Correct me if I am wrong, but if he wins the championship this year, it will be the first time in SBK history that a rider wins it in his rookie season. Just how talented do you think Ben Spies really is? I assume he will eventually move to MotoGP and will be highly competitive, but do you think he has the potential to have a career of dominance ala Rossi?
Joined Oct 2006
25K Posts | 4K+
Your Mom's House
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Burky @ Jul 29 2009, 02:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Oh he is the real deal alright!!!!
Agree. He's got 11 wins. Two DNFs should have been wins, and one 'I got torpedoed and lived to tell about it" t-shirt, from the lead no less. Not to mention a gazillion poles, almost all in a row, at new tracks he's never seen. Uhm yeah, he's the real deal. And he's been beating two Ducatis that might as well be in MotoGP. (Think about this for a moment, if Spies is not in the series, we would have seen two Ducatis on the podium so often that it would have begged the question, are these like Buells in AMA/DSB?)
To answer the thread question: ITS A BIG FING DEAL!
Agree. He's got 11 wins. Two DNFs should have been wins, and one 'I got torpedoed and lived to tell about it" t-shirt, from the lead no less. Not to mention a gazillion poles, almost all in a row, at new tracks he's never seen. Uhm yeah, he's the real deal. And he's been beating two Ducatis that might as well be in MotoGP. (Think about this for a moment, if Spies is not in the series, we would have seen two Ducatis on the podium so often that it would have begged the question, are these like Buells in AMA/DSB?)
To answer the thread question: ITS A BIG FING DEAL!
I'd heard he was pretty good while he was still in AMA, but I became convinced he was something special after seeing how he went on at Donington MotoGP last year. I said last year that Suzuki were crazy not to sign him for MotoGP this year, and I'm even more sure of that now.
11 race wins, 9 poles, on a new bike,team and tracks he hasn't raced on before.
....... oath he's the real deal. Earlier this year i copped a bit of stick saying he would win the title when he was 60 points down on Nori, but now with 4 rounds (eight races ) remaining he's only 7 points down on nitro,the title is looking really good.
....... oath he's the real deal. Earlier this year i copped a bit of stick saying he would win the title when he was 60 points down on Nori, but now with 4 rounds (eight races ) remaining he's only 7 points down on nitro,the title is looking really good.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (DirtyD86 @ Jul 29 2009, 02:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Correct me if I am wrong, but if he wins the championship this year, it will be the first time in SBK history that a rider wins it in his rookie season. Just how talented do you think Ben Spies really is? I assume he will eventually move to MotoGP and will be highly competitive, but do you think he has the potential to have a career of dominance ala Rossi?
Polen won in his rookie season. Merkel was the champion in his rookie season too (but that was everyone's rookie season).
Polen won in his rookie season. Merkel was the champion in his rookie season too (but that was everyone's rookie season).
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (DirtyD86 @ Jul 29 2009, 10:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Correct me if I am wrong, but if he wins the championship this year, it will be the first time in SBK history that a rider wins it in his rookie season. Just how talented do you think Ben Spies really is? I assume he will eventually move to MotoGP and will be highly competitive, but do you think he has the potential to have a career of dominance ala Rossi?
Hes had a great career so far and its only going to get better but a career of dominance ala Rossi I dont think so
Hes had a great career so far and its only going to get better but a career of dominance ala Rossi I dont think so
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (DirtyD86 @ Jul 29 2009, 10:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Correct me if I am wrong, but if he wins the championship this year, it will be the first time in SBK history that a rider wins it in his rookie season. Just how talented do you think Ben Spies really is? I assume he will eventually move to MotoGP and will be highly competitive, but do you think he has the potential to have a career of dominance ala Rossi?
Yawn..................I know I must be the only American that has no use for Ben Spies.
He's good, he'll have a good career but I'm just not on board. The worship he's getting is just lame in my opinion. His "fanboys" are every bit as rabid as Rossi's.
Yawn..................I know I must be the only American that has no use for Ben Spies.
He's good, he'll have a good career but I'm just not on board. The worship he's getting is just lame in my opinion. His "fanboys" are every bit as rabid as Rossi's.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (levigarrett @ Jul 29 2009, 07:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Yawn..................I know I must be the only American that has no use for Ben Spies.
He's good, he'll have a good career but I'm just not on board. The worship he's getting is just lame in my opinion. His "fanboys" are every bit as rabid as Rossi's.
