6 days to go!
event schedule:
http://www.circuitlosail.com/uploads/WSBK%20Event%20Schedule.pdf (http://www.circuitlosail.com/uploads/WSBK%20Event%20Schedule.pdf)
max n
ben
nori
Speed has the races on at 1p & 2p on Saturday.
Quote from: Spidey on March 08, 2009, 10:46:14 AM
Speed has the races on at 1p & 2p on Saturday.
worldsbk.com has superpole at 7a on friday, race 1 at 2a saturday, supersport at 3:25a, and race 2 at 5:30a (all left-coast time).
any chance we can do a clock update ?
Quote from: bobspapa on March 08, 2009, 10:16:53 AM
max n
ben
nori
thats race one
in race 2
ben
ben
ben
*ben is sooooo awesome, he splits into three separate rides and they all podium
Quote from: ute on March 08, 2009, 05:25:59 PM
any chance we can do a clock update ?
Not at the moment. The forum software that controls the left menu and top menu, and board layout is currently broke, and we can't edit it. As soon as it gets fixed, then yes, I will update it.
mitt
FYI.... speed channel is showing both race 1 and 2 on Saturday 1 and 2 pm pacific time
then reshowing them the following early morning at 12 and 1am, and again the following Tuesday at 9 and 10am
Quote from: bobspapa on March 11, 2009, 02:58:24 PM
FYI.... speed channel is showing both race 1 and 2 on Saturday 1 and 2 pm pacific time
echo?
Quote from: Spidey on March 08, 2009, 10:46:14 AM
Speed has the races on at 1p & 2p on Saturday.
oh...
Quote from: bobspapa on March 11, 2009, 02:58:24 PM
then reshowing them the following early morning at 12 and 1am, and again the following Tuesday at 9 and 10am
;D
Anyone know when the races are on?
there's a race?
oops ;D
in my own defense... I did add a lil more info [laugh]
Superbike - Free Practice 1st Session
Update: March 12, 2009, 09.45 PM ET
1 76 Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 2'00.486
2 19 Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 2'00.514
3 65 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 2'00.676
4 9 Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 2'00.744
5 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 2'00.770
6 71 Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 2'00.945
7 56 Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 2'01.162
8 11 Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 2'01.234
9 41 Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 2'01.261
10 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 2'01.280
11 67 Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 2'01.457
12 44 Rolfo R. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 2'01.464
13 91 Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 2'01.658
14 7 Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 2'01.698
15 23 Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'01.755
16 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 2'01.783
17 100 Tamada M. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'02.204
18 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 2'02.317
19 33 Hill T. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 2'02.529
20 111 Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 2'02.587
21 55 Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098R 2'02.642
22 25 Salom D. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'03.075
23 31 Muggeridge K. (AUS) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 2'03.363
24 77 Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 2'03.580
25 24 Roberts B. (AUS) Ducati 1098R 2'03.757
26 99 Scassa L. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'03.773
27 86 Badovini A. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'03.941
28 15 Baiocco M. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'06.136
Spies on top in QP1, and the only rider in the 1:58s.
Superbike - Qualifying 1st Session
Update: March 12, 2009, 13:33 PM ET
1 19 Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 1'58.886
2 65 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'59.177
3 7 Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 1'59.731
4 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1'59.826
5 9 Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 1'59.937
6 67 Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1'59.980
7 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 2'00.024
8 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 2'00.101
9 55 Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098R 2'00.232
10 56 Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 2'00.238
11 41 Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 2'00.254
12 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 2'00.283
13 76 Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 2'00.345
14 44 Rolfo R. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 2'00.374
15 71 Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 2'00.398
16 11 Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 2'00.455
17 111 Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 2'00.610
18 23 Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'00.769
19 91 Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 2'00.799
20 100 Tamada M. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'01.222
21 31 Muggeridge K. (AUS) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 2'01.224
22 33 Hill T. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 2'01.336
23 25 Salom D. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'01.464
24 77 Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 2'01.560
25 99 Scassa L. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'01.607
26 24 Roberts B. (AUS) Ducati 1098R 2'01.779
27 86 Badovini A. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'02.272
28 15 Baiocco M. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'02.917
for those keeping track, next superbike practice session is 0045 left coast time tomorrow morning (tonight).
wow.
How is that possible? This Ben's first time on that track and it was the first practice session. :o
Edit: actually, it was the second session. He was only second fastest in the first session.
Do you think DMG will admit that the boring AMA races weren't completely due to equipment now?
Quote from: Spidey on March 12, 2009, 08:30:57 AM
How is that possible? This Ben's first time on that track and it was the first practice session. :o
Edit: actually, it was the second session. He was only second fastest in the first session.
but to be the only guy in the :58s in his second session? the guy has never laid eyes on the track before yesterday.
wow.
http://www.crash.net/World+Superbikes/News/143918/1/spies_takes_charge_in_qatar.html (http://www.crash.net/World+Superbikes/News/143918/1/spies_takes_charge_in_qatar.html)
check his crank.... check his crank!
[laugh]
Quote from: Cider on March 12, 2009, 08:38:12 AM
Do you think DMG will admit that the boring AMA races weren't completely due to equipment now?
that wasn't (really) a dmg assertion.
