Duhamel to replace injured Elias.
- Thread starter bluenitro99
- Start date
This is a respectful, great gesture. Duhamel is an old school tough and wily rider with all the skills that you wish you had (but you don't have the genes). He won a championship race with a fractured leg. You had better believe he will be in it
...
Excellent to have a Canuk on the track for once.
Excellent to have a Canuk on the track for once.
I don't mind watching one of the 'old' guys have a shot. Although the other US Honda riders aren't exactly spring chickens, Zemke is 31, Hayes 32. BSB and WSBK riders have championships and a stint at the 8 hour to worry about, so who else is going to do it?
Hodgson described Miguel as the smoothest rider he has ever seen, so maybe the 800 will suit him ok for 1 weekend.
I look forward to seeing him race, its unpredictable if nothing else.
Hodgson described Miguel as the smoothest rider he has ever seen, so maybe the 800 will suit him ok for 1 weekend.
I look forward to seeing him race, its unpredictable if nothing else.
Joined Mar 2005
7K Posts | 20+
Woody Creek
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MigsAngel @ Jul 4 2007, 07:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Seriously though, Miguel has only won AMA titles, and the one year he tried to have a go at actual road racing by entering GPs his best finish was 5th...
Unfortunately, like most riders in the AMA he is a comfortable potato in his non-competative odd-ruled series...and will ride around Laguna like he is king for a day and he will show well, but it is a little sad Honda could not have the guts to put someone good on the Elias' bike...
What his GP statistics don't tell you is that he rode for a half-assed Yamaha France effort and all their resources were poured into his teammate. Most actually believed that he had a very impressive rookie season but because he brought no potential sponsorship money was passed over when it came to contract time.
I get really tired of hearing how every rider in the AMA is just happy as a clam to sit around the states and ride in a semi-retirement league. Team managers and sponsors don't exactly come searching through this part of the world to find a rider to put on a WSS or 125 in order to groom them for world championship stardom. American riders don't have that luxury. So they ride in the AMA championships and earn a decent living. In that once every so often case, an AMA rider makes a big impact with the powers that be and make their move to Europe. Like I said, once every so often, world championship rides aren't given out like candy to riders over here.
Just out of curiosity, how come these sorts of allegations aren't levelled towards any other domestic SBK riders?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (phleg @ Jul 4 2007, 09:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Well I'll chip in then since I do know some '....' about AMA.
The AMA is a domestic series, it's not the most competitive (open to debate but it's true, two guys always win)...but the Yanks here (sorry it sounds so condescending) always chip into some GP talent threads and shout about how good your guys, we do it over here about BSB, but not to the same extent.
Ok, I may have ranted, but:
Duhamel has won countless minor AMA divisions has he not? I know he has won countless SS titles but only one AMA title, before the Suzuki domination began, but that being said, he should have jumped to Zook. What is the point of putting Miguel Duhamel on the bike? There are countless American talents who are riding Honda's, such as Jake Zemke (who I actually rate, dunno why, he seems like a cool guy) who could actually benefit from the experience.
But to place him on the same pedastel as Bayliss? That is a bit silly don't'cha think RJ? Bayliss is a proven GP winner and WORLD Superbike champion, whereas Miguel never made it out of his own series, save for a .... year in GP500.
Btw correct me if I'm wrong on anything.
PS Isn't the AMA on a control Dunlop tyre rule? That should prove difficult to overcome with Bridgestone.
PPS My longest ever post!
Duhamel has been a loyal Honda man since the early/mid 90s. In that span he was passed over countless times by GP teams and continually stayed with Honda. When the Honda works from time to time, Duhamel can really hang with Mladin. They've had some good duels. Also, considering he's been such a loyal rider for so long, Honda know what they're getting. He's going to do nothing but praise Honda for giving him the opportunity and say how similar the 212 is to a 600FX bike and how everyone should go buy one. And they certainly won't risk him slagging off the bike as Melandri does.
As far as giving the ride to another US Honda rider, they really don't have any other options. Zemke is 31 with no GP future, unfortunately. Hayes 32 and far less opportunities than Zemke. I'm a big Zemke fan as well but it just makes the most sense to give the ride to Duhamel (given the current circumstances, personally I would have liked to see Rea or Hodgson on the bike).
Unfortunately, like most riders in the AMA he is a comfortable potato in his non-competative odd-ruled series...and will ride around Laguna like he is king for a day and he will show well, but it is a little sad Honda could not have the guts to put someone good on the Elias' bike...
