Joined Apr 2008
7K Posts | 3K+
Out of Nowhere
I actually think Jake would be the better option long term....(prepare for the backlash)
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Joined Mar 2005
7K Posts | 20+
Woody Creek
Arrab, I like Zemke a lot but I think Hopkins is the better option long term. Zemke is already 31ish and has no world championship experience. He's one of my favorite riders but if I were a team owner and my options were Hopkins and Zemke I think I'd take Hopkins.
Joined Oct 2006
25K Posts | 4K+
Your Mom's House
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ May 2 2009, 08:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>
Arrab, I like Zemke a lot but I think Hopkins is the better option long term. Zemke is already 31ish and has no world championship experience. He's one of my favorite riders but if I were a team owner and my options were Hopkins and Zemke I think I'd take Hopkins.
Agree. And I like them both. Zemke is a much better supersport rider thatn a superbiker IMHO.
But really, I think it will be temp, that is unless Zemke was to give Haslam a run, but I doubt it. Zemke is good, but he's no Ben Spies.
Here is the thing. I bet Stiggy contacted a few AMA guys, of which only Zemke was willing to take the call. (Which for me, this says alot about Stiggy, of which I have quickly learned to admire). Zemke is this type of person, he's open to challenges, and this is one reason I root for the man. If I could have a wish list of guys that Stiggy would bring on board, it would be Zemke to join the supersport squad, and Tommy Hayden to join the superbike squad. Maybe even Blake Young for superbike (though I know he's got to good of an opportunity with Yosh Suzuki to let that go).
Austin, what's your take on Zemke ad Spies' friendship, is there one? Do you think Ben would talk to him in the paddock and give him some tips about the WSBK culture? (Personally, I don't think Ben is this friendly, but just a thought that occured to me.)
Arrab, I like Zemke a lot but I think Hopkins is the better option long term. Zemke is already 31ish and has no world championship experience. He's one of my favorite riders but if I were a team owner and my options were Hopkins and Zemke I think I'd take Hopkins.
Agree. And I like them both. Zemke is a much better supersport rider thatn a superbiker IMHO.
But really, I think it will be temp, that is unless Zemke was to give Haslam a run, but I doubt it. Zemke is good, but he's no Ben Spies.
Here is the thing. I bet Stiggy contacted a few AMA guys, of which only Zemke was willing to take the call. (Which for me, this says alot about Stiggy, of which I have quickly learned to admire). Zemke is this type of person, he's open to challenges, and this is one reason I root for the man. If I could have a wish list of guys that Stiggy would bring on board, it would be Zemke to join the supersport squad, and Tommy Hayden to join the superbike squad. Maybe even Blake Young for superbike (though I know he's got to good of an opportunity with Yosh Suzuki to let that go).
Austin, what's your take on Zemke ad Spies' friendship, is there one? Do you think Ben would talk to him in the paddock and give him some tips about the WSBK culture? (Personally, I don't think Ben is this friendly, but just a thought that occured to me.)
Joined Apr 2008
7K Posts | 3K+
Out of Nowhere
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (SuperShinya56 @ May 2 2009, 06:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Jake Zemke belongs on a skateboard/surfboard. Dude.
Enlightening view...thanks for that SS.
Hear what you're saying Austin, I guess I'm remembering too fondly some of the excellent rides he put in for American Honda in '06 I think. The lack of World Championship experience would be telling at this level, and as Jum says - he's no Ben Spies when all is said and done. I really feel though that Hopper is going to struggle...I hope I'm wrong.
Really wanted Josh Hayes to stay and do a full season in World Supersport this year - shame.
Enlightening view...thanks for that SS.
Hear what you're saying Austin, I guess I'm remembering too fondly some of the excellent rides he put in for American Honda in '06 I think. The lack of World Championship experience would be telling at this level, and as Jum says - he's no Ben Spies when all is said and done. I really feel though that Hopper is going to struggle...I hope I'm wrong.
Really wanted Josh Hayes to stay and do a full season in World Supersport this year - shame.
Happy to hear this, Zemke is a great guy, great racer, and apparently a really good surfer/skateboarder.
I agree with what others have said here, his forte has always been supersport. I hope he can do well, and it's good for Stiggy to have another pilot onboard to give their sponsors more exposure time.
I agree with you Arrab, would have been nice to have seen Hayes in SS as well this year. Hell with Moto2 coming online next year, who knows who we will see in the MotoGP circus.
Monza is one hell of a track, really curious to see how all the bikes fair. I suspect Suzuki should do well as they seem to have lots of top end power. Kiyo was close to a win there last year on the Honda. Yamaha has already proved to be fast with Spies testing there.
I agree with you Arrab, would have been nice to have seen Hayes in SS as well this year. Hell with Moto2 coming online next year, who knows who we will see in the MotoGP circus.
Monza is one hell of a track, really curious to see how all the bikes fair. I suspect Suzuki should do well as they seem to have lots of top end power. Kiyo was close to a win there last year on the Honda. Yamaha has already proved to be fast with Spies testing there.
Joined Apr 2008
7K Posts | 3K+
Out of Nowhere
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Bootsakah @ May 4 2009, 04:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Yamaha has already proved to be fast with Spies testing there.