Quote from: derby on March 12, 2009, 09:16:28 AM
that wasn't (really) a dmg assertion.
I disagree. I think it was an implicit assertion.
Quote from: gm2 on March 12, 2009, 08:39:52 AM
but to be the only guy in the :58s in his second session? the guy has never laid eyes on the track before yesterday.
"only" second was tongue in cheek. "Wow" is right.
"Today went pretty good, the result will be more important Saturday but every time I come to the track with Yamaha the bike is getting better and it's already such a fun bike to ride" declared Spies. "The team's working really good, but there are so many people that are fast out there that if you have just an OK session you end up behind. It's going to be a tough year, but we're clicking off session by session and we'll see where we're going to end up."
Quote from: Spidey on March 12, 2009, 09:31:18 AM
"...there are so many people that are fast out there that if you have just an OK session you end up behind.
Fortunately, consistency is one of his strong points.
Ben is a stud.
Think he he can beat rossi? [evil]
Bet you rossi wished he was racing WSBK this year instead of GP.
Quote from: Spidey on March 12, 2009, 08:30:57 AM
How is that possible? This Ben's first time on that track and it was the first practice session. :o
Edit: actually, it was the second session. He was only second fastest in the first session.
We can quit going on about this. In this day and age, a rider at his level doesn't "learn" (m)any tracks. The vast majority of tracks the top level series race one today are flat and characterless. No change in radii/elevation/camber/surface - i.e. nothing to "learn" beyond the simple brake/turn/accelerate points. And these are almost commited to memory before the first turn of a wheel because of the data gathered relentlessly from prior events.
Tracks that have to be "learned" would be Laguna Seca, Mid Ohio, and Spa to name just a few. These places have most or all of the changes I mentioned plus sunned/shaded sections (MidO), cig-ignited hillside-scorching fires with driver-blinding smoke (Laguna), and different weather in one lap (Spa). Phillip Island is not terribly "character" packed though it is a favorite of many to watch. Qatar is just about as flat and featureless as it gets. The same goes for the other recently built venues (China, Bahrain, etc). As for the rest, most have been "safetyfied" over the last decade to the point that a lot of their character has been removed as a result (intended or not). I cannot think of a single track on this years schedule where Spies should have any problems that arrise from lack of track knowledge. Nor do I think that you will hear him say so even once.
This is
not a cut on Spies. He has talent obviously but maybe more importantly, he has a good work ethic and determination (to get out from under Mladin's shadow for good?). More a comment on other's comments about "track learning" and on (my opinion of) the lameness of most of the venues used these days.
You can't be serious.
Quote from: Spidey on March 12, 2009, 01:58:26 PM
You can't be serious.
your restraint is amazing. ;)
and, shadow.. [laugh] .. he won 3 years in a row. more specifically, he was forever out of any shadow mladin may have cast after the last round of 2007.
as for the rest of that...
Quote from: gm2 on March 12, 2009, 02:15:12 PM
and, shadow.. [laugh] .. he won 3 years in a row. more specifically, he was forever out of any shadow mladin may have cast after the last round of 2007.
as for the rest of that...
Matts shadow is soooooo huge it covers first all the way from back at second [laugh]
I think there is a huge difference between learning a circuit meaning knowing which direction the next turn is going to be, and learning a track as in fine tuning your laps to the level of WSBK of MotoGP. Any monkey can do some nice laps on a PS3, but racing at this level requires a lot of knowledge of the track. Besides, Portimao is quite nice and challenging with all the up- and downhill parts, right?
Quote from: bobspapa on March 12, 2009, 02:21:19 PM
Matts shadow is soooooo huge it covers first all the way from back at second [laugh]
who's "matt"?
(you must mean mat)
;D
Quote from: derby on March 12, 2009, 02:30:45 PM
who's "matt"?
(you must mean mat)
;D
the extra T is the reason for the big shadow
everybody knows that
Quote from: DanTheMan on March 12, 2009, 01:48:16 PM
Bet you rossi wished he was racing WSBK this year instead of GP.
totally!
Quote from: SP3 on March 12, 2009, 01:53:23 PM
--------------snip-------------
In this day and age, a rider at his level doesn't "learn" (m)any tracks.
--------------snip---------------
There's the qualifying statement in
red. [coffee]
It's much more than just knowing which way the corners go, where the braking and throttle-up, etc. occur from data acquisition....
It's stringing it all together at a competitive pace.
Seems he's getting along better at new tracks than some of his competition.
SP3......Wow :o
Quote from: SikDuc on March 12, 2009, 05:10:13 PM
SP3......Wow :o
i'm not giving him a complete pass, but if you know what sp3's background is, it gives his statement some much-needed context...
