|
|
Post by charleselan on Apr 22, 2019 15:28:48 GMT
This weekend saw the opening round of the British Superbike Championship on the Silverstone National Circuit held in truly superb and unseasonal weather. It was estimated that over 31,000 people attended on race day Easter Sunday who basked in glorious warm sunshine with crystal clear blue skies. That amount of spectators just illustrate how popular this national series is and it has to be said that many other championships would just love to get crowds of that magnitude attending their race meetings.
I was fortunate to get some excellent feeds of the live transmissions from the ever excellent Eurosport coverage on both Saturday and Sunday. If at all possible I have to say that the team were even better than before and that is no mean feat as they were always superb, and way better than any coverage offered by so called blue riband formula like F1 and MotoGP.
The qualification and racing was quite simply outstanding, not only in the main event (BSB) but also the other categories as well with the racing in Supersport (600cc machines) and Superstock 1000 producing some unbelievable close racing, edge of the seat stuff.
In BSB we appear to be seeing a changing of the guard with many new names entering the series, so amazingly talented young lads who have very bright futures. It was a shame that quite a few of the teams, factory supported as well, who were behind the ball with new bikes that were short on development and parts; BMW being particularly blighted with their stunning new 2019 machine.
Ducati have demolished the opposition with the new Panagalé V4 ridden by MotoGP refugee Alvaro Bautista in WSBK, however the BSB version which has to comply to very different regulations which include not being allowed traction control and ABS. It was also pointed out by the excellent James Whitham that all of the BSB Ducati's were using virtually stock motors at this meeting, other than "blueprinting" that was all. The factory supported Paul Bird Be Wiser team had a pretty torrid weekend with Josh Brookes having technical issues in both races, and my cousin Scott Redding being skittled in race two. Scott pick up a good third in race one after race long leader Jason O'Halloran was sent crashing to the ground by his team mate Pint Size Tarran McKenzie on the last but one corner.
Scott was quick to say he was lucky to get third but has set himself modest targets from day one, and seems so relaxed and happy in the BSB paddock, a place he will become well established. However as Shane Bird has advised him being a former MotoGP star means he has a huge target on his back. One thing i am absolutely certain of is the fact that no matter which MotoGP star came to BSB they would not head off into the distance, this is the most competitive series on the planet.
Leon Haslam last years champion and now in WSBK once more, was in attendance and when asked which bikes he would prefer to ride he said BSB every time as he preferred the lack of electronic aids, its all down to the rider and his right wrist! So there we have it, ditch the electronics and get down to some serious motor sport once more.
The short National circuit obviously suited the sweet handling Suzuki and Yamaha bikes to a tee which was reflected in the results of both races. However when the longer tracks are being used some of the more powerful bikes will come good. A big shout must go to the small private team OMG Suzuki who beat the factory supported team well and truly, and their new boy Josh Elliot in his first full season was a revelation with a first and second place.
So much more I could write about, but what a beginning to the season and can't wait for the brilliant Oulton Park in two weeks time.
JC
|
|
|
|
Post by chrisb on Apr 24, 2019 21:12:11 GMT
a great summary JC, Unfortunately the series has become so popular that ageing fans struggle to see anything - it's Oulton Park next and I won't be going this year as last year was manic and exhausting - I will go to the Donny race as it is much more spread out so you have a better chance getting in and out and seeing some of the racing,
I think Scott has landed very well, unfortunate after being fortunate - he was praised whlst being assisted back by the marshalls to sign a young persons programme, like that, real class, I've been a fan of Scott's since his 125 days - know he is special and once the Duke is up and running he will win a lot of races, apparently he has been asking about Cadwell and the jump, methinks he will go very far, there is a hint of the Colin MCrea in Scott and after winning this year can see him WSB next year, I wonder?
we Mac has done so well, his elder brother is no slouch either and should do well in the superstocks but I wonder if he wouldn't be better off in WSB, two very talented young men with great futures
|
|
|
|
Post by charleselan on Apr 25, 2019 12:01:45 GMT
Thanks Chris, it was a fantastic meeting and made even more so with the brilliant Eurosport coverage which is just outstanding and a lesson to all the other so called motor sport presentations.
There is a great depth of talent in BSB, especially with the influx of these new lads. I agree that both McKenzie boys are very good; Tarran especially who seems to have adopted many of his illustrious father's traits. It just goes to show that something is radically wrong with the world stage when this talented youngster goes to Moto2 and cannot get into the top twenty, yet comes back to the Uk and jumps on a big Superbike and is a major force.
