RE: PH2: Le Mans MotoGP and North West 200
Tuesday 22nd May 2012
The shock announcement by Casey Stoner that he was hanging up his leathers at the end of 2012 was always going to be the talking point of the Le Mans MotoGP weekend. Stoner's departure, however, wasn't the only cloud over the French circuit and all three GP races were help in terrible conditions...
There was only one story in the MotoGP race - Valentino Rossi scoring a second place on the fickle Ducati. Rain is a great equaliser and it's amazing how much more interesting a MotoGP race is when Rossi is up there battling for a podium. With Jorge leading from start to finish it was up to Stoner, Rossi and the two Tech-3 riders to provide the entertainment.
Moto2 promised much for the Brits. Poor qualifying by Bradley Smith and Geno Rea didn't matter as, after a few laps, they joined Scott Redding in the top five. Three Brits going for the lead of a GP, how good was that? Shame it didn't last. After an enormous moment, and terrific save, Rea had his front wheel taken out by Zarco and hit the ground while Bradders ran on. Scott stayed upright and with the leaders to claim a fantastic third spot and Bradley, who crashed on the last lap while challenging for fifth, remounted to finish 10th. The race was won by Thomas Luthi with championship leader Marquez also crashing out.
North West 200
Over in Ireland, North West 200 honours in the top class were shared by road racing legend John McGuinness and the ever determined (and rather small) Alastair Seeley.
McG took the first Superbike race win after a mistake cost Seeley the lead, taking his tally to six North West wins overall, while Seeley took the win in the second Superbike race ahead of Rutter and McG. Supersport honours were shared by William Dunlop and Alastair Seeley while Seeley took both Superstock wins, making it a podium in every race and four wins for the Irish racer. The SuperTwin race was won by Ryan Farquhar with former GP star Jeremy McWilliams taking an impressive second place in his first trip to the North West 200. Tragically Mark Buckley was killed in the Superstock race, PH2 extends its deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
PH2: Le Mans MotoGP and North West 200
Rossi wins a GP!!! OK, it was Frenchman Louis Rossi, but Valentino did pretty good as well!
A race-long battle was cut short when first Cal and then Dovi threw their Yamahas into the gravel - leaving Rossi and Stoner to fight for the remaining two slots on the podium. With his tail up Rossi was never going to give it up and there couldn't have been anyone this side of Australia who didn't let out a slight cheer when he took second from Stoner. After such a poor start to his Ducati career, let's hope this is the start of a comeback for the nine-time world champion. Or that every 2012 GP is wet...
Moto3 delivered the most carnage of the day with only 15 bikes actually finishing the race! The Brits had a terrible time with both Danny Kent and Danny Webb falling foul of the conditions and not making the chequered flag. The race was won by Frenchman Louis Rossi, much to the delight of the crowds.
North West 200
Over in Ireland, North West 200 honours in the top class were shared by road racing legend John McGuinness and the ever determined (and rather small) Alastair Seeley.
Results:
Superstock 1: Seeley, Johnston, Donald
SuperTwins: Farquhar, McWilliams, Rutter
Supersport race 1: Dunlop W, Seeley, McGuinness
Superbike race 1: McGuinness, Seeley, Donald
Superstock 2: Seeley, Johnston, Donald
Supersport race 2: Seeley, Dunlop W, Anstey
Superbike race 2: Seeley, Rutter, McGuinness
Discussion
Lorenzo is undoubtedly the smartest rider in the paddock at the moment. He sees the race from start to finish, not on a lap-by-lap basis.
Stoner has the outright speed on any given lap, but he either wins by a huge margin or burns himself or the tyres out and it comes across as complaining... but I think it's actually him just explaining why he couldn't keep up the pace. It's hard to like Stoner, but it was good to see him having an honest battle with fellow riders at Le Mans.
Stoner has the outright speed on any given lap, but he either wins by a huge margin or burns himself or the tyres out and it comes across as complaining... but I think it's actually him just explaining why he couldn't keep up the pace. It's hard to like Stoner, but it was good to see him having an honest battle with fellow riders at Le Mans.
So much to comment on there, but I'll just add that I was quite pleased when Johann Zarco came a cropper chasing down Luthi (I think it was Luthi in front at that point)after his daft pass he put on Gino Rea. It seemed to be somehow Karma at work.
He had the race pace, I'm sure he could have slipped past ant any point, but he did it there with little room and then set about drifting wide as both were banked over for the fast right. It was a great, great shame for Rea.... right after one of the best saves I've seen in a while as well.
All three GP classes were brilliant races though.
He had the race pace, I'm sure he could have slipped past ant any point, but he did it there with little room and then set about drifting wide as both were banked over for the fast right. It was a great, great shame for Rea.... right after one of the best saves I've seen in a while as well.
All three GP classes were brilliant races though.
thejudderman said:
It was a great, great shame for Rea.... right after one of the best saves I've seen in a while as well.
All three GP classes were brilliant races though.
I agree with all the above, but also had to chuckle at the monster strop Gino had in the kitty-litter, was half expecting to see him seeking retribution on Zarco as they came around next time! Great cameos from most of the Brits All three GP classes were brilliant races though.
