Ant West

If Ant didnt make that mistake he would have been on the podium im sure.. Either way, he did well in my book, on and off the track. Was happy and chatty in his interviews before and after the race and really gutsed it out to come home in 11th and score some points ( more than OJ has this year ) Bring on Assen and bring on the next 10 races .. CANI! P.S One reason Ant might of been slighty unhappy with his 250 team is the fact that they never paid him ... and still havnt..

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (antfan @ Jun 24 2007, 09:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>If
sorry antfan... this does'nt count.... but he did a good job none the less.

Him doing great on rain is no surprise, I'm more interested in seeing what he can do in dry conditions.

Still not too bad for a debut.

He didn't have the rain advantage he was used to today, because now hes amongst the best riders in the world regardless of conditions. That being the case he made a mistake trying to ride with them, but thats what its like at the top. He did well today, but De Puniet raised his wet weather game enough to put him in his place.

I look foreward to seeing how Ant progresses in the dry, he looks to suit motogp more than he did 250, so maybe he might have something good to offer now.

You all have to remember that Ant ONLY HAD 4 hours on the Kawasaki all up on the weekend!!! Now how long has Mr. De Puniet? ...like 2 years...come on now!!! Give the man a chance...I am sure that after 2 years Ant will have much more podiums then OJ (well he has more points then OJ in 2007) and RDP put together and more!!!

He did well to get back on the thing and come home in 11th place, his dry riding will improve with time as he gets the Kwaka sorted out!!!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CSCVAW @ Jun 25 2007, 07:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>You all have to remember that Ant ONLY HAD 4 hours on the Kawasaki all up on the weekend!!! Now how long has Mr. De Puniet? ...like 2 years...come on now!!! Give the man a chance...I am sure that after 2 years Ant will have much more podiums then OJ (well he has more points then OJ in 2007) and RDP put together and more!!!

He did well to get back on the thing and come home in 11th place, his dry riding will improve with time as he gets the Kwaka sorted out!!!
Agree 100%, star of the future i say,give him a chance.

He was very stupid to push it like that when Rossi pasted him, it was his first race so he should have just been keeping it nice and tidy.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (an4rew @ Jun 25 2007, 08:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>He was very stupid to push it like that when Rossi pasted him, it was his first race so he should have just been keeping it nice and tidy.

I agree to a certain extent but...an4rew...

Ant’s a racer!!! He went off the track when it started to dry out, but it’s easy for you to talk sitting in your living room...have you ever ridden a bike? Or for that matter a race bike or a motoGP bike? well you cant comment on a situation that you have no idea about. He did want to prove something exseptional...pitty it didn't come out

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CSCVAW @ Jun 24 2007, 05:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>He did well to get back on the thing and come home in 11th place, his dry riding will improve with time as he gets the Kwaka sorted out!!!

Agree with the first part, it was a fine effort but your second point is ... backwards at this level. Better to take a youngster that is crazy fast in the dry like a Pedrosa or Stoner and have them work on their wet riding than the other way around. West is good for 2-4 decent results a year maybe, but thats what you get with a wet specialist. He seems like a great guy in the interviews and of course he has skills but I'm not sure he is a star of the future. With Stoner, Pedro, CV, Hopper, Hayden, plus a gang of young kids in the 250 class, Star status might be harder to come by. I also bet if you could pry old fat ... Anothony Gobert off his barstool, sober him up and put him on that factory Kwacker he could have quallied better than West who was over 2 seconds off in the dry. Come to think of it, if RL Hayden with his lack of world level experience spanks him even at Laguna, his days are numbered.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (V8GUZZI @ Jun 25 2007, 10:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Agree with the first part, it was a fine effort but your second point is ... backwards at this level. Better to take a youngster that is crazy fast in the dry like a Pedrosa or Stoner and have them work on their wet riding than the other way around. West is good for 2-4 decent results a year maybe, but thats what you get with a wet specialist. He seems like a great guy in the interviews and of course he has skills but I'm not sure he is a star of the future. With Stoner, Pedro, CV, Hopper, Hayden, plus a gang of young kids in the 250 class, Star status might be harder to come by. I also bet if you could pry old fat ... Anothony Gobert off his barstool, sober him up and put him on that factory Kwacker he could have quallied better than West who was over 2 seconds off in the dry. Come to think of it, if RL Hayden with his lack of world level experience spanks him even at Laguna, his days are numbered.