Also, this is their home race. The Yamaha Italia workshop is just down the road form the circuit.
Also, this is their home race. The Yamaha Italia workshop is just down the road form the circuit.
Joined Mar 2005
7K Posts | 20+
Woody Creek
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mick D @ May 2 2009, 10:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Hey Austin, haven't heard from you in a while... How ya doin'? Anywho I reserve my opinion 'till I see a couple of results from Jake.
Yeah, not too bad. Studying for GRE exams and getting some certification materials together for a TEFL program I'm beginning in the summer. Things have been a bit busy lately. Haven't even had a chance to watch much of the Stanley Cup playoffs. How's everything with you?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ May 2 2009, 12:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Austin, what's your take on Zemke ad Spies' friendship, is there one? Do you think Ben would talk to him in the paddock and give him some tips about the WSBK culture? (Personally, I don't think Ben is this friendly, but just a thought that occured to me.)
From what I recall, Zemke and Spies were pretty reasonable friends. I'd imagine with Spies still acclimating to the paddock and Zemke never setting foot in there, they'll be spending a fair bit of time together. Additionally, I think Spies knows that Zemke poses no real threat to him. I'd imagine Spies may let Zemke follow him around a little bit, or at least give him a couple pointers to get Zemke up to speed quicker as far as sorting out the track itself.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (SuperShinya56 @ May 2 2009, 12:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Jake Zemke belongs on a skateboard/surfboard. Dude.
Another fantastic contribution.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Arrabbiata1 @ May 2 2009, 01:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Hear what you're saying Austin, I guess I'm remembering too fondly some of the excellent rides he put in for American Honda in '06 I think. The lack of World Championship experience would be telling at this level, and as Jum says - he's no Ben Spies when all is said and done. I really feel though that Hopper is going to struggle...I hope I'm wrong.
Really wanted Josh Hayes to stay and do a full season in World Supersport this year - shame.
A lot of people forget that Jake Zemke is the only rider outside of Mat Mladin and Ben Spies to win an AMA Superbike race since 2005. As I recall he was regularly as good or better than Duhamel when they were teamed together and managed to keep up with Duhamel and Bostrom in his rookie SBK season in 2004 and took a couple race wins that season as well. Like I've said, he's the most underrated rider in the states. All that being said, John Hopkins is 25 (ish?), has finished on a MotoGP podium and has a best MotoGP championship placement of fourth. That's quite a bit of talent and world championship experience.
I'd rather see Zemke on a WSS ride than Hayes.
Yeah, not too bad. Studying for GRE exams and getting some certification materials together for a TEFL program I'm beginning in the summer. Things have been a bit busy lately. Haven't even had a chance to watch much of the Stanley Cup playoffs. How's everything with you?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ May 2 2009, 12:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Austin, what's your take on Zemke ad Spies' friendship, is there one? Do you think Ben would talk to him in the paddock and give him some tips about the WSBK culture? (Personally, I don't think Ben is this friendly, but just a thought that occured to me.)
From what I recall, Zemke and Spies were pretty reasonable friends. I'd imagine with Spies still acclimating to the paddock and Zemke never setting foot in there, they'll be spending a fair bit of time together. Additionally, I think Spies knows that Zemke poses no real threat to him. I'd imagine Spies may let Zemke follow him around a little bit, or at least give him a couple pointers to get Zemke up to speed quicker as far as sorting out the track itself.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (SuperShinya56 @ May 2 2009, 12:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Jake Zemke belongs on a skateboard/surfboard. Dude.
Another fantastic contribution.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Arrabbiata1 @ May 2 2009, 01:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Hear what you're saying Austin, I guess I'm remembering too fondly some of the excellent rides he put in for American Honda in '06 I think. The lack of World Championship experience would be telling at this level, and as Jum says - he's no Ben Spies when all is said and done. I really feel though that Hopper is going to struggle...I hope I'm wrong.
Really wanted Josh Hayes to stay and do a full season in World Supersport this year - shame.
A lot of people forget that Jake Zemke is the only rider outside of Mat Mladin and Ben Spies to win an AMA Superbike race since 2005. As I recall he was regularly as good or better than Duhamel when they were teamed together and managed to keep up with Duhamel and Bostrom in his rookie SBK season in 2004 and took a couple race wins that season as well. Like I've said, he's the most underrated rider in the states. All that being said, John Hopkins is 25 (ish?), has finished on a MotoGP podium and has a best MotoGP championship placement of fourth. That's quite a bit of talent and world championship experience.
I'd rather see Zemke on a WSS ride than Hayes.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ May 2 2009, 10:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Zemke is already 31ish and has no world championship experience.
hmmmm...... seems that alot of people, including myself, at a point thought the same of spies... look at him now. don't underestimate zemkes sbk abilities. he may not be a ben spies or mat mladin but he has beat both in sbk when honda was competitive. and again whats age got to do with it?
hmmmm...... seems that alot of people, including myself, at a point thought the same of spies... look at him now. don't underestimate zemkes sbk abilities. he may not be a ben spies or mat mladin but he has beat both in sbk when honda was competitive. and again whats age got to do with it?
