Discussion
The thing we're all missing in the Silverstone discussion is that the biggest racing draw for UK bike racing fans is not the British GP. It's the Isle of Man.
This sets us apart as there's nothing like it elsewhere. For most other countries their GP is THE thing. Apologies if Dutch Supersport is your highlight.
And yet for all the criticism of facilities at Silverstone, you can amplify them enormously for the Isle of Man. Costs a fortune to get there on the Steam Racket. You might see no racing due to the weather. You most certainly can't see all of the circuit or a big screen. Heck, you can't even get Radio TT that well, and streaming there makes a gold plated Bentley look value.
Yet it is a hugely popular festival of motorcycling that gets enormous attendances every year. And that's in part because there's lots to do in addition. If I ran Silverstone I'd have a free funfair, battery minimotos for kids, and build massive grass embankments everywhere there's not a grandstand. Most of the stands are just scaffolding so could be replaced with terracing rather than seats. If you go on a Friday, can you get pitlane access? Can you get a demo ride on a road bike? Can you get glamping on the infield?
The sprint itself today was a bit flat but wonder why most of the Ducatis ate their tyres so badly. Pecco said afterwards he was going to copy Alex Marquez's setup for tomorrow. Bit of a riddy for Toprak being beaten by Pol Espargaro by ten seconds and Augusto Fernandez by 7, let alone his positioning compared to the other Yamahas.
This sets us apart as there's nothing like it elsewhere. For most other countries their GP is THE thing. Apologies if Dutch Supersport is your highlight.
And yet for all the criticism of facilities at Silverstone, you can amplify them enormously for the Isle of Man. Costs a fortune to get there on the Steam Racket. You might see no racing due to the weather. You most certainly can't see all of the circuit or a big screen. Heck, you can't even get Radio TT that well, and streaming there makes a gold plated Bentley look value.
Yet it is a hugely popular festival of motorcycling that gets enormous attendances every year. And that's in part because there's lots to do in addition. If I ran Silverstone I'd have a free funfair, battery minimotos for kids, and build massive grass embankments everywhere there's not a grandstand. Most of the stands are just scaffolding so could be replaced with terracing rather than seats. If you go on a Friday, can you get pitlane access? Can you get a demo ride on a road bike? Can you get glamping on the infield?
The sprint itself today was a bit flat but wonder why most of the Ducatis ate their tyres so badly. Pecco said afterwards he was going to copy Alex Marquez's setup for tomorrow. Bit of a riddy for Toprak being beaten by Pol Espargaro by ten seconds and Augusto Fernandez by 7, let alone his positioning compared to the other Yamahas.
Sprint was crap, hope tomorrow produces some racing. MM93 looked like he wrecked his tyre in the battle in the first two laps as he was going backwards from lap 4, Digi struggled a lot too after the halfway point. They need to do something about tyre wear and / or accept 6th place and try to make the tyre last that long.
I think the Miller thing has been done to death. He s out of a ride next season and rightly so. He finished 13th he s got 19 pouts this season. None of those things are worth celebrating.
I think the Miller thing has been done to death. He s out of a ride next season and rightly so. He finished 13th he s got 19 pouts this season. None of those things are worth celebrating.
Edited by Opapayer on Saturday 8th August 21:55
Marquezs Stabilisers said:
The sprint itself today was a bit flat but wonder why most of the Ducatis ate their tyres so badly. Pecco said afterwards he was going to copy Alex Marquez's setup for tomorrow. Bit of a riddy for Toprak being beaten by Pol Espargaro by ten seconds and Augusto Fernandez by 7, let alone his positioning compared to the other Yamahas.
I can't help thinking Digi and MM punished their rear tyre in the early laps for track position so AM ended up in front of them both. Hopefully tomorrow will be a bit more entertaining, but at least I'll be able to watch it live for free!
Marquezs Stabilisers said:
The thing we're all missing in the Silverstone discussion is that the biggest racing draw for UK bike racing fans is not the British GP. It's the Isle of Man.
