An interesting Poll. What do you think?

[Ducati23]

David, there is no 1198R the bike is named 1098R due in part to Troy Bayliss winning the WSBK title on it in 2008, it is in fact a 1198cc machine. It is possible that in 2010 in could be renamed the 1198R but I have no information about that. Ducati homolgated the 1198cc SBK's 1098R/1198S/1198 and the 848 not the 1098S/1098 models from 2007 & 2008.

When Eslick was on a 600 - a very well prepped and fast 600 did he ever beat Hacking in a straight fight. I don't think so. The Buell has a significant advantage, no they don't run inline as in all bike racing the rider makes the biggest difference but the bikes have a role that can alter the results. That is all - my point is they appear to be out of balance. It is too far in the twins favor. I'm a twins kind of rider and it seems wrong to me. Oh well, I'm climbing down off my box now. tOm

[Super Dave]

When Eslick was on a 600 - a very well prepped and fast 600 did he ever beat Hacking in a straight fight. I don't think so.

I can't pull all the results to give you an answer in every previous case.

However, I will say that the previous program has left a huge advantage to the distributor/manufacturer teams, Hacking being a part of them more so than Grant could have ever gotten for his riders, etc.

Riders do get better too, as you recognize.  Spies is not the same rider now or two years ago that he was for John Ulrich.  Danny has been moving forward for quite some time, and now he has a fit with his team.  Not to mention that the testing schedule that Hacking has is certainly different from the testing schedule that he had in years past where he started in October.  What's happening is not unreasonable. 

[backMARKr]

                                            "WABBIT SEASON"

[Super Dave]

Duck season, FIRE!


Doesn't matter.  I win as the AMA is following my lead.   

[benprobst]

When Eslick was on a 600 - a very well prepped and fast 600 did he ever beat Hacking in a straight fight. I don't think so.

When was Eslick ever on a front line 600 when Hacking was on 600s? Last time those two raced together (the season at least) Jamie punted Danny into oblivion (while Danny was on subpar machinery). There are 2 other extraordinarily talented racers on 1st class buells, one of them is arguably the most experienced and versatile racer left in the AMA, and neither have been able to get anywhere near Eslick. Give the boy some credit, he is doing something on a bike that no one else in the country can (or has) do.

[Super Dave]

When was Eslick ever on a front line 600 when Hacking was on 600s? Last time those two raced together (the season at least) Jamie punted Danny into oblivion (while Danny was on subpar machinery). There are 2 other extraordinarily talented racers on 1st class buells, one of them is arguably the most experienced and versatile racer left in the AMA, and neither have been able to get anywhere near Eslick. Give the boy some credit, he is doing something on a bike that no one else in the country can (or has) do.

Agreed, Ben!

[benprobst]

Agreed, Ben!

Damn! And I dont even like Buells!!

[Super Dave]

Damn! And I dont even like Buells!!

LOL!

Ducati's don't do it for me.  But I recognize the difference in the rules for them. 

Really, the HP/weight thing was great, but, again, Mel Harris and Henry Ray Abrams didn't want that.

[ktd]

At Daytona, it looked like the bikes were level.   Of course, Speed no longer plays the race until a week later so will have to see.

On the topic of perception as a interesting side note.  I once got in trouble at work for having a graphic of the "Don't tread on me" flag.

[backMARKr]

Duck season, FIRE!

WABBIT SEASON!!!

[Super Dave]

On the topic of perception as a interesting side note.  I once got in trouble at work for having a graphic of the "Don't tread on me" flag.

Strange.  Why is it objectionable?  Are they addicted to Hopium?

[benprobst]

Are they addicted to Hopium?

HOPIUM! The other recreational drug!