ScareyH22A

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by rainmanEK &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Stoner gave it away this year! Rossi should be thankful that Stoner was nice enough to let him win a championship for the last time!

Eric </TD></TR></TABLE>

Noooooooooo! Stoner can only ride when he runs away from the start. When Rossi slices and dices, Stoner just turns into mince meat. Hence Rossi&gt;Stoner this year. With Rossi on Bridgestones and his engine putting out good top end (still not quite Ducati but way better than last year nevertheless), Stoner just couldn't get away. And with all the heat, Stoner's original riding style was way too apparent. Crash anyone?

rainmanEK

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Sparkles &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Get ready for the single tire rule next year</TD></TR></TABLE>

I really think this will Separate the Men from the Boys!

I also am willing to bet my life that the Stones will be the Spec tire because "Whatever Rossi Wants he Gets" !

Eric

JMU R1

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ScareyH22A &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Noooooooooo! Stoner can only ride when he runs away from the start. When Rossi slices and dices, Stoner just turns into mince meat. Hence Rossi&gt;Stoner this year. With Rossi on Bridgestones and his engine putting out good top end (still not quite Ducati but way better than last year nevertheless), Stoner just couldn't get away. And with all the heat, Stoner's original riding style was way too apparent. Crash anyone? </TD></TR></TABLE>

Nah Stoner beat Rossi several times in head to head battles last year. Remember Catalunya and China? Stoner hadn't folded in a fight until Laguna this year. The key for Stoner next year is going to be racecraft. If he keeps going out trying to pull huge gaps in the race he's gonna crash out of some GP's. Just like Sete did.

Honestly if Ducati had the electronics sorted earlier this season we may well have had a title fight to the end. Next year I fully expect Stoner to be the number 1 challenge to Rossi.

ScareyH22A

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JMU R1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Nah Stoner beat Rossi several times in head to head battles last year. Remember Catalunya and China? Stoner hadn't folded in a fight until Laguna this year. The key for Stoner next year is going to be racecraft. If he keeps going out trying to pull huge gaps in the race he's gonna crash out of some GP's. Just like Sete did.

Honestly if Ducati had the electronics sorted earlier this season we may well have had a title fight to the end. Next year I fully expect Stoner to be the number 1 challenge to Rossi.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I do predict Stoner to be a bad *** next year but Nicky is going to rock! Stoner said he was physically too weak to manhandle the Duck. It's perfect for Nicky. And I think Pedrosa will out pace Stoner with Bridgestones once he gets used to it.

Quiks66

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ScareyH22A &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Stoner said he was physically too weak to manhandle the Duck. It's perfect for Nicky. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I'm interested to see this as well. If Nicky can man-handle the Duc like I think he will, he'll be a contenda'.

Sparkles

Yeah Stoner was saying how tired he got. It makes my wonder about his training. I know Bayliss and Corser are big trainers and I know Nicky is working with Carmichael's old trainer so you know he is in shape. Also Hopper is in great shape but I wonder about the training habits of the other gp guys.

backlash

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EngineNoO9 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Not that I don't think Rossi is better but Stoner ran away with a few races with that string he had and is now riding hurt and still managed 2nd. It's one of the better title defenses of recent memory. Besides Rossi most everyone since the late 90's hasn't been able to hold on to it after getting it and has had a terrible season the following year.</TD></TR></TABLE>
It's the curse of those rocking the #1 plate. Rossi doesn't change his #.

killa rex

Didn't Rossi change to #1 after his first MotoGP title?

Quiks66

I read something about how Rossi's number 46 is the number his father used when he won his GP back in the day.

Evil Smile

Congradulation to Rossi for his title. i really dont think there is a better rider on the grid right now. Stoner is also putting up a great fight despite being hurt, but i wish him the best even tho i dont like his lil kid personality much.
AND AS FOR NICKY ....

backlash

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by killa rex &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Didn't Rossi change to #1 after his first MotoGP title?</TD></TR></TABLE>
I don't think so, I'm pretty sure he rocked 46.