If RL Hayden DOESNT beat Ant at Laguna then something is severally wrong .. Ant's never ridden there before, whereas Roger knows it like the back of his hand.. Ant has the talent, and he'll show that in the remaining 10 races..

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (antfan @ Jun 24 2007, 09:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>If RL Hayden DOESNT beat Ant at Laguna then something is severally wrong .. Ant's never ridden there before, whereas Roger knows it like the back of his hand.. Ant has the talent, and he'll show that in the remaining 10 races..
That's a view I don't agree with. Pedro did fine first time at Laguna running second and Chris Vermeulen doubled in WSB his first time at Laguna so knowing the track doesn't equal results. RL Hayden has been a decent AMA guy for a few years but I never would have guessed he would get a wildcard factory ride. If Ant does have the talent and he might, he should make short work of his "teammate for the day". I would bet on West although you seem to think RLH should beat him. Not for a month anyway.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (V8GUZZI @ Jun 25 2007, 10:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Agree with the first part, it was a fine effort but your second point is ... backwards at this level. Better to take a youngster that is crazy fast in the dry like a Pedrosa or Stoner and have them work on their wet riding than the other way around. West is good for 2-4 decent results a year maybe, but thats what you get with a wet specialist. He seems like a great guy in the interviews and of course he has skills but I'm not sure he is a star of the future. With Stoner, Pedro, CV, Hopper, Hayden, plus a gang of young kids in the 250 class, Star status might be harder to come by. I also bet if you could pry old fat ... Anothony Gobert off his barstool, sober him up and put him on that factory Kwacker he could have quallied better than West who was over 2 seconds off in the dry. Come to think of it, if RL Hayden with his lack of world level experience spanks him even at Laguna, his days are numbered.

Are you aware of how crap gobert actually is? Even when he's sober he's crap. The guy doesn't have it anymore, if he did he wouldn't be riding a stock kawasaki in the aussie production championship. He's .... and wouldn't out qualify anyone.

RL might do ok at Laguna, say a top 17 finish, throw him on a world track and he'll finish nowhere, I think he'd be lapped comfortably.

Roger says he won't ride the bike for the novelty of getting a MotoGP start, but wants to do well. "I want to be a serious effort. I don't just have aspirations to say, 'Hey, I rode a MotoGP bike.' I know I won't win but I want to go and give it my best effort."

WTF else do you think you're gonna do with one round on it ....., he doesn't actually think hes going to be competitive does he? Take it for what it is, possibly your one and only chance to race a motogp machine.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (an4rew @ Jun 24 2007, 10:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>He was very stupid to push it like that when Rossi pasted him, it was his first race so he should have just been keeping it nice and tidy.
He had the pace to pass him so why not? It wouldn't be a stretch to say he's the best wet weather rider in ALL OF MOTOGP! Yeah, I said it. On top of that he was on the right tires to move forward. Just because it was Rossi who passed him doesn't mean he should have sat there and watched. If anyone else came by and he simply followed he'd get slagged for not fighting for anything. You can teach a fast rider who tends to push too hard and make mistakes to control himself (Stoner is a prime example) but you can't make a tentative rider fast.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (vale4607 @ Jun 25 2007, 02:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Are you aware of how crap gobert actually is? Even when he's sober he's crap. The guy doesn't have it anymore, if he did he wouldn't be riding a stock kawasaki in the aussie production championship. He's .... and wouldn't out qualify anyone.

RL might do ok at Laguna, say a top 17 finish, throw him on a world track and he'll finish nowhere, I think he'd be lapped comfortably.

Roger says he won't ride the bike for the novelty of getting a MotoGP start, but wants to do well. "I want to be a serious effort. I don't just have aspirations to say, 'Hey, I rode a MotoGP bike.' I know I won't win but I want to go and give it my best effort."