You are not the only one. I am a big believer in him but the cold, hard truth is that WSBK is a second class junior series as far as talent is concerned. Dominating such a championship, although impressive, is not guarantee for GP success.
Another thing I dislike about Spies is that I believe he is naturally arrogant and his humbleness is self-imposed and trained for good PR. He DOES deserve credit for actively trying to be humble and considerate since that is more than a lot of riders, but the hidden arrogance is still a minus in my book.
He's good, he'll have a good career but I'm just not on board. The worship he's getting is just lame in my opinion. His "fanboys" are every bit as rabid as Rossi's.
You are not the only one. I am a big believer in him but the cold, hard truth is that WSBK is a second class junior series as far as talent is concerned. Dominating such a championship, although impressive, is not guarantee for GP success.
Another thing I dislike about Spies is that I believe he is naturally arrogant and his humbleness is self-imposed and trained for good PR. He DOES deserve credit for actively trying to be humble and considerate since that is more than a lot of riders, but the hidden arrogance is still a minus in my book.
he's obviously a huge deal in superbike racing,the stats and the hype make that obvious. Gp is a different level though so we'll have to wait and see, i expect him to be good but i don't expect him to be champion.
Joined Aug 2007
11K Posts | 3K+
Pomona NY
Will he be the new Rossi. My gut says no. The next King Kenny/Doug Polen? Very likely.
I think we're looking at least one or two MotoGP championships in the next 6 years.
Funny to think on it - but it wasn't that long ago folks were speculating about how he
hated flying - saying Spies wouldn't be able to adjust to the travel, etc. Now he's completely
"chewing up the scenary".
I think we're looking at least one or two MotoGP championships in the next 6 years.
Funny to think on it - but it wasn't that long ago folks were speculating about how he
hated flying - saying Spies wouldn't be able to adjust to the travel, etc. Now he's completely
"chewing up the scenary".
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (levigarrett @ Jul 30 2009, 02:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>His "fanboys" are every bit as rabid as Rossi's.
I agree that fanboy worship gets annoying. It distracts from those who follow the sport closer and see the big picture.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (yello13 @ Jul 30 2009, 05:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>WSBK is a second class junior series as far as talent is concerned. Dominating such a championship, although impressive, is not guarantee for GP success.
WSBK is not as junior as it used to be, sure it's the place where many GP riders go to continue their career, but the field is still strong. However I won't deny that MotoGP still has the top riders in the world, but not all of them. Also I agree that success in WSBK does not mean a guarantee in GP. Many riders have made the jump from WSBK to GP and not been as successful. Spies is a bit different then those that came before him, as he most likely will only do 1 year in WSBK, as his aspirations were for a ride in GP. One things Spies has shown everyone is his ability to adapt and learn quickly. Time will tell if he can make the hard adjust to the 800cc machines, lately it's been mostly the riders with a 250 background that have made the best switch.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (yello13 @ Jul 30 2009, 05:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Another thing I dislike about Spies is that I believe he is naturally arrogant and his humbleness is self-imposed and trained for good PR. He DOES deserve credit for actively trying to be humble and considerate since that is more than a lot of riders, but the hidden arrogance is still a minus in my book.
Not knowing a rider personally it is hard for me to really judge their character. The TV shows a filtered view of the riders. It shows them when they are their most focused, when their game face is on, when after weeks and weeks of build up and training, it is now race time. When it's race day I can see how a lot of this comes out as arrogance, as they are focused on the competition, rather then socializing and making friends. Like all competition talent only goes so far, it becomes a mental thing. Having the a solid tough mental picture is what brings the win. These riders are the best in the world, and anyone that is the best has to first think they are the best.
I agree that fanboy worship gets annoying. It distracts from those who follow the sport closer and see the big picture.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (yello13 @ Jul 30 2009, 05:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>WSBK is a second class junior series as far as talent is concerned. Dominating such a championship, although impressive, is not guarantee for GP success.
