Hayden

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (tinks @ Jan 29 2007, 01:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>He's not had the experience on the 250's like the other ridersOpinions
i not so sure these 800s are going to be anything like a 2 stroke 250,i recon it will be more like a lighter 990. it's anyones ball this season.

oooh..... looks like another rossi love in.

Hello Tinks!
Who knows? Really, it's a tough one to try to predict, with so much dependant on the new machinery. Technical failures could well dismiss any one of our possible title contenders before mid season.
I hope Nicky comes into this season with a nothing to lose attitude. OK, he is World Champion, but I don't think defending it successfully holds as much pressure as actually winning it for the first time, particularly under the circumstances of such an odd 2006. Nicky found himself in an enviable position last year, but the situation demanded a sensible, defensive and conservative approach to the second half of the season, a plan which had the Pedrosa incident not occurred, would have gained Nicky the title had Vale crashed or not. So, like I say, without the pressure of defending a points lead, I hope Nicky has realised that he can run the pace of a champion (Valencia), and take the challenge to the others. He's a popular World Champ, and good for the sport.

Of course, Valentino has the ability on his day to wipe the floor with everyone, and that day could be 7 days a week!!! Please don't get me wrong, but I feel Vale has had his day! Bold statement, but look at the situation. He has won everything in motorcycling he set out to win. He's exploring new ambitions. Perhaps he was so good in the second half of 2006 because he was presented with an incredible challenge. Damn me, he nearly did it, but by the season finale how much had it taken out of him? A little too much by all accounts. So, if the season starts poorly, through crashes or technical fault, will Vale still have that drive, or will a bit more mid season 'playing' in cars and more time with friends and family be a more attractive proposition? Don't get me wrong, I say Vale has had his day, but if the bike is reliable he is still capable of walking away with the championship. Had his day......he's had his decade!!! Vale is, has been, and for years to come will be a unique credit to motorcycle racing, but all good things come to an end as they say, eventually! I just wonder when that will be, or has it actually happened.

It's not just about Nicky either, Valentino has to contend with other guys who have for years seen him as virtually infallable. How will the levels of respect offered by the likes of Capirossi, Melandri, Pedrosa et al alter now they know he can be beaten and is indeed fallable after all. I think those 3 guys are all in with a shout of winning it.

As for being a fan,.....what would really get me cheering? Go Casey!!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ Jan 29 2007, 04:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>But Hayden is world champion, hes still improving, and he's gonna take it to Rossi again. I can't see anyone else being better than him.
how is he still improving ? the season hasn't even started,or do you have a crystal ball ?

i agree with tinks.. dani was fast on the 250 and although i'm not saying they are the same as the 800's because they're not... but he has a huge advantage with weight, so he will probably find it a lot easier to control the bike and will be quicker ( can he go any faster? )

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mr. Shupe @ Jan 29 2007, 06:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>he was the best rider on the track in Valencia until Rossi crashed. Hopefully he is motivated to run hard this year just as he was in Valencia. He took all the anger and pain suffered in Portugal and turned it into an impressive drive at the next race.
didnt look very impressive from where i was stood ! i think troy was the best rider on the track at valencia,not haystack.
god and some people call me a cheerleader.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (roger-m @ Jan 29 2007, 08:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>how is he still improving ? the season hasn't even started,or do you have a crystal ball ?

He is still young and learning all the time. I feel he put in the most impressive ride of his career at Valencia and rode the second half of the season in what was a brand new position for him, and did it well. hes obviously not like a lot of other riders who seem to accept that Rossi is "unbetable". i think Hayden has done everyone a huge favour because now everyone thinks they can have Rossi beaten too.

Burky, i have wondered if maybe we have seen the best of Rossi already. But then i think maybe with the loss of his title and the rule change setting him something new to try (hes never had to win back a title before) we could actually see an even higher level this year. So its going to be interesting.

I also think Hayden may find defending his title harder than winnng it. Afterall the pressure is now on 18 weekends of the year, not just the second half. But if this, and the fact that Dani will be quicker than him sometimes doesn't get to him, then he will be ok.

