Just wanted to share some pics I've taken over the years. Almost exclusively US tracks but maybe I'll throw in some paddock stuff here and there. As I go through my stuff I'll post a few every so often. To start here are some pics from 2011 MotoGP @ Laguna Seca.
Valentino Rossi chasing down Marco Simoncelli into Turn 4.
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The late Nicky Hayden chilling along the pit wall.
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Edited May 30, 2020 by JelorianTwo pics from Turn 9 aka Rainey Curve at the 2018 WSBK races at Laguna Seca
#1 Johnny Rea
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#7 Chaz Davies
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Edited May 30, 2020 by JelorianWell, you may have opened up a racing can of worms here, but fortunately your photography is far better than mine. Can you name the podium from Miller 2009?
Just curious - how do you obtain the vantage points to get such high quality photos?
8 hours ago, St. StephenWell, you may have opened up a racing can of worms here, but fortunately your photography is far better than mine. Can you name the podium from Miller 2009?
If that can of worms means more pics of racing and everything else about m/c racing then that is a can I would love to open.
Podium for Miller Race 2? Spies, Fabrizio, Rea. I was there as well. What a great weekend and I loved these interview sessions after the races.. Michel is such a character and Ben is a real cool cat.
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4 hours ago, CogswellJust curious - how do you obtain the vantage points to get such high quality photos?
At Laguna Seca there are so many vantage points to get great shots from "behind the fence". I've shot with and without media credentials there and I gotta honestly say, aside from getting on the grid before the race, you can take just as good shots without the creds. The Laguna Seca shots in my first 2 posts on this thread were taken from regular spectator access locations. Just gotta have long enough glass and take sharp enough shots that you can zoom and crop.
This is the last turn before the front straight at Miller Motorsports Park in 2009. #91 Haslam, #41 Haga, #2 Hacking, #71 Kagayama, #84 Fabrizio
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Good ol Michael Laverty during the 600 Supersport Race
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Rear shot of #41 Noriyuki Haga
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5 hours ago, JelorianIf that can of worms means more pics of racing and everything else about m/c racing then that is a can I would love to open.
Podium for Miller Race 2? Spies, Fabrizio, Rea. I was there as well. What a great weekend and I loved these interview sessions after the races.. Michel is such a character and Ben is a real cool cat.
Fabrizio's English wasn't bad but he refused to speak in anything but Italian, as I recall. Spies did the double but best part was seeing Nori, one of the coolest racers of all time.
I can see my role in this thread is to post photos of the worst possible quality, just for contrast. So sticking with WSBK, here's Laguna 2014:
St. Stephen, 5/31/2020 at 8:32 AMFabrizio's English wasn't bad but he refused to speak in anything but Italian, as I recall. Spies did the double but best part was seeing Nori, one of the coolest racers of all time.
I can see my role in this thread is to post photos of the worst possible quality, just for contrast. So sticking with WSBK, here's Laguna 2014:
Any contribution to this thread is welcome! I love seeing all the different perspectives and angles. Thanks for sharing as every little bit helps ease the lack of racing this season. Thankfully MotoAmerica started but I haven't got a chance to watch any of those races yet.
Here is #58 Eugene Laverty coming out of Turn 11
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One of the few circuits where you can get a shot where the riders are spaced out like a fan. #50 Guintoli, #65 Rea, #34 Guigliano, #1 Sykes
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Michael Hill and the rider download sessions were a huge success!
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A peek of what it looks like from the top of the Corkscrew looking towards the ocean.
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The AMA Superbike race start
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Alright!
Might be my favorite road race I have ever attended, more of this race to follow.
Sweet photos! Keep it up! :fing02:
4 hours ago, St. StephenAlright!
Might be my favorite road race I have ever attended, more of this race to follow.
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This was before I started following road racing but I'm going to guess the Aussie Wayne Gardner? Thanks for sharing these pics! I love seeing them!
I miss Laguna Seca. Have not been since i think 2013. Based on the T shirts.
In 2011 Valentino and Nicky were team mates on Ducati.
In the closet I have an autographed T shirt from Rainey, the year they named it Rainey curve.
And 1 from Doohan another year not long after, and he was retired, iirc.
Plus others. And a lot of posters I have not looked at in years.
2 hours ago, VFR4LeeI miss Laguna Seca. Have not been since i think 2013. Based on the T shirts.
In 2011 Valentino and Nicky were team mates on Ducati.
In the closet I have an autographed T shirt from Rainey, the year they named it Rainey curve.
