I hope Nicky can win, I feel for him after the season he's been having, now he looks as if he's starting to get to grips with the 800
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MigsAngel @ Jul 16 2007, 02:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Hayden may be favored for the race but if you are Honda Repsol, do you invest in Dani to win the race and possibly the MotoGP title for 2008 versus one race to the current champion?
Dani is the only Honda rider with a real shot at the title this year...so invest heavily and give team orders to make sure this happens.
Honda don't do team orders.
Dani is the only Honda rider with a real shot at the title this year...so invest heavily and give team orders to make sure this happens.
Honda don't do team orders.
I think Hayden is the favourite. But CV put in a perfect ride last year and the bike IS better than last year by far. I hope the weather is better than last year.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (basspete @ Jul 16 2007, 10:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Agreed, youd have to be mad to bet against Nicky at Laguna.
If only to prove what Ive always said, he can only win at Laguna
No seriously, the last few races have shown that Nicky has what it takes. I dont mean that funny, but its been said all along, he needs to win more races. I think Nicky is showing what he's made of this year, he's not winning, but he's fighting brilliantly, and I think we all wanna see the current champ doing the damage.
I admit, I wasn't overly impressed last season by him playing the percentage game, but it worked, he got the title. Now he's looking like a defending champ out there, and it's great to see.
At the end of the day, when you are riding against guys of the calibre of Stoner, Rossi and Pedrosa (on a good day) 2 podiums on the hop is not to be sneezed at.
Props to the farmboy!
Pete
Well said.
When he was struggling at the beginning of the season, I would have still said that he will probably win, but be really challenged. Now I just say that he is going to take it, period.
If only to prove what Ive always said, he can only win at Laguna
No seriously, the last few races have shown that Nicky has what it takes. I dont mean that funny, but its been said all along, he needs to win more races. I think Nicky is showing what he's made of this year, he's not winning, but he's fighting brilliantly, and I think we all wanna see the current champ doing the damage.
I admit, I wasn't overly impressed last season by him playing the percentage game, but it worked, he got the title. Now he's looking like a defending champ out there, and it's great to see.
At the end of the day, when you are riding against guys of the calibre of Stoner, Rossi and Pedrosa (on a good day) 2 podiums on the hop is not to be sneezed at.
Props to the farmboy!
Pete
Well said.
When he was struggling at the beginning of the season, I would have still said that he will probably win, but be really challenged. Now I just say that he is going to take it, period.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (povol @ Jul 16 2007, 01:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>With Nicky and Honda's resurgence,do you think he will be the favorite to win Laguna next week.The bike appears very competetive and Nicky seems to have learned how to ride it. The way he has dominated the first 2 races there, im going out on a limb and calling for a win.
rossi will go for awin as from comin off at weekend he will b more determined as he needs the points, but also would like hayden to make a second or third. hope stoner falls off so he does not get any points. speed addict.
rossi will go for awin as from comin off at weekend he will b more determined as he needs the points, but also would like hayden to make a second or third. hope stoner falls off so he does not get any points. speed addict.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mr. Shupe @ Jul 16 2007, 05:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Vermuelen put in a great ride last year, but did the deteriorating track surface allow some of his rain riding skills to come into play? Who knows how well he will do if the Laguna staff got the surface right this year.
Have the surface changed from last year?
Have the surface changed from last year?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Babelfish @ Jul 16 2007, 04:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Have the surface changed from last year?
Complete re-pave I believe. I got the race coming between NH, Pedrosa and Rossi. Look out for the wild cards, I think at least one will be a factor.
Here's a link to the work that was done on the track. http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=29316
Complete re-pave I believe. I got the race coming between NH, Pedrosa and Rossi. Look out for the wild cards, I think at least one will be a factor.
Here's a link to the work that was done on the track. http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=29316
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MigsAngel @ Jul 16 2007, 01:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Dani is the only Honda rider with a real shot at the title this year...so invest heavily and give team orders to make sure this happens.
Do you really think Honda would be so underhanded after what happened to Nicky in Portugal last year?
Actually, yes they would be that underhanded.
Actually, yes they would be that underhanded.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (V8GUZZI @ Jul 16 2007, 11:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Complete re-pave I believe. I got the race coming between NH, Pedrosa and Rossi. Look out for the wild cards, I think at least one will be a factor.
Here's a link to the work that was done on the track. http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=29316
Thats good news
Here's a link to the work that was done on the track. http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=29316
Thats good news
Joined Oct 2006
25K Posts | 4K+
Your Mom's House
I'm packing up at the moment and getting ready to head out to Laguna.