I Havn't even decided who i'd like to win it yet, there are too many riders i like to see do well.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (roger-m @ Jan 29 2007, 08:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>didnt look very impressive from where i was stood ! i think troy was the best rider on the track at valencia,not haystack.
god and some people call me a cheerleader.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (roger-m @ Jan 29 2007, 07:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>i not so sure these 800s are going to be anything like a 2 stroke 250,i recon it will be more like a lighter 990. it's anyones ball this season.

Oh my god Roger !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I agree with you !!!!!!!!!

WOW !!!

I think Hayden will be steady again this year, but not sure he will win the title. In watching Hayden tackle new machinery over the years, I've seen him build up gradually to a fast pace as the season goes on and his comfort level increases. This years bike is smaller with less power which will require him to adjust his riding style.
I don't think we should question Rossi's drive this year, he wants the title back, and is going to work hard for it.
Let's not forget about Hopper so far having a good pre-season. Does anyone think he can challenge Rossi if the Suzuki stays on form?

Hopper is such an unknown because he just hasn't had a lot of time at the front before. I worry that he'll get excited by the prospect of winning and override the bike and crash. I am not entirely convinced he and suzuki and bridgestone are gonna be able to get everything right enough every weekend to make a titel challange. But i would like to see it happen.

On the other hand he is not affraid of Rossi or Hayden by anymeans, and hes seriously hungry this year.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Burky @ Jan 29 2007, 08:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Hello Tinks!
Who knows? Really, it's a tough one to try to predict, with so much dependant on the new machinery. Technical failures could well dismiss any one of our possible title contenders before mid season.
I hope Nicky comes into this season with a nothing to lose attitude. OK, he is World Champion, but I don't think defending it successfully holds as much pressure as actually winning it for the first time, particularly under the circumstances of such an odd 2006. Nicky found himself in an enviable position last year, but the situation demanded a sensible, defensive and conservative approach to the second half of the season, a plan which had the Pedrosa incident not occurred, would have gained Nicky the title had Vale crashed or not. So, like I say, without the pressure of defending a points lead, I hope Nicky has realised that he can run the pace of a champion (Valencia), and take the challenge to the others. He's a popular World Champ, and good for the sport.

Of course, Valentino has the ability on his day to wipe the floor with everyone, and that day could be 7 days a week!!! Please don't get me wrong, but I feel Vale has had his day! Bold statement, but look at the situation. He has won everything in motorcycling he set out to win. He's exploring new ambitions. Perhaps he was so good in the second half of 2006 because he was presented with an incredible challenge. Damn me, he nearly did it, but by the season finale how much had it taken out of him? A little too much by all accounts. So, if the season starts poorly, through crashes or technical fault, will Vale still have that drive, or will a bit more mid season 'playing' in cars and more time with friends and family be a more attractive proposition? Don't get me wrong, I say Vale has had his day, but if the bike is reliable he is still capable of walking away with the championship. Had his day......he's had his decade!!! Vale is, has been, and for years to come will be a unique credit to motorcycle racing, but all good things come to an end as they say, eventually! I just wonder when that will be, or has it actually happened.

It's not just about Nicky either, Valentino has to contend with other guys who have for years seen him as virtually infallable. How will the levels of respect offered by the likes of Capirossi, Melandri, Pedrosa et al alter now they know he can be beaten and is indeed fallable after all. I think those 3 guys are all in with a shout of winning it.

As for being a fan,.....what would really get me cheering? Go Casey!!


Ok Jumkie, use your own name please.

Vale has had his day? Thats a big statement to back up. I'll be very surprised if he has had his day, but you do make a valid point , it's not just about Hayden, it's more about the guys who can actually beat Rossi head to head in a race.

I don't think you can start calling time on Rossi's career at this time. If myself or Roger made a similar statement, then it would be "mindless cheerleading" as it is, It sounds like wishful thinking.


If that prediction comes true, I will take my hat off to you, but if it's not, then I'm afraid to use your friend Jumkie's words you are "making a fool of yourself." because as you rightly say, its a bold statement.