If he gets top 12-14 then I would say it's a really good showing. I don't think that he will dissappoint
Joined Aug 2008
6K Posts | 748+
Thailand
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ May 5 2009, 04:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Yeah, not too bad. Studying for GRE exams and getting some certification materials together for a TEFL program I'm beginning in the summer. Things have been a bit busy lately. Haven't even had a chance to watch much of the Stanley Cup playoffs. How's everything with you?
All's good in the "land of smiles"! Been getting my NHL fix on the web and sportscenter highlights... not ideal, but then again ice hockey's not high on the radar in this part of the world... When you get your TEFL cert. I can hook you up with a nice vacay/job here!!
All's good in the "land of smiles"! Been getting my NHL fix on the web and sportscenter highlights... not ideal, but then again ice hockey's not high on the radar in this part of the world... When you get your TEFL cert. I can hook you up with a nice vacay/job here!!
Joined Oct 2006
25K Posts | 4K+
Your Mom's House
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ May 4 2009, 02:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>All that being said, John Hopkins is 25 (ish?), has finished on a MotoGP podium and has a best MotoGP championship placement of fourth. That's quite a bit of talent and world championship experience.
Cinders and Ashes!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>I'd rather see Zemke on a WSS ride than Hayes.
Agree. (But man if they were both there that would be cool.)
Also, can we start a campaign to send Mladin to WSBK? ...., this is getting ridiculous. BTW, the battle for 2nd was epic at Barber.
Cinders and Ashes!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>I'd rather see Zemke on a WSS ride than Hayes.
Agree. (But man if they were both there that would be cool.)
Also, can we start a campaign to send Mladin to WSBK? ...., this is getting ridiculous. BTW, the battle for 2nd was epic at Barber.
Joined Mar 2005
7K Posts | 20+
Woody Creek
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (frosty58 @ May 6 2009, 09:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>hmmmm...... seems that alot of people, including myself, at a point thought the same of spies... look at him now. don't underestimate zemkes sbk abilities. he may not be a ben spies or mat mladin but he has beat both in sbk when honda was competitive. and again whats age got to do with it?
At the time of his departure for Europe, Spies was 24 and held three AMA Superbike titles. Zemke is 31 with a handful of Superbike wins. I don't question his talent, like I've said numerous times, he's the most underrated rider in the states. But his pedigree and potential do not come near those of Spies.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (SackWack @ May 6 2009, 10:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I don't think that he will dissappoint
A points scoring debut at Monza would be a very good result and a top ten at Kyalami would be exceptional. I think both goals are attainable, although will be very challenging to Zemke and his team. The big question is, if he impresses in his two rides with Stiggy, what comes next for Zemke? A WSBK ride at 32 or another factory SBK ride in the states?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mick D @ May 6 2009, 10:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>All's good in the "land of smiles"! Been getting my NHL fix on the web and sportscenter highlights... not ideal, but then again ice hockey's not high on the radar in this part of the world... When you get your TEFL cert. I can hook you up with a nice vacay/job here!!
I've been watching bits and pieces, the Caps/Pens series has been outstanding. The only way it could be improved upon is if Sid the Kid got punched in the mouth and lost all those pearly chompers. I'm planning to go to Argentina for the next year followed by grad school but if something changes I'll likely be hitting you up for that job/holiday gig.
At the time of his departure for Europe, Spies was 24 and held three AMA Superbike titles. Zemke is 31 with a handful of Superbike wins. I don't question his talent, like I've said numerous times, he's the most underrated rider in the states. But his pedigree and potential do not come near those of Spies.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (SackWack @ May 6 2009, 10:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I don't think that he will dissappoint
A points scoring debut at Monza would be a very good result and a top ten at Kyalami would be exceptional. I think both goals are attainable, although will be very challenging to Zemke and his team. The big question is, if he impresses in his two rides with Stiggy, what comes next for Zemke? A WSBK ride at 32 or another factory SBK ride in the states?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mick D @ May 6 2009, 10:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>All's good in the "land of smiles"! Been getting my NHL fix on the web and sportscenter highlights... not ideal, but then again ice hockey's not high on the radar in this part of the world... When you get your TEFL cert. I can hook you up with a nice vacay/job here!!
I've been watching bits and pieces, the Caps/Pens series has been outstanding. The only way it could be improved upon is if Sid the Kid got punched in the mouth and lost all those pearly chompers. I'm planning to go to Argentina for the next year followed by grad school but if something changes I'll likely be hitting you up for that job/holiday gig.
Joined Aug 2008
6K Posts | 748+
Thailand
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ May 7 2009, 12:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I've been watching bits and pieces, the Caps/Pens series has been outstanding. The only way it could be improved upon is if Sid the Kid got punched in the mouth and lost all those pearly chompers. I'm planning to go to Argentina for the next year followed by grad school but if something changes I'll likely be hitting you up for that job/holiday gig.
Via con dios amigo! But if it falls through I'd be glad to help set you up here, sawadee krupb!
Via con dios amigo! But if it falls through I'd be glad to help set you up here, sawadee krupb!