As far as predictions go. Below is the order I would put them in. Every year has been tough. Hayden won but its not like he was gifted the race. So before I go into my predictions, lets remember that the track is not the same, it has been repaved, and nobody, not even Hayden has ran the track.
I believe and hope Hayden will win.
But remember, I'm a die hard Hayden Fan. Having said that, he is on the up, as evidenced by his last two podiums, so his determination and talent is certainly not in question here. Its not like the Honda/Michelin combo has set the world on fire this season. But this is his home race, he has had success here, and most everybody will be cheering him on. He will be determined to beat his teammate, which I think along with Rossi will be his greatest challenge. Plus he is the defending champ, he is one of the top five riders in the world, and his brother will be in the race. Never underestimate the power of sibling rivalry.
As far as the other guys scoring a win, well, I am reminded of the Mugello predictions. Just about everybody predicted a Ducati first then Stoner win. But it turned out that Rossi won and Casey didn't even make the podium.
Rossi. So obviously it’s all-speculative. But I think the front-runner is Rossi. Imagine for a moment if there would have been another round after Valencia last year. How do you think Rossi would have come out? Well I think the conditions are similar to that imaginary scenario. Rossi will have unbridled determination to win. But apart from his determination. He is on a very cable machine and with the same tires as Hayden. He has had some experience at the track now, and with the new service, I don't think anybody has much of an advantage, not even Hayden. Rosssi hasn't had a good experience yet at Laguna, and considering that the United States is an attractive place where he would like to see his name lifted, I would think he will do everything possible to make this happen. I'd say Rossi will gets the edge for the rest of the challengers.
Pedrosa. Oh but there is Pedrosa. Who smoked Hayden, and everybody else at Germany. Pedrosa has been on the podium at Laguna and gave Hayden a run for his money. And this was when Hayden had the clear home field advantage. Pedrosa is still the #1 at Repsol/Honda. And now with a scored win and Pedrosa that much closer to take the second spot in the championship standing, well I think we all know where all the effort and loyalties will/have lied on their team. I'm sure they have their super computer calculating a scenario if Rossi and Stoner take each other out in one of those battles, that Pedrosa will be their to pick up the title for Honda (just as they had planned it). Perhaps the edge goes to Rossi in trying to get back his mistake in Germany, well I think a fraction of a nano-meter next to him is Pedrosa.
Stoner will definitely be up there and challenging for the win. He has proven all season that he is the deserved championship leader and has pretty much been flawless. Couple this with perhaps some added focus of title hopes as we are now on the back straight of the season, and you have a man on a mission. I hate having to wonder how the tires will play into the results, but of the three above guys, Casey is the only one on Bridgestones that I think is a heavy probable for the win.
Now lets put the following four names in the hat: Hopkins, Edwards, Melandri, and Vermuelen. All these guys are cable of winning at Laguna, and some have already won (Vermuelen in WSBK). What sets these guys apart from the rest of the field is that each of them has something to prove at Laguna and some have already shown that they can do well (Melandri podiumed last year).
Lets start with Hopkins. Of the four guys I think Hopkins has the edge. Even though Vermuelen has won here before, Hopkins has shown all season that he has consistently beaten his teammate in the dry. Not to mention that Hopkins is a California boy. So this is his home track. Some of you may recall that Hopkins for the most part was only passed in the straights as a miserable testament to his ...... Suzuki in the past. But this year he has consistently been in the top bracket of riders. I think Laguna will see him fight for the win if not the podium.
Edwards has both WSBK and MotoGP success at Laguna. He was charging up the field the first year when Hayden won and had to fight off Rossi, which is never easy. Edwards has also not scored that illusive win. Where else to score your first win than in the country of your birth. He was latched onto Hayden at Germany and charged up the field to score a 4th, fresh in his mind. He is on a Yamaha, which I think is an advantage over the Suzukis. So as far as Hopkins and Edwards goes, it’s a push, equal chances at a win or podium.
Vermuelen has had success here. He also led last year in a miserable Suzuki. That said more about his familiarity and talent at Laguna than it did about his ...... bike. He is definitely gonna be one of the front-runners. My only worry about him is that he hasn't had that much success over Hopkins in the dry this season, so I would not give him the edge. But as far as fighting for the win or podium, he will be in the mix, equal to Melandri.