It will be interesting to hear what you have to say about it this time next year.

Pete

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (roger-m @ Jan 29 2007, 02:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>didnt look very impressive from where i was stood ! i think troy was the best rider on the track at valencia,not haystack.
god and some people call me a cheerleader.

I said he was the best until Rossi crashed. He laid down the gauntlet with a better start than Rossi and clawed his way up to second, closing the gap to Bayliss. When Nicky's crew showed him the pit board saying "P3 OK", he slowed down in order to avoid mistakes and preserve his title-winning position. As far as the cheerleader comment goes, I am sorry. I didn't know that we were only allowed to praise Rossi.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (basspete @ Jan 29 2007, 09:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Ok Jumkie, use your own name please.

Vale has had his day? Thats a big statement to back up. I'll be very surprised if he has had his day, but you do make a valid point , it's not just about Hayden, it's more about the guys who can actually beat Rossi head to head in a race.

I don't think you can start calling time on Rossi's career at this time. If myself or Roger made a similar statement, then it would be "mindless cheerleading" as it is, It sounds like wishful thinking.
If that prediction comes true, I will take my hat off to you, but if it's not, then I'm afraid to use your friend Jumkie's words you are "making a fool of yourself." because as you rightly say, its a bold statement.

It will be interesting to hear what you have to say about it this time next year.

Pete
Hello Pete,
Help me out here, what's the point in making a comment if it is not read properly. I'll repeat it for you......

"Of course, Valentino has the ability on his day to wipe the floor with everyone, and that day could be 7 days a week!!! Please don't get me wrong, but I feel Vale has had his day! Bold statement, but look at the situation. He has won everything in motorcycling he set out to win. He's exploring new ambitions. Perhaps he was so good in the second half of 2006 because he was presented with an incredible challenge. Damn me, he nearly did it, but by the season finale how much had it taken out of him? A little too much by all accounts. So, if the season starts poorly, through crashes or technical fault, will Vale still have that drive, or will a bit more mid season 'playing' in cars and more time with friends and family be a more attractive proposition? Don't get me wrong, I say Vale has had his day, but if the bike is reliable he is still capable of walking away with the championship. Had his day......he's had his decade!!! Vale is, has been, and for years to come will be a unique credit to motorcycle racing, but all good things come to an end as they say, eventually! I just wonder when that will be, or has it actually happened."

So, when I say Vale is still capable of walking away with it, that will be my answer to you this time next year!!!!!

I make an open minded contribution, about both Vale and Nicky, and you feel the need to have a liitle dig at me! Valentino has had his day......he has had many days,.......he has had some bloody fantastic days, and maybe a few more to come. But just how many more world titles are you expecting from Valentino if he is still mid career?
You know, I just don't get it! As soon as somebody has a less than winning thought about Valentino, they get jumped all over. Anybody would think I'm not a Rossi fan, and I am. The chap is a genius, so was Michael Schumacher, but they are both only human and it has to come to an end sometime. So please, I am an individual with my own thoughts and opinions, and though Big J makes me laugh I am by no means so pro Nicky Hayden. I can't see Jumkie sitting down and spending 4 months paying tribute to Valentino in a couple of paintings like I have, I can see why he gets wound up though!

I have been open minded, offering possible outcomes. My answer to you is what will your answer be to me this time next year if Valentino and Yamaha have a repeat of their fortunes in 2006.

