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15 Jul 2007, 22:36 (Ref:1963957)
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Veteran
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 6,699
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Corkscrew it! Moto GP Round 11
Love it or hate it, Laguna Seca presents a unique challenge. It is one of North America's most storied road circuits. Spectacular, challenging, daunting and a little raw; in one word, Laguna Seca is different. There's no escaping it, the Moto GP teams and riders have to accept the challenge. The first challenge may just be getting there...all the way from Germany.
Casey Stoner has a commanding 32 point lead over Valentino Rossi thanks to The Doctor's DNF at Sachsenring. Stoner crahsed out of the USGP last year at Turn 6. However, Stoner should go well, as he has all year. Rossi doesn't like Laguna, but he put it on the box in 2005 and was going well until engine and tire woes saw him DNF last year. Rossi knows how to take on adversity though. Dani Pedrosa is the only other title contender (maybe). He finished second to Hayden last year at his first visit to Laguna. Speaking of Nicky Hayden, he’ll be going for the hat-trick with the momentum of two straight podium finishes. Colin Edwards and John Hopkins should not be overlooked along with Chris Vermeulen who led a good portion of last year’s race. We’ll also see two wild card entrants. Roger Lee Hayden will ride a third bike for Kawasaki while Miguel Duhamel will ride in place of Toni Elias. Unfortunately, the 125’s and 250’s have the weekend off and are replaced by AMA Supersport and Superbike. The track has been resurfaced after last year’s miserable attempt, which saw the surface crumble under searing heat. Lastly, Laguna needs a well run race weekend to ensure its future with the announcement that Indy will host a Moto GP round next year. Last edited by jhansen; 15 Jul 2007 at 22:42. |
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"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." Albert Einstein 
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15 Jul 2007, 23:55 (Ref:1963999)
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My favorites are Hicky Nayden, Colin, Hopper and Chris.
Rossi, Pedrosa etc etc don't seem to dig the approach you gotta take at hiddiously dangerous circuits. |
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"Abe will be remembered as a fighter" - RIP Abe.
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16 Jul 2007, 02:51 (Ref:1964037)
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 6,699
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Quote:
Laguna has done just about everything asked of them. The one thing Rossi really wanted after seeing the '06 changes was a perimeter road. Hats off to them. I hope Laguna at least gets to see out all five years of its contract, so they get some return on investment. After that, I'm sure Indy will be the exclusive home of the USGP. |
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__________________
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." Albert Einstein
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16 Jul 2007, 06:31 (Ref:1964105)
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,246
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Cant really go past one of the Americans for the win. With Honda and Hayden's recent upturn, perhaps it'll be them. I fancy an all American podium with Hayden-Hopkins-Edwards.
With Stoner-Rossi-Pedrosa i think we'll see one of them take a fall, or some other major setback through the weekend. |
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16 Jul 2007, 07:03 (Ref:1964120)
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Veteran
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,782
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i think the Americans will go well including Hayden Jnr as will Chris and Casey and of coarse The Doctor, Westy won't do any good as he has never been here before and is still only getting used to the Kwaka.
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16 Jul 2007, 07:08 (Ref:1964124)
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Veteran
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 5,387
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I'm looking forward to this one!
I'm sure that after Rossi DNFed yesterday in Germany he will be looking to make up for it. That said, Stoner will undoubtedly be able to run with him. Pedrosa, I feel, will be strong. He's lightweight and agile, something which you need to go fast around the twisty Laguna Seca. He'll be boosted because of his win and will be looking to at least score a podium finish. On the Americans, Hayden, Edwards, and Hopper, I think the only realistic would-be winner in that group is Hayden. Two 3rd placings in a row, he'll be on a high going into this event. Edwards hasn't really done much of anything so far this season, and I think Rossi will get the better of him (as long as he stays upright!). The Suzuki team should be strong, as jhansen has pointed out. Maybe not in contention for a win, but certainly a podium finish is on the radar for one of them. The Kawasakis. Look for them in the Top 10. I don't think they've got their act together enough to be challenging for podiums... yet. Anthony West is still finding his feet with the team (despite the "brilliant race" he had according to Daryl Beattie). So, as an Australian, I have to quote Daryl on this one: "GO CASEY STONER!"
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"A lot of people go through life doing things badly. Racing’s important to men who do it well. When you’re racing, it... it’s life. Anything that happens before or after... is just waiting." - Steve McQueen
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16 Jul 2007, 07:41 (Ref:1964138)
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Veteran
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,043
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I'm tipping Vermuelen.
Did the double at the World Superbike round in 2004, & lead from pole last year. Have they butchered the corkscrew anymore for this year, after flattening it out abit last year due to some whinging in 2005? Just like the old days i'm predicting a USA vs Australia battle for the podium (okay.......maybe Rossi too) |
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"The Great Race" 22 November 1960 - 21 July 1999
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16 Jul 2007, 11:12 (Ref:1964295)
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Posts: 8,782
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hopefully they putt some of the title sponsers product in the Ducati of Casey and the Suzuki of Chris V and give them wings
 .Quote:
Last edited by Pro Racer; 16 Jul 2007 at 11:15. |
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16 Jul 2007, 14:02 (Ref:1964448)
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#9 | ||
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Veteran
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,706
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Surely Jhansen this thread should have been called:'My annual holiday'.