JMU R1

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by backlash &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
It's the curse of those rocking the #1 plate. Rossi doesn't change his #.</TD></TR></TABLE>
It isn't a curse, it's the fact that they're racing against the greatest of all time.

ScareyH22A

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Evil Smile &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
AND AS FOR NICKY ....</TD></TR></TABLE>

Don't worry man. Nicky will be on one of the meanest machines in the world next year.

.paul

for what it is worth, Stoner is HUGE into training properly, and is on a rigorous workout regime with weights and cardio.

life sux die

it's official Ben Spies will be going to WSBK and riding for Yamaha.

http://www.crash.net/motorspor....html

killa rex

Well.it seems most of the teams for next year are confirm expect for Alice Ducati and LCR Honda(still waiting for confirmation of De Puniet).

backlash

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by life sux die &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">it's official Ben Spies will be going to WSBK and riding for Yamaha.

http://www.crash.net/motorspor....html</TD></TR></TABLE>
Along with Tom Sykes, read that a few days ago

JMU R1

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by killa rex &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Well.it seems most of the teams for next year are confirm expect for Alice Ducati and LCR Honda(still waiting for confirmation of De Puniet).</TD></TR></TABLE>

Depuniet is confirmed at LCR. Menace to the grid remains.

EKhatch

A little OT but where can I find out what is going on with the racing in the US next year? Does anyone know anything at this point?

life sux die

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EKhatch &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">A little OT but where can I find out what is going on with the racing in the US next year? Does anyone know anything at this point? </TD></TR></TABLE>

http://www.ussbchampionship.com/

EKhatch

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by life sux die &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

http://www.ussbchampionship.com/</TD></TR></TABLE>

Thanks. At a glance it looks as if there is only going to be two classes? That will leave a lot of top contenders without a ride in 09 I would think?

killa rex

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JMU R1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Depuniet is confirmed at LCR. Menace to the grid remains.</TD></TR></TABLE>

aww crap..how did I missed that..So Alice Ducati is the only team left.

[Update]

It's official, Kawasaki Racing will be running a 3rd bike.
HERE


Modified by killa rex at 8:29 PM 10/3/2008

ScareyH22A

Phillip Island Free Practice (3).

1. Nicky Hayden USA Repsol Honda Team (M) 1min 30.558 secs
2. Casey Stoner AUS Ducati Marlboro Team (B) 1min 30.617 secs
3. Jorge Lorenzo SPA Fiat Yamaha Team (M) 1min 30.702 secs
4. Alex de Angelis RSM San Carlo Honda Gresini (B) 1min 30.865 secs
5. Colin Edwards USA Tech 3 Yamaha (M) 1min 30.884 secs
6. Valentino Rossi ITA Fiat Yamaha Team (B) 1min 31.014 secs
7. James Toseland GBR Tech 3 Yamaha (M) 1min 31.092 secs
8. Andrea Dovizioso ITA JiR Team Scot MotoGP (M) 1min 31.154 secs
9. Shinya Nakano JPN San Carlo Honda Gresini (B) 1min 31.186 secs
10. Dani Pedrosa SPA Repsol Honda Team (B) 1min 31.377 secs
11. Loris Capirossi ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP (B) 1min 31.392 secs
12. Randy de Puniet FRA LCR Honda MotoGP (M) 1min 31.418 secs
13. Chris Vermeulen AUS Rizla Suzuki MotoGP (B) 1min 31.710 secs
14. John Hopkins USA Kawasaki Racing Team (B) 1min 31.802 secs
15. Toni Elias SPA Alice Team (B) 1min 31.943 secs
16. Marco Melandri ITA Ducati Marlboro Team (B) 1min 32.310 secs
17. Sylvain Guintoli FRA Alice Team (B) 1min 32.439 secs
18. Anthony West AUS Kawasaki Racing Team (B) 1min 33.186 secs

Nicky wants to go out with a bang! Boy would I love to see him stick it to Casey and Rossi before his departure from Honduh.

