Four races, 3 1/2 different men win...

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Arrabbiata1 @ May 25 2008, 09:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I do too....BUT, I honestly do not think that Casey could have performed the exceptional way that he did last season without the advances and his unerring faith in T.C. and his seemingly inimitable ability to exploit it on the Ducati. Given the 990 Desmo in '06 -(which people forget was a great bike, one which I believe had it not have been for Barcelona, would have won the title in the hands of Loris)- instead of the LCR Honda that year, I don't think that Casey would've been anywhere near. Sorry, because I know that this will trigger another barrage of derision, but without TC last year Casey wold not have won that championship.

How can you say you agree with J4rn0's post but then go on with the other nonsense.
He podiumed and put the LCR on pole on the 990 in 2006.
Ask Randy how difficult it is to ride for a one bike team that Honda and Michelin probably don't give a fat rats arse about.


J4rn0's post was spot on. Every rider needs the equipment to get the job done.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Arrabbiata1 @ May 25 2008, 12:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I do too....BUT, I honestly do not think that Casey could have performed the exceptional way that he did last season without the advances and his unerring faith in T.C. and his seemingly inimitable ability to exploit it on the Ducati. Given the 990 Desmo in '06 -(which people forget was a great bike, one which I believe had it not have been for Barcelona, would have won the title in the hands of Loris)- instead of the LCR Honda that year, I don't think that Casey would've been anywhere near. Sorry, because I know that this will trigger another barrage of derision, but without TC last year Casey wold not have won that championship.
We had a fairly civilised discussion about the tc issue which I see no point in revisiting. We will never know how stoner would have gone on the 2006 ducati, but I don't criticise you for speculating as that is what we all like to do. My personal view is that he would have done better than on the LCR honda, but not well enough to win the title, particularly as it was his rookie year. What does not require any speculation is that loris was not able to win the title on the 2007 ducati, and as you imply he is a fairly good rider.

Those who argued last year that stoner should not be compared to rossi look to be in a strong position at present. Stoner is still young and may have further high achievements in store, but if he doesn't he willl remain 2007 champion and I will remain a fan.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Frizzle @ May 26 2008, 03:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>How can you say you agree with J4rn0's post but then go on with the other nonsense.
He podiumed and put the LCR on pole on the 990 in 2006.
Ask Randy how difficult it is to ride for a one bike team that Honda and Michelin probably don't give a fat rats arse about.


J4rn0's post was spot on. Every rider needs the equipment to get the job done.
Which echoes the point Tom has been at pains to point out, and I agree.

I'm fully aware of Casey's achievements on the LCR Honda, and the circumstances behind that pole in Qatar which made it even more commendable. I'll say again, Casey Stoner was a worthy champion, who in tandem with Bridgestone and Ducati raised the bar that year to a whole new level. I was pleased that someone was able to take it to Rossi again, I was pleased he became World Champion and I thought he thoroughly deserved it. I would love to see him close the current points defecit and repeat the feat again this year

I did agree with J4rn0's post which is in part directed at those who sought to attribute his title merely to superior machinery and refused to give any credence to the fact that Casey is a very skilled rider and rode like a true champion in '07. I loathed the way that he was treated at Donington Day of Champions by certain 'glory hunting' supposed Rossi fans, and when I raised it on this forum 'drumfu' attempted to justify such ........ and enlighten me saying that for his sins Casey had been critical of the circuit, so what? -therefore he deserved to be booed at a charity event??????????!!!! I was there, it was small minded prejudice and ignorance from the English yellow hat brigade. Those people responsible weren't race fans at all, just as the majority of Manchester Unt. fans that hale from the home counties aren't real football fans and can't comprehend losing. Casey went against the grain for many last year, and I loved the way he didn't seem to give a ..... In addition to great maturity and mental strength of his approach off the circuit, (why's it deserted you this year Case?), he exhibited his extraordinary talent on the racetrack throughout the season - ostensibly rarely making a mistake. That said, I repeat again, had it not been for the advent of TC Casey would not have won the title - and yes, in the process, he utilised the technology which was presented to him as a rider better than anyone else. You regard that as nonsense, you are of course entitled to your view. This contention is well trodden ground, and I see little point in revisiting it, in fact I probably deserve to be pilloried more for directing this thread once more down that track.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (michaelm @ May 25 2008, 04:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>As I have said before if they tried to deliberately thwart stoner it would probably result in him winning every race by 30 seconds .

I think we both agree about this part.

DORNA are absolutely incompetent when making changes to the technical regulations (imo). As you state, any attempt to deliberately disadvantage Stoner would have failed miserably. Of course, DORNA are ruining his tires by accident. I think the point I'm trying hardest to make is Ezy will not under any circumstance stick his neck out to help Stoner. However, he will drag his reputation and the authenticity of the sport through the muck to manipulate as best he can Rossi's chances at a title.

If he's willing to bring Rossi from the midpack to the pointy end, what moral paradigm is prohibiting him from putting Rossi on the top step as often as possible?

I suppose you could argue that the manufacturers complete the balance of power, but considering how many poorly constructed technical regulations they've recently passed, I'm beginning to wonder if they have much say at all anymore.

Whatever perceived advantage Stoner apparently had on the Ducati and with Bridgestone tyres last year, he still dominated the season completely with 10 race wins and no one could come close to matching him really. He won some tough races and often rode away from Rossi leaving him for dead. He even beat his arch rival Pedrosa consistently who had it all over him in the past. Though I must say I was very surprised at this fast success, give credit where its due.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ May 27 2008, 04:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Thanks man. Hey, on that tire thing, don't take it to heart, I just like to get you worked up. I know you know what stuff I get worked up about too. Haha. Its all part of the fun banter and never should be taken personal. My nemesis on this board use to be Roger. We argued for a year straight (for an example see his recent exchanges with a certain Aussie). Haha, that use to me and him.

Its all good Babel. I hope this little moment of virtual hand shake won't keep ups from keeping up the "friendly" banter buddy.
thats true, but at least you offered up facts and didnt hide behind an internet persona. you would never criticize or name call over a personal photo while hiding your own identity. thats why i respected you but cant respect the aussie quartet.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (roger-m @ May 27 2008, 10:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>thats true, but at least you offered up facts and didnt hide behind an internet persona. you would never criticize or name call over a personal photo while hiding your own identity. thats why i respected you but cant respect the aussie quartet.

Rog, you're avatar is ghastly.

Good work

No offense to any Aussies, but that is a textbook example of how you combine a photo and a little flippancy to stun your internet adversaries.

I love the e-net.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ May 27 2008, 11:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Rog, you're avatar is ghastly.

Good work

No offense to any Aussies, but that is a textbook example of how you combine a photo and a little flippancy to stun your internet adversaries.

I love the e-net.