And 1 from Doohan another year not long after, and he was retired, iirc.
Plus others. And a lot of posters I have not looked at in years.
Sweet! Thanks for your pics! 2013 was the best year for MotoGP in the US. 3 rounds total. CotA in April, Laguna in July and then Indy in August(?)
Glad to see another fan here as well. I have autographs from a lot of the riders using the pics I took in previous years. I think I did get Doohan to sign one of my paddock passes as well as Rainey. Both cool guys.
The T4 grandstand are great for watching the races especially if you can see the big screen as well. In your pics they were doing test starts on the straight between T4 and T5. Nice shots of Valentino and Colin and of Nicky and Ben.
Assen MotoGP 2016
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20 minutes ago, DutchyAssen MotoGP 2016
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Awesome Dutchy! Did you get to ride with Randy Mamola? Who is the other 2 Up pilot?
Thanks for sharing!
Yes I did, that is me heading into "de Bult" corner with Randy.
In the group picture, my wife sits pillion with Randy.
Some guests had NEVER been on a motorcycle....
Randy in 2019 at the Austrian MotoGP with our son
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11 hours ago, JelorianThis was before I started following road racing but I'm going to guess the Aussie Wayne Gardner? Thanks for sharing these pics! I love seeing them!
Yup, Wayne Gardner, the Aussie defending gp champion, on the Honda (had to lead with a Honda, this is VFRD after all).
1988 grand prix, Laguna Seca. First gp in the U.S. since the 60's. Televised live on national tv! Around 100,000 fans, around 100 degrees F. In April! 500cc two strokes. Turns 3 and 4 were brand new, to get the track to a still short but minimum length I believe. Eddie Lawson won, threw his helmet into the crowd at the corkscrew. Jimmy Filice won the 250 race as a wild card.
Aside from Gardner and Lawson: Schwantz, Rainey, Mamola, Haslam (Ron), Mike Baldwin (my hero from New England). And the 250 race included names like Kocinski, Puig, Bradl, Mang, Cadalora, and Shobert.
Here's Lawson and PF Chili chasing someone through turn 2:
Adding to my wallpaper slideshow folder, thanks gentlemen!
Also IMO, 1991 Suzuka 500gp race - one of the best ever!
16 hours ago, DutchyYes I did, that is me heading into "de Bult" corner with Randy.
In the group picture, my wife sits pillion with Randy.
Some guests had NEVER been on a motorcycle....
Randy in 2019 at the Austrian MotoGP with our son
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Dutchy, that must have been an amazing experience. I remember watching a documentary where an F3 driver took Randy out for a spin and it seems like he was trying to scare him....Randy wasn't fazed at all. Then he returned the favor and took the F3 driver 2 up on his bike and it looks like he scared the living crap out of him. LOL.
Randy is a character and local to the SF Bay Area. I hear he used to be a maniac and tear around the local twisties here.
It is funny listening to him speak now. He's lived in Europe so long that his english has a slight accent. Hahahha.
16 hours ago, St. StephenYup, Wayne Gardner, the Aussie defending gp champion, on the Honda (had to lead with a Honda, this is VFRD after all).
1988 grand prix, Laguna Seca. First gp in the U.S. since the 60's. Televised live on national tv! Around 100,000 fans, around 100 degrees F. In April! 500cc two strokes. Turns 3 and 4 were brand new, to get the track to a still short but minimum length I believe. Eddie Lawson won, threw his helmet into the crowd at the corkscrew. Jimmy Filice won the 250 race as a wild card.
Aside from Gardner and Lawson: Schwantz, Rainey, Mamola, Haslam (Ron), Mike Baldwin (my hero from New England). And the 250 race included names like Kocinski, Puig, Bradl, Mang, Cadalora, and Shobert.
Here's Lawson and PF Chili chasing someone through turn 2:
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Awesome! Thanks for the info! I wish I was into racing back then. I would have loved to watch those guys race. I moved to California in 1993 but did not get into racing till 1999. After that I was hooked.
You mentioned Bradl. Would he be Stephen Bradl's father?
10 hours ago, SamuelxAdding to my wallpaper slideshow folder, thanks gentlemen!
Also IMO, 1991 Suzuka 500gp race - one of the best ever!
Stay tuned! I have more. Thanks for the tip on 1991 Suzuka. I will take a look.
Now time for some MotoGP pics!
Valentino at the 2015 Indy GP race
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Maverick Vinales at the 2016 GP at the Circuit of Americas in Texas.
