Heheh yep! Gooooo Ant, brilliant ride, to finish first you have to finish
Ninth place in his second ride is a fantastic achievment, especially to beat home the likes of Melandri, Checa, Nakano and Tamada, few GP winners in that bunch! Im sure Ants turned some heads, now bring on the Saxonring, a track Ant LOVES by the way..
Help Support MotoGP Forum:
I hate to say it, but I think the reason that some people don't think RLH is that good is becuase he is American and rides in the AMA.....To a certain degree I agree. The AMA is s disaster. The whole organization needs revamped. The current leadership is little better than the old. Here is an interview with Michael Jordan and the AMA....
http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2007/Jun/e/n070626a.htm
But to disregard him due to where he rides is a bit much. No one has come out and said it, but I can't help but feel that from some of the posts. Now, before you get all flamethrower on me, I do agee that roadracing is the US leaves alot to be desired. The most current road coarses built I think are changing the face of racing here. I think if we could get a good promoter and a good group of people to govern the sport, we would be much better off.
While I would agree that RLH may not be as good as some of the other equivalent class riders, he is most definitely NOT the worst. I feel that he deserves a chance like anyone else. I don't think he was trying to degrade Kawi by saying he wanted a serious effort. He already rides for them, and in the hunt for a championship. They want him to ride at Laguna, so he should be given a serious effort. He may or may not be what Kawi GP is looking for to replace RDP...Who knows. I do hope they can RDP after this season. He has not been very consistant
http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2007/Jun/e/n070626a.htm
But to disregard him due to where he rides is a bit much. No one has come out and said it, but I can't help but feel that from some of the posts. Now, before you get all flamethrower on me, I do agee that roadracing is the US leaves alot to be desired. The most current road coarses built I think are changing the face of racing here. I think if we could get a good promoter and a good group of people to govern the sport, we would be much better off.
While I would agree that RLH may not be as good as some of the other equivalent class riders, he is most definitely NOT the worst. I feel that he deserves a chance like anyone else. I don't think he was trying to degrade Kawi by saying he wanted a serious effort. He already rides for them, and in the hunt for a championship. They want him to ride at Laguna, so he should be given a serious effort. He may or may not be what Kawi GP is looking for to replace RDP...Who knows. I do hope they can RDP after this season. He has not been very consistant
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2006
- Messages
- 24,726
- Location
- Your Mom's House
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (antfan @ Jun 30 2007, 06:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Gooooo Ant, brilliant ride, to finish first you have to finish
Ninth place in his second ride is a fantastic achievment
Well I admitted in the Assen post race thread that his grit was making headway with me. I'm not a fan, but West should be proud and respected for his accomplishment. I always root for the underdog though I'm not rooting for West (I'm busy rooting for my underdog Hayden--and lately that has been a lot of work). That was some good reading about West. Before this season, as you may have remembered, I though West was a complete waste of time. Obviously, you saw something in him that the rest of us missed. And as I've said before, "I don't give one flying .... about him." however, he is changing my mind through grit and determination. I can't stand primo Dana’s of any sport. That's why I hate over the top post race celebrations; I just think it’s ungracious. West doesn’t seem to be like that. But lately, I read some good stuff about West and realize, that despite his horrible hair, he is a down to earth guy. Thanks for pointing this out Antfan.
Well I admitted in the Assen post race thread that his grit was making headway with me. I'm not a fan, but West should be proud and respected for his accomplishment. I always root for the underdog though I'm not rooting for West (I'm busy rooting for my underdog Hayden--and lately that has been a lot of work). That was some good reading about West. Before this season, as you may have remembered, I though West was a complete waste of time. Obviously, you saw something in him that the rest of us missed. And as I've said before, "I don't give one flying .... about him." however, he is changing my mind through grit and determination. I can't stand primo Dana’s of any sport. That's why I hate over the top post race celebrations; I just think it’s ungracious. West doesn’t seem to be like that. But lately, I read some good stuff about West and realize, that despite his horrible hair, he is a down to earth guy. Thanks for pointing this out Antfan.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (rickyduck @ Jun 23 2007, 07:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Care to explain?
