Joined Oct 2006
25K Posts | 4K+
Your Mom's House
BSB Silverstone
- Thread starter Willski
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Joined Jan 2011
3K Posts | 152+
The North!
I agree with those on here who say that Hopkins has been a credit to himself and the series this year, it has been excellent for both. I have been thoroughly impressed, and should he win the title then props to him for doing what was required at his first attempt. Having said that, i still cannot accept the 'showdown' rules, they are awful and devalue significant characteristics of a good racer
Joined Feb 2007
11K Posts | 2K+
Tennessee
I have never liked showdown, chase, whatever they call them rules. it takes away hard earned accomplishments during a full season, and even though bike races are individual sprints, the season is a marathon. I know most of you guys dont like NASCAR, but right now, Tony Stewart, who slipped into the top 12 of the chase by his chinny chin chin, has won the first 2 races of the chase. These are his first 2 wins of the season and came as the result of stronger teams running out of gas. Now, a guy that was hopelessly out of the championship under the old points system, is leading the championship after 2 lucky wins. This was all done to bring a little excitement to the championship, sound familiar.
Joined Oct 2006
25K Posts | 4K+
Your Mom's House
Tom, Pov, though you disagree in principle to the showdown rules, it barely applies to Hopkins who has been in the thick of the title all year. Also, this "showdown" was in place since the beginning of the season right? Its not something that was sprung on them now, right? So they knew going in, that a short season would await them. Series have had similar rules like this before but in different form. for example, MotoGP/500 use to only count your results for your best finishes. This is something similar to what is happening now, as I understand the "showdown" (which admittedly is very little).
Joined Feb 2007
11K Posts | 2K+
Tennessee
Im sure we both realize that, still doesnt make me like this rule structure. Can you imagine WSS right now if that system was in place. A most deserving champion would more than likely be stripped of any chance of a title after dominating the season. Dude is leading the last race by a country mile and blows up. This weekend he is having clutch problems, have not seen where he ended up qualifying, but in provisional, he was way back.. It sucks, and the more i sit here and talk about, the less i like it
It does apply to Hopkins since he would otherwise be in 3rd overall with little more than a mathematical chance of winning overall, yet now he is leading. But as you say, and as i have always maintained the rules were there from race one and the riders can only ride the championship they are given. Hopper has played the system just as well as it has played him and he does deserve credit for what he's achieving
Joined Aug 2008
6K Posts | 748+
Thailand
Smashed wrist in '07 on the Rizla Zook... Smashed ankle in '08 on the soon-to-be-gone Kawi MGP, '09 WSBK dislocated hip at Assen and run over after crash at Nurburgring - unconscious for 10+ minutes... Boy's had a tough go... and a bit of a nutter to boot!!!
Joined Mar 2005
7K Posts | 20+
Woody Creek
He also broke his wrist pretty badly in the AMA last season, if I'm not mistaken. Doctors told him he had to retire. Found a second opinion and here we are.
He's busted his ... all year to get where he is, learning every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. In my opinion, Tommy Hill is better at Brands than anywhere else. If Hopkins can protect what little lead he has over the course of three races there, then I would consider this a truly momentous championship.
Whether he wins or loses, he's done what he's needed to do in the UK to earn himself a strong ride. Whether that's in MotoGP with Suzuki or in World Superbike "on a competitive team", I don't know. But he's achieved quite a bit since signing up for BSB. I'm impressed. And I used to be a hater.