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Cal Crutchlow at Indy (sorry not sure what year...2015?)
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7 hours ago, JelorianAwesome! Thanks for the info! I wish I was into racing back then. I would have loved to watch those guys race. I moved to California in 1993 but did not get into racing till 1999. After that I was hooked.
You mentioned Bradl. Would he be Stephen Bradl's father?
Jelorian, your action photos are spectacular--if you said they were by Gold n Goose or Rob Gray I wouldn't doubt it.
Yes, Helmut Bradl is father of Stephen Bradl. Likewise Ron Haslam for Leon, and if Wayne Gardner's son Remy continues to perform he will probably move up to motogp next year. And I think you know what Alberto Puig is doing now.
As I refuse to move on from 1988, I submit my favorite photo from that race below. Living on the east coast back then, when I heard that my gp heroes were racing in CA I somehow managed to convince my wife that we and our one-year-old should impose ourselves on her sister in Marin and see the race. Early Saturday morning I arrive at Laguna Seca for the first time in my life in my econobox rental and join the endless line of cars looking to park. All the incredibly friendly Californians are yelling and waving at me.
As we snake our way along, the huge black Mercedes that has been in front of me for the last 20 minutes turns left, and I see the driver. Eddie Lawson. So to this day my story is that I was right on Lawson's tail at the U.S. grand prix!
OK, this is it, I've saved the absolute worst quality photos of this race for last. I think these are actually photos of slides. I did snap all the photos I've posted though!
The two strokes did plug chops at the end of the straight, then had to take the bikes, with engines off, back to the pits at the end of practice, giving us fans on the turn 2 hill a great chance to see the riders. Here's Schwantz, Rainey, Haslam, and Lawson, on his Marlboro branded scooter. And finally, the view from 2 in '88.
4 hours ago, St. StephenJelorian, your action photos are spectacular--if you said they were by Gold n Goose or Rob Gray I wouldn't doubt it.
Yes, Helmut Bradl is father of Stephen Bradl. Likewise Ron Haslam for Leon, and if Wayne Gardner's son Remy continues to perform he will probably move up to motogp next year. And I think you know what Alberto Puig is doing now.
As I refuse to move on from 1988, I submit my favorite photo from that race below. Living on the east coast back then, when I heard that my gp heroes were racing in CA I somehow managed to convince my wife that we and our one-year-old should impose ourselves on her sister in Marin and see the race. Early Saturday morning I arrive at Laguna Seca for the first time in my life in my econobox rental and join the endless line of cars looking to park. All the incredibly friendly Californians are yelling and waving at me.
As we snake our way along, the huge black Mercedes that has been in front of me for the last 20 minutes turns left, and I see the driver. Eddie Lawson. So to this day my story is that I was right on Lawson's tail at the U.S. grand prix!
St. Stephen, you are too kind...but thank you. I appreciate you kind words. I actually know Tony Goldsmith from Gold N Goose. An amazing motorsports photographer!
Love love love these pics and the stories behind them! "on Lawson's tail at the U.S. grand prix!" that is awesome!
I have met Rainey, Lawson, and Schwantz but this was well after they were retired.
I still remember my first time to Laguna and cresting over the hill behind T2 and seeing the whole track in it's racing glory....then the sounds of bikes on track....then the smell of 2 strokes....ahhh......race fans smorgasbord of sensory overload. Hahaha.
3 hours ago, St. StephenOK, this is it, I've saved the absolute worst quality photos of this race for last. I think these are actually photos of slides. I did snap all the photos I've posted though!
The two strokes did plug chops at the end of the straight, then had to take the bikes, with engines off, back to the pits at the end of practice, giving us fans on the turn 2 hill a great chance to see the riders. Here's Schwantz, Rainey, Haslam, and Lawson, on his Marlboro branded scooter. And finally, the view from 2 in '88.
Great pics! I love seeing these older pics and stories behind them. Makes it more special getting commentary from the person that took them. I would have loved to have watched these guys race. Thanks again for sharing and please keep them coming!
2 hours ago, JelorianGreat pics! I love seeing these older pics and stories behind them. Makes it more special getting commentary from the person that took them. I would have loved to have watched these guys race. Thanks again for sharing and please keep them coming!
Actually, for the benefit of VFRD, you should keep them coming.
As perhaps you've noticed, I'm jonesing for some world championship road racing.
1 hour ago, St. StephenActually, for the benefit of VFRD, you should keep them coming.
As perhaps you've noticed, I'm jonesing for some world championship road racing.