What his GP statistics don't tell you is that he rode for a half-assed Yamaha France effort and all their resources were poured into his teammate. Most actually believed that he had a very impressive rookie season but because he brought no potential sponsorship money was passed over when it came to contract time.
I get really tired of hearing how every rider in the AMA is just happy as a clam to sit around the states and ride in a semi-retirement league. Team managers and sponsors don't exactly come searching through this part of the world to find a rider to put on a WSS or 125 in order to groom them for world championship stardom. American riders don't have that luxury. So they ride in the AMA championships and earn a decent living. In that once every so often case, an AMA rider makes a big impact with the powers that be and make their move to Europe. Like I said, once every so often, world championship rides aren't given out like candy to riders over here.
Just out of curiosity, how come these sorts of allegations aren't levelled towards any other domestic SBK riders?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (phleg @ Jul 4 2007, 09:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Well I'll chip in then since I do know some '....' about AMA.
The AMA is a domestic series, it's not the most competitive (open to debate but it's true, two guys always win)...but the Yanks here (sorry it sounds so condescending) always chip into some GP talent threads and shout about how good your guys, we do it over here about BSB, but not to the same extent.
Ok, I may have ranted, but:
Duhamel has won countless minor AMA divisions has he not? I know he has won countless SS titles but only one AMA title, before the Suzuki domination began, but that being said, he should have jumped to Zook. What is the point of putting Miguel Duhamel on the bike? There are countless American talents who are riding Honda's, such as Jake Zemke (who I actually rate, dunno why, he seems like a cool guy) who could actually benefit from the experience.
But to place him on the same pedastel as Bayliss? That is a bit silly don't'cha think RJ? Bayliss is a proven GP winner and WORLD Superbike champion, whereas Miguel never made it out of his own series, save for a .... year in GP500.
Btw correct me if I'm wrong on anything.
PS Isn't the AMA on a control Dunlop tyre rule? That should prove difficult to overcome with Bridgestone.
PPS My longest ever post!
Duhamel has been a loyal Honda man since the early/mid 90s. In that span he was passed over countless times by GP teams and continually stayed with Honda. When the Honda works from time to time, Duhamel can really hang with Mladin. They've had some good duels. Also, considering he's been such a loyal rider for so long, Honda know what they're getting. He's going to do nothing but praise Honda for giving him the opportunity and say how similar the 212 is to a 600FX bike and how everyone should go buy one. And they certainly won't risk him slagging off the bike as Melandri does.
As far as giving the ride to another US Honda rider, they really don't have any other options. Zemke is 31 with no GP future, unfortunately. Hayes 32 and far less opportunities than Zemke. I'm a big Zemke fan as well but it just makes the most sense to give the ride to Duhamel (given the current circumstances, personally I would have liked to see Rea or Hodgson on the bike).
Joined Jun 2007
3K Posts | 309+
UK
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ Jul 5 2007, 04:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Just out of curiosity, how come these sorts of allegations aren't levelled towards any other domestic SBK riders?
I think this is because most riders in the other domestic SBK series are aiming (and publically statethey want) to move beyond the current domestic series.
Also keep in mind many riders leave other SBK series to race is BSB, For instance B.Sheene pushing or taking Chris V to BSB to move ahead in his career, if AMA was a more premier series then Sheene would taken him there instead.
Lastly, AMA SBK is for lazy riders because you don't have to win races to win the title, all you have to do is get on pole, lead on several lap, and place in top 5 to 10...you can then pretty much win the title without having to win. This to me is silly, surely the best man on the day should get all the point, and not the best man for 1 flying pole lap and leading a Race 30% of the total time. This is the primary reason I also don't rate Mladin as a top class rider. If the AMA conform to the global rules then maybe the old and the lazy riders may have to work for a living and try harder.
Rant over!
I think this is because most riders in the other domestic SBK series are aiming (and publically statethey want) to move beyond the current domestic series.
Also keep in mind many riders leave other SBK series to race is BSB, For instance B.Sheene pushing or taking Chris V to BSB to move ahead in his career, if AMA was a more premier series then Sheene would taken him there instead.