Quote from: SP3 on March 12, 2009, 01:53:23 PM
More a comment on other's comments about "track learning" and on (my opinion of) the lameness of most of the venues used these days.
wtf?
let Ben race.
he will answer your questions
Superbike - Qualifying 2nd Session
Update: March 13, 2009, 09.45 PM ET
1 19 Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 1'58.886
2 65 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'59.177
3 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1'59.499
4 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 1'59.632
5 7 Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 1'59.731
6 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1'59.755
7 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'59.812
8 67 Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1'59.821
9 9 Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 1'59.937
10 11 Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1'59.954
11 23 Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'00.012
12 91 Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 2'00.117
13 55 Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098R 2'00.193
14 56 Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 2'00.238
15 41 Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 2'00.254
16 71 Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 2'00.264
17 76 Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 2'00.345
18 44 Rolfo R. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 2'00.374
19 33 Hill T. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 2'00.390
20 111 Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 2'00.480
21 31 Muggeridge K. (AUS) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 2'00.738
22 100 Tamada M. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'00.839
23 25 Salom D. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'01.047
24 24 Roberts B. (AUS) Ducati 1098R 2'01.165
25 77 Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 2'01.560
26 86 Badovini A. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'01.561
27 99 Scassa L. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'01.607
28 15 Baiocco M. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'02.663
superpole coming up!
btw, spies w/ the track record heading into superpole. ;D
rea, haslam, neukirchner, and hill 17-20 on the grid.
Reaaaaa! You are killing me!
biaggi to the top of session 2 w/ a new track record... 1'57.836.
spies 7th in session 2, but i think he has two Qs for final superpole.
yeah I see Spies on pole!
spies 1'57.280!!
yup... two Qs for final superpole. =)
Biaggi not doing too bad!
spies on pole!
Superbike - Superpole
Update: March 13, 2009, 14:14 PM ET
1 19 Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 1'57.280
2 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1'57.384
3 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1'57.694
4 41 Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1'57.850
5 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 1'57.878
6 56 Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 1'58.755
7 7 Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 1'59.090
8 67 Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 2'00.021
9 44 Rolfo R. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 1'58.734
10 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'58.919
11 55 Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098R 1'59.044
12 9 Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 1'59.055
13 23 Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'59.074
14 71 Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'59.134
15 111 Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 1'59.435
16 11 Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1'59.454
17 65 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'59.713
18 91 Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'59.882
19 76 Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'59.926
20 33 Hill T. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 2'00.108
21 31 Muggeridge K. (AUS) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 2'00.738
22 100 Tamada M. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'00.839
23 25 Salom D. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'01.047
24 24 Roberts B. (AUS) Ducati 1098R 2'01.165
25 77 Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 2'01.560
26 86 Badovini A. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'01.561
27 99 Scassa L. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'01.607
28 15 Baiocco M. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'02.663
two in a row. dayumn.
http://www.crash.net/World+Superbikes/News/143974/1/spies_smashes_lap_record_for_pole.html (http://www.crash.net/World+Superbikes/News/143974/1/spies_smashes_lap_record_for_pole.html)
Wow, good on Smrz.
And wow, how awful for Kawasaki.
Great to see Spies up there again! [thumbsup]
Haga seems to have came from nowhere to get 4th...seemed like he's been struggling there a bit (at least by the results posts here). Hopefully we get another Haga/Spies battle for the top spot. ;D
his Superpole 'strategy' seemed to work out a little better this time. and yeah, i'm sure he'll make it through traffic there in no time.
but keep in mind that Losail is not the duc's favorite track by a long shot.
[thumbsup]
'Long-Legs' Texas Makes Every Single Rival Team Manager In WSBK Paddock Wonder 'What, Exactly, Are We Doing?' (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2009/Mar/090313ius.htm)
Random Superpole thoughts ---
That factory Yamaha is for real.
At least Haga doesn't have to go from 14th to 1st this time.
How the hell is Fabrizio 1.5 seconds off the pace of a privateer?
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Shakey can score some points this round.
The 'priller looks good for one lap in qualifying. Race? We'll see.
What happened to the Gixxers (Yeah, I read that Maz N screwed up)?
Haslam, Rea. :'(
I know we've been talking about Spies non-stop for a while now, but I'm pretty damn impressed so far.
I wonder if we'll see a more consistent grid in a couple of round once the teams get the Superpole strategy figured out.
Derby, I can't believe you woke up in the middle of the night to watch it. Freak.
Quote from: Spidey on March 13, 2009, 09:38:01 AM
Derby, I can't believe you woke up in the middle of the night to watch it. Freak.
he set the alarm on that weird lil yellow puppet to smack the snot out of him and get up to watch....what he did afterward with the puppet is what makes him a freak!
I'm still amazed at how well Spies is doing. Another Pole... wtf :) Nice to see the "local" kid doing well!
I'm wondering if Suzuki is kicking themselves for not signing him up for Motogp (ok with the global recession prob not).
Quote from: Spidey on March 13, 2009, 09:38:01 AM
How the hell is Fabrizio 1.5 seconds off the pace of a privateer?
and only a few 10ths ahead of another
Quote from: Spidey on March 13, 2009, 09:38:01 AM
What happened to the Gixxers (Yeah, I read that Maz N screwed up)?
rear grip, gone. went the wrong way.
Quote from: Spidey on March 13, 2009, 09:38:01 AM
I know we've been talking about Spies non-stop for a while now, but I'm pretty damn impressed so far.
no kidding. i know i'm cheerleading a lot, but... wow.
we should probably start talking about house just as often.
Quote from: gm2 on March 13, 2009, 09:57:54 AM
no kidding. i know i'm cheerleading a lot, but... wow.
we should probably start talking about house just as often.