Hahaha....glad you are enjoying them! I'm enjoying your contributions to this thread as well.
We are all jonesing I'm sure! I should try and find the MotoGP year in reviews, if they exist for the earlier years.
I think it was that 1988 Laguna Seca 500 GP race that got me into racing.
Saw it on over the air TV, and just had to get cable TV, and go to the races the next year. It's a great all day ride up the coast.
Kevin Schwantz sticks in my mind, although I don't recall if it was because he had a good result, or crashed, picked it up and carried on, or what.
Some pics from the 2012 WSBK Races at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah, USA
#7 Carlos Checa
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#66 Tom Sykes
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#21 John "Hopper" Hopkins - miss seeing him out there. Amazing rider and very humble. Very cool guy in person as well. Felt so bad when he lost the BSB championship.
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#7 Rear shot of Carlos Checa
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Forgot the turn numbers from this back section at Miller Motorsports Pack
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1 hour ago, JelorianWe are all jonesing I'm sure! I should try and find the MotoGP year in reviews, if they exist for the earlier years.
motogp videopass is ~120 euro/year, has full races back to roughly 1992. As you may already know.
Valencia 2006 is kinda fun...
Here are some pics from the 2013 MotoGP races at the Circuit of the Americas. This was the first time that MotoGP came to this track and it was a great time. Unfortunately, this track is not very photographer friendly. From being hassled at the entrance for having "professional" cameras to dealing with double fences and big run off areas which make it difficult in some spots to get close enough to get good shots. This is why most of my shots here are panning shots but I was still able to get some decent ones without having media credentials. Also this track is HUGE by the end of the first day my dogs were barking. Getting some gel insoles helped for the rest of the weekend.
Moto3 from the grandstands
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#93 Marc Marquez blitzes by the Repsol comm station going down the front straight.
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Local boy #11 Ben Spies on the Pramac Ducati
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#69 Nicky "The Kentucky Kid" Hayden on the factory Ducati. May he RIP.
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#11 Ben Spies under very hard braking as he sets up for Turn 20 before the front straight. Notice how compressed the front end is and how high the rear is.
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Another shot of #69 Nicky Hayden. This shot was particularly difficult as I was shooting through not 1 but 2 chain link fences. You can see the horizontal cable supports as well.
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10 hours ago, JelorianHere are some pics from the 2013 MotoGP races at the Circuit of the Americas. This was the first time that MotoGP came to this track and it was a great time. Unfortunately, this track is not very photographer friendly. From being hassled at the entrance for having "professional" cameras to dealing with double fences and big run off areas which make it difficult in some spots to get close enough to get good shots. This is why most of my shots here are panning shots but I was still able to get some decent ones without having media credentials. Also this track is HUGE by the end of the first day my dogs were barking. Getting some gel insoles helped for the rest of the weekend.
More great shots Jelorian, thanks for posting. I particularly like Ben Spies braking for all he's worth, a real action photo.
I went to COTA in 2017 and enjoyed it, and I enjoy Austin, but I was having a hard time convincing myself to return this year pre-virus. I actually like Indy more, weird as it was to be in that vast track ("hey, look, there's a golf course!").
As you note, 20 turns is way too many, and you have to wait two minutes for the leaders to return! I placed myself above the endless esses from turns 3 to 10, which was fun, but my favorite spot turned out to be at the end of that endless back straight. I make a point of walking around the whole track when its new to me and that was indeed a hike! Anyway, here's some esses:
Austrian MotoGP last year
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(Plain old Canon 1100D)
Please dont repost these last two anywhere else.
We were allowed in as a favour/"off the record" 🙂
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16 hours ago, St. StephenMore great shots Jelorian, thanks for posting. I particularly like Ben Spies braking for all he's worth, a real action photo.
I went to COTA in 2017 and enjoyed it, and I enjoy Austin, but I was having a hard time convincing myself to return this year pre-virus. I actually like Indy more, weird as it was to be in that vast track ("hey, look, there's a golf course!").
As you note, 20 turns is way too many, and you have to wait two minutes for the leaders to return! I placed myself above the endless esses from turns 3 to 10, which was fun, but my favorite spot turned out to be at the end of that endless back straight. I make a point of walking around the whole track when its new to me and that was indeed a hike! Anyway, here's some esses:
Thank you sir! It is a fun track and Austin is a nice little city. Indy is a fun track as well with a lot of racing history. The museum is pretty nice as well. The city really goes all out in welcoming the race fans. I thought Monterey's Cannery Row during a motorcycle race weekend was awesome, but as you probably know it pales in comparison to downtown Indy. Literally thousands of bikes all over the place and the street names are temporarily renamed after the racers.