Then again, you hate De Puniet and most other riders.
I don't 'hate' de Puniet, you just annoy me with his gloves. And the other riders would only be:
Hayden
West
Pasini
Dovisiozo
Not too bad
By the way, the disliking of West is a long story
I liked him before..
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (xx CURVE xx @ May 18 2007, 10:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>what a HORRIBLE avy you have
You what?
Then again, you hate De Puniet and most other riders.
I don't 'hate' de Puniet, you just annoy me with his gloves. And the other riders would only be:
Hayden
West
Pasini
Dovisiozo
Not too bad
By the way, the disliking of West is a long story
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (xx CURVE xx @ May 18 2007, 10:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>what a HORRIBLE avy you have
You what?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Louise @ Jul 3 2007, 05:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Dovisiozo
whats he done? other than his ridiculous hair
whats he done? other than his ridiculous hair
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ Jul 3 2007, 05:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>whats he done? other than his ridiculous hair
Race-wise, I don't like him because I'm a Lorenzo fan and Dovisiozo gets in the way of Jorge winning
Joking.
I don't hate him off the track because he's a nice person.
Race-wise, I don't like him because I'm a Lorenzo fan and Dovisiozo gets in the way of Jorge winning
I don't hate him off the track because he's a nice person.
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2006
- Messages
- 24,726
- Location
- Your Mom's House
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (machmanzx10r @ Jun 30 2007, 07:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>The whole organization needs revamped.
I'm not gonna quote your entire post, but you made some great points about the state of the AMA and Roger Lee. Yes, the AMA could do so much better, its not just a few tracks, (though it seems people get stuck on the two bad ones) but I think it more the rules. One brand has dominated, and this has made for spread out riders and sometimes boring racing. The talent is there, but its not coming through due to the rules and lack of factory support for satellite teams, as well as more for the true privateers.
As far as Roger Lee, well I already posted my opinion, but I agree with most of what you said. Look at what West has don in WSBK and MotoGP (still hard to believe this change). Who knew the guy could keep up with the big boys...well not me, but Antfan knew. And finally, those political .......s at Dorna are eating crow while West, the forgotten privateer, is clicking off a promising potential. Haha, I'm glad those arrogant 250 bosses are looking like a bunch of idiots. .... them and their pampered Euro riders like Lorenzo.
I'm not gonna quote your entire post, but you made some great points about the state of the AMA and Roger Lee. Yes, the AMA could do so much better, its not just a few tracks, (though it seems people get stuck on the two bad ones) but I think it more the rules. One brand has dominated, and this has made for spread out riders and sometimes boring racing. The talent is there, but its not coming through due to the rules and lack of factory support for satellite teams, as well as more for the true privateers.
As far as Roger Lee, well I already posted my opinion, but I agree with most of what you said. Look at what West has don in WSBK and MotoGP (still hard to believe this change). Who knew the guy could keep up with the big boys...well not me, but Antfan knew. And finally, those political .......s at Dorna are eating crow while West, the forgotten privateer, is clicking off a promising potential. Haha, I'm glad those arrogant 250 bosses are looking like a bunch of idiots. .... them and their pampered Euro riders like Lorenzo.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (antfan @ Jun 29 2007, 09:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Good Read Here.
Aptly describes Ant's struggles through his life and career, give it gas Ant!!
Ant West's determination will take him to the top, i have no doubt about that ,
I have been following his career for years and every year i thought ,surely he will get a decent ride, well now he's on a half decent bike look out.
He has been overlooked for too long and its about time a rider who has talent can climb the ladder despite his passport.
Aptly describes Ant's struggles through his life and career, give it gas Ant!!
Ant West's determination will take him to the top, i have no doubt about that ,
I have been following his career for years and every year i thought ,surely he will get a decent ride, well now he's on a half decent bike look out.
