The other Max...

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mr. Shupe @ Nov 7 2008, 05:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Max Neukirchner, the big revelation for the first half of the season, seemed to drop off the radar after winning race 1 in Misano. What happened? IIRC, Batta seems to have placed his hopes for the team's future at the German's feet, signing him for two more years.

In the face of the exciting and fast additions to next year's grid, can Neukirchner recover his form and contend for the title next year?
I think that this is best regarded as a rhetorical question because no one can really know at this stage. Neukirchner is certainly capable of winning races, but not on a consistent basis. Also, the level of factory support seems to have stagnated at Alsatare. Spies is with Meragali now - who runs a great team, and that bike will develop at a very rapid pace. I think Ben will be a massive thorn in Haga's side - if you hold the view as many do that the latter is champion elect.

I can't see either Max finishing any higher than fifth next year.

i cant find any links but i remember reading somewhere that the development on the gsxr stopped about midway through the season. due to the new model '09 bike being around the corner. evidence seems to support this as the suzook was bloody fast at the start of 08 but so so by the end of it.
max may have gone off the boil too but it seems that the development issue had a knock on effect on all 3 riders.
i am hoping for a real beast of a bike for 09 to help max with his challenge. he seems a bit too laid back for my liking but best of luck to him.

Well all thr Suzuki's struggled in the 2nd half of the season so I don't think it was all Neukirchner's fault.

I think if the GSX-R 1000 is up to scratch with the Dukes, Blades and Yams then he'll challenge for the title.

I don't see anything but injury hampering Haga next year. The man is an absolute on the grid. A gritty fighter, demon late braker and crazy when the lights go out.

Haga will shine next year.

-----------------
Now, the most pressing question for me is why would Suzuki stop support of the one World stage where their bikes are performing at the front. Especially stopping mid season with its development efforts. If this is Suzuki's commitment to racing... Hoppers was good by leaving. And maybe Spies is good by not going to WSBK on a Suzuki as well

------------------------

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mr. Shupe @ Nov 6 2008, 09:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>In the face of the exciting and fast additions to next year's grid, can Neukirchner recover his form and contend for the title next year?
I hope so. The man seems a nails on the track and stellar in character. I think Suzuki didn't develop as did Yamaha and Ducati in the last push of the season. Suzuki as a whole didn't end well. Even Nieto scored a win, but then what happened?

Not sure what happened to Max Neucher, but even the commentators had a hard time explaining. But keep in mind, he did run third for a moment at the end there.

(Not sure why you compare him to Max, as in Biaggi, or did I get this part wrong?)

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mr. Shupe @ Nov 7 2008, 11:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>If you're asking why I put "The Other Max" as the thread title, I was simply referring to Neukirchner as the less famous Max in the series.

Although Biaggi was really disappointing this year (injuries). I don't like Biaggi as a person, but for some strange reason, part of me wants to see him run at the front. Something about the flawed, almost sinister character contained in the Biaggi myth makes things more interesting.

Just as I start this thread, sbkplanet posts an interview with the guy. Apparently he spent this season on a less-than-factory bike, with Nieto and Kagayama on the best Suzukis. Max also blames an inexperienced crew chief for hampering his ability to get a good race set up late in the year, when rainy sessions made things more difficult.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Nov/081107b.htm

He could just be making excuses, but I'm hopeful for next year. Go Max!

This can't be right. Why would Batta give Yukio and Fonsi factory bikes when they have be very poor for their standards this season but give Max, who has been impressive, has been on a less than factory bike? If its true then Neukirchner definatly deserves alot of credit for his rides this season, and it really does show how poor Nieto and Kagayama have been.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mr. Shupe @ Nov 8 2008, 03:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Steve Martin's commentary throughout the season gave me the impression that Kagayama has factory connections.
He is indeed in the direct employment of Suzuki just as he was for Denning at Crescent in BSB, as opposed to Neukirchner who is employed by Francis 'Fatter' and Alstare.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Arrabbiata1 @ Nov 8 2008, 03:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>He is indeed in the direct employment of Suzuki just as he was for Denning at Crescent in BSB, as opposed to Neukirchner who is employed by Francis 'Fatter' and Alstare.

And Yukio has a job for life with them, no matter how crap he does after his 8 hour victory last year.