15 hours ago, DutchyAustrian MotoGP last year
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(Plain old Canon 1100D)
Please dont repost these last two anywhere else.
We were allowed in as a favour/"off the record" 🙂
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Dutchy, thanks for these pics! I want to get out to Assen someday. I hear it is a great track to visit.
Assen is an event for sure!
WSBK 2003
Pitch a tent beside the track
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Drunk guy digging his bike in until the engine blew up....🤢
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Do bring your earplugs...
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Taking the championship
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Back then,
Corona was something to long for....
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WSBK 2012 Nurburgring
Staying @douglasthecook
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En route
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Traffic stop
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Doug only got away with multiple infractions thanks to his USAF plate..
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Hubba hubba
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Surely not one of the ladies above eh? :laugh:
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Heroes of yore....
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Oh yes............... the racing!!!
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Ooopsie....
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(this was in 2010....
Dutchy, 6/6/2020 at 2:56 AMWSBK 2012 Nurburgring
Staying @douglasthecook
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En route
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Traffic stop
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Doug only got away with multiple infractions thanks to his USAF plate..
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Hubba hubba
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Surely not one of the ladies above eh? :laugh:
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Heroes of yore....
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Oh yes............... the racing!!!
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Ooopsie....
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(this was in 2010....
Great pics Dutchy! Thanks for sharing these! Love the pics of the ride going to the track. Why did you guys get pulled over by the police?
BTW, I am a big fan of Troy Corser! What a great guy. We threw an after party after the 2010 WSBK races at Miller and he was a party animal! The thing is, because of the predominately Morman population the alcohol content in the beer is much lower than the rest of the USA. So you could practically drink them like water! Hahahaha.
Love the umbrella girls as well. Shall I start a new thread just for them?
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I saw a crowd and I wondered what the fuss was. Then I saw a bike and a beautiful woman and a pro photographer (Jim Gianatsis) taking shots with medium format camera (at the time I had no idea what the difference was). Fast forward to about 10 years later and I figured out it was a shoot for the Fast Dates motorcycle calendar. Little did I know that I would come across pro photographer Jim Gianatsis and his Fast Dates calendar shoots in the future.
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One of my favorite riders, Troy Bayliss and his "biggest fans". Hahahha.
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Another favorite of mine, Noriyuki Haga who was then, riding for Aprilia.
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A view of Turn 3 and Turn 4 and the exit of Turn 9 aka Rainey curve in the background.
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Before the big renovation of Laguna Seca and the dedicated garages, the teams had to setup in shipping containers and temporary tent garages. Here is Noriyuki Haga's paddock area.
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Even the "local" American rider, Colin Edwards aka The Texas Tornado had a temporary garage. By comparison the AMA guys had the support of their big semi trucks and had much better setups.
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Still my dream bike. 2002 Ducati 998S Bayliss Replica. Only 400 of these were made. This was in commemoration of Troy's 2001 WSBK championship. They also made a Ben Bostrom replica.[image: DCP_3714.JPG]
Partly overlooking Turn 4 and the entrance to the paddock
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The infamous Corkscrew. This was before they moved the pedestrian bridge which now spans between the middle and last bike now.
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Edited June 8 by JelorianDutchy, 6/5/2020 at 12:10 PMAustrian MotoGP last year
Please dont repost these last two anywhere else.
We were allowed in as a favour/"off the record" 🙂
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[image: 2117275186_spx2n5.thumb.jpg.d3dd3c00db55b289a54d6a26e47641f0.jpg]
That's it Leon, I'm never riding pillion with you again! I thought I was the one and only.
:laughing6-hehe:
Laguna Seca WSBK 2016
Mine aren't nearly as good, but who cares?
MotoGP Austin 2018
More MotoGP and MA Austin 2018
and MORE Austin MotoGP and MA 2018
Great shots Lazyeye!
In 2017 I had the good fortune to attend the WSBK opening round at Philip Island, and motogp at Mugello. Both exceeded my incredibly high expectations despite being drastically different. The similarities were limited to great racing, incredible natural beauty, and excellent Italian food (not a typo!). Here's PI:
Pino's in Cowes is great. It's always a good sign when you see the Italian race teams eating there. In addition to these original leathers (58!), they have Valentino's coolest helmet, where the image of his face is on the top--the one nobody understood until they saw him at 200mph!