His quotes are getting funny though. We should start betting on how many times a weekend he can refer to how fast everyone else is. His people clearly told him to not come off as an uppity prick by talking smack around the paddock. [laugh]
Quote from: Cynic on March 13, 2009, 09:51:52 AM
I'm wondering if Suzuki is kicking themselves for not signing him up for Motogp (ok with the global recession prob not).
'Attn Everyone E-mailing In With Requests We Do A Story On Suzuki's Idiocy In Not Hiring Spies. We Already Did That Story Last Year.' (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Sep/080905h11.htm)
Dean = funny.
Quote from: derby on March 13, 2009, 06:24:17 AM
Superbike - Superpole
Update: March 13, 2009, 14:14 PM ET
1 19 Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 1'57.280
2 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1'57.384
3 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1'57.694
4 41 Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1'57.850
5 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 1'57.878
6 56 Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 1'58.755
7 7 Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 1'59.090
8 67 Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 2'00.021
9 44 Rolfo R. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 1'58.734
10 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'58.919
11 55 Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098R 1'59.044
12 9 Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 1'59.055
13 23 Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'59.074
14 71 Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'59.134
15 111 Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 1'59.435
16 11 Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1'59.454
17 65 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'59.713
18 91 Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'59.882
19 76 Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'59.926
20 33 Hill T. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 2'00.108
21 31 Muggeridge K. (AUS) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 2'00.738
22 100 Tamada M. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'00.839
23 25 Salom D. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'01.047
24 24 Roberts B. (AUS) Ducati 1098R 2'01.165
25 77 Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 2'01.560
26 86 Badovini A. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'01.561
27 99 Scassa L. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'01.607
28 15 Baiocco M. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2'02.663
other than Ben, very different order here:
http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=35831 (http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=35831)
I don't think so, g. Scroll down in your link.
Quote from: SP3 on March 12, 2009, 01:53:23 PM
We can quit going on about this. In this day and age, a rider at his level doesn't "learn" (m)any tracks. The vast majority of tracks the top level series race one today are flat and characterless. No change in radii/elevation/camber/surface - i.e. nothing to "learn" beyond the simple brake/turn/accelerate points. And these are almost commited to memory before the first turn of a wheel because of the data gathered relentlessly from prior events.
Tracks that have to be "learned" would be Laguna Seca, Mid Ohio, and Spa to name just a few. These places have most or all of the changes I mentioned plus sunned/shaded sections (MidO), cig-ignited hillside-scorching fires with driver-blinding smoke (Laguna), and different weather in one lap (Spa). Phillip Island is not terribly "character" packed though it is a favorite of many to watch. Qatar is just about as flat and featureless as it gets. The same goes for the other recently built venues (China, Bahrain, etc). As for the rest, most have been "safetyfied" over the last decade to the point that a lot of their character has been removed as a result (intended or not). I cannot think of a single track on this years schedule where Spies should have any problems that arrise from lack of track knowledge. Nor do I think that you will hear him say so even once.
or... maybe not.
http://www.crash.net/World+Superbikes/News/143984/1/ben_spies_i_probably_lost_a_couple_of_tenths.html (http://www.crash.net/World+Superbikes/News/143984/1/ben_spies_i_probably_lost_a_couple_of_tenths.html)
“The bike continues to get better and I'm getting more comfortable on it each time,†he added. “That's the big reason I think learning these circuits is coming along so well. I'm comfortable on the bike and if I make a mistake it handles so well that I can lean on it that much harder and make it through a turn.â€
Quote from: Spidey on March 13, 2009, 10:41:11 AM
I don't think so, g. Scroll down in your link.
[laugh]... oops. ok, i'm doing 48 things at once. :)
Quote from: gm2 on March 13, 2009, 10:36:45 AM
'Attn Everyone E-mailing In With Requests We Do A Story On Suzuki's Idiocy In Not Hiring Spies. We Already Did That Story Last Year.' (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Sep/080905h11.htm)
Dean = funny.
Damn Soup reading my mind again.... or maybe I just spend too much time on Soup as it is...
Quote from: Spidey on March 13, 2009, 09:38:01 AM
Derby, I can't believe you woke up in the middle of the night to watch it. Freak.
it's easy to avoid spoilers when you watch it live. ;D
Superpole Highlights. Who knows how long until the vid gets yanked from Youtube.
SBK 2009 - Losail Superpole Highlights (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYkZ3iF3d_8#lq-lq2-hq-vhq)
Quote from: Spidey on March 13, 2009, 11:59:08 AM
Who knows how long until the vid gets yanked from Youtube.
handy then that Safari makes it so easy to grab stuff like this
superpole is available on RU.