WSBK is not as junior as it used to be, sure it's the place where many GP riders go to continue their career, but the field is still strong. However I won't deny that MotoGP still has the top riders in the world, but not all of them. Also I agree that success in WSBK does not mean a guarantee in GP. Many riders have made the jump from WSBK to GP and not been as successful. Spies is a bit different then those that came before him, as he most likely will only do 1 year in WSBK, as his aspirations were for a ride in GP. One things Spies has shown everyone is his ability to adapt and learn quickly. Time will tell if he can make the hard adjust to the 800cc machines, lately it's been mostly the riders with a 250 background that have made the best switch.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (yello13 @ Jul 30 2009, 05:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Another thing I dislike about Spies is that I believe he is naturally arrogant and his humbleness is self-imposed and trained for good PR. He DOES deserve credit for actively trying to be humble and considerate since that is more than a lot of riders, but the hidden arrogance is still a minus in my book.
Not knowing a rider personally it is hard for me to really judge their character. The TV shows a filtered view of the riders. It shows them when they are their most focused, when their game face is on, when after weeks and weeks of build up and training, it is now race time. When it's race day I can see how a lot of this comes out as arrogance, as they are focused on the competition, rather then socializing and making friends. Like all competition talent only goes so far, it becomes a mental thing. Having the a solid tough mental picture is what brings the win. These riders are the best in the world, and anyone that is the best has to first think they are the best.
Joined Aug 2007
11K Posts | 3K+
Pomona NY
Interesting quote from Spies:
Interviewer: Were surprised you could learn the new tracks so quickly?
Spies: I wouldn't say it's so much me when it comes to that. The European
tracks are faster and they're safer. Everybody knows that. But the AMA
tracks are actually quite hard to learn. They're very technical and very
bumpy. They've got a lot of different things going on. These [European
tracks] are more flowing tracks so they're easier to learn. You can be
looser as far as not having to hit the apex perfectly. You can miss it
by a foot and still be OK. If you do that at an American track it really
hurts you and ruins the whole lap.
Another thing I dislike about Spies is that I believe he is naturally arrogant and his humbleness is self-imposed and trained for good PR. He DOES deserve credit for actively trying to be humble and considerate since that is more than a lot of riders, but the hidden arrogance is still a minus in my book.
The above statement is from someone who's never raced. When a rider is in the paddock and fully focused on the race - he doesn't want to be distracted by fans or interviewers - and will generally have on what's known as "Race Face" - which is frequently mistaken for arrogance. The need to be TV friendly and obligations from sponsors to be friendly to every ...... in the paddock are a heinous drag and a big drain on energy. Doing meet and greets and post race autograph sessions are different. But you can't expect riders to be all smiley-faced 24-7. If you want that - you should watch Peewee Herman re-runs.
Interviewer: Were surprised you could learn the new tracks so quickly?
Spies: I wouldn't say it's so much me when it comes to that. The European
tracks are faster and they're safer. Everybody knows that. But the AMA
tracks are actually quite hard to learn. They're very technical and very
bumpy. They've got a lot of different things going on. These [European
tracks] are more flowing tracks so they're easier to learn. You can be
looser as far as not having to hit the apex perfectly. You can miss it
by a foot and still be OK. If you do that at an American track it really
hurts you and ruins the whole lap.
Another thing I dislike about Spies is that I believe he is naturally arrogant and his humbleness is self-imposed and trained for good PR. He DOES deserve credit for actively trying to be humble and considerate since that is more than a lot of riders, but the hidden arrogance is still a minus in my book.
The above statement is from someone who's never raced. When a rider is in the paddock and fully focused on the race - he doesn't want to be distracted by fans or interviewers - and will generally have on what's known as "Race Face" - which is frequently mistaken for arrogance. The need to be TV friendly and obligations from sponsors to be friendly to every ...... in the paddock are a heinous drag and a big drain on energy. Doing meet and greets and post race autograph sessions are different. But you can't expect riders to be all smiley-faced 24-7. If you want that - you should watch Peewee Herman re-runs.
Joined Feb 2007
11K Posts | 2K+
Tennessee
Ben does not have an outgoing personality even though he is a very outgoing person.He has his circle of friends that he sticks with and i dont see that as arrogant. He is a quite person that you probaly wont see riding around in a chicken suit. Some people say thats is arrogant, bombastic,self serving behavior but if thats what you like,Bens not your guy. I look at him as focused and as far as evrything else, who cares,its not like im going to be buddy buddy with him in my life. He is American, he comes across as well mannered, and he is kicking ...,thats enough for me.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (levigarrett @ Jul 29 2009, 07:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Yawn..................I know I must be the only American that has no use for Ben Spies.