Anyway,.........wishfull thinking...... Casey Stoner, 2007 World Champ!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (roger-m @ Jan 29 2007, 08:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>how is he still improving ? the season hasn't even started,or do you have a crystal ball ?
Each year Hayden has improved barring his injury and mechanically plagued 2004. Fifth in 2003, eighth in 2004, third in 2005 and first in 2006. This kind of progress dates back to his AMA days as well, Hayden has never been a fast learner. He's also the fastest Honda man thusfar in 2007 despite being 'too big for the 212V' and still less than 100% fit. Just because he's not an instant prodigy doesn't mean he's plateaued.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (roger-m @ Jan 29 2007, 08:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>didnt look very impressive from where i was stood ! i think troy was the best rider on the track at valencia,not haystack.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mr. Shupe @ Jan 29 2007, 09:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I said he was the best until Rossi crashed. He laid down the gauntlet with a better start than Rossi and clawed his way up to second, closing the gap to Bayliss. When Nicky's crew showed him the pit board saying "P3 OK", he slowed down in order to avoid mistakes and preserve his title-winning position.
+1 As I recall Hayden started alongside Rossi, progressed to less than a bike length behind Bayliss and backed off the pace when he realized his situation. I feel this strategy is far more effective than binning it trying to hold off Chris Vermeulen. But I'm just a nine to fiver, what do I know?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Burky @ Jan 29 2007, 10:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Hello Pete,
Help me out here, what's the point in making a comment if it is not read properly. I'll repeat it for you......

"Of course, Valentino has the ability on his day to wipe the floor with everyone, and that day could be 7 days a week!!! Please don't get me wrong, but I feel Vale has had his day! Bold statement, but look at the situation. He has won everything in motorcycling he set out to win. He's exploring new ambitions. Perhaps he was so good in the second half of 2006 because he was presented with an incredible challenge. Damn me, he nearly did it, but by the season finale how much had it taken out of him? A little too much by all accounts. So, if the season starts poorly, through crashes or technical fault, will Vale still have that drive, or will a bit more mid season 'playing' in cars and more time with friends and family be a more attractive proposition? Don't get me wrong, I say Vale has had his day, but if the bike is reliable he is still capable of walking away with the championship. Had his day......he's had his decade!!! Vale is, has been, and for years to come will be a unique credit to motorcycle racing, but all good things come to an end as they say, eventually! I just wonder when that will be, or has it actually happened."

So, when I say Vale is still capable of walking away with it, that will be my answer to you this time next year!!!!!

I make an open minded contribution, about both Vale and Nicky, and you feel the need to have a liitle dig at me! Valentino has had his day......he has had many days,.......he has had some bloody fantastic days, and maybe a few more to come. But just how many more world titles are you expecting from Valentino if he is still mid career?
You know, I just don't get it! As soon as somebody has a less than winning thought about Valentino, they get jumped all over. Anybody would think I'm not a Rossi fan, and I am. The chap is a genius, so was Michael Schumacher, but they are both only human and it has to come to an end sometime. So please, I am an individual with my own thoughts and opinions, and though Big J makes me laugh I am by no means so pro Nicky Hayden. I can't see Jumkie sitting down and spending 4 months paying tribute to Valentino in a couple of paintings like I have, I can see why he gets wound up though!

I have been open minded, offering possible outcomes. My answer to you is what will your answer be to me this time next year if Valentino and Yamaha have a repeat of their fortunes in 2006.

Anyway,.........wishfull thinking...... Casey Stoner, 2007 World Champ!

I'm not having a dig at you, and plenty of my posts get misread and misinterperated, Ive said all sorts without knowing it!

To use a favourite take on here I was answering your quote that Vale has had his day. I think it would be more apt to say that he has had his cake and eaten it, and last year, he choked on it!

I know you said that Vale is capable of walking off with the title this year, lets be honest, it would be foolish for anyone not to say that, but to say that his time may have passed?????

Come on, we all know the score here, the guy I compare Vale to is one of my greatest heroes, Mike Hailwood, and think back to the 78 TT. You could never write him off. (that will get plenty of "experts" scrambling for Google, oh god, what happened there!!!!)

Anyway I blame the RoC chassis that Vale was using for Setes crash, and Doohan only won a few races because he was on a Suzuki, just like Rainey. Schwantz would never have won his 11 titles without the Kanemoto Honda that he inherited from Kenny Roberts Snr.

There, that saves other people re arranging my words to try and make themselves look clever if I write a loada crap myself.

Pete

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (basspete @ Jan 29 2007, 11:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I'm not having a dig at you, and plenty of my posts get misread and misinterperated, Ive said all sorts without knowing it!