Quote from: gm2 on March 13, 2009, 10:43:09 AM
or... maybe not.
http://www.crash.net/World+Superbikes/News/143984/1/ben_spies_i_probably_lost_a_couple_of_tenths.html (http://www.crash.net/World+Superbikes/News/143984/1/ben_spies_i_probably_lost_a_couple_of_tenths.html)
“The bike continues to get better and I'm getting more comfortable on it each time,†he added. “That's the big reason I think learning these circuits is coming along so well. I'm comfortable on the bike and if I make a mistake it handles so well that I can lean on it that much harder and make it through a turn.â€
[bow_down] I'm glad that you are so pleased to have found evidence that disproves the very last sentence, and only that sentence, of my explanation - "Nor do I think that you will hear him say so even once." I will stand by my explanation that most of his track "learning" is via the team's prior data as the reason he was TENTHS (actually hundredths) off the pace in FP1 instead of SECONDS as it would have been pre-DA. If you have first hand knowledge of the inner workings of high level professional racing (like I have) that disproves my claims I 'd love to have an adult conversation about it rather than the playground level "see, I told you" one we are engaged in now. I now await more insightful responses like these:
"You can't be serious." and "SP3......Wow." Hard to argue with expert info like that.
Prost [drink]
how about you share more of your first hand knowledge of the inner workings of high level professional racing instead? no one here is claiming to be an expert on the topic, except maybe you. that doesn't mean that you aren't going to get some sideways looks when you claim that not knowing the tracks is a non-issue.
fwiw, i don't disagree with the head-and-shoulders lead it would give a racer to have a crew and all that data. i've said as much elsewhere. but there's getting to a track and figuring it out real quick, maybe even so quick that you're in the top 10 of a world-level paddock full of folks who know the tracks really well. and then there's pole position, twice. maybe it's and handful of tenths between the two, but those are the pregnant dog of the bunch.
I've never claimed to be an expert either though I have explained by previous career enough times that I thought it was fairly common knowledge here (and other forums). In fact I try to not bring it up for fear of sounding like I AM an expert (apparently a poor job of it).
At any rate - 15 years of race wrenching (i.e. that was my full time 365 day a year job). 5 in IMSA as (late 80's to early 90's), 2 years Indy Lights (team record = 20 wins from 24 races and championships both years), 3 years CART Indycar/Champcar (same team everyone moved "up" from IL - Honda's 1st Indycar win - my chassis, and it sits in the Honda Collection Hall; 3 other wins), single year of Indy Lights with another team as crew chief - disaster in every way, remaining 4 years in Champcar/IRL (moved "over" to same team's "big" cars) 1 win first year, 0 the next, 5 or 6 the third, none the last ('02).
Now that this sounds like a friggin CV, I will add that during this time span I worked with teams/drivers with and without data aquistion. I have witnessed and took part in the progression from the days of reams of papers with every little detail scribbled down to the days 50 or more channels of real time data collection - most of it streamed to the pit box for the entertainment of the crew while we waited for the driver to return for more tweaking. I fully understand the extent to which DA prepares a pilot for an event. In the old days, a driver would take a day or more of running to learn a new track. The time it took "newbies" to figure out a track dropped dramatically as each year passed and each data channel was added. That is my experience. I am sorry that I cannot explain it better than this.
out.
Look, if you're going to make an over-the-top statement like saying that top riders don't need to learn tracks by riding them, don't get offended when people blow you off. A more even-handed post invariably draws a better and more informed response. For example, your later and more tempered statement--that there is a big difference between track learning pre-DA and post-DA--is worth discussing.
Edit: I saw that this thread was the straw that broke the camel's back for you, and now you're taking some time off the DMF? Well, that sucks. I hope you'll take it less seriously down the line and come back and enjoy the place again. In the meanwhile, ride and [drink] and watch many races. [thumbsup] You'll be welcomed back with open arms.
I think there's a lot to what SP3 says. Data acquisition makes it easier to set-up a bike/car from year to year. It's always good to have a steady stream of data. The rider still has to learn the track and develop a rhythm, but these guys are professionals. In 2 laps they know most of the track layout, and in 5-10 they're ready to go.
Race 1 was a great race as well. Go Ben! [thumbsup]
Superbike - Race 1
Update: March 14, 2009, 10:55 PM ET
1 19 Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 36'06.304 (160,93 kph)
2 41 Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1.893
3 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 2.168
4 56 Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 12.061
5 7 Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 12.597
6 67 Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 12.971
7 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 13.570
8 9 Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 19.306
9 11 Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 19.388
10 55 Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098R 20.981
11 91 Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 21.164
12 65 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 21.994
13 111 Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 22.917
14 23 Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX 10R 27.218
15 33 Hill T. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 31.602
16 31 Muggeridge K. (AUS) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 33.934
17 99 Scassa L. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 47.496
18 25 Salom D. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX 10R 47.505
19 15 Baiocco M. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 59.278
20 77 Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 59.295
21 24 Roberts B. (AUS) Ducati 1098R 59.338
22 71 Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'04.008
RET 86 Badovini A. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R
RET 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R
RET 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R
RET 76 Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9
RET 44 Rolfo R. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR
spies. double. 'nuff said. ;D
Superbike - Race 2
Update: March 14, 2009, 14:24 PM ET
1 19 Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 36'02.126 (161,241 kph)
2 41 Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1.274
3 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1.622
4 9 Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 1.845
5 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 5.117
6 76 Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 9.512
7 56 Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 9.514
8 65 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 12.621
9 11 Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 13.842
10 111 Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 13.884
11 91 Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 13.888
12 67 Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 14.913
13 7 Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 15.762
14 55 Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098R 15.920
15 71 Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 19.565
16 23 Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX 10R 21.759
17 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 28.523
18 31 Muggeridge K. (AUS) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 40.499
19 24 Roberts B. (AUS) Ducati 1098R 43.761
20 99 Scassa L. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 44.669
21 77 Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 48.955
22 15 Baiocco M. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R
RET 44 Rolfo R. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR
RET 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R
RET 25 Salom D. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX 10R
RET 33 Hill T. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR
RET 86 Badovini A. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R
Soup has race 2 much different from that... ???