Lastly, AMA SBK is for lazy riders because you don't have to win races to win the title, all you have to do is get on pole, lead on several lap, and place in top 5 to 10...you can then pretty much win the title without having to win. This to me is silly, surely the best man on the day should get all the point, and not the best man for 1 flying pole lap and leading a Race 30% of the total time. This is the primary reason I also don't rate Mladin as a top class rider. If the AMA conform to the global rules then maybe the old and the lazy riders may have to work for a living and try harder.
Rant over!
Migs
Looks like you have ditched Crash.net and joined this forum?! You won't know me but I read a lot of your posts on that site ... some really interesting and very detailed stuff! Welcome.
But on the issue of Maladin you are wrong. Yes I am an Aussie so you may think there is some bias here but I don't think so ... I don't particularly like him. However, I defy anyone to tell me how someone can win 6 championships and not be a decent rider ... it's NOT possible! Have a look at how many races he has won over there .... he didn't win those 6 championships for leading 30% of the race!
The AMA does need to make changes to their series ... even the non-factory Suzuki owner, Mr Nike said they did ... I expect to see quite a few changes to that series!
One thing is for certain though, whilst the BSB may have riders aspiring to go further with their careers, I can't see too many of them that have!
Looks like you have ditched Crash.net and joined this forum?! You won't know me but I read a lot of your posts on that site ... some really interesting and very detailed stuff! Welcome.
But on the issue of Maladin you are wrong. Yes I am an Aussie so you may think there is some bias here but I don't think so ... I don't particularly like him. However, I defy anyone to tell me how someone can win 6 championships and not be a decent rider ... it's NOT possible! Have a look at how many races he has won over there .... he didn't win those 6 championships for leading 30% of the race!
The AMA does need to make changes to their series ... even the non-factory Suzuki owner, Mr Nike said they did ... I expect to see quite a few changes to that series!
One thing is for certain though, whilst the BSB may have riders aspiring to go further with their careers, I can't see too many of them that have!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (L8Braker @ Jul 5 2007, 01:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>While you guys are on the subject of Mladin, too bad Suzuki doesn't have a bike for him to ride at Laguna, damn that would be interesting. If anyone needs rewarding it's him in my opinion.
Now that would be a interesting thought, and great to see.
Now that would be a interesting thought, and great to see.
Joined Jul 2006
11K Posts | 291+
Texas
MD is one of the coolest "OLD" guys you could ever meet...he's also fantasic pilot, one of the best.. i think he'll do well...
also...his wife is HOT.
also...his wife is HOT.
Joined Mar 2005
7K Posts | 20+
Woody Creek
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MigsAngel @ Jul 5 2007, 07:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I think this is because most riders in the other domestic SBK series are aiming (and publically statethey want) to move beyond the current domestic series.
Also keep in mind many riders leave other SBK series to race is BSB, For instance B.Sheene pushing or taking Chris V to BSB to move ahead in his career, if AMA was a more premier series then Sheene would taken him there instead.
Lastly, AMA SBK is for lazy riders because you don't have to win races to win the title, all you have to do is get on pole, lead on several lap, and place in top 5 to 10...you can then pretty much win the title without having to win. This to me is silly, surely the best man on the day should get all the point, and not the best man for 1 flying pole lap and leading a Race 30% of the total time. This is the primary reason I also don't rate Mladin as a top class rider. If the AMA conform to the global rules then maybe the old and the lazy riders may have to work for a living and try harder.
Rant over!
All the young talent over here have said publicly that their aim is to get to MotoGP. I don't think I've heard someone say their goal was to ride AMA SBK for the rest of their career. Obviously there are guys like Mladin and Duhamel who have said they wouldn't make the change and with good reason. They're both in their mid to late 30s, what would be the point of making the jump now?
Sheene taking Vermeulen to BSB couldn't have had anything to do with the fact that Sheene happened to be from England, could it?
What are you talking about? Yes, the AMA has stupid rules and award points for most laps lead and pole position. But saying that riders win the title without winning frequently is just odd to me. Ben Spies, Mat Mladin and Nicky Hayden all won a fair share of races in the seasons that they won their championships. In 1998 Ben Bostrom won the title without winning a single race, however it was an anomoly and could hypothetically happen in any series.
Just so no one gets the wrong idea here, I'm actually a fan of BSB and try to stay up to date with it as much as possible.
Also keep in mind many riders leave other SBK series to race is BSB, For instance B.Sheene pushing or taking Chris V to BSB to move ahead in his career, if AMA was a more premier series then Sheene would taken him there instead.
