Wsbk:
● Production based platform as opposed to pupose built, that means theoretically you could go buy a bike from showroom then build it up to a Wsbk spec, slightly slower motorcycles than GP, a few years ago were at a point of rivaling GP but a bit eroded now (because Dorna owns it, a result of a capital group investment misfortune, series has been dumbed down so as not to compete with MotoGP) Superbike: 1000cc 4 cyc, or 1200cc twins, etc.
● Factories and pseudo factory teams: Kawasaki, Ducati, Aprilia, Yamaha, Honda, BMW, MV Agusta (in order of parity, Suzuki not entered this year)
● 2 races per event, used to be 2 on Sunday, but a change this year, 1 on Saturday & 1 on Sunday
● the 'racing' is generally better than GP, very important
● no divas or rider's getting over the top preferential treatment by the organizers (one of best things about series is there is no Rossi-centric element)
● spec tire, Pirelli, not as great as GP-Bstones but probably as good as current GP-Michelins
● qualifying (like GP has changed over years) called 'Superpole' top lap riders from practices advance to 2 groupings, top 10 go directly to Superpole 2, Superpole 1 has 12 riders, the top 2 advance to Superpole 2. until last grouping of 12 riders, fastest lap of last group gets pole (similar to GP). Note: lower categories don't have tiered qual system.
● main support class is WSS (World Super Sport) 600cc 4 cyc or 800+cc twins, theoretically 675 for triples (note, you won't see this class at Laguna because MotoAmerica is support class). Note, there is also a "stock class" called STK1000. Which I don't know .... about.
For those new to World Supers, meant to say at the time what a great introductory post this is...particularly in respect of mentioning the Pirelli's. Was really skeptical when they were announced as control tyre in 2004...(which was no great surprise given the fact that the FG were still presiding over the series), but it not only galvanised the racing, but as a single tyre provider both in terms of logistics and quality I think they've been outstanding.
The fact that there were no appreciable issues at such a demanding circuit - (in the sense of both characteristics and surface) is telling. Moreover, the 1:31 lap times that were thrown in towards the end, compare admirably to the 1.29.280 set by Marquez during last October's Moto GP race when granted, rear grip was an issue. Track temperature was around 42 degrees C....which was probably slightly warmer that yesterday's race. Dunno, haven't checked this, but the ambient was around 20 degrees I think they said.
There was a stiff headwind down the Gardner Straight, which I reckon may have flattered to deceive in respect of the Honda's and the Ducati's. We know that the ZX10r is a straight line rocket ship, but it seemed to me that it restricted the Kawasaki and allowed the Duc and the Blade to maintain the draft.
Great move by Chaz out of MG. You could see that he was strong there all race and being able to pull a pass like that shows both confidence in the package and the front end. I was hoping that he'd ruthlessly block pass Rea as we've seen Rossi cunningly do here many times and rob his momentum, but he tried to get on the gas and running wide and bogged down it cost him his drive. No doubt that Rea anticipated the move, but Chaz commented after that the noise de-restrictions meant that a stealth move was impossible - plus, he'd signalled his intentions all race.
Great call on VDM, Jum Jum, very talented rider, massive potential - although it always amuses me on here how some riders are continually vilified for single acts of indiscretion and yet memories can be so short. That .... he pulled here last year earned him little respect in the paddock, although I'm pleased it's behind him now.
Disappointed by Camier who described his start as 'terrible' and the opening lap as 'carnage'. Then again, should we expect anything else from such a '... bike' - eh Jum?
Have to say that tyre problem aside, Nicky looked pretty comfortable on the Blade and it was great to see him in the leading pack where he belongs. That said, the deficiencies, or rather the inequities between the Blade and the ZX10s, Panigale's and the R1s will doubtless be more pronounced at certain circuits and as the season progresses.
I'm backing Saeed Al Sulaiti for race 2.