Quote from: Speeddog on March 14, 2009, 08:00:50 AM
Soup has race 2 much different from that... ???
soup is very, very wrong. ;D
Quote from: derby on March 14, 2009, 08:14:08 AM
soup is very, very wrong. ;D
First the Corser/Xaus thing, and now this. [roll]
[laugh]
I liked Soup's version with Corser 4th.
Now Soup's fixed it. :P
Yowza, Ben. [thumbsup]
Fabrizio keeps this up and he'll be riding for Vespa next year.
who owes me $50 so far [cheeky] ;D
dayumn ben. [thumbsup]
damn, just damn, [bow_down] [bow_down]
Quote from: Spidey on March 14, 2009, 11:22:13 AM
Yowza, Ben. [thumbsup]
Fabrizio keeps this up and he'll be riding for Vespa next year.
No shit.
Also, WTF happened to Smrz on race 2?
Does anyone know why he started from the pits?
And did anyone else notice the mess up with the flags on race 1?
Quote from: gm2 on March 14, 2009, 12:42:32 PM
who owes me $50 so far [cheeky] ;D
dayumn ben. [thumbsup]
You want me to pay right now or do we actually have to wait til the end of the season?
It's great to see Ben doing so well...
but I see a very tedious, meaning boring, pattern developing.
Quote from: gm2 on March 14, 2009, 12:42:32 PM
who owes me $50 so far [cheeky] ;D
do I?
Quote from: ducpainter on March 14, 2009, 03:20:00 PM
do I?
Nah. gm2 and I have a bet about who will win more races this year -- Haga or Ben. I took Haga as the "safe" bet. [roll]
Quote from: Spidey on March 14, 2009, 03:21:04 PM
Nah. gm2 and I have a bet about who will win more races this year -- Haga or Ben. I took Haga as the "safe" bet. [roll]
Phew..... ;D
I'm glad he didn't take me up on the bet I proposed. [laugh]
Quote from: Spidey on March 14, 2009, 01:11:53 PM
You want me to pay right now or do we actually have to wait til the end of the season?
hahah.. it's a long season... ;)
Quote from: ducpainter on March 14, 2009, 03:20:00 PM
but I see a very tedious, meaning boring, pattern developing.
i hear ya but i'm pretty certain that if he walks away with the championship it'll be anything but boring
hearing the media backpedal, esp the brits, is entertainment enough ;D
Quote from: gm2 on March 14, 2009, 04:52:26 PM
hahah.. it's a long season... ;)
i hear ya but i'm pretty certain that if he walks away with the championship it'll be anything but boring
hearing the media backpedal, esp the brits, is entertainment enough ;D
As long as the same formula we see every race in motogp isn't the norm...
...and I do enjoy listening to the pundits stammer..... [laugh]
Spies is the man...so far. Hopefully the other teams can figure out how to keep up with him. I like seeing him win, but not by 3 seconds!
The Haga/Biaggi battles were good in both races! [thumbsup]
(http://www.rideontwo.com/gallery/d/56674-2/20090312_162452.jpg)
(http://www.rideontwo.com/gallery/d/56944-2/_ZAC9066.jpg)
(http://www.rideontwo.com/gallery/d/57172-2/20090314_163411.jpg)
(http://www.rideontwo.com/gallery/d/57186-1/20090314_163950.jpg)
(http://www.rideontwo.com/gallery/d/57178-2/20090314_163732.jpg)
And this next one pretty much sums up the races . . .
(http://www.rideontwo.com/gallery/d/57546-2/P20090315105220171.jpg)
somebody get the kid to give Nicole Ritchie her sunglasses back.
all I can say about that broadcast for sure is this....
Johnathan Greene needs to stop trying to find any and every Texas type of reference for Spies....it is already getting old...although Bonanza Ben was amusing...
hey....it could be Greg White
(http://motorcyclebloggers.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/greg-white.jpg)
considering Greene has a connection to Texas and there hasn't been an American in wsbk for years, he can keep it up for a while... =)
it IS hilarious to hear the difference in his commentary vs. the eurosport version.
Quote from: gm2 on March 16, 2009, 07:43:01 AM
considering Greene has a connection to Texas and there hasn't been an American in wsbk for years, he can keep it up for a while... =)
it IS hilarious to hear the difference in his commentary vs. the eurosport version.
How so? I haven't heard the eurosport version.
Quote from: swampduc on March 16, 2009, 11:07:56 AM
How so? I haven't heard the eurosport version.
The speed commentary usually goes something like:
Well those things are called motorcycles. They have two wheels. they use a flat steering wheel to turn and sometimes they almost fall off doing something called, "putting your knee to the ground".
