No, I’m not talking about the end-of-season team changes, I’m talking about this. Rally Finland is one of the fastest rallies on the calendar with cars regularly exceeding 200km/h on the narrow, straight roads in the Finnish forests. And, when something goes wrong, it nearly always results in a BIG “off” like this one. Note how well-disciplined the Finnish spectators are, quickly righting the car and moving it off the road before the next car arrives. Not much that they haven’t seen before lots of times!
Speaking of end-of-season changes, yesterday I flagged a possible move to Kawasaki next year for Nori Haga. There is now talk that his management has been sounding out Davide Tardozzi, his former manager at Ducati, about a possible ride at BMW next year.
I’m in two minds about this whole Haga deal, actually. I think Nori was emotionally destroyed by his failure to win the WSBK crown when, according to everyone (and himself, if truth be known) he should have done so. Japanese riders are incredibly emotional about their riding, more so than other nationalities, and I am of the opinion that Nori will never be a force again. Certainly I can’t see anything to be gained by him going to BMW. They already have a multiple World Champion who is also an excellent development rider. What BMW needs is a younger rider who can back up Corser and be groomed for team leadership when Troy retires.
Likewise I can’t see that Haga would be of value to Kawasaki. Knowing what I have been personally told about Haga’s abilities as a development rider (they aren’t very good), I don’t think Team Green would get good value out of their dollar except in promotional terms. Don’t get me wrong, I love Nori, but I think he’s a spent force. He should do the honourable thing and retire at the end of the season. For myself, I’d prefer to remember the great man at his best, not the shadow of his former self that he has become.
In other news, American teenage racing sensation (sheesh, I’m starting to sound like a PR man) Elena Myers, has been given a big tick by the Suzuki management following her brilliant perfomances for them in the AMA Pro Racing series this year. She is going to be given a guest ride on the Suzuki GSVR MotoGP bike at the end-of season test session at Valencia. Bear in mind this kid is just 16 years old. And, unless I am very much mistaken, she will be the first female to have ridden a MotoGP bike in the 4 stroke era (I AM prepared to be corrected on that one). You will recall that I flagged her earlier on in they year?
Anyway, here is the complete article (with pictures) courtesy of roadracingworld.
This just brought to my notice also. Aussie Mark Atchinson making a return to the WSS this weekend with Kuja Racing.
sanoptic says
Elena Myers looks great on the GSVR,she’s the perfect fit for gp bikes with her short legs…lol
Makes Capirossi look old though in the pic with her, hopefully when she has a ride on the bike it may impress the Suzuki bosses enough to offer her a ride in the future.
In regard to Haga lets face it he & most of the other older riders are just doing laps for income only,their long past their prime ,only Max & Troy give it 100% in the over 40’s class..lol.
If Edwards comes back on whatever brand it won’t change much ,the younger guys will have learnt from this year & will most likley leave em in their dust next year.
Still Superbikes is still a great series with 2 races per round & the supersports too.