Lastly, AMA SBK is for lazy riders because you don't have to win races to win the title, all you have to do is get on pole, lead on several lap, and place in top 5 to 10...you can then pretty much win the title without having to win. This to me is silly, surely the best man on the day should get all the point, and not the best man for 1 flying pole lap and leading a Race 30% of the total time. This is the primary reason I also don't rate Mladin as a top class rider. If the AMA conform to the global rules then maybe the old and the lazy riders may have to work for a living and try harder.
Rant over!
All the young talent over here have said publicly that their aim is to get to MotoGP. I don't think I've heard someone say their goal was to ride AMA SBK for the rest of their career. Obviously there are guys like Mladin and Duhamel who have said they wouldn't make the change and with good reason. They're both in their mid to late 30s, what would be the point of making the jump now?
Sheene taking Vermeulen to BSB couldn't have had anything to do with the fact that Sheene happened to be from England, could it?
What are you talking about? Yes, the AMA has stupid rules and award points for most laps lead and pole position. But saying that riders win the title without winning frequently is just odd to me. Ben Spies, Mat Mladin and Nicky Hayden all won a fair share of races in the seasons that they won their championships. In 1998 Ben Bostrom won the title without winning a single race, however it was an anomoly and could hypothetically happen in any series.
Just so no one gets the wrong idea here, I'm actually a fan of BSB and try to stay up to date with it as much as possible.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MigsAngel @ Jul 5 2007, 02:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Lastly, AMA SBK is for lazy riders because you don't have to win races to win the title, all you have to do is get on pole, lead on several lap, and place in top 5 to 10...you can then pretty much win the title without having to win.
are u on drugs.....
Joined Jul 2006
11K Posts | 291+
Texas
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (frosty58 @ Jul 5 2007, 09:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>
are u on drugs.....
Thats not DRUGS!...Thats good old fashion RETARDEDISMESTER!
Thats not DRUGS!...Thats good old fashion RETARDEDISMESTER!
Joined Jun 2007
3K Posts | 309+
UK
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ Jul 5 2007, 03:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>All the young talent over here have said publicly that their aim is to get to MotoGP. I don't think I've heard someone say their goal was to ride AMA SBK for the rest of their career. Obviously there are guys like Mladin and Duhamel who have said they wouldn't make the change and with good reason. They're both in their mid to late 30s, what would be the point of making the jump now?
Mladin did jump in 1993 to GPs on a Cagiva. His best finish that year was 6th, and his overall placement wsa 13th. So in short he got smoked by the GP regulars on the global scene. Yes, you can say that was the era of the greatest of the great, but that would be making excuses. Maybe we can say it was the bike, but again more excuses...the great ride through issues and problems, the mediocre just find ways to explain why it never happened for them. Weird to think though, that Barros in 1993 came in 6th place...damn he's been around for along time and can still ride with the best for an old guy!
Duhamel has a similar experience in GPs back in 1992. Eitherway, neither set the world a light with their performances, so were relagated to a domestic series like the AMA were the wining is not about the best rider on Race day.
Don't get me wrong I think Mladin and Duhamel are much greater bike riders then I could ever become no matter how many miles I do on my Duke...but they are not world class Gods like Stoner, Rossi, Biaggi Jr, or even Hayden (lesser god, but a god none the less)
Question time, Do you think Hayden would have won his AMA SBK title in 2002 if Mladin been healthy?
Answer from me; No, I think Nicky got lucky with the real champ having problems in 2002 and 2006.
Mladin did jump in 1993 to GPs on a Cagiva. His best finish that year was 6th, and his overall placement wsa 13th. So in short he got smoked by the GP regulars on the global scene. Yes, you can say that was the era of the greatest of the great, but that would be making excuses. Maybe we can say it was the bike, but again more excuses...the great ride through issues and problems, the mediocre just find ways to explain why it never happened for them. Weird to think though, that Barros in 1993 came in 6th place...damn he's been around for along time and can still ride with the best for an old guy!
Duhamel has a similar experience in GPs back in 1992. Eitherway, neither set the world a light with their performances, so were relagated to a domestic series like the AMA were the wining is not about the best rider on Race day.
Don't get me wrong I think Mladin and Duhamel are much greater bike riders then I could ever become no matter how many miles I do on my Duke...but they are not world class Gods like Stoner, Rossi, Biaggi Jr, or even Hayden (lesser god, but a god none the less)
Question time, Do you think Hayden would have won his AMA SBK title in 2002 if Mladin been healthy?