And the Eurosport ones usually go something like:
Well that American chap is certainly fast but doesn't show the poise and form of the British riders. You can see how inferior he is to Shakey, who is obviously not leading the race because his motorcycle is down 40 horsepower and running on only one cylinder. It is a testament to the superiority of BSB riders that he is able to ride with such an underpowered machine, etc, etc, etc
Quote from: El Matador on March 16, 2009, 11:36:23 AM
The speed commentary usually goes something like:
Well those things are called motorcycles. They have two wheels. they use a flat steering wheel to turn and sometimes they almost fall off doing something called, "putting your knee to the ground".
I think you mean the NBC commentary. Speed just broadcasts the British guys...who are great IMO.
Speed commentary of WSBK is always Jonathan Greene and Steve Martin; aka, the WSBK feed. They are definitely not the AMA trainwreck that is Spencer/Shaheen/White.
Eurosport commentary is as El Matador described. wildly pro British, no matter what's actually going on in the race.
Quote from: Triple J on March 16, 2009, 11:57:18 AM
I think you mean the NBC commentary. Speed just broadcasts the British guys...who are great IMO.
Ahhh true true, my mistake.
Quote from: Triple J on March 16, 2009, 11:57:18 AM
I think you mean the NBC commentary. Speed just broadcasts the British guys...who are great IMO.
+1
I think Speed's commentators are pretty good actually. You're thinking of Greg White lol.
Quote from: gm2 on March 16, 2009, 12:05:46 PM
Speed commentary of WSBK is always Jonathan Greene and Steve Martin; aka, the WSBK feed. They are definitely not the AMA trainwreck that is Spencer/Shaheen/White.
Listening to Spencer commentate on a race is like listening to a golf announcer.
(In a slow and quiet voice) "...well Rossi is looking for a good approach,...looks like he is showing Stoner a wheel....... And..........there was the pass."
Lars D. and I had this discussion last Wed at the bar...
What was up with Freddie Spencer. He looked fracking stoned during the D200 broadcast. He was pretty lucid for Freddie, but everytime they showed him on the screen he looked really f'd up.
Quote from: FatguyRacer on March 16, 2009, 05:37:08 PM
Lars D. and I had this discussion last Wed at the bar...
What was up with Freddie Spencer. He looked fracking stoned during the D200 broadcast. He was pretty lucid for Freddie, but everytime they showed him on the screen he looked really f'd up.
Maybe Fast Freddie was really one of those ironic nick names his old smokin buddies gave him.
Though with out the Eurosport coverage you wouldn't have gems like "Mad Roman Eyes" in reference to what Spies saw when he looked behind him at one point.
Quote from: FatguyRacer on March 16, 2009, 05:37:08 PM
What was up with Freddie Spencer. He looked fracking stoned during the D200 broadcast. He was pretty lucid for Freddie, but everytime they showed him on the screen he looked really f'd up.
IRS stress
Where are you guys getting the Eurosport commentary? (I'm pretty certain this has been asked already, but I'm a retard)
RU?
Just finished watching the World Super Sport race from Qatar. (speed shows them on Tuesdays). Man what a good race. [clap]
Quote from: Spidey on March 17, 2009, 11:35:56 AM
Where are you guys getting the Eurosport commentary? (I'm pretty certain this has been asked already, but I'm a retard)
RU?
I was at ACE in SF I have no idea how he got it. I was just happy to see the races before tomorrow. :)
Quote from: Spidey on March 17, 2009, 11:35:56 AM
Where are you guys getting the Eurosport commentary? (I'm pretty certain this has been asked already, but I'm a retard)
RU?
Yeah, RU it is
Quote from: Spidey on March 17, 2009, 11:35:56 AM
Where are you guys getting the Eurosport commentary? (I'm pretty certain this has been asked already, but I'm a retard)
RU?
That's where I get mine. [thumbsup]
I'm preparing for Spies to turn the WSBK into the "boring" AMA SBK wins of yore, with Nori playing the role of Mladin.
And there's really nothing I can do to prepare myself for hearing "Texas two steppin'" one more friggin time. [bang]
Quote from: zenjim on March 18, 2009, 03:01:45 AM
I'm preparing for Spies to turn the WSBK into the "boring" AMA SBK wins of yore, with Nori playing the role of Mladin.
even if he actually does win every single race by 3 seconds (even
I think that won't happen.. =)) you can't call that boring in this rookie season. it's unreal.
and fwiw, mladin was already more of a challenge than nori has been (so far). we 'argued' a lot about this from November-February, but having raced against Mat for the last 3 (4) years was the best prep he could have ever gotten. watching those two dice it up 10 seconds ahead of the pack for 3 seasons surely started to look boring but they were racing their balls off every single lap. it was the rest of the paddock that was in JV.
Texas 2 Step (how to) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-HVRu7Hr0o&feature=related#lq-hq-vhq)
Ben only won AMA because of his more better super secret crank.
[laugh]
Quote from: gm2 on March 18, 2009, 07:22:23 AM
even if he actually does win every single race by 3 seconds (even I think that won't happen.. =)) you can't call that boring in this rookie season. it's unreal.
<snip>
but only exciting for that accomplishment...
not the actual racing.
Last season with Haga and Bayliss swapping paint multiple times on the last few laps was more exciting IMO.