This sets us apart as there's nothing like it elsewhere. For most other countries their GP is THE thing. Apologies if Dutch Supersport is your highlight.
And yet for all the criticism of facilities at Silverstone, you can amplify them enormously for the Isle of Man. Costs a fortune to get there on the Steam Racket. You might see no racing due to the weather. You most certainly can't see all of the circuit or a big screen. Heck, you can't even get Radio TT that well, and streaming there makes a gold plated Bentley look value.
Yet it is a hugely popular festival of motorcycling that gets enormous attendances every year. And that's in part because there's lots to do in addition. If I ran Silverstone I'd have a free funfair, battery minimotos for kids, and build massive grass embankments everywhere there's not a grandstand. Most of the stands are just scaffolding so could be replaced with terracing rather than seats. If you go on a Friday, can you get pitlane access? Can you get a demo ride on a road bike? Can you get glamping on the infield?
The sprint itself today was a bit flat but wonder why most of the Ducatis ate their tyres so badly. Pecco said afterwards he was going to copy Alex Marquez's setup for tomorrow. Bit of a riddy for Toprak being beaten by Pol Espargaro by ten seconds and Augusto Fernandez by 7, let alone his positioning compared to the other Yamahas.
I haven’t been to Silverstone since 2019 and if I were to attend another Moto GP, it would be an overseas event. Contrast this to Donington in the late 80’s and early 90’s with the 500’s. They would often get crowds of 120k plus and it was superb. This sets us apart as there's nothing like it elsewhere. For most other countries their GP is THE thing. Apologies if Dutch Supersport is your highlight.
And yet for all the criticism of facilities at Silverstone, you can amplify them enormously for the Isle of Man. Costs a fortune to get there on the Steam Racket. You might see no racing due to the weather. You most certainly can't see all of the circuit or a big screen. Heck, you can't even get Radio TT that well, and streaming there makes a gold plated Bentley look value.
Yet it is a hugely popular festival of motorcycling that gets enormous attendances every year. And that's in part because there's lots to do in addition. If I ran Silverstone I'd have a free funfair, battery minimotos for kids, and build massive grass embankments everywhere there's not a grandstand. Most of the stands are just scaffolding so could be replaced with terracing rather than seats. If you go on a Friday, can you get pitlane access? Can you get a demo ride on a road bike? Can you get glamping on the infield?
The sprint itself today was a bit flat but wonder why most of the Ducatis ate their tyres so badly. Pecco said afterwards he was going to copy Alex Marquez's setup for tomorrow. Bit of a riddy for Toprak being beaten by Pol Espargaro by ten seconds and Augusto Fernandez by 7, let alone his positioning compared to the other Yamahas.
I agree with you regarding the Isle of Man, although I’ve noticed (I didn’t go this year) in recent years the open air concert venue close to the port has been closed.
The weather and delays at last year’s TT wore me down, do I didn’t attend this year. However, we’re all booked for next year such is the draw of the TT. I just wish more BSB riders would start their TT apprenticeship.
Rob 131 Sport said:
I haven t been to Silverstone since 2019 and if I were to attend another Moto GP, it would be an overseas event. Contrast this to Donington in the late 80 s and early 90 s with the 500 s. They would often get crowds of 120k plus and it was superb.
I agree with you regarding the Isle of Man, although I ve noticed (I didn t go this year) in recent years the open air concert venue close to the port has been closed.
The weather and delays at last year s TT wore me down, do I didn t attend this year. However, we re all booked for next year such is the draw of the TT. I just wish more BSB riders would start their TT apprenticeship.
Whilst I agree wholeheartedly, the motorcycling public was a very different demographic back then, with considerably more interest in motorcycles, sport bikes in particular.I agree with you regarding the Isle of Man, although I ve noticed (I didn t go this year) in recent years the open air concert venue close to the port has been closed.
