|
|
Post by chrisb on Sept 11, 2019 16:41:28 GMT
I don't know who Rachel is related too, presume you mean him of Norton fame? but it would make sense, I did try to check online but really didn't get anywhere but totally agree with your comments - I do think she really has overtaken the shrill voiced one on MotoGP and her from BBC F1 whose name is escaping me - as I have had a very busy day and my mind is functioning but somewhere else in relation to my head,
Again, Assen is Scott's type of arena and has shown us he can get away from the start now, personally I am beginning to think, well I am trying to anyway, that Scott may well have the championship tied up before Brands, I hope he does because Josh can be mighty around there, but I feel Assen and then Donington - yea they are more Scott than Josh, whichever way it will be very exciting and I will order my tickets for Donington later on tonight -
I watched the first two races on Eurosport and was not overwhelmed by my excitement, as you say the commentary wasn't great although I do quite like the pit lane guy, he seems popular with the riders, but when WSB and BSB doesn't clash we do get Jack and James and they are priceless. but if you think about it John, we now have Bautista, Scott and there will be others from Moto2 next year and probably from MotoGP in 2021 so I am wondering if the better known names may bring in more audiences and therefore more interest and hopefully more manufacturer interest,
|
|
|
|
Post by charleselan on Sept 12, 2019 11:31:55 GMT
Yes Chris, Ray Stringer of Norton fame and currently the top man at OMG Suzuki, a very good engineer is Ray. It seems more than a coincidence that Rachel has the same surname. She really has developed into the role of pit lane interviewer, just has a really nice manner.
Jack & James are just legends and stand tall as commentators, nobody today comes anywhere close. I was interested to see that when watching one of the WSBK races live last Sunday on Eurosport that Julian Ryder was on the team, that was an improvement.
I think that you are correct about more guys coming over from MotoGP and Moto2 to WSBK, it could stir things up and make the series more attractive. It is a shame that BMW continue with this half hearted policy they have adopted in all forms of motor sport, and then do a runner leaving everyone high and dry. Goodness knows why they do not produce a proper race spec engine for their superbike, as the bike is absolutely brilliant. None of the guys in BSB have had a spec'd motor all year and still have to rely on a stock motor.
Anyway I envy you going to Donington, it should be a cracking meeting, the crowds would probably put me off these days however.
|
|
|
|
Post by Carl on Sept 12, 2019 15:56:27 GMT
Yes Chris, Ray Stringer of Norton fame and currently the top man at OMG Suzuki, a very good engineer is Ray. It seems more than a coincidence that Rachel has the same surname. She really has developed into the role of pit lane interviewer, just has a really nice manner. Jack & James are just legends and stand tall as commentators, nobody today comes anywhere close. I was interested to see that when watching one of the WSBK races live last Sunday on Eurosport that Julian Ryder was on the team, that was an improvement. I think that you are correct about more guys coming over from MotoGP and Moto2 to WSBK, it could stir things up and make the series more attractive. It is a shame that BMW continue with this half hearted policy they have adopted in all forms of motor sport, and then do a runner leaving everyone high and dry. Goodness knows why they do not produce a proper race spec engine for their superbike, as the bike is absolutely brilliant. None of the guys in BSB have had a spec'd motor all year and still have to rely on a stock motor. Anyway I envy you going to Donington, it should be a cracking meeting, the crowds would probably put me off these days however. I haven't enjoyed the Isle of Man commentary after the wholesale replacement of the previous and excellent team, which included James Whitham and Steve Parrish, with one mediocre in comparison, especially the main commentator who bellows for emphasis.
|
|
|
|
Post by charleselan on Sept 12, 2019 16:42:11 GMT
Yes Chris, Ray Stringer of Norton fame and currently the top man at OMG Suzuki, a very good engineer is Ray. It seems more than a coincidence that Rachel has the same surname. She really has developed into the role of pit lane interviewer, just has a really nice manner. Jack & James are just legends and stand tall as commentators, nobody today comes anywhere close. I was interested to see that when watching one of the WSBK races live last Sunday on Eurosport that Julian Ryder was on the team, that was an improvement. I think that you are correct about more guys coming over from MotoGP and Moto2 to WSBK, it could stir things up and make the series more attractive. It is a shame that BMW continue with this half hearted policy they have adopted in all forms of motor sport, and then do a runner leaving everyone high and dry. Goodness knows why they do not produce a proper race spec engine for their superbike, as the bike is absolutely brilliant. None of the guys in BSB have had a spec'd motor all year and still have to rely on a stock motor. Anyway I envy you going to Donington, it should be a cracking meeting, the crowds would probably put me off these days however. I haven't enjoyed the Isle of Man commentary after the wholesale replacement of the previous and excellent team, which included James Whitham and Steve Parrish, with one mediocre in comparison, especially the main presenter who bellows for emphasis.
