<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (richo @ Jan 10 2007, 01:38 AM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Yeah, I don't wanna get into the "What if?" bit.
That's the way the cookie crumbles, and no amount of "Ifs" will change anything.
Yeah you're right. Much of what we do is speculate. I mean did you see all the "what if" surrounding Rossi's apologists to explain why he didn't win the championship? Irresistible.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (skidmark @ Jan 10 2007, 04:20 AM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>
I'm screwed then.
Nicky wasn't ever going to catch the Ducatis at Valencia.
Technology is reducing
Suzuki may be coming good
Hi Skidmark, I don’t think so, but Rossi agrees with you. When I watch the Valencia race over, even though the Ducatis on Stones were lighting fast, so was Hayden. Rossi mentioned it in his post crash interview. I do believe you are right about technology. But I see it as leveling the playing field, not so much as bringing the “supremely” gifted back down to Earth. The gifted like Rossi are gonna continue to be outstanding, but he will have some company. Uhm, do you really think Suzuki is gonna make good? I think I’ve read it since about 2001 that they would develop a winning bike “next year”. Call me crazy, but I’m not gonna hold my breath. (Though, it really pains me to see Hopper’s talent waisted away. Do you remember Laguna 05? He would keep pace and advance during the twisties only to have this gain shattered on the straights due to lack of power, damn, what frustration).
Oh, don’t worry, Jesus loves you because you are a fan of the most blessed rider of the 80s era.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ Jan 10 2007, 05:22 AM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Every year before the season gets underway everybody gets so excited
Its all very exciting and we can all imagine that 8 guys can win races this year. But when it comes to racing, its gonna boil down to Honda against Rossi,
So expect this years winner list to look very similar to last years, perhaps even shorter.
Tom, thanks for bringing us all back to reality. Unfortunatly, your probably right. Having said that, there are some wildcard elements this year: new bikes, increased technologhy, excessively great talent. It remains to be seen of course, but I think you may have hit the nail on the head.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (baldylocks @ Jan 10 2007, 05:33 AM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>
is that
ALL he had to do Jumkie ?
Oh - he ALLOWED Bayliss to keep P1 did he ? Get him Richo
Bearing in mind Edwards was running ahead of Rossi - does anyone think Colin should have pulled over
Priceless man - I love you Jumkie.
Hi Baldy, where is Roger on this? I was sure you both would tag team on me. Uhm, did I say it was “easy”? If I did, my bad. I just think that after the Portugal incident, something extra awoke in Hayden. Its not uncommon to see this among great athletes. That’s why we say when they do. “He rose to the occasion”. That was more my point. Yes you and Richo and others pointed out the “what ifs” as a big assumption, but thats what we do I think in any analysis, then try to back it up with evidence to support the claim. I agree with you in suggesting that perhaps its not that easy. But from my perspective, perhaps let me sum up my view about the “5” points this way: Hayden was a man on an undeniable mission, and during the race he made his intensions well known for the world, and more importantly, his competitors were made acutely aware of his objective. In doing so, pressure was applied to Rossi, who in fact was in the championship lead. The outcome is now history, but Hayden did what he needed to do to win the championship despite what others did on the track, to me, that’s means he was “in control”.
As far as Colin being ahead of Rossi and maybe letting him pass. I don’t only think Colin would have let him pass but I think other non-Honda riders would have done the same. Perhaps not overtly, but listen to the race commentator when Rossi rejoined the race from that nasty front “tire” refusing to cooperate, he also though some other riders would “let” him pass.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (richo @ Jan 10 2007, 06:11 AM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Who was it that said Rossi "let" Hayden win the '05 USGP? You remember that, don't you Jumkie? Is it just me or is this Deja vu?
Hey Richo, are you referring to the time somebody said that Rossi “let” Hayden win the championship? As I recall, I think I jumped all over that thread, right? Anyway, yeah, words like “allowed” and “let” are perhaps not the best word here to describe the series of events during the Valencia race. I kinda was trying to say, as I’m sure you read how I summarized it to Baldy, that basically it didn’t just come down to those “5” points. Much more was in play. And that is my point, period. I’m not saying it wasn’t a crucial help to Hayden that Elias took it to Rossi in effect denying him those “5” points. (As a matter of fact, quite the contrary if you noticed what I’ve said in previous threads, I think that was such a pivotal moment that it instantly made me a life long Elias fan).
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (frosty58 @ Jan 10 2007, 06:23 AM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>
test ban is almost over folk's there'll be some new stuff to argue about soon!................ man the off season is draggin
Yup, Frosty. I’m chomping at the bit and have resorted to bringing up old shi……to pass the time. I think I remember you mentioned you weren’t gonna make it to Laguna this year. Man, what can I do to help. Maybe a carwash to help you get some funds? I’m down to help out buddy.
BTW: Hayden was here at the opening round of Supercross in Anaheim checking out Carmichael and Budda dice it up. So he is enjoying his time during the test ban, but I'm sure he will be in form when activities resume.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (basspete @ Jan 10 2007, 06:25 AM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Oh dont you just love it, Ifs and buts!
really quite charitable. This year the mighty Hayden may even let Rossi win a race!
I think Hayden should be applauded for his fainrness, we all know he could have won every race this year, but chose not to.
What a guy.
Hi Pete, saw your pic in the Lounge. Cool guitar. You cover Green Day? Damn it, how can I hate you? Say something stupid so that I can go back to disliking you and that funny way you Scotts have of mangling the Queen’s English.
Oh crap, thanks for responding so quick and spouting out something ......... Hey you may remember, I did say Hayden was a charitable guy and gave your boy Rossi a much needed vacation.
(uhm, dear mods, its ok, Pete isn’t offended. Cuz you have to have an IQ of at least 6 to notice when someone is being offensive. And frankly, Pete doesn’t qualify.)
Anyway, Pete, yeah, I see your point. (BTW: did somebody help you write this post cuz you managed to string a few sentences together). I didn’t really mean to suggest that the other riders were under Hayden’s will but rather that Hayden was imposing his “will” upon the race. In other words, he was able to do what he had to do to win the championship. And he did, as the record shows. What I am saying is this, had he needed to win the race to accomplish his objective, it is my opinion, that this is exactly what he would have done. Either way, it’s all good, he won the title just the same.
Oh yeah, right….you didn’t inhale. I think you mean you didn’t “fart” trying to keep in every ounce of smoke.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (frosty58 @ Jan 10 2007, 06:29 AM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>
u musicians are all alike.... always smokin that freaky .....
Yeah but Pete takes it to another level. Uhm I'm wondering...with those 16 brain cells Pete has left, do you think its a wise idea to be "on the pipe" as they say around here.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Yamahamer-AL @ Jan 10 2007, 08:18 AM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>i inhale on a daily basis.
Why do I completely and without reservation, believe you....