He's good, he'll have a good career but I'm just not on board. The worship he's getting is just lame in my opinion. His "fanboys" are every bit as rabid as Rossi's.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (yello13 @ Jul 29 2009, 10:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>You are not the only one. I am a big believer in him but the cold, hard truth is that WSBK is a second class junior series as far as talent is concerned. Dominating such a championship, although impressive, is not guarantee for GP success.
Another thing I dislike about Spies is that I believe he is naturally arrogant and his humbleness is self-imposed and trained for good PR. He DOES deserve credit for actively trying to be humble and considerate since that is more than a lot of riders, but the hidden arrogance is still a minus in my book.
It is a known fact that Ben is well liked in the paddock and he is well respected on track. Two things that don't come along if you are fake. His love for racing, respect for the other riders, and true concern for other riders (Haga comes to mind), are first class and very consistent. If anything would have brought out the above traits that you claim, it would have been Fabrizio. Not only did he keep it cool but he went on with his business.
He's good, he'll have a good career but I'm just not on board. The worship he's getting is just lame in my opinion. His "fanboys" are every bit as rabid as Rossi's.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (yello13 @ Jul 29 2009, 10:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>You are not the only one. I am a big believer in him but the cold, hard truth is that WSBK is a second class junior series as far as talent is concerned. Dominating such a championship, although impressive, is not guarantee for GP success.
Another thing I dislike about Spies is that I believe he is naturally arrogant and his humbleness is self-imposed and trained for good PR. He DOES deserve credit for actively trying to be humble and considerate since that is more than a lot of riders, but the hidden arrogance is still a minus in my book.
It is a known fact that Ben is well liked in the paddock and he is well respected on track. Two things that don't come along if you are fake. His love for racing, respect for the other riders, and true concern for other riders (Haga comes to mind), are first class and very consistent. If anything would have brought out the above traits that you claim, it would have been Fabrizio. Not only did he keep it cool but he went on with his business.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Bootsakah @ Jul 30 2009, 03:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>WSBK is not as junior as it used to be, sure it's the place where many GP riders go to continue their career, but the field is still strong.
Spies is a bit different then those that came before him, as he most likely will only do 1 year in WSBK, as his aspirations were for a ride in GP.
Time will tell if he can make the hard adjust to the 800cc machines, lately it's been mostly the riders with a 250 background that have made the best switch.
What is it that makes you convinced this is true? I'm not convinced that WSBK is any closer to GP than has been in the past.
Spies may only do one year in world supers, but he's been on superbikes a long time now with all his time in the AMA.
The 800's might be heavy on the front end, but hasn't it already been said in this topic and elswhere that Ben rides the front end hard? He looks pretty fast and commited into the corners to me at least.
Spies is a bit different then those that came before him, as he most likely will only do 1 year in WSBK, as his aspirations were for a ride in GP.
Time will tell if he can make the hard adjust to the 800cc machines, lately it's been mostly the riders with a 250 background that have made the best switch.
What is it that makes you convinced this is true? I'm not convinced that WSBK is any closer to GP than has been in the past.
Spies may only do one year in world supers, but he's been on superbikes a long time now with all his time in the AMA.
The 800's might be heavy on the front end, but hasn't it already been said in this topic and elswhere that Ben rides the front end hard? He looks pretty fast and commited into the corners to me at least.
Joined Oct 2006
25K Posts | 4K+
Your Mom's House
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (levigarrett @ Jul 29 2009, 07:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Yawn..................I know I must be the only American that has no use for Ben Spies.
He's good, he'll have a good career but I'm just not on board. The worship he's getting is just lame in my opinion. His "fanboys" are every bit as rabid as Rossi's.
Hi Levi,
What does "have no use for him" mean? Does it mean you don't like him? I can understand that, I don't particularly like him either, while in the AMA, though I have started to warm up to him considerably in WSBK. But that is not the question, is it? (Disclaimer: Not being bellicose here, as I was recently accused of being "abrasive", which I often am, this is not one of those times, and "long winded" sorry, this is one of those times).
I was not aware that he has the rabid fanboys and worship to any degree of comparison to Rossi. In fact, the comparisons to Rossi is a bit laughable at this point. (So he has a few fanboys, .... in that case pick any rider on the grid, you will find these types of fans, yes any of them). The truth is he hasn't been around long enough to garner such worship, yet.