He has been overlooked for too long and its about time a rider who has talent can climb the ladder despite his passport.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (pepik128 @ Jul 3 2007, 06:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Ant West's determination will take him to the top, i have no doubt about that ,
I have been following his career for years and every year i thought ,surely he will get a decent ride, well now he's on a half decent bike look out.
He has been overlooked for too long and its about time a rider who has talent can climb the ladder despite his passport.
I find it interesting when slow people who are nobodies in 250 or 125 can make such an impact on big bikes, i guess its just about finding their niche and being comfortable though. Its actually quite exciting to see teems taking risks with riders with less credentials (even if i don't particularly like them), it looks to have paid off with Guintoli and probaly will do even more with Ant, good on him.
I have been following his career for years and every year i thought ,surely he will get a decent ride, well now he's on a half decent bike look out.
He has been overlooked for too long and its about time a rider who has talent can climb the ladder despite his passport.
I find it interesting when slow people who are nobodies in 250 or 125 can make such an impact on big bikes, i guess its just about finding their niche and being comfortable though. Its actually quite exciting to see teems taking risks with riders with less credentials (even if i don't particularly like them), it looks to have paid off with Guintoli and probaly will do even more with Ant, good on him.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ Jul 4 2007, 03:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I find it interesting when slow people who are nobodies in 250 or 125 can make such an impact on big bikes, i guess its just about finding their niche and being comfortable though. Its actually quite exciting to see teems taking risks with riders with less credentials (even if i don't particularly like them), it looks to have paid off with Guintoli and probaly will do even more with Ant, good on him.
I haven't seen a slow Aussie yet,it's a long way to go to a motorbike race if you cant ride.
West can ride a motorbike with the best of them.
I haven't seen a slow Aussie yet,it's a long way to go to a motorbike race if you cant ride.
West can ride a motorbike with the best of them.
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2006
- Messages
- 24,726
- Location
- Your Mom's House
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ Jul 3 2007, 10:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I find it interesting when slow people who are nobodies in 250 or 125 can make such an impact on big bikes, i guess its just about finding their niche and being comfortable though. Its actually quite exciting to see teems taking risks with riders with less credentials (even if i don't particularly like them), it looks to have paid off with Guintoli and probaly will do even more with Ant, good on him.
Tom, are you not paying attention? Its not a matter of a slow rider doing well, but its about a fast rider not getting the competitive package because of politics; in the case of your beloved 125s and 250s, its a matter of who gets the goods. The whole point here is, West was not "slow" but rather under-supported on a .... bike, which you erroneously chalk up to "slow". It’s like Rossi riding the KR machine, would he have been considered a "slow" rider if he didn't manage to get results on this heap of crap?
Read the reality of politics in racing
Tom, are you not paying attention? Its not a matter of a slow rider doing well, but its about a fast rider not getting the competitive package because of politics; in the case of your beloved 125s and 250s, its a matter of who gets the goods. The whole point here is, West was not "slow" but rather under-supported on a .... bike, which you erroneously chalk up to "slow". It’s like Rossi riding the KR machine, would he have been considered a "slow" rider if he didn't manage to get results on this heap of crap?
Read the reality of politics in racing
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (antfan @ Jul 3 2007, 06:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Good read on Kawasaki's website about Ant:-
Clicky
Just a bit of a Q&A, shows Ant's change in attitude since catching a break, best of luck to him and I hope he stays in GP's for 08 :up:
Peace!
Good article! I dunno why so many people bag him for being difficult. He just wants to get the best out of himself and his bike. Now he's got a factory ride it'll be great to see what he can do.
Clicky
Just a bit of a Q&A, shows Ant's change in attitude since catching a break, best of luck to him and I hope he stays in GP's for 08 :up:
Peace!
Good article! I dunno why so many people bag him for being difficult. He just wants to get the best out of himself and his bike. Now he's got a factory ride it'll be great to see what he can do.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Racejumkie @ Jul 3 2007, 07:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Tom, are you not paying attention? Its not a matter of a slow rider doing well, but its about a fast rider not getting the competitive package because of politics; in the case of your beloved 125s and 250s, its a matter of who gets the goods. The whole point here is, West was not "slow" but rather under-supported on a .... bike, which you erroneously chalk up to "slow". It’s like Rossi riding the KR machine, would he have been considered a "slow" rider if he didn't manage to get results on this heap of crap?