The weather and delays at last year s TT wore me down, do I didn t attend this year. However, we re all booked for next year such is the draw of the TT. I just wish more BSB riders would start their TT apprenticeship.
I actually think bike racing is heading into a dead end now, falling interest from both punters and factories will be the end of the sport we love.
And yet overall MotoGP attendance has continued to rise over the past few years with record attendance figures being set at some of the largest rounds.
I'm quite looking forwards to todays race, still think it will be an Aprilia lockout. Martin rode extremely well yesterday, if he delivers more of the same it'll be difficult for his stablemates to counter him. The Ducatis had an issue, I don't think it's as simplistic as riders burning their tyres, but not convinced it'll be fixed for today. I thought the bikes were looking a bit old fashioned in comparison to the Aprilias, turns out they're running an older aero package this weekend; the Aprilia looks awesome in high speed turns.
I'm quite looking forwards to todays race, still think it will be an Aprilia lockout. Martin rode extremely well yesterday, if he delivers more of the same it'll be difficult for his stablemates to counter him. The Ducatis had an issue, I don't think it's as simplistic as riders burning their tyres, but not convinced it'll be fixed for today. I thought the bikes were looking a bit old fashioned in comparison to the Aprilias, turns out they're running an older aero package this weekend; the Aprilia looks awesome in high speed turns.
Turn7 said:
Whilst I agree wholeheartedly, the motorcycling public was a very different demographic back then, with considerably more interest in motorcycles, sport bikes in particular.
I actually think bike racing is heading into a dead end now, falling interest from both punters and factories will be the end of the sport we love.
Without wanting to sound patronising this view of bike racing failing globally due to it not being as popular in Britain is a bit arrogant. The world is a big place and bikes are a huge part of the culture of many countries. Britain is a small country with a very small bike market. I actually think bike racing is heading into a dead end now, falling interest from both punters and factories will be the end of the sport we love.
Opapayer said:
Turn7 said:
Whilst I agree wholeheartedly, the motorcycling public was a very different demographic back then, with considerably more interest in motorcycles, sport bikes in particular.
I actually think bike racing is heading into a dead end now, falling interest from both punters and factories will be the end of the sport we love.
Without wanting to sound patronising this view of bike racing failing globally due to it not being as popular in Britain is a bit arrogant. The world is a big place and bikes are a huge part of the culture of many countries. Britain is a small country with a very small bike market. I actually think bike racing is heading into a dead end now, falling interest from both punters and factories will be the end of the sport we love.
Mr Tidy said:
I can't help thinking Digi and MM punished their rear tyre in the early laps for track position so AM ended up in front of them both.
Hopefully tomorrow will be a bit more entertaining, but at least I'll be able to watch it live for free!
I think there was something in that but also something in his setup. I rate Alex but I'd be surprised if his racecraft would be that much better than big brother's. He always goes well at Silverstone, but also had the chance to save a bit of tyre as mid race Raul and Bez were clearly holding him up. Hopefully tomorrow will be a bit more entertaining, but at least I'll be able to watch it live for free!
They’ve said the tyre was graining. That’s where bits of rubber come off the tyre as it slides and then stick back on the tyre instead of being flung off. Apparently caused when tyres are below their working temperature. That’s a bit weird given the weather at Silverstone. If the soft only survived 5 - 8 laps then the medium will be struggling for the last 5-10 laps in the main race today.
Could be a weird one.
Could be a weird one.
Was it just me raging at the American commentator in the Baggers not knowing the names of any of the corners? I can understand not knowing all, but I'd expected some research: Woodcote, Copse, Maggotts & Becketts, Hanger Straight, Stowe; legendary up there with Parabolica, 130R, Corkscrew and Eau Rouge. I suppose if you just do roundy roundy it's Turn 1 & 2 and you're not used to Europeans and their funny ways.
I think you will find the crowd is far bigger this meeting than the last few, on tv I saw a lot more stands open this time and that was only Saturday.