Here is the problem I have with your second point, even though I agree with you that any kind of "worship" or "rabid fanboyism" is a turn off and distracting (though I admit, I've been guilty of feeling a strong sense of admiration for Nicky Hayden which can easily be called fanboyish) you are suggesting that the "worship" is unfounded. You do admit he is "good" but that is grossly understating his accomplishment so far.
You know, I started to get some stats for you to prove my point just how shocking his dominance has been, but I decided against it because frankly is a lot of work. But is this stuff that give the impression that he is starting to be "worshiped". Suffice it to say that anybody who is close to the sport is amazed at Spies dominance. Its already mentioned before, it seems you are not impressed, but its one thing for a veteran like Haga to have so much success, after all he is the standard of the series and has been runner up to the champions several time, it quite another universe for a rookie, in every sense of the word to be consistently beating everybody. Again, this point cannot be understated. But then factor in that his dominance in every aspect of qual to race has been routinely crushed by Spies, well then that just puts him in a stratospheric class. Don't mistake the reality of his dominance when people point it out in amazement as rabid fanboyism. That would be incorrect. Don’t mistake people trying to get a glimpse of the new sensation as worship, they haven’t had time to build a tabernacle since everybody who really understands the level of competition and what he is doing with it, is still shocked.
Here is another way of looking at it Levi, pick another rookie, either in WSBK and MotoGP (the two highest levels of the sport) and try to make an argument why he is NOT an extraordinary anomaly of dominance. Consider, poles, wins, laps led, fastest lap, circuit records, on a new bike, new tires, new tracks, new team, new class, new series experience (don’t forget to factor in mechanicals and torpedoes please). I think you will find, that he fits the bill, in numbers alone, that he is truly a astonishing! That doesn’t make one a fanboy or a worshiper in recognizing this, it just makes them aware of his accomplishment so far.
He's good, he'll have a good career but I'm just not on board. The worship he's getting is just lame in my opinion. His "fanboys" are every bit as rabid as Rossi's.
Hi Levi,
What does "have no use for him" mean? Does it mean you don't like him? I can understand that, I don't particularly like him either, while in the AMA, though I have started to warm up to him considerably in WSBK. But that is not the question, is it? (Disclaimer: Not being bellicose here, as I was recently accused of being "abrasive", which I often am, this is not one of those times, and "long winded" sorry, this is one of those times).
I was not aware that he has the rabid fanboys and worship to any degree of comparison to Rossi. In fact, the comparisons to Rossi is a bit laughable at this point. (So he has a few fanboys, .... in that case pick any rider on the grid, you will find these types of fans, yes any of them). The truth is he hasn't been around long enough to garner such worship, yet.
Here is the problem I have with your second point, even though I agree with you that any kind of "worship" or "rabid fanboyism" is a turn off and distracting (though I admit, I've been guilty of feeling a strong sense of admiration for Nicky Hayden which can easily be called fanboyish) you are suggesting that the "worship" is unfounded. You do admit he is "good" but that is grossly understating his accomplishment so far.
You know, I started to get some stats for you to prove my point just how shocking his dominance has been, but I decided against it because frankly is a lot of work. But is this stuff that give the impression that he is starting to be "worshiped". Suffice it to say that anybody who is close to the sport is amazed at Spies dominance. Its already mentioned before, it seems you are not impressed, but its one thing for a veteran like Haga to have so much success, after all he is the standard of the series and has been runner up to the champions several time, it quite another universe for a rookie, in every sense of the word to be consistently beating everybody. Again, this point cannot be understated. But then factor in that his dominance in every aspect of qual to race has been routinely crushed by Spies, well then that just puts him in a stratospheric class. Don't mistake the reality of his dominance when people point it out in amazement as rabid fanboyism. That would be incorrect. Don’t mistake people trying to get a glimpse of the new sensation as worship, they haven’t had time to build a tabernacle since everybody who really understands the level of competition and what he is doing with it, is still shocked.
Here is another way of looking at it Levi, pick another rookie, either in WSBK and MotoGP (the two highest levels of the sport) and try to make an argument why he is NOT an extraordinary anomaly of dominance. Consider, poles, wins, laps led, fastest lap, circuit records, on a new bike, new tires, new tracks, new team, new class, new series experience (don’t forget to factor in mechanicals and torpedoes please). I think you will find, that he fits the bill, in numbers alone, that he is truly a astonishing! That doesn’t make one a fanboy or a worshiper in recognizing this, it just makes them aware of his accomplishment so far.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Jul 30 2009, 09:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Hi Levi,
You were too nice. Don't expect a constructive reponse. Levi's post had a Pinky esque flavor to it.