Read the reality of politics in racing
I disagree with you though, West didn't make a good 250 rider, obviously when it rains he is comparatively better but in the dry he was out classed. To see what a bike like Ant was riding earlier this season can do see Marco Simoncelli, he bins it too often, but gets some very very competative times out of the same equipment, and hes bigger than Westy also. I said in my previous posts that i think getting on the 4 strokes in the superbike paddock would be a good route for him to take because he may find it suits him better and put him in a position to get into motogp in the future. Obviously i am surprised and impressed with how quickly and successfully he has made that route work for him, but his new found success doesn't suddenly make him a brilliant 250 rider.
Read the reality of politics in racing
I disagree with you though, West didn't make a good 250 rider, obviously when it rains he is comparatively better but in the dry he was out classed. To see what a bike like Ant was riding earlier this season can do see Marco Simoncelli, he bins it too often, but gets some very very competative times out of the same equipment, and hes bigger than Westy also. I said in my previous posts that i think getting on the 4 strokes in the superbike paddock would be a good route for him to take because he may find it suits him better and put him in a position to get into motogp in the future. Obviously i am surprised and impressed with how quickly and successfully he has made that route work for him, but his new found success doesn't suddenly make him a brilliant 250 rider.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ Jul 5 2007, 03:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I disagree with you though, West didn't make a good 250 rider, obviously when it rains he is comparatively better but in the dry he was out classed. To see what a bike like Ant was riding earlier this season can do see Marco Simoncelli, he bins it too often, but gets some very very competative times out of the same equipment, and hes bigger than Westy also. I said in my previous posts that i think getting on the 4 strokes in the superbike paddock would be a good route for him to take because he may find it suits him better and put him in a position to get into motogp in the future. Obviously i am surprised and impressed with how quickly and successfully he has made that route work for him, but his new found success doesn't suddenly make him a brilliant 250 rider.
Correct me if i'm wrong but Simoncelli rides for Squadra Corse Metis Gilera.
Somehow i dont think its the same bike Ant west was riding.
Correct me if i'm wrong but Simoncelli rides for Squadra Corse Metis Gilera.
Somehow i dont think its the same bike Ant west was riding.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (pepik128 @ Jul 4 2007, 09:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Correct me if i'm wrong but Simoncelli rides for Squadra Corse Metis Gilera.
Somehow i dont think its the same bike Ant west was riding.
You are correct, he does ride a Gilera, but his particular Gilera is the same bike and same spec as Ant's bike was until he left. Derbi's and Gileras are just Aprilias with different paint jobs.
Somehow i dont think its the same bike Ant west was riding.
You are correct, he does ride a Gilera, but his particular Gilera is the same bike and same spec as Ant's bike was until he left. Derbi's and Gileras are just Aprilias with different paint jobs.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ Jul 4 2007, 10:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>You are correct, he does ride a Gilera, but his particular Gilera is the same bike and same spec as Ant's bike was until he left. Derbi's and Gileras are just Aprilias with different paint jobs.
I knew Gilera and derbi was the same, but I didn't know they were Aprilias under the "bonnet". At least in 125 it used to be a genuine Derbi.
Any way, are you suggesting that all privateer bikes are the same?
I don't know too much about the details in GP, but in series like WSS there are plenty of options available, and non are the same.
A standard factory SS kit won't get you far, neither will a off the line Ten Kate SS. In that series they still rely on the "magic" mechanics that can find those extra horses inside the engine. It would surprice more than a little if not the same thing is the case in GP250. At least it used to be like that.
So unless the two are riding on the same team with the exact same upgrades, the bikes will differ. Just like in MotoGP, except there the support teams must wait for factory upgrades.
