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Cal, ready to step up with the big guys?

basspete

basspete

Joined Oct 2006
3K Posts | 197+
Living the dream in Scotland
Just read an excellent interview with Cal on the Motogp site. He's not lacking confidence, and he's looking bloody good in testing an the first race. I'm expecting to see him on the podium this year. Can he make the jump to alien status?
 
Getting on the podium does not make for alien status. If he does get a podium or 2, it will be because misfortune of others . I dont think he will race himself head to head to a podium against the Honda or Yamaha factory bikes.
 
I hope he gets factory support and new parts later in the season. No doubt he is talented and capable of podium but to achieve alien status rule no.1: factory ride no.2: home fans support
 
Alien = can run away with a championship. Can't see that.



But its good to see Cal. doing well, he is a refreshing character as well.
 
Aye good calls there, I got a good feeling about Cal, I don't think he's gonna be champion any time soon, but his showing against Dovi last week was quality, and Dovi is no slouch. Sincerely hope he gets the chance to develop his career and doesn't end up back in WSBK next year. He's young enough to come good.
 
Unless Tech 3 has an out in Bradley Smiths contract, they have ...... up royally. If not, and they have to honor their mistake, one of the 2 current riders is history. That is of course depends on Spies, even though i expect him to bounce back after his forgettable Qatar weekend. Normalcy will return with Crutch and Dovi fighting for their expected positions of 5-6 -7 based on bike performance.
 
Cal lived up to his testing results first race. I fully expect it to continue. He will get on the podium, hell maybe even a win at Silverstone if its raining cats and donkeys like last year.
<
 
For me Cal's season and probably career depends on two things this year. 1) His performance compared to the other Yamaha guys. Yamaha have arguably the best lineup accross their 4 bikes, Spies hasn't proven himself to be an alien yet but he has shown he can win and Dovi's credentials are pretty strong too. Cal has to hold his own against these guys at least, and preferably out score one of them come the end of the season. This means being quick everywhere, not getting hurt and being right there to pick up the podiums when one of the top 3 is not at their best for whatever reason.



2) Closely tied in with the first point, Cal is going to have to stay grounded with the increase in attention he will get, not just in the UK where a few more good results will have the pressure pouring on and people calling him our best hope for 30 years. It is I suppose about managing expectations, of himself, his team, Yamaha, the racig community and the fans. For me if he can do this, his performance will be enough to keep him in a good position next year
 
Tom said:
For me Cal's season and probably career depends on two things this year. 1) His performance compared to the other Yamaha guys. Yamaha have arguably the best lineup accross their 4 bikes, Spies hasn't proven himself to be an alien yet but he has shown he can win and Dovi's credentials are pretty strong too. Cal has to hold his own against these guys at least, and preferably out score one of them come the end of the season. This means being quick everywhere, not getting hurt and being right there to pick up the podiums when one of the top 3 is not at their best for whatever reason.



2) Closely tied in with the first point, Cal is going to have to stay grounded with the increase in attention he will get, not just in the UK where a few more good results will have the pressure pouring on and people calling him our best hope for 30 years. It is I suppose about managing expectations, of himself, his team, Yamaha, the racig community and the fans. For me if he can do this, his performance will be enough to keep him in a good position next year
Click to expand...



Great post Tom



Could not have put it better myself.
 
Tom said:
For me Cal's season and probably career depends on two things this year. 1) His performance compared to the other Yamaha guys. Yamaha have arguably the best lineup accross their 4 bikes, Spies hasn't proven himself to be an alien yet but he has shown he can win and Dovi's credentials are pretty strong too. Cal has to hold his own against these guys at least, and preferably out score one of them come the end of the season. This means being quick everywhere, not getting hurt and being right there to pick up the podiums when one of the top 3 is not at their best for whatever reason.



2) Closely tied in with the first point, Cal is going to have to stay grounded with the increase in attention he will get, not just in the UK where a few more good results will have the pressure pouring on and people calling him our best hope for 30 years. It is I suppose about managing expectations, of himself, his team, Yamaha, the racig community and the fans. For me if he can do this, his performance will be enough to keep him in a good position next year
Click to expand...

Welcome back to the forum Tom.



Good post.
 
The answer is no. Well, not just yet.



But having said that, he has taken it to the next level, and that is a great achievement. I hope he continues to ride well and finish top 5 regularly. The Brits desperately want to see the next Sheene, and Cal has done as well as any Brits since then. First Toseland was a false dawn, and Cal had a poor 2011, but whatever the secret is, he is far better this year.



I really do hope that he does well in the future, because, perhaps then, we will see the pommy contingent here and elsewhere cutting Casey a bit of slack.
<
Do you think that is possible?
 
I was talking to a mate (Mat) about this last night.

After speaking to Cal in Valencia last year it was refreshing to hear how enthusiastic he was about the new formula.

He gave me the impression that he believed the 1000cc machine would better suit his riding style and body shape.

It appears he was correct and so far so good.

Now a few seem to be knocking Toesland. (I admit I wasn't a fan).

But I put this to you all,

How do you think Toesland would have performed had he come into GP at this time? ie beginning of the 1000cc era.

Maybe he would have performed better.

Back to Cal. I honestly believe a podium is just out of reach for Cal this season (barring other factory riders going down)

He has to be battling for fourth at every race but fifth will always be the realistic goal.

As long as he can beat Dovi he should have a seat next year.

If he can beat the Pieman this season then he might even be on something blue and white next season.

Spies and Pedrosa are the ones fighting for their rides this season IMO.
 
Would be great he if could step up and mix it with the 3 usuals - it will be boring if it's just Casey, George, and Pedro week in week out. However, I think he has a bit to go at this stage.
 
basspete said:
Just read an excellent interview with Cal on the Motogp site. He's not lacking confidence, and he's looking bloody good in testing an the first race. I'm expecting to see him on the podium this year. Can he make the jump to alien status?
Click to expand...



Pete check out after the flag, 14.55 in with Cal. Hilarious!

He's a proper boy as Martin would say
<
 

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