Suzuka 8hr 2015

Not exactly the right place for this thread, but if not for the MotoGP riders present (and one ex-MotoGP rider in particular), I doubt anyone would care about the race otherwise.

Anyway, although the race 'weekend' doesn't start until 7/23, there have been some practice sessions over the last week or so.

On July 7 (in wet conditions) Stoner had his first ride on the track in 12 years. According to the times I could find he managed a 2'15" lap that day to be fastest in his group, whereas the fastest rider in the other group only managed a 2'18" time. But take those times with a grain of salt because they were the only two I found.

On July 14 there was more testing. I've added some times in an attachment. The names of the fastest rider on each team are highlighted. Espargaro (#21) was the fastest rider on his team, and fastest overall -- 2:07.995. Stoner (#635) was also the fastest on his team, and 3rd overall -- 2:08.214. Katsuyuki Nagasuka (riding with Smith and Espargaro) was 4th fastest, and Takumi Takahashi (riding with Stoner and van der Mark) was 5th fastest. Neither Smith nor van der Mark were in the top ten. Akira Yanagawa (1990s era SBK fans might remember him as the first Japanese rider to win a SBK race outside Japan and for a couple of spectacular crashes), and who must be about 95 years old is 7th fastest.

I'll try to post more info as it comes out.

Here's a link to some YouTube footage of Stoner during the July 7 test, with a short interview (answers in English) afterwards:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHOfemBDeaE

Hi Sun, yeah this event wasn't what it used to be, but with the inclusion of Stoner this year, I'm sure it will spark some interest.

Now excuse me, I need to take full advantage of this viagra deal!

Any idea how or where this might be broadcast?

Keshav said:

Any idea how or where this might be broadcast?

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Besides using rojadirecta or firstrowsports, I would hope Youtube, but haven't seen anything regarding it yet.

I can't imagine there will be much coverage outside of YouTube videos. Even during its heyday during the 1980s there was never much in the way of English TV coverage.

Stoner and Espargaro are both posting updates on twitter, and a trawl through Kropotkin's twitter feed can glean some useful information. I'm getting most of my info through a Japanese website called F1 EXPRESS.

Updates from yesterday (apparently a tyre-testing day)...

Nakasuga fastest with a 2:08.167
Stoner third again with a 2:08.566
Espargaro fifth with a 2:08.849

Toni Elias is also riding this year, on a Moriwaki Honda, and posted the 9th fastest time with a 2:09.313. Uncle Akira still holding steady in 10th. Smith still can't crack the top ten.

:clap2:
Keep it up Sun, this is really useful! Thanks!

Frankly I don't know why the 8 hours doesn't get more popularity and coverage. Just about every year there are GP riders of importance that enter the race, which if you think about it is a rarity in the bubble wrap modern sports era where they have restrictions clauses. Lets say Smith gets hurt. (Unlikely I know given his cruising pace). But this would have an impact on his important GP career and team. So the fact these guys enter is very cool. I don't get the lack of interest. And certainly it's extremely difficult to follow.

Sadly the Suzuka is the only race left where riders from different series wildcard. HRC used to have their GP factory riders partake at least once. That wasn't even that long ago. Both Hayden, Rossi and Edwards raced it. Back in the day there were a number of races like this. Daytona 200, IOM Macau, WSBK, AMA and others.
I do not know why this has changed, but the sport is not better off because of it.

I am surprised that Stoner is participating. He's going to have to work for at least four hours the day of the race. I don't think he's ever worked more than two hours in an entire weekend. Where is he going to find the time and energy to moan about the bike the track in the competitors. He's going to have to take another two years off to recuperate. God I hope no one boos him either. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

I can't wait to see Casey out there.

It'll be even better if he wins it.

If he wins, he should do a burn out on one of the Rossi flags just for the reaction that will cause on the internet.

JPSLotus said:

I can't wait to see Casey out there.

It'll be even better if he wins it.

If he wins, he should do a burn out on one of the Rossi flags just for the reaction that will cause on the internet.

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Before Stuper Mantease replies, I'll save him the waste of time and do it for him:

Take Casey's nuts out of your mouth.

There, now he has more free time to badger Kesh.


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I'm also hoping Casey wins it with his team of riders, any success he has just gives me the impression it makes Carmelo seethe. Instead of a burn out, perhaps a wheelie with one arm tied behind his back.

Jumkie said:

Before Stuper Mantease replies, I'll save him the waste of time and do it for him:

Take Casey's nuts out of your mouth.

There, now he has more free time to badger Kesh.


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I'm also hoping Casey wins it with his team of riders, any success he has just gives me the impression it makes Carmelo seethe. Instead of a burn out, perhaps a wheelie with one arm tied behind his back.

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how about a burn out while doing a wheelie with one arm tied behind his back and inserting his nuts in JPLotus' mouth?

Well Saprrow, speaking from the stories Knockdown has told me of his Grindr experiences, getting both nuts in mouth is tuff. I'm sure you 'know' what Johnny was talking about. Now consider Casey's nuts are probably much larger than normal.

Jumkie said:

Well Saprrow, speaking from the stories Knockdown has told me of his Grindr experiences, getting both nuts in mouth is tuff. I'm sure you 'know' what Johnny was talking about. Now consider Casey's nuts are probably much larger than normal.

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He is kind of close to being pint size though - there's a chance they are like acorn size.

littlesparrows said:

He is kind of close to being pint size though - there's a chance they are like acorn size.

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Well...you do have a big mouth.

I have first dibs on sparrows' mouth.

This'll be good....

JPSLotus said:

I can't wait to see Casey out there.

It'll be even better if he wins it.

If he wins, he should do a burn out on one of the Rossi flags just for the reaction that will cause on the internet.

Click to expand...

Poor Mark Van der ham berg. Youve already given the credit to Stoner for any success they may have. Hamburgular has won the Bukaki 8 hours,for 2 straight years and is currently racing a superbike. He is the odds on favorite and will probably end up riding the anchor leg. I have no clue who the 3rd token asian rider is but like Migs, who cares.
I got to admit I'm torn (like you and jumkies bunghole after a stoner meet and greet) about this race. I really dig Van der mark but would love to see Stoner fail spectacularly so this will be a race of riders lap times for me.

SuperManatee said:

I got to admit I'm torn (like you and jumkies bunghole after a stoner meet and greet) about this race. I really dig Van der mark but would love to see Stoner fail spectacularly so this will be a race of riders lap times for me.

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"Magic" Michael.
What a thing to label yourself.

For what I hear Casey helped develop the bike for this race solely by bitching at it and giving nasty looks. Didn't even have to practice.

And for the record old man stoners nuts are small. they fit nicely in his wives coin purse.

MdubSTYLIE said:

For what I hear Casey helped develop the bike for this race solely by bitching at it and giving nasty looks. Didn't even have to practice.

And for the record old man stoners nuts are small. they fit nicely in his wives coin purse.

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I guess you could easily have ridden the Ducati to more than 23 wins, just like Valentino did, and must have passed Jorge Lorenzo at over 200 mph at the Corkscrew (something which deeply impressed even Kevin Schwantz) several times.