Riding a 1000cc Superbike isn't easy and the competition in the UK series is of the highest standard, yet Tarran and Jake Dixon struggle in Moto2, and none of it is down to lack of ability on their part or the so called superiority of the Spanish and Italians. I will say this that it is telling that DORNA do not have anything to do with BSB, yet they hold all the keys in MotoGP and WSBK!
I have some unease about Bautista's dominance this year in WSBK. Alvaro was a good MotoGP rider on his day but there is no way that guy is in the same league as a Max Biaggi or Troy Bayliss, plus Johnny Rae is a very good rider as is Chas Davis, so why the dominance? His Panigale seems to be much faster than anything else on the straights, which sure as hell wasn't the case with the BSB Panigale's last weekend.
|
|
|
|
Post by chrisb on Apr 26, 2019 5:01:18 GMT
you are welcome JC,
I too have my reservations with the dominance of Alvaro, in MotoGP it seemed he was quicker when contracts were up for grabs or when following someone else but he never struck me as good as his results in WSB seem to indicate, Johnny is a top rider but the way the Duke flies off is surreal, Chas is getting up to speed but we seem to have the same problems that size is a penalty as with other Dorna series. I don't feel that as it stands WSB has a bright future, it would be wiser to equalise the series with national rules but I know, well until this year anyway, Kawasaki would block that, maybe now they may be a bit more agreeable. But returning to the sort of BSB rules would encourage more national riders to race when the WSB race in their respective countries and that was always a boost.
BSB is one of the best series in the world, and it is for a reason, you know when a series loses its champion and 6 time champion but continues unabated that speaks volumes of the formula to me, I am sure Scott will start the winning process soon, he certainly seems to have blended in, which is the point with Taz and Jake, both blindingly quick in the UK but nowhere in Moto2? that doesn't make sense to me, maybe Danny Kent needs to invest in a superstock 1000 and get his speed back
oh,so so so right JC, what an excellent commentary team at Eurosport, oh why oh why can we not have more like this, this weekend we have the nauseating 'issues' commentary team on with the C4 F1 bunch, where I must confess to turning the sound off before the highlights, sycophantic - schoolboy sxxt - grow up!
|
|
|
|
Post by charleselan on Apr 26, 2019 16:03:59 GMT
Yes Chris! What has happened to Danny Kent. He showed great potential in that one off ride at the end of last year in BSB, but sadly the team folded. Hard to believe that no team picked him up for 2019; surely another rider from the MotoGP paddock and former World Champion would have been a big draw for the series.
I agree completely WSBK rules are way out of line with the national championships, but like in so many arenas the manufacturers are the tail wagging the dog. As you so rightly suggest maybe Kawasaki will now think again about vetoing the move to get rid of all electronic controls like ABS/Traction Control and anti wheelie. The riders by and large do not like it, well those with real talent don't as they much prefer for their own skills to be shown and not being clever at using all of the electronic gismos.
|
|
|
|
Post by chrisb on Apr 27, 2019 10:44:15 GMT
I keep checking to see if there are any updates on Danny but as yet can find nothing, personally i think he has to take a big step back in order to re-establish himself and then stick two fingers up at his many critics and get a good ride and a better championship
the pocket rocket is making similar comments - saying the BSB style championships are much better and whilst i have some sympathy for manufacturers as these electronics are available on road bikes it makes sense to them anyway to have a series promoting their wares, except that ain't really happening is it? looking forward to Oulton although I note that Scott hasn't tested very well there this week, but then the weather has been poor
|
|
|
|
Post by charleselan on Apr 27, 2019 17:42:47 GMT
I suppose there are some who derive great pleasure from riding these modern bikes with the fancy electronic gadgetry Chris, but personally I cannot see the point. If the production bike is so powerful it cannot be ridden on the road without electronic aids then what the blazes is all that about. Surely the whole thing about motorcycle ownership is the shear pleasure of man and machine in harmony.
If you get wheel-spin after cracking open the throttle you are either doing it for fun and deliberately so, or you as the rider are incompetent. Why would anyone need electronics to stop that happening?