Are you going for all three days? You are going by bike ofcourse! Have fun! I think this is a great track to ride, but not to race. It is just so difficult to overtake. This could well be the first race this season where the pole sitter will be the race winner. |
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Drunk
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16 Jul 2007, 14:13 (Ref:1964460)
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#10 | ||
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 6,699
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Yes, it is definitely my annual holliday. No bike this year though. Taking the wife and kids; Thursday through Sunday. I must be temporarily insane...
As for the track, I do agree, it's difficult to overtake on. Having said that, yesterday I watched last year's race to get wound up for this year. There was some good racing behind the leaders. The Stoner-Pedrosa-Melandri battle was brilliant. We've seen passes. However, for some reason, this track does allow a guy to break away. Another Pedrosa win maybe? He did very well last year having never seen the track. |
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__________________
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." Albert Einstein
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16 Jul 2007, 14:20 (Ref:1964468)
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#11 | ||
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Veteran
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,782
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well Pedrobot seems to be a confidence rider and when he gets on a roll seems to go good so maybe, but if Honda are strong i would predict Haydos to get the upperhand for this round.
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16 Jul 2007, 14:28 (Ref:1964474)
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Veteran
Join Date: Jun 2003
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Quote:
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__________________
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." Albert Einstein
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16 Jul 2007, 19:14 (Ref:1965028)
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#13 | ||
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Veteran
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,294
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I don't like Laguna as a motorcycle circuit. I'm all for circuits being slightly dangerous to separate the men from the boys, but I dread for the day of 'the big one' and someone is more than seriously injured. Maybe the 800s would suit the track better than the old 990s....
However, on a brighter note, can't go past one of the Yanks to win their home race again. Hayden is hitting form at the right time and a hat-trick is well on the cards. But I'd like to see Colin finally get his first win, and it would be great for him to do it on home soil. Hopper is also in with a shout. Rossi will be under pressure to deliver a result this weekend after his fall at Sachsenring. Stoner can afford to finish behind him.... |
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Sunderland Til I Die!
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16 Jul 2007, 21:14 (Ref:1965145)
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#14 | ||
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Ten-Tenths Hall of Fame
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Stinker by Rossi, for sure. No margin for error anymore.
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"And the most important thing is that we, the Vettels, the Bernies, whoever, should not destroy our own sport by making stupid comments about the ******* noise." - Niki Lauda
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16 Jul 2007, 22:26 (Ref:1965208)
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Racer
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 359
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If the weather is anything like last year (60degC track temperatures) Michelin runners should again have the edge. Expect Rossi, Edwards, Pedrosa and Hayden for the podium spots followed by Stoner and Capirossi in the points.
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16 Jul 2007, 23:18 (Ref:1965252)
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#16 | ||
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Veteran
Join Date: Jun 2003
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Weather says low 70's, which I'm praying is true! It should be much cooler.
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__________________
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." Albert Einstein
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17 Jul 2007, 04:41 (Ref:1965334)
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#17 | |
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Veteran
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 683
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This race should be great.
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Please bring road and rally racing to the VERSUS tv channel!
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17 Jul 2007, 06:40 (Ref:1965358)
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Veteran
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Quote:
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__________________
Drunk
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17 Jul 2007, 13:24 (Ref:1965710)
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#19 | ||
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Veteran
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,246
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Rossi was having water temperature issues as well in Germany
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17 Jul 2007, 14:54 (Ref:1965781)
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#20 | ||
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Veteran
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 6,699
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72 degrees Fahrenheit equals 22.22 degrees Celsius.
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__________________
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." Albert Einstein
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18 Jul 2007, 01:52 (Ref:1966202)
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#21 | |||
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Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 1,125
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Quote:
He is doing to Valentino what Valentino did to so many riders - build the pressure until your opponent cracks and makes mistakes which is ironic considering we were wondering if Casey could handle the pressure Vale was putting on him! I can not wait till this race starts! Last edited by ozrevhead; 18 Jul 2007 at 01:56. |
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18 Jul 2007, 08:42 (Ref:1966352)
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Subscriber
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What, you mean like Nicky?
I kidd, I kidd.. |
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__________________
"Abe will be remembered as a fighter" - RIP Abe.
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18 Jul 2007, 15:35 (Ref:1966628)
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#23 | ||
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Veteran
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,706
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Kenny Jr. is not gonna ride at Laguna the dutch press is stating. He doesn't know yet when he's gonna be back.
I wonder if he ever will be back in motogp... |
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Drunk
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18 Jul 2007, 15:37 (Ref:1966630)
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#24 | |||
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Veteran
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Quote:
As for Jr's future in Moto GP, I would say it's in doubt. |
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__________________
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." Albert Einstein
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18 Jul 2007, 15:39 (Ref:1966631)
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#25 | |||
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Veteran
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Quote:
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__________________
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." Albert Einstein
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