[image: IMG_2737.JPG]
Can't remember seeing three of these together outside of a dealer.
[image: IMG_2741.JPG]
Siberia, looking towards Antartica. What a beautiful track! The laid back vibe seemed to me to match the flowing nature of the track itself. BTW, I promised my wife that if we went to the race we would also go see the famous PI penguins emerge from the ocean. It worked, she wants to go back!
[image: IMG_2747.JPG]
Sticker shock!
[image: IMG_2751.JPG]
He's got to be the most friendly and gregarious rider in WSBK. Inconsistent results but a great personality.
[image: IMG_2776.JPG]
Obviously this was one of Nicky's last races before the bicycle accident in Italy. He was 10th and a DNF as I recall. That bike that Honda gave to Ten Kate sucked.
[image: IMG_2779.JPG]
The races according to JR65 were "slow" tire conservation affairs, but as a spectator I couldn't have asked for more.
[image: IMG_2785.JPG]
16 hours ago, lazyeyeLaguna Seca WSBK 2016
Mine aren't nearly as good, but who cares?
Lazyeye! Great pics! And I care! In a good way! Thanks so much for sharing and I thank you for taking the time to post them! ! I am loving all the contributions to this thread. Please keep them coming and I'll do the same.
3 hours ago, St. StephenGreat shots Lazyeye!
In 2017 I had the good fortune to attend the WSBK opening round at Philip Island, and motogp at Mugello. Both exceeded my incredibly high expectations despite being drastically different. The similarities were limited to great racing, incredible natural beauty, and excellent Italian food (not a typo!). Here's PI:
Pino's in Cowes is great. It's always a good sign when you see the Italian race teams eating there. In addition to these original leathers (58!), they have Valentino's coolest helmet, where the image of his face is on the top--the one nobody understood until they saw him at 200mph!
Can't remember seeing three of these together outside of a dealer.
Siberia, looking towards Antartica. What a beautiful track! The laid back vibe seemed to me to match the flowing nature of the track itself. BTW, I promised my wife that if we went to the race we would also go see the famous PI penguins emerge from the ocean. It worked, she wants to go back!
Sticker shock!
He's got to be the most friendly and gregarious rider in WSBK. Inconsistent results but a great personality.
Obviously this was one of Nicky's last races before the bicycle accident in Italy. He was 10th and a DNF as I recall. That bike that Honda gave to Ten Kate sucked.
The races according to JR65 were "slow" tire conservation affairs, but as a spectator I couldn't have asked for more.
More good stuff sir! Much appreciated! I'm loving all these pics! I hope to get out to more tracks once this Covid19 is over.
Need more racing and need to get out to the racetracks!
Cheers!
WSBK/MA at Laguna Seca 2019
We ran into the Thrashed Bike Racing crew at Black Bear Diner and chatted them up about race stuff. The next day we found them in the paddock and they let me pose on their bike. If only I had talent and money I could get out of the Novice race class and ... oh hell who am I kidding I'd never be able to qualify for SBK. LOL.
WSBK/MA Laguna Seca 2019
Forza GP has an exhibition of kiddos on Ohvales. First step to rebuilding American race talent starts with little kids.
WSBK/MA Laguna Seca 2019
WSBK Riders doing their thing
Jelorian, 6/8/2020 at 4:29 AMGreat pics Dutchy! Thanks for sharing these! Love the pics of the ride going to the track. Why did you guys get pulled over by the police?
Well....................
Pre-ride out, We did notice and comment on:
[image: fine.jpg.9d3771e0240226499b40b1b78474f991.jpg]
"But, but, but It is all approved here on base....."
Sure, they are used at jets make obscene noise levels, so an open mc exhaust sound ok no? :goofy:
As with most tracks here, on race day the polis is out in force to catch rule breakers. I reckon Germans police especially keen on that.
So close to the track we were all pulled over; they must have heard Doug coming from a couple of miles away.
They descended like flies on a pile of.....
Keny started taking pictures; they DIDNOT like that...... Luckily the German soccer team had beaten the Dutch recently so I cracked a joke "Do Not Mention The Soccer"....
The chief inspector had a big grin as he noticed Doug's bike. But then (I speak German) could here them start a discussion amongst themselves,,,
"Oh no, he is an American"
"From the airbase"
"Must we now call in Military Police??"
So they decided to give him a Euro 20 warning ticket.
Doug wanted to argue that; I told him to STFU..... 😉
Had it been Jeroen, Keny or me, we would have gotten in instant ban to ride 1" further....