You were too nice. Don't expect a constructive reponse. Levi's post had a Pinky esque flavor to it.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ Jul 30 2009, 03:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>What is it that makes you convinced this is true? I'm not convinced that WSBK is any closer to GP than has been in the past.
Firstly, I'm not denying that GP has the best riders, it definitely attracts the best, but perhaps only the top 5-6 I would consider the "best". Even so I'm not fully convinced all of these top riders could switch over to Superbikes and be successful (after an off season of testing of course). WSBK bikes are more advanced then the past, sure they are based on production, but look at the recent Aprilia for example, some advanced machinery, which some may argue is a bit too "prototype-ish" for a supposed stock based series. In many cases their lap times are not far off GP times. WSBK has came a long way from being the "Ducati Cup". The field in WSBK I feel is a lot deeper in talent then the past, many of the riders in WSBK could do just as well as many GP riders. Could they all be top riders in GP, perhaps not. MotoGP is still the senior, but WSBK is not far off.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ Jul 30 2009, 03:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Spies may only do one year in world supers, but he's been on superbikes a long time now with all his time in the AMA.
Truth, but many still did not expect him to do so well with the change in bike, team, tracks, lifestyle. I was certainly surprised.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ Jul 30 2009, 03:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>The 800's might be heavy on the front end, but hasn't it already been said in this topic and elswhere that Ben rides the front end hard? He looks pretty fast and commited into the corners to me at least.
Time will tell if he can do it. For the sake of MotoGP I hope so, because as it stands right now, most people are convinced the only way you can succeed in MotoGP is to come thru the ranks of the 125/250. Which means a whole bunch of Italians and Spanish. Hardly an international affair. I however feel the Moto2 class will change this, but that depends on how those machines will ride. Will they be like mini MotoGP bikes, or more like Supersport?
Firstly, I'm not denying that GP has the best riders, it definitely attracts the best, but perhaps only the top 5-6 I would consider the "best". Even so I'm not fully convinced all of these top riders could switch over to Superbikes and be successful (after an off season of testing of course). WSBK bikes are more advanced then the past, sure they are based on production, but look at the recent Aprilia for example, some advanced machinery, which some may argue is a bit too "prototype-ish" for a supposed stock based series. In many cases their lap times are not far off GP times. WSBK has came a long way from being the "Ducati Cup". The field in WSBK I feel is a lot deeper in talent then the past, many of the riders in WSBK could do just as well as many GP riders. Could they all be top riders in GP, perhaps not. MotoGP is still the senior, but WSBK is not far off.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ Jul 30 2009, 03:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Spies may only do one year in world supers, but he's been on superbikes a long time now with all his time in the AMA.
Truth, but many still did not expect him to do so well with the change in bike, team, tracks, lifestyle. I was certainly surprised.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ Jul 30 2009, 03:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>The 800's might be heavy on the front end, but hasn't it already been said in this topic and elswhere that Ben rides the front end hard? He looks pretty fast and commited into the corners to me at least.
Time will tell if he can do it. For the sake of MotoGP I hope so, because as it stands right now, most people are convinced the only way you can succeed in MotoGP is to come thru the ranks of the 125/250. Which means a whole bunch of Italians and Spanish. Hardly an international affair. I however feel the Moto2 class will change this, but that depends on how those machines will ride. Will they be like mini MotoGP bikes, or more like Supersport?
Joined Mar 2005
7K Posts | 20+
Woody Creek
With the 800s it's hard to tell how a SBK rider will adapt but he looked quite promising aboard the Suzuki last year so I don't think he'll have too much trouble. Especially if he lands a Yamaha. He's the real deal. Will he be Rossi? Of course not. Will be be in the elite group with Lorenzo, Stoner and Pedrosa (and Rossi should he still be around by the time Spies gets onto factory equipment)? Absolutely. I'm not going to say he'll win a title but he will definitely be in that lead group. I said a few years ago that Spies would have a stronger career than Hayden at a time when Hayden was winning races/championship. Maybe someone who's been here long enough can back me up on this.
