2006 Newsflash: Hayden--deserving; Rossi--crap

Bravo!!! Bravo!!!

as we say here in the south...."Damn Sun!"

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Rising Sun @ Mar 9 2007, 01:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>

This is a long post, but I've never started a thread before, so I'm going all out. You've been warned.

Since last November there's been a never ending supply of topics doing all they can to diminish Hayden's achievement. Some of these have been contemptuous of 'the Kentucky Kid' from the beginning, others have ended up that way over time, but they all seem to carry the same message: 'Trick Daddy' (as his friends have called him, since, like forever) doesn't really deserve the title because he didn't win it in a "good way", and poor, poor Vale: he had such appalling, appalling bad luck and was on a bike that was so .... house that he could only win five races on it.

...hang on, that last part doesn't make sense. Let me try that again: on a bike so .... house, that Yamaha had to steal Ilmor's engine, Dunlop tyres and d'Antin's funding just to get competitive.

Reading all these threads is almost making me start to dislike Rossi, and want to see Hayden do well at his expense. So it's time to take the bullseye away from Hayden, and stick it on Valentino.

Now keep in mind, one has ever said that Hayden, across his career to date, is anything but dwarfed by all of Rossi's glittering achievements. But, in the interest of fair play, I will compare their 2006 performances to the entities known as Rossi-the-god and Hayden-the-Laguna...

In 2006, up until the summer break 'Oakley-MP3' managed 2 wins out of 11 starts and camped out on the podium 7 other times. Rossi-is-God's lofty standards would say the ratio is the wrong way around, but by Hayden-the-Laguna's standards, his performance was off the charts.

On the other hand 'I wear-crap-visor-hats-that-no-else-thinks-are-cool' had 4 wins out of 11. However, he also managed to be the only one to break a Yamaha in both France (maybe he damaged something taking out De Puniet) and in the USA (where he did his best to spread oil and/or other fluids all over the racing line for a lap or two). Furthermore, he chose a risky Michelin tyre in China--because that worked so well for Gibernau in 2005--and severely damaged his wanking hand in Assen when he crashed in practice because he was indulging in his sticker fetish at high speed. By Rossi-is-God's lofty standards... even Gibernau or Biaggi could've done all that.

Sure, he did run into an Elias roadblock in Jerez, throw a 10 second tantrum, and finish 14th, but the piece of .... he was riding was so bad, the crash probably fixed the suspension. Anway, the nation of Spain made it up to him when Pedrosa gave him some points in Turkey.

A word from our sponsor, SSIPerko, before we continue:

> I honestly don't like how he was awarded the title. That's just me. I
> don't think coasting into title is befitting a champion of any sport, that's
> just how I feel.

Coasting? If Hayden had dropped his bike at Valencia and Rossi managed to finish in 3rd place (he said himself that he thought no one had the pace to match Bayliss and Capirossi) then he would have ABSOLUTELY 'coasted' to the title as well.

Consider this:

After the summer break 'The Doctor' was 51 points down. That's a lot of points. To get back into the championship you'll need to win a lot of races, or have a lot of luck, right? No worries, Rossifumi, the absolute legend that he is, wins races as easy as the rest of us take a morning ..... Besides, Hayboy will crack under pressure too. Nothing to worry about.

So what happened?

Brno: A mile back in second place, despite starting from a pole that was about a second clear of everyone else.
Malaysia: A close fought win, starting from a lucky and dubious pole.
Philip Island: A lucky third (Gibernau, looking round, saw 46 and, as ever, obligingly pulled his pants down).
Motegi: Second, in a nothing race. Struggled to stay in front of Melandri (but at least he didn't take him out this time).
Portugal: Starts from pole again. Rubens Bara-- sorry, Colin Edwards, rides shotgun (though ends up shooting himself in the foot). Team Repsol go down in a screaming heap. Vale the Doctor makes a crucial mistake on the last lap, gets out foxed by the master tactician that is... Elias?!? and finishes second. Would've been third, actually, if the rest of the world counted the same way Roberts Jr. does...
Valenica: Starts from pole. Blows the start. Drops to eigth, then drops it altogether.

So how many wins did the greatest ever rider manage to, er, win in the back end of a desperate fight to retain his crown? A grand total of... one. Just one. Umm, that's, that's... kinda sad for Mr. 7 Times isn't it? It’s almost Hayden-the-Laguna-like. The out and out champion is supposed to be the one true race-winning man's man. So it was just luck that got him into the championship lead going into the last round, I guess.

By Rossi-the-god's standards? It stinks like the piece of .... that is the so-hard-to-set-up-that-I-could-only manage-5-poles-(just-like-I-did-in-2005)-Yamaha (via Ilmor/Dunlop/d’Antin).

