser was pissing me off with too much chatter.
Poor old Melandri had a mech while leading,so no Manu to gork at.
Whether Rea could have moved up to him we'll never know.Thought he had it in hand with a fastest lap ?

Weather looking a bit crap so elected no ride myself today . :cry:
(motogp this arvo so that'll be me.) :woohoo:

[Dadpole]

I have not looked at race 1 yet. Don't know if I will bother.... Roll on the support races :woohoo:

[BMWST?]

Feel gutted for Marco.I think he had it.He was responding to JR lap times,and as usual they were fast in different sections of the track.The Ducatis seem such a LONG bike compared to the others,and there is no doubt Chaz and MM are riding them hard.They dont seem to have any answer to JR and his team

[roogazza]

2017 Qatar World Superbike FP1 Results: Rea Leads Sykes And Davies
Submitted by Jared Earle on Thu, 2017-11-02 16:27
Jonathan Rea topped the session ahead of Tom Sykes and Chaz Davies, the latter pair dicing for second place in the championship this weekend.

Results:

Pos No. Rider Bike Time Gap Speed
1 1 J. REA Kawasaki ZX-10RR 1'57.666 313,0
2 66 T. SYKES Kawasaki ZX-10RR 1'58.355 0.689 310,3
3 7 C. DAVIES Ducati Panigale R 1'58.548 0.882 312,1
4 22 A. LOWES Yamaha YZF R1 1'58.679 1.013 309,5
5 60 M. VAN DER MARK Yamaha YZF R1 1'58.680 1.014 311,2
6 50 E. LAVERTY Aprilia RSV4 RF 1'58.838 1.172 314,9
7 32 L. SAVADORI Aprilia RSV4 RF 1'59.006 1.340 312,1
8 12 X. FORÉS Ducati Panigale R 1'59.126 1.460 310,3
9 33 M. MELANDRI Ducati Panigale R 1'59.254 1.588 313,0
10 81 J. TORRES BMW S 1000 RR 1'59.295 1.629 311,2
11 05 S. GUINTOLI Kawasaki ZX-10RR 1'59.437 1.771 306,8
12 2 L. CAMIER MV Agusta 1000 F4 1'59.715 2.049 303,4
13 35 R. DE ROSA BMW S 1000 RR 1'59.846 2.180 311,2
14 40 R. RAMOS Kawasaki ZX-10RR 2'00.040 2.374 303,4
15 121 A. ANDREOZZI Yamaha YZF R1 2'00.120 2.454 300,8
16 34 D. GIUGLIANO Honda CBR1000RR 2'00.718 3.052 307,7
17 45 J. GAGNE Honda CBR1000RR 2'00.908 3.242 310,3
18 37 O. JEZEK Kawasaki ZX-10RR 2'01.393 3.727 300,8
19 44 R. ROLFO Kawasaki ZX-10RR 2'03.034 5.368 301,7

[Dadpole]

Planning to watch? It would be worth it just to see how empty the stands are.

My money is on a Kawa or Duc:bleh:

[roogazza]

Planning to watch? It would be worth it just to see how empty the stands are.

My money is on a Kawa or Duc:bleh:

Hey Dadpole,its got to be better than the last post I read on the NZ Superbike title on hold thread.
Whats the next plan scrap the championship and have a trackday |????? jeeezus H christ.:no::no:

Back to proper news ..... FP2 saw Sykes go up in smoke ?????? see that ?

[Dadpole]

Have not been watching. Sykes seems to attract more than his fair share of smoke and flames. Do they send him out with his pockets full of matches?

[Dadpole]

I just read the NZ Superbike thread. Bugger Me. That is a very sorry state of affairs indeed.

[Dadpole]

If you have not watched the race then stop reading now as I have terrible news.























No Manu spotted...:crybaby:

Looks like she was not there this weekend. She did appear in a Nolan ad though. (Eurosport coverage)

[Dadpole]

I got up in time to watch the last 6 laps of the 600 race. Oh My - That Superglue chappie refuses to go down without a fight.

[pritch]

I got up in time to watch the last 6 laps of the 600 race. Oh My - That Superglue chappie refuses to go down without a fight.

I have just seen Twitter clips so far but Sufuoglu is one hard bastard. He might sound funny, but riding with pelvic/hip fractures he was not giving up without a fight. Respect.