[image: sound.thumb.jpg.be94e8631378c41677ba662777038c74.jpg]
I was checked too
"that exhaust is not OEM
correct, but it has EU approval markings
"where is the approval paperwork for that exhaust?"
I donot need that
"why not?
I am not German
"ah ok"
"Has that exhaust been open up?"
Why?
"to make more noise"
I took of my helmet to show my grey hairs and commented that I was too old for that kinda stuff..
Here is Turn 1 at the Nurburgring...
[image: P1080190.thumb.jpg.1db6a1749e7f131571250344ea33bd29.jpg]
Lets keep the great shots coming... it really feels good to reminisce... a few of my favorites...
Hirotoshi Honda... #1 son of Soichiro Honda and president of Mugen... 1980 Japan...
[image: gallery_3131_51_35791.jpg]
King Kenny on Mr.RC45 inside a bar for Sportbike Night
[image: gallery_3131_51_56185.jpg]
Kevin Schwantz Mr.RC45 inside a bar for Sportbike Night
[image: gallery_3131_51_34178.jpg]
Larry Pegram at the Busy Little Shop ( I machined a custom steering stem for his Ducati)
[image: 499149294_081ed26aa1.jpg]
Giacomo Agostini at Laguna Seca pits...
[image: 501444584_05fc2d557a.jpg]
John Kocinski Laguna Seca
[image: gallery_3131_51_34634.jpg]
Rossi at Laguna Seca pits
[image: attachment.php?attachmentid=524625&d=156]
Mick Doohan Mugello pits
[image: MickDohannLarryTony-1_zps9f89bd24.jpg]
DO NO SIT ON THIS BIKE Rossi's RC211V Laguna Seca
[image: gallery_3131_51_54666.jpg]
The elusive Casey Stoner who dodged posing
[image: 2716331878_6583984757.jpg]
Adriana Stoner who didn't mind posing
[image: 2716331868_a0cdbc1127.jpg]
3 Amigos at Ray Abrams shop on Sparky (Kenny Roberts TZ750 flat tracker)
[image: gallery_3131_51_60983.jpg]
Super Wrench Jermey Burgess at Laguna Seca pits
[image: gallery_3131_51_98911.jpg]
The RC45 still is Shuhei Nakamoto's baby... he was chief development engineer
for Team Castrol during the 1997 WSBK season. HRC's "go to guy"
[image: SNakamotoLarry3.jpg]
[image: SNakamotoLarry2.jpg]
[image: SNakamotoLarry5.jpg]
St. Stephen, 5/30/2020 at 6:28 PMWell, you may have opened up a racing can of worms here, but fortunately your photography is far better than mine. Can you name the podium from Miller 2009?
[image: World SBK 05.09 047.jpg]
Was there for that, was big fan of Spies.
lazyeye, 6/9/2020 at 8:35 PMWSBK/MA at Laguna Seca 2019
We ran into the Thrashed Bike Racing crew at Black Bear Diner and chatted them up about race stuff. The next day we found them in the paddock and they let me pose on their bike. If only I had talent and money I could get out of the Novice race class and ... oh hell who am I kidding I'd never be able to qualify for SBK. LOL.
More great pics Lazyeye! Thanks again for posting. I just love seeing racing pics from any camera and any era. Love the little stories behind them as well. Everyone's race weekend is different and it is fun seeing it from someone else's perspective.
18 hours ago, DutchyWell....................
Pre-ride out, We did notice and comment on:
"But, but, but It is all approved here on base....."
Sure, they are used at jets make obscene noise levels, so an open mc exhaust sound ok no? :goofy:
As with most tracks here, on race day the polis is out in force to catch rule breakers. I reckon Germans police especially keen on that.
So close to the track we were all pulled over; they must have heard Doug coming from a couple of miles away.
They descended like flies on a pile of.....
Keny started taking pictures; they DIDNOT like that...... Luckily the German soccer team had beaten the Dutch recently so I cracked a joke "Do Not Mention The Soccer"....
The chief inspector had a big grin as he noticed Doug's bike. But then (I speak German) could here them start a discussion amongst themselves,,,
"Oh no, he is an American"
"From the airbase"
"Must we now call in Military Police??"
So they decided to give him a Euro 20 warning ticket.
Doug wanted to argue that; I told him to STFU..... 😉
Had it been Jeroen, Keny or me, we would have gotten in instant ban to ride 1" further....