Well first things first. We are all saddened by the news that Mark Buckley died racing at the NW200. He is now another heroic road racer lost to the world but I am sure that the road racing community will stand by his wife and family.
The NW200 was a racing success this year and it is great to see a variety of manufacturers, winners and people on the podium. A great achievement by McWilliams to debut at the North West with such success. Those KMR bikes will probably fill the TT podium too as they appear to be the best prepared by far. I am sure that more manufacturers, race teams, and top riders will compete in this Lightweight class in future years. I was also amazed to see the time sheets showing such variation on the qualifying times and also the top speed data. The Ducati 1098R of Jessop reached 208mph which was well ahead of others and amazing for a twin which all of the four cylinder bikes out run in WSB.
The Moto GP provided a good race and a little hope for Ducatisti who just want to see Rossi win a race before he retires or leaves Ducati. It is sad to hear that Casey wants to leave bike racing. I don’t get the impression that he will bother with any other bike racing internationally but every other series would love to have him. Maybe he will race V8 supercars and just enjoy life a bit more. It is a sad shame for Moto GP.
The NW200 was a racing success this year and it is great to see a variety of manufacturers, winners and people on the podium. A great achievement by McWilliams to debut at the North West with such success. Those KMR bikes will probably fill the TT podium too as they appear to be the best prepared by far. I am sure that more manufacturers, race teams, and top riders will compete in this Lightweight class in future years. I was also amazed to see the time sheets showing such variation on the qualifying times and also the top speed data. The Ducati 1098R of Jessop reached 208mph which was well ahead of others and amazing for a twin which all of the four cylinder bikes out run in WSB.
The Moto GP provided a good race and a little hope for Ducatisti who just want to see Rossi win a race before he retires or leaves Ducati. It is sad to hear that Casey wants to leave bike racing. I don’t get the impression that he will bother with any other bike racing internationally but every other series would love to have him. Maybe he will race V8 supercars and just enjoy life a bit more. It is a sad shame for Moto GP.
The only story in MotoGP . . .. 
Everything is only ever about Stoner, Rossi and Lorenzo isn't it.
Other than the small fact that the only all British team in the MGP paddock, full of British technicians, a British rider was also in Parc Ferme with Rossi, Stoner and Lorenzo.
Well done Paul Bird Motorsport and James Ellison for being the best of the CRT bikes for the first time this season, after difficult start in autraucious conditions and against tough competition.
On a day when Brits promised a lot, but only delivered through Redding this is an achievement that deserves more recognition.
McPint winning at NW200 sends him off to the Island full of confidence and evidently the bikes are right for him as well. As the saying goes, if the bikes run well at the NW200 then they'll run well at the TT, he's going be very very difficult to beat this year.
The Superbike race . . .
M Dunlop on the big Kawasaki might give him a run
W Dunlop still struggling with an injured hand and is he ready for a big bike win on the Island?
Don't think Guy Martin has the kit or the fitness now after the spill at NW200
Anstey could be a dark horse, you just never know
Cummins isn't back to full speed yet judging by his results recently
Andrews coming on strong, but not ready yet
Hutchy no where near fit enough for 6 laps . .
Donald another dark horse, the WR bikes are real quick, but why doesn't he start well?
Johnson will have the kit, can he convert
The supersport race - as above really . ..
Gotta be William Dunlop is the hand is up to it, he was flying at NW200
M Dunlop has won it before, can do it again
Johnson last year won one, possible again
McGuinnes not the favourite but flew at NW200
Overall most open race
Superstock
Even more open than the Supersport . . .
It's not that easy to predict and anything can happen. Can't wait to watch the TT though, safe racing everyone and let's hope all who dare to live the dream return to be able dream of their exploits.
Everything is only ever about Stoner, Rossi and Lorenzo isn't it.Other than the small fact that the only all British team in the MGP paddock, full of British technicians, a British rider was also in Parc Ferme with Rossi, Stoner and Lorenzo.
Well done Paul Bird Motorsport and James Ellison for being the best of the CRT bikes for the first time this season, after difficult start in autraucious conditions and against tough competition.
On a day when Brits promised a lot, but only delivered through Redding this is an achievement that deserves more recognition.
McPint winning at NW200 sends him off to the Island full of confidence and evidently the bikes are right for him as well. As the saying goes, if the bikes run well at the NW200 then they'll run well at the TT, he's going be very very difficult to beat this year.
The Superbike race . . .
M Dunlop on the big Kawasaki might give him a run
W Dunlop still struggling with an injured hand and is he ready for a big bike win on the Island?
Don't think Guy Martin has the kit or the fitness now after the spill at NW200
Anstey could be a dark horse, you just never know
Cummins isn't back to full speed yet judging by his results recently
Andrews coming on strong, but not ready yet
Hutchy no where near fit enough for 6 laps . .
Donald another dark horse, the WR bikes are real quick, but why doesn't he start well?
Johnson will have the kit, can he convert
The supersport race - as above really . ..