Last year they got the date hopelessly wrong it was the pre TT week, dumbest decision ever.
They have signed a 2 year deal, that says to me both sides want to test the water and see if the new rules bring new fans or new interest and if not both sides will probably bow out.
The attendance has been roughly 95 to 150k since Covid, that is fair.
And honestly comparing the TT to any other bike race event is like comparing Glastonbury to any other music event or Le MAns or the N24 to any other endurance car event. You just dont get it sorry.
We have had huge crowds in the UK for both in the past, in the Rainey Schwantz era in particular and that also puts to rest the national hero bullcrap argument, you seriously think another fifty thousand more people would turn up if there was a British rider i the top class, it made no different in the 90s, why? Because we knew we were watching complete and utter Gods at work and now you don't see that as much even though the riders are just as good.
I went to SBK a few years ago to see one man, Toprak. That can be enough, it was with Rossi, Sheene et al, it can be again, not really important what flag he races under.
Last year they got the date hopelessly wrong it was the pre TT week, dumbest decision ever.
They have signed a 2 year deal, that says to me both sides want to test the water and see if the new rules bring new fans or new interest and if not both sides will probably bow out.
The attendance has been roughly 95 to 150k since Covid, that is fair.
And honestly comparing the TT to any other bike race event is like comparing Glastonbury to any other music event or Le MAns or the N24 to any other endurance car event. You just dont get it sorry.
We have had huge crowds in the UK for both in the past, in the Rainey Schwantz era in particular and that also puts to rest the national hero bullcrap argument, you seriously think another fifty thousand more people would turn up if there was a British rider i the top class, it made no different in the 90s, why? Because we knew we were watching complete and utter Gods at work and now you don't see that as much even though the riders are just as good.
I went to SBK a few years ago to see one man, Toprak. That can be enough, it was with Rossi, Sheene et al, it can be again, not really important what flag he races under.
Rainey Schwantz etc were 30+ years ago. The 20 somethings going then are in their 50s now and most won’t have been near a bike in decades. Those in their 30s or older then are all retired now and probably doing completely different things and have a very different hobbies.Anyone under 30 wasn’t born then, so it means nothing.
The world has changed massively in those 30 years. People who were going to raves and popping E in the 90s aren’t still relevant to the dance scene nowadays.
The world has changed massively in those 30 years. People who were going to raves and popping E in the 90s aren’t still relevant to the dance scene nowadays.
Schwantz v Rainey at Doni was epic. 
Foggy on the Cagiva was pretty heroic. Redding in the rain at Doni was pretty damn awesome too! I'm seeing a theme here. 
But in fairness, Marc vs Alex Rins was pretty great, the bikes aren't lending themselves to seeing the riders work and I'm hoping the rule changes improve that; if they don't, I hope they alter again to improve the spectacle in a real and meaningful way. Silverstone looks like an epic track for the riders.
Foggy on the Cagiva was pretty heroic. Redding in the rain at Doni was pretty damn awesome too! I'm seeing a theme here. But in fairness, Marc vs Alex Rins was pretty great, the bikes aren't lending themselves to seeing the riders work and I'm hoping the rule changes improve that; if they don't, I hope they alter again to improve the spectacle in a real and meaningful way. Silverstone looks like an epic track for the riders.
Opapayer said:
Rainey Schwantz etc were 30+ years ago. The 20 somethings going then are in their 50s now and most won t have been near a bike in decades. Those in their 30s or older then are all retired now and probably doing completely different things and have a very different hobbies.Anyone under 30 wasn t born then, so it means nothing.
The world has changed massively in those 30 years. People who were going to raves and popping E in the 90s aren t still relevant to the dance scene nowadays.
There's no dance scene these days. Your lucky if the biggest town near to you has a night club. Fark knows what kids do these days.. pouting on tik tok or playing Xbox.The world has changed massively in those 30 years. People who were going to raves and popping E in the 90s aren t still relevant to the dance scene nowadays.
As for baggers load of b
ks
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