Quite right Carl, that broadcast is now a shadow of its former self thanks to those changes. I really liked Steve Plater as a racer, especially in his days as a formidable competitor in the 600 Supersport class on the CBR600 Honda. However he doesn't seem cut out for the role of "assistant commentator", much better in the pit lane or doing paddock pieces. Dave Moore the lead commentator isn't my cup of tea either, but like David Coulthard in the UK C4 F1 broadcast he is part of the ownership or whatever they call it these days. Steve Parrish was more involved in the recent Classic TT coverage but still the same lead commentator. The "token woman"  this time was the attractive and former Olympic Gold Medalist Amy Williams whose lovely West Country accent resonates well with me; she is into bikes and was far better than the ever stilted Jodie Kidd who is absolute agony. |
|
|
|
Post by Carl on Sept 12, 2019 19:35:08 GMT
I haven't enjoyed the Isle of Man commentary after the wholesale replacement of the previous and excellent team, which included James Whitham and Steve Parrish, with one mediocre in comparison, especially the main presenter who bellows for emphasis.
Quite right Carl, that broadcast is now a shadow of its former self thanks to those changes. I really liked Steve Plater as a racer, especially in his days as a formidable competitor in the 600 Supersport class on the CBR600 Honda. However he doesn't seem cut out for the role of "assistant commentator", much better in the pit lane or doing paddock pieces. Dave Moore the lead commentator isn't my cup of tea either, but like David Coulthard in the UK C4 F1 broadcast he is part of the ownership or whatever they call it these days. Steve Parrish was more involved in the recent Classic TT coverage but still the same lead commentator. The "token woman" this time was the attractive and former Olympic Gold Medalist Amy Williams whose lovely West Country accent resonates well with me; she is into bikes and was far better than the ever stilted Jodie Kidd who is absolute agony. This year there was indication of disarray when, without explanation, Dave Moore was absent for one of the races, agitated for some reason I imagined. Steve Plater is, as you say, outstanding in the pit lane where he's totally familiar, but less effective when called upon to expound in depth. One characteristic of cheap production is to misplace the talent.
I know this is chauvinistic, but my idea of ideal placement for Jodie Kidd and her impressive limbs is with me after hours in a nice hotel room where she and I could expound in depth.  |
|
|
|
Post by chrisb on Sept 20, 2019 20:38:01 GMT
Assen this weekend, one of my favourite bike circuits, somewhere i visited a few years ago for the WSB and would love to return to
but Scott is looking mighty - 1/2 a second quicker in both practices bodes well
|
|
|
|
Post by charleselan on Sept 21, 2019 11:25:12 GMT
A busy weekend of motor sport with F1 in Singapore, MotoGP in Aragon and BSB at the Cathedral of Speed in Assen. I know where my priorities will lay but with the aid of two computers working full speed I should have some interesting streams to look at with one eye on each.
Scott looked to be in outstanding form yesterday both in FR1 & 2 over half a second faster in both sessions. Not unexpected to be honest as I felt he would be in his element at Assen. If he gets a good start in both the others will struggle to stay with him.
In the week I noticed that Kawasaki have stopped support of Bournemouth Kawasaki in BSB, not surprised after their disastrous year in 2019. Also OMG are moving to BMW from Suzuki, so quite some changes announced for 2020 already.
|
|
|
|
Post by chrisb on Sept 23, 2019 6:08:36 GMT
and of course the rugger as well JC, yes having two computer adjacent does help - watching BSB on one and the MotoGP on t'other does test one but it was worth it,
great ride by Scott, Donington next, very impressed by Luke - rode a very good race,
yes the changes are already happening, do wonder who PBR are lining up for 2020, at 36/37 does Josh have that same drive as say Jake Dixon? yes as soon as Leon left Bournemouth Kawasaki they seemed to lose direction, interesting, I think the BSB championshop is realy going to go from strength to strength and am intrigued as to who goes where
|
|
|
|
Post by charleselan on Sept 23, 2019 11:29:39 GMT
My whole enjoyment of what I had been most looking forward to this weekend was ruined by a truly poor coverage by the streaming systems I normally use. there was only one viable one available which is normally reliable and sound, but on both Sat' & Sunday its as appalling with constant buffering and stalling. I wasn't therefore able to see either race conclude and what I did see was always freezing up.
Anyway that aside Scott was outstanding in both races with superb wins in races one and two. The same should be true at Donington Park at the next meeting as he knows his way around there very well.
It was indeed a good performance by Luke Stapleford who really did show up Brad Ray by some margin. Good to see little Richard Cooper get a reward from Buildbase in an outing on the Superbike after winning superbly the Superstock Championship for them, too good to have been dropped from BSB anyway in my opinion.