Melandri has podiumed here in the US. He knows he has the talent, the only question in his mind was/is does he have the package. Well judging from Germany, he does have enough to win or podium. Some of you may still remember his performance last year. It was not a gift podium and considering it was extremely hot, a podium was certainly earned. As far as his chances to win, well he has something to prove to himself, his fans that where disappointed in his recent comments, and his prospective employer. I consider Vermuelen and Melandri a push, equal in chances for a win or podium.
Damn, I'm so excited I about pissed my pants writing this post. I can't wait. I'm gonna meet Burky, Dave T, Maybe even Phorest, I'm gonna be with a bunch of other friends, and most of all I will get to cheer on Nicky Hayden live.
As far as predictions go. Below is the order I would put them in. Every year has been tough. Hayden won but its not like he was gifted the race. So before I go into my predictions, lets remember that the track is not the same, it has been repaved, and nobody, not even Hayden has ran the track.
I believe and hope Hayden will win.
But remember, I'm a die hard Hayden Fan. Having said that, he is on the up, as evidenced by his last two podiums, so his determination and talent is certainly not in question here. Its not like the Honda/Michelin combo has set the world on fire this season. But this is his home race, he has had success here, and most everybody will be cheering him on. He will be determined to beat his teammate, which I think along with Rossi will be his greatest challenge. Plus he is the defending champ, he is one of the top five riders in the world, and his brother will be in the race. Never underestimate the power of sibling rivalry.
As far as the other guys scoring a win, well, I am reminded of the Mugello predictions. Just about everybody predicted a Ducati first then Stoner win. But it turned out that Rossi won and Casey didn't even make the podium.
Rossi. So obviously it’s all-speculative. But I think the front-runner is Rossi. Imagine for a moment if there would have been another round after Valencia last year. How do you think Rossi would have come out? Well I think the conditions are similar to that imaginary scenario. Rossi will have unbridled determination to win. But apart from his determination. He is on a very cable machine and with the same tires as Hayden. He has had some experience at the track now, and with the new service, I don't think anybody has much of an advantage, not even Hayden. Rosssi hasn't had a good experience yet at Laguna, and considering that the United States is an attractive place where he would like to see his name lifted, I would think he will do everything possible to make this happen. I'd say Rossi will gets the edge for the rest of the challengers.
Pedrosa. Oh but there is Pedrosa. Who smoked Hayden, and everybody else at Germany. Pedrosa has been on the podium at Laguna and gave Hayden a run for his money. And this was when Hayden had the clear home field advantage. Pedrosa is still the #1 at Repsol/Honda. And now with a scored win and Pedrosa that much closer to take the second spot in the championship standing, well I think we all know where all the effort and loyalties will/have lied on their team. I'm sure they have their super computer calculating a scenario if Rossi and Stoner take each other out in one of those battles, that Pedrosa will be their to pick up the title for Honda (just as they had planned it). Perhaps the edge goes to Rossi in trying to get back his mistake in Germany, well I think a fraction of a nano-meter next to him is Pedrosa.
Stoner will definitely be up there and challenging for the win. He has proven all season that he is the deserved championship leader and has pretty much been flawless. Couple this with perhaps some added focus of title hopes as we are now on the back straight of the season, and you have a man on a mission. I hate having to wonder how the tires will play into the results, but of the three above guys, Casey is the only one on Bridgestones that I think is a heavy probable for the win.
Now lets put the following four names in the hat: Hopkins, Edwards, Melandri, and Vermuelen. All these guys are cable of winning at Laguna, and some have already won (Vermuelen in WSBK). What sets these guys apart from the rest of the field is that each of them has something to prove at Laguna and some have already shown that they can do well (Melandri podiumed last year).
Lets start with Hopkins. Of the four guys I think Hopkins has the edge. Even though Vermuelen has won here before, Hopkins has shown all season that he has consistently beaten his teammate in the dry. Not to mention that Hopkins is a California boy. So this is his home track. Some of you may recall that Hopkins for the most part was only passed in the straights as a miserable testament to his ...... Suzuki in the past. But this year he has consistently been in the top bracket of riders. I think Laguna will see him fight for the win if not the podium.
Edwards has both WSBK and MotoGP success at Laguna. He was charging up the field the first year when Hayden won and had to fight off Rossi, which is never easy. Edwards has also not scored that illusive win. Where else to score your first win than in the country of your birth. He was latched onto Hayden at Germany and charged up the field to score a 4th, fresh in his mind. He is on a Yamaha, which I think is an advantage over the Suzukis. So as far as Hopkins and Edwards goes, it’s a push, equal chances at a win or podium.