Still, that one win was more than coasting-too-lucky-for-his-own-good-all-in-the-family-Hayseed could get, of course. What happened to him?

Brno: Something about mechanical problems, or a tyre? Whatever, it kept him out of his traditional 4th place.
Malaysia: A drugged-out Pedrosa got between him and the leaders.
Philip Island: The yellow flag that wasn't. Also, Gibernau doesn't just pull his pants down for anyone, you know.
Motegi: A nothing race and a dodgy clutch. Nice of Shinya to crash, going for Gibernau's pants, though.
Portugal: We don't need no stinking team orders...
Valencia: But now we do.

So there you have it. Doc Vale Rossifumi the Doctor was actually quite crap in 2006. I Kiss my Mom on the lips Farmboy had a limpet like grip on the podium up until the summer break, then had a .... load of bad luck dumped on him in the run to the finish. It probably came from that absolute piece of .... Yamaha (Ilmor/Dunlop/d'Antin) that Vespa King had to contend with...

2006 as it happened. I guess there are no superheroes, Vale.

You got one part right - Nicky - traditional 4th place. The rest of it is a brilliant exercise in reversed pancreatic logic

Very nicely done and well thought out. Although I don't totally agree which I'm sure doesn't surprise you.

I'm honored to be quoted esp since I missed (DRATS) all the stuff last fall.

FYI, should Nicky ever become a winner or hound someone like Elias did in Portugal (I liked his style before that and even more after) on a regular basis then I'll change my tune. If we're all still here in 5 yrs we'll all look back and have a conversation of sorts.

SS

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ptk50 @ Mar 9 2007, 12:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>You got one part right - Nicky - traditional 4th place.
Thanks.
<span style="font-size:8pt;line-height:100%his career average is 6th

SS

Don't you just love looking at all those star spangled banners in the left column?

But it's 2007 now, we've moved on.

A real entertaing post. Thanks for the laughs. Lots of facts and insight. Hayden won the championship and thats that.

I was surprised but, glad that Hayden won, but only becuase he proved Biaggi sucked as could not do it on the same machine.

But, in the end, based purely on your info, I am leaning to the conclusion that Rossi lost because he had a crap bike last year. As much as I admire Rossi, I had become quite tired of seeing him win race after race. MotoGP was threatening to become as boring as F1 was during the hey days of Schumi. Thanks Yamaha for changing that.

Bravo from me too. Liking your take on things, Sun.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (crvlvr @ Mar 9 2007, 01:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>As much as I admire Rossi, I had become quite tired of seeing him win race after race. MotoGP was threatening to become as boring as F1 was during the hey days of Schumi. Thanks Yamaha for changing that.
WAIT ONE COTTON PICKIN MINUTE ..... are you saying it was the bikes fault? NO WAY ...... Rossi was riding it and he's the one who lost the title with his fall at Valencia.

How'd I do skidmark?

SS

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Rising Sun @ Mar 9 2007, 10:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Since last November there's been a never ending supply of topics doing all they can to diminish Hayden's achievement. Some of these have been contemptuous of 'the Kentucky Kid' from the beginning, others have ended up that way over time, but they all seem to carry the same message:
Hi RisingSun

I’ve read a lot of posts here on this site; and as you read you begin to figure out who usually writes stuff from a profound knowledge of the sport and who writes stuff based on who their favorite rider is and nothing more. I have read your previous posts and found them to be fair and balanced. I am reminded of a poster here named Mr. Shupe. I remember you dishing out some historical knowledge the first time I noticed your posts back in the day. But this one has blown me away. I never took you as much of a witty person, but man you both had me laughing and agreeing with you all the way. You need to start more threads! As a matter of fact, I can’t really remember hardly ever any threads starting out in support of Hayden. But many threads have certainly ended up as being a defense of his title against wouldbe tarnishers/haters. And the ones that just start off as a thinly veiled attempt to glorify Rossi by belittling Hayden’s accomplishments well are simply rabid.

One of the most interesting points you made was about how you have began to feel about Rossi as a result of all the Hayden bashing. I have felt the same way. As a matter of fact, it wasn’t until I joined this site that I started to make witty quips about Rossi. But the truth is I have admired the guy. But it wasn’t until I began to read all the decidedly trash talking about Hayden that cultivated a resentment. But like I said, truth be told, I admire Rossi, but I’m simply not a fan. I’m a fan of my guy as much as everybody has a right to be a fan of their guy. Thanks for coming out and settling the issue, though I think it was settled in Valencia, but obviously not settled in the minds of the spectators. And I don’t think it will ever really be settled in their minds as long as the Rossie colored glasses are making things appear fuzzy.