The Danny Kent matter is strange, maybe all will be revealed in the fullness of time.
|
|
|
|
Post by chrisb on Apr 28, 2019 6:38:34 GMT
my next bike JC will have 3 engine modes, one [the rain setting] of which I hope I am sufficiently skilled and experienced not to actually use, the 'ordinary' will be 90% of my usage - as for me I am in charge how hard I accelerate is my choice but one the one I look forward to occasionally using is the 'sports mode' - I have this on the car - in fact i seem to have two, must read the book sometime, but it sharpens all up and it is fun! tightens the suspension and acceleration is so much more ooomph it's great , you may have to age but I am dammed if i have to grow up!
but your point is quite correct if you cannot control wheelspin or wheelies then get a less powerful bike that you can manage, these 'naked' bikes are taking over from the sports bikes as they are still mighty quick but less aggressive than the 200bhp missiles - who I would question if they should be on the road in the 1st instance. on my last bike [Sprint ST] I was able to stay with most sports bikes on the twisties and non- straight roads without too much bother - well maybe a bit - as a smooth rider and that torque off the corner it was wonderful but that had no electronic gadgetry so it was up to me how I rode and how I want to develop as a rider, because that for me is the other thing JC, I am constantly wanting to develop my skills - be it motorbikes, cars, squash and now golf, and am prepared to listen to others who are qualified trainers in order to do so, with these electronics there is a concern that a rider will become reliant upon these aids and not have that skill level to ride without them, but in answer to our point - I do think the reduction of electronic gadgets and making the rules as per national series will be the saving of WSB, but is it likely to happen? hope so
isn't it? I hope so, I do rate Danny and there was another youngster who was in the 125's the same time as Scott called Danny Webb who on occasion could be quick, but he dropped off the radar - although I did note he was racing at the TT- and again I never quite knew why, well you consider DK was holding his own with Olivera a couple of years ago and look where he is - I just don't quite understand what is happening there - but hopefully we'll see him back on the track soon
|
|
|
|
Post by charleselan on Apr 29, 2019 15:44:47 GMT
my next bike JC will have 3 engine modes, one [the rain setting] of which I hope I am sufficiently skilled and experienced not to actually use, the 'ordinary' will be 90% of my usage - as for me I am in charge how hard I accelerate is my choice but one the one I look forward to occasionally using is the 'sports mode' - I have this on the car - in fact i seem to have two, must read the book sometime, but it sharpens all up and it is fun! tightens the suspension and acceleration is so much more ooomph it's great , you may have to age but I am dammed if i have to grow up! but your point is quite correct if you cannot control wheelspin or wheelies then get a less powerful bike that you can manage, these 'naked' bikes are taking over from the sports bikes as they are still mighty quick but less aggressive than the 200bhp missiles - who I would question if they should be on the road in the 1st instance. on my last bike [Sprint ST] I was able to stay with most sports bikes on the twisties and non- straight roads without too much bother - well maybe a bit - as a smooth rider and that torque off the corner it was wonderful but that had no electronic gadgetry so it was up to me how I rode and how I want to develop as a rider, because that for me is the other thing JC, I am constantly wanting to develop my skills - be it motorbikes, cars, squash and now golf, and am prepared to listen to others who are qualified trainers in order to do so, with these electronics there is a concern that a rider will become reliant upon these aids and not have that skill level to ride without them, but in answer to our point - I do think the reduction of electronic gadgets and making the rules as per national series will be the saving of WSB, but is it likely to happen? hope so isn't it? I hope so, I do rate Danny and there was another youngster who was in the 125's the same time as Scott called Danny Webb who on occasion could be quick, but he dropped off the radar - although I did note he was racing at the TT- and again I never quite knew why, well you consider DK was holding his own with Olivera a couple of years ago and look where he is - I just don't quite understand what is happening there - but hopefully we'll see him back on the track soon Chris, I have to confess that my Land Rover has at least four different modes, each for terrain or weather conditions, although i have have not yet had to use any of them. In fact I doubt that they are really needed as the LR 4X4 system is exemplary and probably the best of any manufacture. I believe that Danny Webb who is a good mate of Scott's is now racing mostly on the road courses. He obviously chose that route for his career, no doubt due to opportunities closing up in circuit racing. Brave lad, but one thing for sure Scott will never go down that avenue as he despises road racing especially following his grand fathers best pal being killed at the TT a few years ago. JC |