To use a favourite take on here I was answering your quote that Vale has had his day. I think it would be more apt to say that he has had his cake and eaten it, and last year, he choked on it!

I know you said that Vale is capable of walking off with the title this year, lets be honest, it would be foolish for anyone not to say that, but to say that his time may have passed?????

Come on, we all know the score here, the guy I compare Vale to is one of my greatest heroes, Mike Hailwood, and think back to the 78 TT. You could never write him off. (that will get plenty of "experts" scrambling for Google, oh god, what happened there!!!!)

Anyway I blame the RoC chassis that Vale was using for Setes crash, and Doohan only won a few races because he was on a Suzuki, just like My answerRainey. Schwantz would never have won his 11 titles without the Kanemoto Honda that he inherited from Kenny Roberts Snr.

There, that saves other people re arranging my words to try and make themselves look clever if I write a loada crap myself.

Pete

My answer to your question?

If Hayden regains the title this year, I will say the same as I said last year, Hayden did deserve the title (Ive never denied that) All I have said is that the guy needs to start winning races. There is no arguement with that, outside of Laguna (apart from Colins muck up in Assen) the guy can niether lead or win races.

I'm sure all the Haydonettes will read into that that I hate him and curse him in hell, but hey, I'm used to it.

If Nicky goes out and kicks ... next year, then I will be very happy for him. Reading the form book however, I will be very surprised if he does.

Pete

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (basspete @ Jan 29 2007, 03:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>plenty of my posts get misread and misinterperated,
Maybe it’s the writer.





Anyway, no real need to add much to this post by me, except I agree with what Richo, Ooost, Shupe, Burkey, and Tom said.

Oh and tinks, I think your rossie colored glasses need a bit of cleaning.

Roger, you need to get a better stool to stand on at Valencia, obviously you didn't get a very good view of the race.

Pete, I see you don't need my help in making a fool of yourself.

The season will start soon enough and all our hopes and dreams will either be realized or smashed. Who knows. It’s fun to speculate. But no matter how much hating or hoping or cheerleading, it still won't change the record books of who won in 2006. 07 has yet to be written...I'll be rooting for my guy, you can root for your guy.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Racejumkie @ Jan 29 2007, 11:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Maybe it’s the writer.
Anyway, no real need to add much to this post by me, except I agree with what Richo, Ooost, Shupe, Burkey, and Tom said.

Oh and tinks, I think your rossie colored glasses need a bit of cleaning.

Roger, you need to get a better stool to stand on at Valencia, obviously you didn't get a very good view of the race.

Pete, I see you don't need my help in making a fool of yourself.

The season will start soon enough and all our hopes and dreams will either by realized or smashed. Who knows. It’s fun to speculate. But no matter how much hating or hoping or cheerleading, it still won't change the record books of who won in 2006. 07 has yet to be written...I'll be rooting for my guy, you can root for your guy.


Maybe its the writer?

More likely its the twats reading it.

I niether hate or cheerlead, I just have to listen to the stoopid.


BTW Jumkie, since you have been following bike sport for 6 months now, you'd better go to google and find out about Hailwood in 78.

Pete

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (basspete @ Jan 29 2007, 11:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>My answer to your question?

If Hayden regains the title this year, I will say the same as I said last year, Hayden did deserve the title (Ive never denied that) All I have said is that the guy needs to start winning races. There is no arguement with that, outside of Laguna (apart from Colins muck up in Assen) the guy can niether lead or win races.

I'm sure all the Haydonettes will read into that that I hate him and curse him in hell, but hey, I'm used to it.

I'm not gonna suggest that you hate Nicky or whatever. But i would like to mention the way you refer to Haydens Assen victory.

Correct me if i have misread this. But i don't think its particularly fair to discredit hayden for that win just because Edwards fell off. I mean Hayden was there, applying the pressure as hard as he could. And Pushing rivals into mistakes is a usefull tactics if the the oponent is weak in the mind.

So i could equaly claim that hayden was so strong that Edwards managed to get past Nicky and instantly pissed himslef in fear and crashed.