WTF else do you think you're gonna do with one round on it ....., he doesn't actually think hes going to be competitive does he? Take it for what it is, possibly your one and only chance to race a motogp machine.
As far as Gobey goes, let's keep in mind the guy is 32 now and his body is well beyond its years. He knew how to have a good time. But Gobert in his prime was a genius on the bike. He didn't have the drive or the mental capabilities to be one of the greats but as far as pure talents go, I'd be hard-pressed to find more than a handful of riders with more than The Go Show. The guy used to show up to the opening rounds well overweight just to see if he could win in that sort of shape. It's a shame really, it all got the better of him and his career was truly a bright one.

I guess my point about Gobey is yeah, he's probably not going to light the world on fire anymore. But come on, surely you have to see the talent level. Bias aside.

And as far as RL/West go. Are you guys really going to debate this? Ant West (as much as I like him) has been a journeyman in the lower levels and hasn't proved too much. The only real opportunity he ever had (prior to his Kawasaki gig) he pissed away at KTM by publicly slagging off the bike. Roger Hayden is in his second year in AMA Superbike and a two time Supersport champion runner-up. Hasn't proved much either. I really hope they both become mainstays in the MotoGP paddock.

And come on, cut RL some slack. You act as if he never has and never will ride a GP bike. If you check the facts, he completed a short test for Kawasaki at Valencia last season aboard the 990. If he feels comfortable with the package and the timing is right with his AMA duties then yeah, he should have a proper go. It's all a learning experience, if it goes well then maybe there will be something more. I suppose your thoughts were similar when Ant tested the ZX-RR, then? 'It's only one test, WTF do you think he's going to accomplish?' Take the rose glasses off.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ Jun 24 2007, 11:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I guess my point about Gobey is yeah, he's probably not going to light the world on fire anymore. But come on, surely you have to see the talent level. Bias aside.

And as far as RL/West go. Are you guys really going to debate this? Ant West (as much as I like him) has been a journeyman in the lower levels and hasn't proved too much. The only real opportunity he ever had (prior to his Kawasaki gig) he pissed away at KTM by publicly slagging off the bike. Roger Hayden is in his second year in AMA Superbike and a two time Supersport champion runner-up. Hasn't proved much either. I really hope they both become mainstays in the MotoGP paddock.
First off, the Gobert comment was actually said with sarcasm which seems was lost in cyberspace. He had to be one of the most gifted riders I've ever seen though. Austin said it better and no I really don't want to debate such a meaningless point. I do have a hard time seeing West as a future MotoGP star. Vale4607, no need to get personel with the ..... comment. I never knew West had such a following.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (an4rew @ Jun 25 2007, 08:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>He was very stupid to push it like that when Rossi pasted him, it was his first race so he should have just been keeping it nice and tidy.

Thats just the thing, according to Ant he wasnt pushing hard at all and he felt very strong. He said the rear of the bike just stepped out on a bad bit of track and caused him to run wide and into the gravel.

The very same thing happened to Rossi a lap later and he JUST managed to avoid running onto the gravel. Hayden went one better and actually binned it a few laps before Ant. In those conditions all the riders are on the limit, weather they like it or not, mistakes are bound to happen.

And Tom, pull your head in! It was his first race on the bike and he was comfortably scrapping with the likes of Rossi, Hayden (ex-champions) and wet weather demon Vermeulen. He'll only get better from here and I anticipate vast improvement in both wet and dry conditions.

Give Gasss Ant..

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>He didn't have the rain advantage he was used to today

Not sure about that - he went round the outside of Rossi and post
race said he wasn't really pushing. Also starting so low on the
grid and he was in top 5 (past ) after a few laps. Shame he made the
mistake - i think you'd've been proved to be wrong.

Obviously track drying was bad for him as he isn't up to standard
in the dry - time will tell if that changes.

you say that but i was keeping an eye on his times back there and he was charging through until the finish. He certainly isnt brilliant in the dry but he aint half bad. Give him a few more races to get to terms with this bike and he could surprise us.