Answer from me; No, I think Nicky got lucky with the real champ having problems in 2002 and 2006.
Joined Oct 2006
25K Posts | 4K+
Your Mom's House
Wow, sometimes I come across some posts that really amaze me. I could certainly write a novel about the ignorant .... I read on this thread by people who have no clue about the AMA but pretend to (I could call you out by name but I don’t want to offend any further). I guess I'll just abbreviate my response to: read what Austin said, he's right. Most everybody else doesn't know ..... Oh, and do yourself a favor, count the fuking champions on the world stage that have come out of the AMA and compare it to your list of champions for your national series.
On DuHamel, the guy was and is great, but politics got in the way not his ability. Yeah, like they were gonna support a Canadian over a mediocre guy with an interesting passport. Fuken wake up, this is the reality of your beloved but political sport.
On DuHamel, the guy was and is great, but politics got in the way not his ability. Yeah, like they were gonna support a Canadian over a mediocre guy with an interesting passport. Fuken wake up, this is the reality of your beloved but political sport.
Joined Jun 2007
3K Posts | 309+
UK
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Racejumpkie @ Jul 6 2007, 08:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Oh, and do yourself a favor, count the fuking champions on the world stage that have come out of the AMA and compare it to your list of champions for your national series.
You are absolutely right...AMA did produce more champions on the world stage than BSB.
- I count 12 since 1976 from AMA of which 5 remain on the world stage today (N.Hayden 'KY Jelly Kid', Corser, KRJR, Kurtis Roberts, Hopkins).
- BSB has only had 6 since 1988 of which 4 remain on the world stage (Toseland, Bayliss, Muggeridge, Vermeulen).
Clearly the AMA is producing the best of the best on the Whirled Stage today. Today and the Future belongs to the AMA...I can see the light!!
How could I have gotten it so wrong?
You are absolutely right...AMA did produce more champions on the world stage than BSB.
- I count 12 since 1976 from AMA of which 5 remain on the world stage today (N.Hayden 'KY Jelly Kid', Corser, KRJR, Kurtis Roberts, Hopkins).
- BSB has only had 6 since 1988 of which 4 remain on the world stage (Toseland, Bayliss, Muggeridge, Vermeulen).
Clearly the AMA is producing the best of the best on the Whirled Stage today. Today and the Future belongs to the AMA...I can see the light!!
How could I have gotten it so wrong?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MigsAngel @ Jul 6 2007, 04:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>You are absolutely right...AMA did produce more champions on the world stage than BSB.
- I count 12 since 1976 from AMA of which 5 remain on the world stage today (N.Hayden 'KY Jelly Kid', Corser, KRJR, Kurtis Roberts, Hopkins).
- BSB has only had 6 since 1988 of which 4 remain on the world stage (Toseland, Bayliss, Muggeridge, Vermeulen).
Clearly the AMA is producing the best of the best on the Whirled Stage today. Today and the Future belongs to the AMA...I can see the light!!
How could I have gotten it so wrong?
u are on drugs!
- I count 12 since 1976 from AMA of which 5 remain on the world stage today (N.Hayden 'KY Jelly Kid', Corser, KRJR, Kurtis Roberts, Hopkins).
- BSB has only had 6 since 1988 of which 4 remain on the world stage (Toseland, Bayliss, Muggeridge, Vermeulen).
Clearly the AMA is producing the best of the best on the Whirled Stage today. Today and the Future belongs to the AMA...I can see the light!!
How could I have gotten it so wrong?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BEN @ Jul 6 2007, 09:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>They have him riding the AMA race as well!
Which one is first in the day?
if they run it the same as 05 the sbk race will be on saturday? i think
Which one is first in the day?
if they run it the same as 05 the sbk race will be on saturday? i think
Joined Jul 2006
11K Posts | 291+
Texas
WHATS WITH THIS "OLD" ....?!?!
Dude is what 38??
thats not old...just cause he's not 15 like some of the people on here doesn't mean ........
plus!....his wife is HAWT!
Dude is what 38??
thats not old...just cause he's not 15 like some of the people on here doesn't mean ........
plus!....his wife is HAWT!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (xx CURVE xx @ Jul 6 2007, 09:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>plus!....his wife is HAWT!
she's a hottie!!!
she's a hottie!!!