I knew Gilera and derbi was the same, but I didn't know they were Aprilias under the "bonnet". At least in 125 it used to be a genuine Derbi.
Any way, are you suggesting that all privateer bikes are the same?
I don't know too much about the details in GP, but in series like WSS there are plenty of options available, and non are the same.
A standard factory SS kit won't get you far, neither will a off the line Ten Kate SS. In that series they still rely on the "magic" mechanics that can find those extra horses inside the engine. It would surprice more than a little if not the same thing is the case in GP250. At least it used to be like that.
So unless the two are riding on the same team with the exact same upgrades, the bikes will differ. Just like in MotoGP, except there the support teams must wait for factory upgrades.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Babelfish @ Jul 4 2007, 09:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I knew Gilera and derbi was the same, but I didn't know they were Aprilias under the "bonnet". At least in 125 it used to be a genuine Derbi.
Any way, are you suggesting that all privateer bikes are the same?
I don't know too much about the details in GP, but in series like WSS there are plenty of options available, and non are the same.
A standard factory SS kit won't get you far, neither will a off the line Ten Kate SS. In that series they still rely on the "magic" mechanics that can find those extra horses inside the engine. It would surprice more than a little if not the same thing is the case in GP250. At least it used to be like that.
So unless the two are riding on the same team with the exact same upgrades, the bikes will differ. Just like in MotoGP, except there the support teams must wait for factory upgrades.
West and Marco were both supplied with " LE kit" bikes.
Any way, are you suggesting that all privateer bikes are the same?
I don't know too much about the details in GP, but in series like WSS there are plenty of options available, and non are the same.
A standard factory SS kit won't get you far, neither will a off the line Ten Kate SS. In that series they still rely on the "magic" mechanics that can find those extra horses inside the engine. It would surprice more than a little if not the same thing is the case in GP250. At least it used to be like that.
So unless the two are riding on the same team with the exact same upgrades, the bikes will differ. Just like in MotoGP, except there the support teams must wait for factory upgrades.
West and Marco were both supplied with " LE kit" bikes.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Babelfish @ Jul 5 2007, 06:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I knew Gilera and derbi was the same, but I didn't know they were Aprilias under the "bonnet". At least in 125 it used to be a genuine Derbi.
Any way, are you suggesting that all privateer bikes are the same?
I don't know too much about the details in GP, but in series like WSS there are plenty of options available, and non are the same.
A standard factory SS kit won't get you far, neither will a off the line Ten Kate SS. In that series they still rely on the "magic" mechanics that can find those extra horses inside the engine. It would surprice more than a little if not the same thing is the case in GP250. At least it used to be like that.
So unless the two are riding on the same team with the exact same upgrades, the bikes will differ. Just like in MotoGP, except there the support teams must wait for factory upgrades.
You are absolutley correct, anyone could see that Simoncelli's bike was so much faster than West's , i forget the race the two were together on the track. West was killing him in the corners and Simo would blast past on the straights.
Westy complained about the lack of technicans in the team. he had no one who knew anything about suspension and believe me that is a crucial area on a racing motorcycle.
This is why he was so frustrated with the team, i guess they didn't have the money that other teams have.
Any way, are you suggesting that all privateer bikes are the same?
I don't know too much about the details in GP, but in series like WSS there are plenty of options available, and non are the same.
A standard factory SS kit won't get you far, neither will a off the line Ten Kate SS. In that series they still rely on the "magic" mechanics that can find those extra horses inside the engine. It would surprice more than a little if not the same thing is the case in GP250. At least it used to be like that.
So unless the two are riding on the same team with the exact same upgrades, the bikes will differ. Just like in MotoGP, except there the support teams must wait for factory upgrades.
You are absolutley correct, anyone could see that Simoncelli's bike was so much faster than West's , i forget the race the two were together on the track. West was killing him in the corners and Simo would blast past on the straights.
Westy complained about the lack of technicans in the team. he had no one who knew anything about suspension and believe me that is a crucial area on a racing motorcycle.
This is why he was so frustrated with the team, i guess they didn't have the money that other teams have.