[jellywrestler]

Whats the next plan scrap the championship and have a trackday |????? jeeezus H christ.:no::no:

the vic club are now running more track days than race days, more financial stability and if they do one of each over a weekend a lot of racers are doing the track day the day before.

[Dadpole]

Makes sense when I think about it. I realise a race day does not generate much income. The last one I went to, I was a fairly large percentage of the spectator crowd.

[roogazza]

the vic club are now running more track days than race days, more financial stability and if they do one of each over a weekend a lot of racers are doing the track day the day before.
Thought I was in the wrong Thread there for a minute ?
Yeah I had a lash at the Vic Winter series years ago 06,07,08. It was fairly big in those years,but haven't been back more than twice for a look and it was a shadow of itself.
Trackdays make sense for that club at least. They haven't run a Points race meeting for a while either.
Is that why there is only 4 Rounds these days ?
Anyway correct, more money out of trackdays for clubs.

ps..... Remember the days when we used to get prize money? (we had spectators tho of course, $$$$$$$$$)

It made a big difference to my fanging about for sure.
Paying for motels/hotels was the expensive part of the exercise around the country.

[jellywrestler]

ps..... Remember the days when we used to get prize money? (we had spectators tho of course, $$$$$$$$$)

It made a big difference to my fanging about for sure.
Paying for motels/hotels was the expensive part of the exercise around the country. weren't those the days when you saved for a lifetime to go to europe, and there were about ten people in new zealand lucky enough to have been to a grand prix, and nobody saw it on telly?
Aussie local scene is suffering the trend is to go to a GP or world Superbike event, thing is, when the WSBK came to nz the racing was so precise there were very few passes, yes the event had hype, and miss manawatu was there but the racing was not 'exciting'.
same with the six hour, what was that all about, as an event it was hard to follow and there was very few 'battles' on the track, yet it drew huge crowds.

[pritch]

"Faces for radio" says Steve English, but we hear them on TV. Meet your WSBK commentary team Harry Lloyd and Steve English.

[roogazza]

weren't those the days when you saved for a lifetime to go to europe, and there were about ten people in new zealand lucky enough to have been to a grand prix, and nobody saw it on telly?
Aussie local scene is suffering the trend is to go to a GP or world Superbike event, thing is, when the WSBK came to nz the racing was so precise there were very few passes, yes the event had hype, and miss manawatu was there but the racing was not 'exciting'.
same with the six hour, what was that all about, as an event it was hard to follow and there was very few 'battles' on the track, yet it drew huge crowds.

yeah I missed the years of WSB over here,I left NZ in 85 for 13 yrs.
The Six hour races weren't my thing but I did involve myself in teams as mech etc. Oh, I did ride in two which were disasters,crashed out of one on Z900 and then did 410 class with Nev H. one year,but he fucked the bike. No, wasn't into endurance stuff.

[pritch]

Puccetti Racing have signed Toprak Razgatlioglu (tricky innit). Reputedly a fast exciting rider - a real talent - if rough around the edges. Guinters misses out.

[Dadpole]

Bugger. I like Guinters and hoped he would find a home back in WSBK. I can't find out if he will be back in BSB with Suzuki as yet.

Getting Toprak is a great move for Pucetti. That laddie has real talent.

[Cosmik de Bris]

"Faces for radio" says Steve English, but we hear them on TV. Meet your WSBK commentary team Harry Lloyd and Steve English.

I've always wondered what they looked like. Can't put their shirts on the right way around says a lot though.

Cheers

[Luckylegs]

Wait, what? - only out performing Chaz, I'm very close to publically stating that he will out perform not only Chaz, but KRT as well. Where is crasher anyway?

Fuck you melandri you useless cnut!!!!!

[roogazza]

Three-time Australian Superbike champ Glenn Allerton topped the first official ASBK test ahead of the 2018 season

Allerton tops ASBK test - Australian Motorcycle News
Three-time Australian Superbike champ Glenn Allerton topped the first official ASBK test ahead of the 2018 season at Phiillip Island over 30-31 January.
AMCN.COM.AU

ASBK have about 50 entries for the first round ! :rolleyes:

[Dadpole]

One and a bit weeks to go.:wings: I wonder how this Rea fellow will go...

[Badjelly]

Happy New Year, guys

https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/185012-Wsbk-2018?p=1131086153#post1131086153