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World Supersport

Joined Apr 2008
7K Posts | 3K+
Out of Nowhere
As a long term supporter of Crutchlow, I must say it would be nice to see Norge take this title as well, but with 19 points separating the two, it would probably invite a DNF on behalf of Cal for this to happen, and I don't want to tempt fate. Either way, both have ridden impeccably this season, and brilliant to see Crutchlow's decision to step back into WSS pay off.
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Arrabbiata1 @ Oct 25 2009, 12:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>As a long term supporter of Crutchlow, I must say it would be nice to see Norge take this title as well, but with 19 points separating the two, it would probably invite a DNF on behalf of Cal for this to happen, and I don't want to tempt fate. Either way, both have ridden impeccably this season, and brilliant to see Crutchlow's decision to step back into WSS pay off.

As a long term supporter of Crutchlow, maybe you have been paying more attention than me. Do you know why he turned down a Gresini moto2 oppertunity to go to superbike?
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ Oct 25 2009, 12:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>As a long term supporter of Crutchlow, maybe you have been paying more attention than me. Do you know why he turned down a Gresini moto2 oppertunity to go to superbike?
Don't know - good question. Speculation aside, he is contracted to Yamaha until 2010, and his immediate plan was to win WSS before moving to the WSBk. Perhaps he just prefers the idea of riding for Meregali as opposed to Gresini, and regards his chance of securing a WSBk title given the machinery as the more viable proposition. As he has shown, Cal is very good on a competetive 600cc bike, but Moto 2 is as yet an unknown. Yamaha Italia is quantifiable and tangible prospect which he has obviously savoured and demonstrably along with Xerox Ducati the best team in the paddock. The ultimate objective for Crutchlow, as is the case for most young riders, is Moto GP. I think that Moto2 would be the better route for him, although possibly the harder one. I expect it to be very competitive. As I say, good question, it's a tough call, but ultimately he's opted for the Spies route. As to precisely why, I wouldn't pay to much attention to the conjecture, I'm sure he will explain in time. I know Fausto Gresini was very pissed at the protracted nature of the negotiations. What do you think?

Congrats Crutchlow on taking the title, and congrats to Norge for a great win for the team at home.
 
Great achievement by Britain's Gino Rea securing the 600cc superstock championship today btw
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Arrabbiata1 @ Oct 25 2009, 01:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Don't know - good question. What do you think?

Well as you said the Yamaha WSBK ride is a very desirable position, he has superbike form already so his chances of success next season are very high. However as far as motogp is concerned i'm not sure the 'spies route' is wise. Previous riders to take this route have all been unsuccessful. I guess the risk with moto2 is that nobody really knows what the riding demands of the bike will be, how well they will prepare riders for motogp or which bikes and teams will be the fastest. Perhaps he wants to allow the championship to establish himself before he jumps in the deepend. Either way i wish him success, he's had a brilliant year.
 
Not very eventfull but great result for Laverty and ofcourse Crutchlow. Was cheering for MCcoy all the way though ^^ And Veneman offcourse with a very respectable 7th.
 
I'm just speculating but my guess would be that there are far too many question marks in Moto2 at the moment. Although Gresini has been amongst the best satellite teams in MotoGP for the past decade, if not the best, no one knows how those results will translate to Moto2. With teams like Gresini, Pons, Tech 3, Moriwaki, Roberts and Aspar, it's a toss up as to who will have the right package. Chances are all those teams will be competitive from the word go, but you never know. All the while, Yamaha Italia is a proven quantity and Crutchlow is a proven SBK rider. A poor season struggling on a team with the wrong chassis underneath him would likely hurt his GP chances more than taking a season in WSBK.
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ Oct 26 2009, 04:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>A poor season struggling on a team with the wrong chassis underneath him would likely hurt his GP chances more than taking a season in WSBK.

Yea i guess thats what it comes down to, he can look for a moto2 ride next year when he knows what is what. In the meantime he can ride for a top team, get some wins (or aim to at least) and make some money.

Does anyone know what Laverty is doing next year? Is he having another bite at the GP dream or is he sticking with the production bikes where he can find success?
 
Well done Cal,Gino and Mr Spies.Good day for the sport!
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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ Oct 26 2009, 04:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Does anyone know what Laverty is doing next year? Is he having another bite at the GP dream or is he sticking with the production bikes where he can find success?
I had heard he was in discussion with some Moto2 teams but that was at about the same time as when talks between Gresini and Crutchlow were at their peak. He had mentioned he was looking to go either WSBK or Moto2 but with all the WSBK factory rides essentially locked up, I'd imagine he's either jumping back to GP or staying in WSS. But I haven't heard any rumors about him for at least a month, much less anything concrete. I hope he lands on something competitive.
 
Great job Crutchlow on a well earned championship and another world title for Yamaha. Cal had a dominant season, clearly the best rider out there, outshining his teammate Foret (a former WSS champ), with only Laverty able to keep his pace. Unfortunately for Laverty he blew his chances at Magny-cours but still came thru with a commanding victory in the final round. Unfortunately for fans, WSS was mostly a bore this year compared to the amazing 2008 season (which had some of the most exciting racing I have seen).


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ Oct 26 2009, 06:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I had heard he was in discussion with some Moto2 teams but that was at about the same time as when talks between Gresini and Crutchlow were at their peak. He had mentioned he was looking to go either WSBK or Moto2 but with all the WSBK factory rides essentially locked up, I'd imagine he's either jumping back to GP or staying in WSS. But I haven't heard any rumors about him for at least a month, much less anything concrete. I hope he lands on something competitive.
In a recent interview I believe Laverty mentioned staying in WSS to go for the title next year. He also mentioned in an interview a while back that he had no intention of going back to GP (in the new Moto2), but I imagine that could change depending on what offers he has. I'd like to see him in Moto2, he's got some amazing 600cc skills.
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ Oct 26 2009, 09:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I had heard he was in discussion with some Moto2 teams but that was at about the same time as when talks between Gresini and Crutchlow were at their peak. He had mentioned he was looking to go either WSBK or Moto2 but with all the WSBK factory rides essentially locked up, I'd imagine he's either jumping back to GP or staying in WSS. But I haven't heard any rumors about him for at least a month, much less anything concrete. I hope he lands on something competitive.

I'm shocked by how few people have been poached from WSS. Supersport riders are 600cc specialists and most of them are already familiar with the engine they will be using in Moto2!

I know a fair amount of the field is probably still under contract, but I'm pretty sure both Lascorz and Westy are free to move over. West is already familiar with the GP atmosphere and all of the circuits.