Maybe Ben should slow it down a little....for the sake of the 'show' ;D
Quote from: ducpainter on March 18, 2009, 07:52:23 AM
but only exciting for that accomplishment...
not the actual racing.
Last season with Haga and Bayliss swapping paint multiple times on the last few laps was more exciting IMO.
Maybe Ben should slow it down a little....for the sake of the 'show' ;D
Yeah, what he said.
Quote from: Spidey on March 17, 2009, 11:35:56 AM
Where are you guys getting the Eurosport commentary? (I'm pretty certain this has been asked already, but I'm a retard)
RU?
I watched the race Saturday on Speed at a bar, and I couldn't hear the announcers super clear, but I thought they were British.
mitt
Quote from: mitt on March 18, 2009, 11:01:37 AM
I watched the race Saturday on Speed at a bar, and I couldn't hear the announcers super clear, but I thought they were British.
Speed is the same dudes as on WSBK.com I like 'em, but they're not the same kinda lunatics as the Eurosport guys.
Quote from: Spidey on March 18, 2009, 11:26:42 AM
Speed is the same dudes as on WSBK.com
Jonathan Greene and Steve Martin. Steve is a brit; Jonathan is brit or aussie, i forget.
Quote from: gm2 on March 18, 2009, 11:50:24 AM
Jonathan Greene and Steve Martin. Steve is a brit; Jonathan is brit or aussie, i forget.
steve martin, ex superbike racer, is an aussie.
whatever. one of em is something the other is something else.
;)
and in the scope of 'i used to be a racer' commentary he's 11tybn% better than fast freddie.
And, as a racer and one who has competed at Losail, he repeatedly noted how difficult it was to learn the track and how impressed he was with Spies for have gotten up to speed so quickly. Specifically, he noted that it was made more difficult, not less, by the fact that it is a "featureless" track.
Hmmm . . .
That is a curious comment by Martin. You'd think a featureless track could be interpreted a number of ways while, say, there's only one good way to get through the corkscrew at Laguna.
I like Steve Martin. When Greene was running his mouth about Texas Tea or something, Martin interrupted, "HAGA HAGA HAGA!!!" as Haga made a pass on Biaggi.
Quote from: ducpainter on March 18, 2009, 07:52:23 AM
but only exciting for that accomplishment...
not the actual racing.
Last season with Haga and Bayliss swapping paint multiple times on the last few laps was more exciting IMO.
Maybe Ben should slow it down a little....for the sake of the 'show' ;D
Yeah maybe Ben should phone Rossi and discuss how to manage races like Rossi did back in the 990 era on his Honda.
Martin's comment made sense to me. Ideally, you want to play connect the dots as you go through a turn. Use a dark patch for a mid-turn reference point, a scape as an exit point, or a bump as roll off point. A smooth, new track limits your reference points, makes it hard to play connect-the-dots, and therefore more difficult to be consistent lap after lap.
It depends what you mean by "features", I guess.
Quote from: Spidey on March 18, 2009, 01:31:58 PM
A smooth, new track limits your reference points, makes it hard to play connect-the-dots, and therefore more difficult to be consistent lap after lap.
esp when the track is in the middle of the desert. your triangulation options with random earth features are greatly limited.
Quote from: Spidey on March 18, 2009, 01:31:58 PM
Martin's comment made sense to me. Ideally, you want to play connect the dots as you go through a turn. Use a dark patch for a mid-turn reference point, a scape as an exit point, or a bump as roll off point. A smooth, new track limits your reference points, makes it hard to play connect-the-dots, and therefore more difficult to be consistent lap after lap.
It depends what you mean by "features", I guess.
in the same vein, I can also say that certain tracks where their are blind turns on a rise you use various tree's, flag posts, score tower, or other variant ground structuring as a reference point...like at Barber for example, after you come down the hill at 3 (sometimes called other turn numbers depending on who's there), you look uphill and the Scoring tower showing through at a specific point in my frame of reference lets me know I am on my line for where I should be after the blind crest....so I too understand that comment completely...you take reference information from everywhere.
i think i just said that ^^ ;D
What you failed to mention, gm2, is that the featurelessness (is that a word?) of a new track is exacerbated when you have a desert track that limits your options for triangulating with natural features.
I crack myself up. [laugh]
nope, i didn't fail to mention that at all.... [cheeky]
OK...so the WSBK races were good. But I just watched the 2nd WSS race. HOLY CRAP!! :o That was a great race...and a spectacular finish!! [thumbsup] [thumbsup]
Speed must have only aired race 2 as it's all my DVR got...I'm going to have to RU race 1.
think you can watch it at wsbk now
They need to cut back on the whole Ben Spies domination commentary... Yeah he did great not trying to take that away from him but it seemed like every second there was a "Big Ben or Texas Two Step" thrown in by Greene or Martin.
Greene has some connection to texas...
Quote from: gm2 on March 19, 2009, 11:34:05 AM
Greene has some connection to texas...
He said he grew up/lived there and went to college there? But he tawks like a gawdamd furner.
Quote from: Spidey on March 19, 2009, 11:37:27 AM
He said he grew up/lived there and went to college there? But he tawks like a gawdamd furner.
You talk like a lawyer...
and we don't hold that against you... [laugh]