Gotta be William Dunlop is the hand is up to it, he was flying at NW200
M Dunlop has won it before, can do it again
Johnson last year won one, possible again
McGuinnes not the favourite but flew at NW200
Overall most open race
Superstock
Even more open than the Supersport . . .
It's not that easy to predict and anything can happen. Can't wait to watch the TT though, safe racing everyone and let's hope all who dare to live the dream return to be able dream of their exploits.
thejudderman said:
So much to comment on there, but I'll just add that I was quite pleased when Johann Zarco came a cropper chasing down Luthi (I think it was Luthi in front at that point)after his daft pass he put on Gino Rea.
Daft pass . . .. Not sure.The quickest corner on the calendar, in the pouring rain, you have run wide after a save, you know there will be people behind you with momentum and greater speed - therefore why would you choose to close the line rather than staying a little wider and not putting yourself in that position.
In those conditions and at those speeds I doubt Zarco had much choice of his line, he couldn't ride through Gino, he couldn't go round the outside and hitting the brakes already lent over could have lead to a monster crash potentially still taking both of them out.
I'm not convinced either way, but I wouldn't have said it was that black and white as a daft move . .
Johno said:
Daft pass . . .. Not sure.
The quickest corner on the calendar, in the pouring rain, you have run wide after a save, you know there will be people behind you with momentum and greater speed - therefore why would you choose to close the line rather than staying a little wider and not putting yourself in that position.
In those conditions and at those speeds I doubt Zarco had much choice of his line, he couldn't ride through Gino, he couldn't go round the outside and hitting the brakes already lent over could have lead to a monster crash potentially still taking both of them out.
I'm not convinced either way, but I wouldn't have said it was that black and white as a daft move . .
I see your point, but that was my initial thought on seeing it. 'Daft' might have been unfair, but it was certainly a rough pass; anyone making a pass shouldn't end up collecting the front end of the bike in front when passing on the inside, that seems a given, surely?The quickest corner on the calendar, in the pouring rain, you have run wide after a save, you know there will be people behind you with momentum and greater speed - therefore why would you choose to close the line rather than staying a little wider and not putting yourself in that position.
In those conditions and at those speeds I doubt Zarco had much choice of his line, he couldn't ride through Gino, he couldn't go round the outside and hitting the brakes already lent over could have lead to a monster crash potentially still taking both of them out.
I'm not convinced either way, but I wouldn't have said it was that black and white as a daft move . .
Zarco was clearly on lightning pace and I just thought he would have bode his time till the Dunlop bridge and slipped by then with a block pass at the chicane, Rea had only just composed himself after a superb save and was a bit of an unknown quantity at that point line/pace wise.
Six of one and half a dozen of the other maybe?
Hey ho, It was a great weekends racing whatever way you look at it.
I'm much more a Stoner than a Rossi fan, but thought it was really good to see him lurking after Stoner and eventually passing. But all credit to Lorenzo, who was so methodical during the race - so much respect for that. I'd thought the Yamaha may have been a dud with less money (presumably) then last year but to my eyes it looks like the bike to be on this year. It's also good to see the Tech 3 boys always fighting at some stage for the podium.
Overall, a weird weekend. Saddened to see the death of Mark, spoken to him several times around various paddocks, and he always lit up the Oliver's mount paddock, pleased for McPint, There were some very worried faces at the NW when they looked at how well he was riding, and he was flying (literally) over the mountain last night on the electric bike.. That thing is quick!
Seeley, quite rightly (the odious little cretin) is taking quite a bashing in the paddock and on the tinterweb, rightly so, pulling short circuit passes on the roads is a one way ticket to death, W Dunlop was v v lucky to get away with not hitting the wall, and Seeleys quotes in the paddock afterwards were shocking, let's not get onto the fact that no TAS bike has been stripped post race for 5 years eh, it's not known as the TAS200 for nothing! Let's just say of Dunlop had of done that to seeley, he would have been DQ'd and probably banned from the NW. Lucky for seeley it was w Dunlop he did it to and not Mickey D, or he would have had a Facefull of Dunlop fist in prac ferme (just ask cam Donald!)
Also looking like Mickey D has dumped his Suzuki and is having a Wilson Craig spec Honda 600 built for himself by Brains (Mark Woodage) who builds the Wilson Craig bikes. That's a worry for all the others!
Seeley, quite rightly (the odious little cretin) is taking quite a bashing in the paddock and on the tinterweb, rightly so, pulling short circuit passes on the roads is a one way ticket to death, W Dunlop was v v lucky to get away with not hitting the wall, and Seeleys quotes in the paddock afterwards were shocking, let's not get onto the fact that no TAS bike has been stripped post race for 5 years eh, it's not known as the TAS200 for nothing! Let's just say of Dunlop had of done that to seeley, he would have been DQ'd and probably banned from the NW. Lucky for seeley it was w Dunlop he did it to and not Mickey D, or he would have had a Facefull of Dunlop fist in prac ferme (just ask cam Donald!)
Also looking like Mickey D has dumped his Suzuki and is having a Wilson Craig spec Honda 600 built for himself by Brains (Mark Woodage) who builds the Wilson Craig bikes. That's a worry for all the others!
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