ScareyH22A

Qualy times

1. Casey Stoner AUS Ducati Marlboro Team (B) 1min 28.665 secs
2. Jorge Lorenzo SPA Fiat Yamaha Team (M) 1min 28.734 secs
3. Nicky Hayden USA Repsol Honda Team (M) 1min 28.756 secs
4. Randy de Puniet FRA LCR Honda MotoGP (M) 1min 28.808 secs
5. James Toseland GBR Tech 3 Yamaha (M) 1min 29.031 secs
6. Dani Pedrosa SPA Repsol Honda Team (B) 1min 29.277 secs
7. Colin Edwards USA Tech 3 Yamaha (M) 1min 29.513 secs
8. Andrea Dovizioso ITA JiR Team Scot MotoGP (M) 1min 29.558 secs
9. Shinya Nakano JPN San Carlo Honda Gresini (B) 1min 29.710 secs
10. Alex de Angelis RSM San Carlo Honda Gresini (B) 1min 29.925 secs
11. Loris Capirossi ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP (B) 1min 29.942 secs
12. Valentino Rossi ITA Fiat Yamaha Team (B) 1min 30.014 secs
13. Toni Elias SPA Alice Team (B) 1min 30.202 secs
14. Sylvain Guintoli FRA Alice Team (B) 1min 30.297 secs
15. Chris Vermeulen AUS Rizla Suzuki MotoGP (B) 1min 30.545 secs
16. John Hopkins USA Kawasaki Racing Team (B) 1min 31.157 secs
17. Marco Melandri ITA Ducati Marlboro Team (B) 1min 31.939 secs
18. Anthony West AUS Kawasaki Racing Team (B) 1min 31.995 secs

Rossi crashed and hurt his neck!

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by crash.net &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Newly crowned 2008 MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi will start Sunday's Australian Grand Prix from just twelfth on the grid after a high-speed accident in qualifying at Phillip Island.

The Fiat Yamaha star ran wide onto the grass approaching the fast left-hand turn three with 15 minutes to go - and was then thrown from his M1 when he hit a gravel trap, suffering slight whiplash and some damage to the muscles in his neck in the process.

Rossi returned to the pits and, after being checked by Dr Costa, went out on his second bike but was out of time for another flying lap.

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The Italian will undergo some intensive physiotherapy this evening but should be fit to race on Sunday, when he will be chasing his sixth race victory in a row.

"I was pushing a lot with the qualifying tyre but unfortunately I went too wide at turn two and I came onto the grass on the exit," Rossi explained.

"I thought I could take the bike back onto the track but, as soon as I touched the muddy grass I lost control and I couldn't stop it. Then I bumped my head and neck pretty hard when I landed in the gravel.

"It's a pity that I will have to start from twelfth tomorrow, because this afternoon, with my Bridgestone race tyres, I had a very good pace.

"Now Dr. Costa and the Clinica Mobile staff will work to put me in good shape again – I am having treatment on my neck and then I will go immediately back to the hotel to rest until tomorrow.

"Tomorrow I am sure I will feel a lot better; we have good tyres and a good set-up so I will try to ride a good race!" declared the eight time world champion.

"Everything was going very well until this happened!" said team manager Davide Brivio. "It wasn't really a crash, Valentino just went a little bit off track, couldn't come back on and then hit the gravel. It was a pity because we were looking quite strong and our pace this afternoon was good.

"Valentino has some pain in his neck and he is now having some treatment to make him more comfortable for the night. Tomorrow morning he will have more treatment to make sure he is in the best shape possible for the race, and then we will see!"

Ducati's outgoing world champion Casey Stoner will start his home race from pole position, with Rossi's Michelin-shod team-mate Jorge Lorenzo and Repsol Honda's Nicky Hayden completing the front row.</TD></TR></TABLE>

big pete

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ScareyH22A &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Qualy times

Rossi crashed and hurt his neck!

</TD></TR></TABLE>

That sucks. I'm still sure he'll podium though