I was at the race yesterday and after he went off track i was keeping times between him and the group containing pedrosa, capirossi, barros, etc. he was making up 4-5 secs a lap on them for a number of laps there. impressive stuff!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ Jun 25 2007, 01:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>As far as Gobey goes, let's keep in mind the guy is 32 now and his body is well beyond its years. He knew how to have a good time. But Gobert in his prime was a genius on the bike. He didn't have the drive or the mental capabilities to be one of the greats but as far as pure talents go, I'd be hard-pressed to find more than a handful of riders with more than The Go Show. The guy used to show up to the opening rounds well overweight just to see if he could win in that sort of shape. It's a shame really, it all got the better of him and his career was truly a bright one.

I guess my point about Gobey is yeah, he's probably not going to light the world on fire anymore. But come on, surely you have to see the talent level. Bias aside.

And as far as RL/West go. Are you guys really going to debate this? Ant West (as much as I like him) has been a journeyman in the lower levels and hasn't proved too much. The only real opportunity he ever had (prior to his Kawasaki gig) he pissed away at KTM by publicly slagging off the bike. Roger Hayden is in his second year in AMA Superbike and a two time Supersport champion runner-up. Hasn't proved much either. I really hope they both become mainstays in the MotoGP paddock.

And come on, cut RL some slack. You act as if he never has and never will ride a GP bike. If you check the facts, he completed a short test for Kawasaki at Valencia last season aboard the 990. If he feels comfortable with the package and the timing is right with his AMA duties then yeah, he should have a proper go. It's all a learning experience, if it goes well then maybe there will be something more. I suppose your thoughts were similar when Ant tested the ZX-RR, then? 'It's only one test, WTF do you think he's going to accomplish?' Take the rose glasses off.


Since were in 2007 and not 1996 i'll say that Gobert is ..... I'm not talking about "when gobert had it", this weekend, right now, dragging up a guy from the past and comparing him to a current rider is pointless. He had it, possibly a world champ, now he doesn't. Thats it.

I'm well aware that RL has tested the 990cc, well if you mean riding the 990 for a few laps a test, than yeah he tested it. Makes no difference considering were talking about 800's. What I'm saying is he should take this ride for what it is, fun!

I quoted superbikeplanet.com and he says he wants it to be a serious effort and isn't happy with "I know I wont win, but I want to go and give it my best effort". He should just go and give it his best effort, he wont ride it for the novelty of it, why not? Does he think he deserves more? Kawi will give him engineers etc but what does he expect from one weekend? Hes not a top line rider, the focus from the media may be on him, but the team will be all about DePuniet and West, as it should be. The whole ride to me is about novelty, media attention for Kawi. Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and team Roberts have Americans. Kawi needs something to get a bit of attention.

This is an opportunity he may never get again. You make it sound as though GP rides are just waiting for him when he wants them. If the Kawasaki proves to be a competitive bike and stays competitive, they'll attract much better prospects than RL, so yeah I think this may be his only chance. He's 24 with no world experience, the only team crazy enough to hire him full time would be Kawasaki. These guys should only be "mainstays" if they can compete at the front.

My thoughts on Ant West were made in a previous thread. I said that Kawasaki made the best choice from the riders available. Lets take the roger colored glasses off.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (V8GUZZI @ Jun 25 2007, 01:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>First off, the Gobert comment was actually said with sarcasm which seems was lost in cyberspace. He had to be one of the most gifted riders I've ever seen though. Austin said it better and no I really don't want to debate such a meaningless point. I do have a hard time seeing West as a future MotoGP star. Vale4607, no need to get personel with the ..... comment. I never knew West had such a following.

Well we've both misunderstood one another. I was calling RLH an ....., not you and I missed the sarcasm, but I guess thats why they came up with these I'm a fan of Ant's, but not to the point of insulting anyone, well not intentionally anyway . I'm not sure he has what it takes at the MotoGP level, wait and see I guess.

Cmon Ant, heres hoping for a top 10 this weekend. We know you got the talent, show thes guys on Saturday