I have just read that Jake Dixon has been signed to ride for the Petronas Team in Moto2 for 2020, hopefully that will turn out better for him than this season. Apparently there was a lot of support for him from within the MotoGP organisation as they wanted to keep some British riders onboard, maybe its beginning to sink in that you cannot have an exclusive Spanish/Italian world series.
|
|
|
|
Post by Carl on Sept 23, 2019 22:29:23 GMT
Well done at Assen by a young rider undoubtedly inspired by a sagacious relative  |
|
|
|
Post by mikael on Sept 24, 2019 9:38:21 GMT
Hopefully Scott can keep the momentum and clinch the Championship! I'll keep my fingers crossed by the two remaining races.
I must admit that I'm not following motorcycle racing in the way I once did; but it's fascinating nonetheless to witness the evolution in "road racing" riding styles over the years. The "dangling" of a leg under heavy braking - as Scott is seen using (in the highlights posted by Carl) - was never seen some, say, ten years ago. I imagine the leg is used as a counterweight, to balance the bike when braking hard(?) It's interesting also that the technique is, apparently, not used consistently. Some riders do it (dangle a leg), some don't, and some do it occasionally (that's how it appears, a least).
The evolution of the Grand Prix (road racing) motorcycle is fascinating as well. To think about the low-slung racers of the 1960's. At that time the philosophy was a bit like with cars (so it seems, at least): the lower the bike - and the lower the centre of gravity - the better. With the modern bikes, it appears to be completely the opposite: the engine is mounted high up in the "long-legged" chassis, and no attempt is made to lower down the gasoline tank (contrary to motocross bikes).
|
|
|
|
Post by charleselan on Oct 5, 2019 11:47:54 GMT
This weekend sees the penultimate round of the British Superbike Championship at Donington Park which one of our own will be attending all being well; have a great race day Chris and let us hope the rain and inclement weather holds off.
Looking forward to the qualification this afternoon which should a cracker.
Sorry Mikael i missed your earlier comment about riding styles and the changes in bike design over the years. The "leg dangle" that Scott and many others employ was actually started by Valentino Rossi and from what i have heard it helps transfer the weight more to the front on corner entry. For racers the main priority is to get as much weight onto the front tyre when entering a corner. The technique of "trail braking" is a finely balanced affair which also promotes this weight transference, however it can all too easily go wrong and the many crashes that occur are when they exceed the limit and loose the front end.
I personally do not like the "leg dangle" as it looks so weird in a road race, the knee out technique is how it should look.
I am certain that the ultimate in design for a tarmac racing motorcycle is to get as much weight as possible low down, even today. Most bikes now still have what is perceived to be a fuel tank in the traditional place but in fact it is no such thing as many have the actual tank mounted much lower, some are under the seat. This also applies to many road bikes these days as well. In fact one of the latest KTM "Duel Sport" road bikes has the fuel tank mounted either side of the engine and forms part of the side fairing.
|
|
|
|
Post by chrisb on Oct 5, 2019 14:58:38 GMT
so do I JC, I have my ticket ready, the bike is raring to go but if the forecast proves correct then it will be a TV job, but I will make that decision early tomorrow morning, I would like to go, Donington, as James Whittam has just said is a great circuit and one of the best on the world, it was a travesty the MotoGP didn't come back here,
am waiting patiently for the start of the qualifying and hope the MacKenzie boys really go well but the pole belongs to Scott
will return to this shortly
|
|
|
|
Post by chrisb on Oct 5, 2019 16:07:57 GMT
updated,
well done Scott, he really is a class act who will lighten up WSB next year, listening to Josh, well, he is talking a good race, whilst Scott is talking a great deal of sense, especially about the weather, pleased with the Mac boys at 9th and 10th - they will be close and great to see Gino back, albeit somewhat at the back - but given just how good he is in the wet - he should be one to watch
tomorrow should be fantastic I really hope I get down there but it is not looking optimistic
|
|
|
|
Post by Carl on Oct 5, 2019 16:33:48 GMT
so do I JC, I have my ticket ready, the bike is raring to go but if the forecast proves correct then it will be a TV job, but I will make that decision early tomorrow morning, I would like to go, Donington, as James Whittam has just said is a great circuit and one of the best on the world, it was a travesty the MotoGP didn't come back here, am waiting patiently for the start of the qualifying and hope the MacKenzie boys really go well but the pole belongs to Scott will return to this shortly Chris, I hope you enjoy good weather, good luck and a great race!
|
|
this time was the attractive and former Olympic Gold Medalist Amy Williams whose lovely West Country accent resonates well with me; she is into bikes and was far better than the ever stilted Jodie Kidd who is absolute agony.