Vermuelen has had success here. He also led last year in a miserable Suzuki. That said more about his familiarity and talent at Laguna than it did about his ...... bike. He is definitely gonna be one of the front-runners. My only worry about him is that he hasn't had that much success over Hopkins in the dry this season, so I would not give him the edge. But as far as fighting for the win or podium, he will be in the mix, equal to Melandri.
Melandri has podiumed here in the US. He knows he has the talent, the only question in his mind was/is does he have the package. Well judging from Germany, he does have enough to win or podium. Some of you may still remember his performance last year. It was not a gift podium and considering it was extremely hot, a podium was certainly earned. As far as his chances to win, well he has something to prove to himself, his fans that where disappointed in his recent comments, and his prospective employer. I consider Vermuelen and Melandri a push, equal in chances for a win or podium.
Damn, I'm so excited I about pissed my pants writing this post. I can't wait. I'm gonna meet Burky, Dave T, Maybe even Phorest, I'm gonna be with a bunch of other friends, and most of all I will get to cheer on Nicky Hayden live.
Who has taken over RJ's nick here?
It's not possible that I can agree with him over two long posts on two different topics! Only tiny change on this one is the positions 1 & 2 of course, but the rest and the observations are spot on, just that I couldn't write it as good in English and wouldn't have the patience to write it all.
That's the only thing that look like the old RJ, the length.
It's not possible that I can agree with him over two long posts on two different topics! Only tiny change on this one is the positions 1 & 2 of course, but the rest and the observations are spot on, just that I couldn't write it as good in English and wouldn't have the patience to write it all.
That's the only thing that look like the old RJ, the length.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Racejumkie @ Jul 16 2007, 07:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I'm packing up at the moment and getting ready to head out to Laguna.
I'm packing up too!!
Good analysis Racejumkie. I still think that the threat from Rossi and company isn't going to be as much of a factor. We'll see.
I am also pretty friggin excited. I mean, not only is Nicky back in form, but ROGER LEE HAYDEN and MIGUEL DUHAMEL are racing! It just can't get any better. Oh wait it can, I'll get to see an AMA Superbike race for the first time as well. Somebody pinch me.
I'm packing up too!!
Good analysis Racejumkie. I still think that the threat from Rossi and company isn't going to be as much of a factor. We'll see.
I am also pretty friggin excited. I mean, not only is Nicky back in form, but ROGER LEE HAYDEN and MIGUEL DUHAMEL are racing! It just can't get any better. Oh wait it can, I'll get to see an AMA Superbike race for the first time as well. Somebody pinch me.
he may be the favorite but mighel and roger ride that track all the time, they have also fixed the tricky part before the cork screw and he hasnt had a chance to ride it yet, as well as fixing that part takes away some advantage hayden had over the other guys.
2 years im sure most of them are over their fear of the corkscrew, im going with pedrosa again
2 years im sure most of them are over their fear of the corkscrew, im going with pedrosa again
Anybody can win this one! So much is up in the air, and predicting Laguna will be harder than ever!
Having said that, my loyalties lie with Edwards and Hayden! I'll be hanging out with Edwards friday night at a fan BBQ, along with his dad, whom I got to meet last year at the BBQ.
Vermulen is definately one to watch out for, I was shitting my pants last year watching Vermulen lead early on at the corkscrew before his tires failed...
Having said that, my loyalties lie with Edwards and Hayden! I'll be hanging out with Edwards friday night at a fan BBQ, along with his dad, whom I got to meet last year at the BBQ.
Vermulen is definately one to watch out for, I was shitting my pants last year watching Vermulen lead early on at the corkscrew before his tires failed...
Joined Oct 2006
25K Posts | 4K+
Your Mom's House
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Babelfish @ Jul 16 2007, 04:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>It's not possible that I can agree with him over two long posts on two different topics!
Baybe I was wrong about you Babel.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ThePhorest @ Jul 16 2007, 05:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I am also pretty friggin excited. I mean, not only is Nicky back in form, but ROGER LEE HAYDEN and MIGUEL DUHAMEL are racing! It just can't get any better. Oh wait it can, I'll get to see an AMA Superbike race for the first time as well. Somebody pinch me.
I know man, I'm going crazy. I'm even being nice to Babel.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Sheri @ Jul 16 2007, 05:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>2 years im sure most of them are over their fear of the corkscrew, im going with pedrosa again
Blasphemy! Are you or are you not a Hayden fan?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (DrDanMD @ Jul 17 2007, 03:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Having said that, my loyalties lie with Edwards and Hayden! I'll be hanging out with Edwards friday night at a fan BBQ, along with his dad, whom I got to meet last year at the BBQ.