|
|
|
Post by chrisb on Apr 29, 2019 20:35:13 GMT
i do find it strange that some racers or even car drivers find themselves 'sidelined' when they are obviously talented and capable - both Danny's amongst many - people like Isaac Vinalles are another who has lost his Moto2 ride and resides in WSS and he had a lot of skill, wonder what is it that they 'don't have' whilst others make it - Vandorne is another
|
|
|
|
Post by Carl on Apr 29, 2019 23:14:30 GMT
...as for me I am in charge how hard I accelerate is my choice but one the one I look forward to occasionally using is the 'sports mode' - I have this on the car - in fact i seem to have two, must read the book sometime, but it sharpens all up and it is fun! tightens the suspension and acceleration is so much more ooomph it's great , you may have to age but I am dammed if i have to grow up! ...I am constantly wanting to develop my skills - be it motorbikes, cars, squash and now golf, and am prepared to listen to others who are qualified trainers in order to do so, with these electronics there is a concern that a rider will become reliant upon these aids and not have that skill level to ride without them, but in answer to our point - I do think the reduction of electronic gadgets and making the rules as per national series will be the saving of WSB, but is it likely to happen? hope so Chris, I have to confess that my Land Rover has at least four different modes, each for terrain or weather conditions, although i have have not yet had to use any of them. In fact I doubt that they are really needed as the LR 4X4 system is exemplary and probably the best of any manufacture. JC Chris and JC, On my vintage Lexus ES 300, I have traction control and anti-lock brakes and I'm happy neither has ever activated because, like you, I'd rather control them myself.
Several months ago, driving down my residential street at a cautious pace, a young woman came hurtling out from my right (I had the right of way) to turn left in front of me. Granted, her view of approaching traffic had been blocked by someone's illegally parked truck, but still...  followed by  Fortunately I was not daydreaming and immediately turned to avoid her while braking heavily at the same time. I could have reached out and easily touched her rear fender as I went by about 4 inches away. She had stopped and waited, so with adrenaline coursing, I reversed very fast to "discuss". She was very apologetic, I was disarmed and only advised her to creep forward until she can see (or be seen) next time. I'm not sure it would have worked out that well if either safety feature had activated.
As Dirty Harry might say, that was a lucky day for both of us. Had she not kept turning, I would not have been able to avoid her. Whew! Cheers, Carl |
|
|
|
Post by René on Apr 30, 2019 15:34:10 GMT
As Dirty Harry might say, that was a lucky day for both of us. Had she not kept turning, I would not have been able to avoid her. Whew! Carl, I am sure we've all had our "whew" moments in traffic. I know I have! You were both lucky indeed but it was your responsiveness that saved you both from worse! Good response Sir!  |
|
|
|
Post by Carl on Apr 30, 2019 16:16:59 GMT
As Dirty Harry might say, that was a lucky day for both of us. Had she not kept turning, I would not have been able to avoid her. Whew! Carl, I am sure we've all had our "whew" moments in traffic. I know I have! You were both lucky indeed but it was your responsiveness that saved you both from worse! Good response Sir! No doubt we all have very nearly been caught up in the incredible incompetence of bad drivers. Even when we respond well, good luck is always appreciated 
I think it was Richie Ginther who once said he'd rather be lucky than good!
|
|
|
|
Post by charleselan on Apr 30, 2019 19:37:18 GMT
Carl, I am sure we've all had our "whew" moments in traffic. I know I have! You were both lucky indeed but it was your responsiveness that saved you both from worse! Good response Sir! No doubt we all have very nearly been caught up in the incredible incompetence of bad drivers. Even when we respond well, good luck is always appreciated
I think it was Richie Ginther who once said he'd rather be lucky than good!
Unfortunately we cannot legislate for the sheer incompetence that confronts us everyday on the roads Carl. I thought that standards were poor in the UK until I moved to France where they are unfathomably bad. Tailgating is the favourite, closely followed by a total refusal to slow or give way on narrow lanes. The best by far is the old law which gave priority to the right which meant that you could be proceeding down a main road and suddenly some lunatic would pull out of a right side road in front of you no matter what speed you may be doing. It is now not the law but still some older drivers apply the principle, and the fools in government wonder why the accident rate in France is so high. Their answer is to lower the speed limit which in turn promotes even more tailgating and car drivers being at the mercy of trucks should they abide by this new law. |
|
|
|
Post by chrisb on May 7, 2019 4:55:45 GMT
|
|
followed by 