Anyway, one little note, you mention “traditional 4th” ; can anybody tell me how many times Hayden finished 4th in 2006? When you find the answer, I doubt it can be described as a “traditional” position. (Hint: Mal)

Anyway, it was a great season. Filled with much excitement, ups and downs. For me it was a Hollywood ending. But that’s because I’m a Hayden fan. I’m sure it was a nightmare for many of the cult worshipping Rossi fans, not to be confused with the reasonable Rossi fans. I really don’t think this issue will ever be laid to rest. Hell we still debate Schwantz and others on here. So I expect those that hate Hayden for beating their boy straight up over a season are never gonna let it go. Even if their boy wins again, they will always try to take something away from the 06 championship. I think it says more about themselves, than it says about what actually happened out in the track.

Well, we are on the very cusp of a new season. I hope it will be again as exciting as the previous one. Who ever wins, it will be deserved regardless of what people say and try to belittle the next champ. As for me, I’m rooting for Hayden!

The blame-the-bike logic is an interesting part of this ongoing message board battle. Many roll their eyes when Nicky's clutch problems are mentioned; however, the "...... Yamaha" excuse has been worn out in Rossi's defense.

Yeah yeah yeah, now who is on pole?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Goatboy @ Mar 9 2007, 10:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Yeah yeah yeah, now who is on pole?
Not to be a .... but this thread is regarding 2006. Congrats ro Rossi's hot lap, truly impressive. However it would be more suited in, oh I don't know. Maybe the entire thread dedicated to Qatar FP and QP? Just a thought...

Nice take on things Rising Sun

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Rising Sun @ Mar 9 2007, 12:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>

This is a long post, but I've never started a thread before, so I'm going all out. You've been warned...

But wait with all this explanations, Nobody, I mean no one managed to win on a Yamaha 990cc (except Biaggi 2 and Rossi 25 wins) need no more prove of it, so it was not Rossi, and indeed it was a crapy bike that he maid wonders with. Without even imagining what would any Honda rider do in ’06 (not ’04 or ’05, but ’06) on a Yamaha! How many riders won on a Honda in ’06? No less than 4 different ones.

Quote: “The blame-the-bike logic is an interesting part of this ongoing message board battle. Many roll their eyes when Nicky's clutch problems are mentioned; however, the "...... Yamaha" excuse has been worn out in Rossi's defense”…
So I simply ask again, How many riders won on a Yamaha in '06, or all the 990cc era?

Quote: “After the summer break 'The Doctor' was 51 points down. That's a lot of points”…
But in fact, he recovered 59 (not 51) in 5 races, to be in front by 8 in Valencia. That is over 11 points per race; even great legends can’t keep up that pace forever… And: managed just “One win in 6 races... sad”… but is it ? He recovered more than 11 point per race, who else has done that in history? And even 1/6 is a better average than most riders get… means almost 3 wins per season!

Quote: “Would've been third, actually, if the rest of the world counted the same way Roberts Jr. does”…
A little mistake here too; cause one lap before the end Roberts went through first, but not Elias as second, it was Rossi, so “if the rest of the world counted the same way Roberts Jr. does” Rossi still would be second.

PD. Actually I am not arguing if the title was deserved or not, I tried not to mention names for that matter, but diminishing Rossi’s achievements will not work either!

So as I have said before: "Valencia, two big mistakes from Rossi. sht happens! It meant the Championship... 2007 is going to be interesting".

Great thread dude, cheers for the good read.

I agree with mr. Shupe about how the use of the bike "excuse" is not really that valid when mentioned regarding Hayden, but with Rossi it seems to be the sole reason for his troubles. Funny stuff.

I also know what you guys mean when all these comments agaisnt Hayden make you feel worse towards rossi, but fortunately the man himslef is very sporting and fully accepts that he lost his title. I just try to remember that all the blind fools following him know so little even about there own man, that they can continue to kid themselfes.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (rgvneil @ Mar 9 2007, 08:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Don't you just love looking at all those star spangled banners in the left column?
¨
LOL

Lets see how many races it takes before that "Nubmbers don't lie" starts burning his arse. Or has he allready removed it?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ Mar 9 2007, 06:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Great thread dude, cheers for the good read.

I agree with mr. Shupe about how the use of the bike "excuse" is not really that valid when mentioned regarding Hayden, but with Rossi it seems to be the sole reason for his troubles. Funny stuff.

As I said before Tom, this ‘crapy bike’ is completely valid, as with a ‘great bike’ many riders could win races, but with a ‘crapy bike’ not many riders can do it. So it explains itself cause with Honda not only did many riders could win races, but lots actually did… however with Yamaha the ‘not many riders’ means barely none that could win with it!

PD. Still not arguing about the deserving title.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Racejumkie @ Mar 9 2007, 04:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Anyway, one little note, you mention “traditional 4th” ; can anybody tell me how many times Hayden finished 4th in 2006? When you find the answer, I doubt it can be described as a “traditional” position.How would you discribe 41% of the time?


SS