Lucky you. That's cool!
Baybe I was wrong about you Babel.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ThePhorest @ Jul 16 2007, 05:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I am also pretty friggin excited. I mean, not only is Nicky back in form, but ROGER LEE HAYDEN and MIGUEL DUHAMEL are racing! It just can't get any better. Oh wait it can, I'll get to see an AMA Superbike race for the first time as well. Somebody pinch me.
I know man, I'm going crazy. I'm even being nice to Babel.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Sheri @ Jul 16 2007, 05:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>2 years im sure most of them are over their fear of the corkscrew, im going with pedrosa again
Blasphemy! Are you or are you not a Hayden fan?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (DrDanMD @ Jul 17 2007, 03:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Having said that, my loyalties lie with Edwards and Hayden! I'll be hanging out with Edwards friday night at a fan BBQ, along with his dad, whom I got to meet last year at the BBQ.
Lucky you. That's cool!
I'm sick to my stomach this morning b/c I keep seeing visions of Pedrosa winning this race and Nicky missing the podium.
Why?
Nicky has been having problems with the front end especially when turning in. Turning in with speed at the Andretti Hairpin and the corkscrew is the key to keeping times down. If Nicky can't carry speed thru there he can't beat Pedrosa.
If he can't beat Pedrosa he'll certainly fall into Rossi's clutches as well. And after that he's going to have to fight for his life to keep Edwards, Vermeulen, and Melandri at bay.
Why?
Nicky has been having problems with the front end especially when turning in. Turning in with speed at the Andretti Hairpin and the corkscrew is the key to keeping times down. If Nicky can't carry speed thru there he can't beat Pedrosa.
If he can't beat Pedrosa he'll certainly fall into Rossi's clutches as well. And after that he's going to have to fight for his life to keep Edwards, Vermeulen, and Melandri at bay.
Joined Mar 2005
7K Posts | 20+
Woody Creek
Hard to bet against Nicky considering his history there and especially considering he has no championship lead to worry about. He's said for the rest of the season he isn't concerned with points, just improving his riding and enjoying himself.
I think CV will pose a big threat, the reason he lost out last year was because the Suzuki and Bridgestones shat out. Now that the Suzuki and Bridgestones are both much improved, CV should be a force to be reckoned with.
And to ignore the chances of Rossi, Melandri, Pedrosa, Edwards and Hopkins would be silly. Stoner went well there last year when he wasn't throwing it away, too.
I think CV will pose a big threat, the reason he lost out last year was because the Suzuki and Bridgestones shat out. Now that the Suzuki and Bridgestones are both much improved, CV should be a force to be reckoned with.
And to ignore the chances of Rossi, Melandri, Pedrosa, Edwards and Hopkins would be silly. Stoner went well there last year when he wasn't throwing it away, too.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mr. Shupe @ Jul 16 2007, 03:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Vermuelen put in a great ride last year, but did the deteriorating track surface allow some of his rain riding skills to come into play? Who knows how well he will do if the Laguna staff got the surface right this year.
Just curious, when CV was leading the race last year and then started to slip back, we were all told by the "expert" commentators here in Oz that it was tyre degradation that caused him to slow. I then saw an interview an Aussie motorcycle show did with him before last w/ends round in Germany where he stated it was a fuel pressure problem that caused the bike to lose power, not tyres and not track?????? Any info ?
I think CV will do alright. Maybe top 5 or 6. Hayden will win, ....... Pedrosa 2nd and Rossi 3rd. Stoner DNF ( cos everyone's gotta have at least 1 ) and maybe Edwards or Capirossi for 4th .
Actually returning from camping early to watch the race cos it's more important. .
Just curious, when CV was leading the race last year and then started to slip back, we were all told by the "expert" commentators here in Oz that it was tyre degradation that caused him to slow. I then saw an interview an Aussie motorcycle show did with him before last w/ends round in Germany where he stated it was a fuel pressure problem that caused the bike to lose power, not tyres and not track?????? Any info ?
I think CV will do alright. Maybe top 5 or 6. Hayden will win, ....... Pedrosa 2nd and Rossi 3rd. Stoner DNF ( cos everyone's gotta have at least 1 ) and maybe Edwards or Capirossi for 4th .
Actually returning from camping early to watch the race cos it's more important. .
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