I was checked too
"that exhaust is not OEM
correct, but it has EU approval markings
"where is the approval paperwork for that exhaust?"
I donot need that
"why not?
I am not German
"ah ok"
"Has that exhaust been open up?"
Why?
"to make more noise"
I took of my helmet to show my grey hairs and commented that I was too old for that kinda stuff..
Here is Turn 1 at the Nurburgring...
Love the story behind the pics! I had no idea they were that strict there. They could have easily ruined your weekend. Glad you got off on just a few euro.
11 hours ago, BusyLittleShopLets keep the great shots coming... it really feels good to reminisce... a few of my favorites...
Hirotoshi Honda... #1 son of Soichiro Honda and president of Mugen... 1980 Japan...
King Kenny on Mr.RC45 inside a bar for Sportbike Night
Kevin Schwantz Mr.RC45 inside a bar for Sportbike Night
Larry Pegram at the Busy Little Shop ( I machined a custom steering stem for his Ducati)
Giacomo Agostini at Laguna Seca pits...
John Kocinski Laguna Seca
Rossi at Laguna Seca pits
Mick Doohan Mugello pits
DO NO SIT ON THIS BIKE Rossi's RC211V Laguna Seca
[image: gallery_3131_51_54666.jpg]The elusive Casey Stoner who dodged posing
Adriana Stoner who didn't mind posing
3 Amigos at Ray Abrams shop on Sparky (Kenny Roberts TZ750 flat tracker)
Super Wrench Jermey Burgess at Laguna Seca pits
The RC45 still is Shuhei Nakamoto's baby... he was chief development engineer
for Team Castrol during the 1997 WSBK season. HRC's "go to guy"
BLS, thank for these! Looks like you got some good ones with some of the greats! Always a great time at the races and especially more when you can meet and take photos with these legends! Thanks for your contributions to this thread! Please keep them coming!
Some shots from the grid during the 2004 WSBK races at Laguna. There were many more spectators than even some of the MotoGP events held there post 2004.
#52 James Toseland's bike. You can see him behind one of his techs. Just wanted to show how busy the grid can be right before race start.
[image: IMG_2800.thumb.JPG.95b6bb17160a559af87027646284b621.JPG]
The King of Slide, Gary McCoy!
[image: IMG_2820.thumb.JPG.1dd7dd0ff62fdcd308ed5604c0a96ba3.JPG]
#99 Steve Martin
[image: IMG_2823.thumb.JPG.0109c173d08f0cbdacbbaca9f8a855b3.JPG]
#52 James Toseland with his game face on
[image: IMG_2830.thumb.JPG.80cae0481fb09811e6fea298384eb1bd.JPG]
#41 Noriyuki Haga takes a break on the pit wall
[image: IMG_2842.thumb.JPG.80624f042f02f12d239f6c139b2a38a5.JPG]
Good ol Troy Corser!
[image: IMG_2847.thumb.JPG.66a0609e933c0714f4f636be5a5f0168.JPG]
Nori getting ready to go!
[image: IMG_2865.thumb.JPG.9aff25af7845083ba551213a209bdc2f.JPG]
Equal opportunity!
[image: IMG-20140705-WA0003.jpg]
(not my picture)
Heading out to Assen
[image: image.png.0870b6fb55018d39e92d281baa574d51.png]
lazyeye, 6/9/2020 at 8:50 PMWSBK/MA Laguna Seca 2019
WSBK Riders doing their thing
Yeah, 2019 LS WSBK was fun. But I recall wondering this past winter if I had attended the very last world championship road race ever at Laguna Seca when they cancelled 2020. Motogp bikes getting too fast, the buffoons in Monterey County who got rid of SCRAMP--who knows? Anyway, to add to your great pics, a couple more:
Corkscrew dad:
[image: IMG_4936.JPG]
Alex Lowes rear rubber inspection.
[image: IMG_4941.JPG]
Jordi again, animated as always:
[image: IMG_4942.JPG]
This suspicious crew member obviously thought I wanted the Ducati. He was right!
[image: IMG_4944.JPG]
23 hours ago, BusyLittleShopLets keep the great shots coming... it really feels good to reminisce... a few of my favorites...
Hirotoshi Honda... #1 son of Soichiro Honda and president of Mugen... 1980 Japan...
King Kenny on Mr.RC45 inside a bar for Sportbike Night
Kevin Schwantz Mr.RC45 inside a bar for Sportbike Night
Larry Pegram at the Busy Little Shop ( I machined a custom steering stem for his Ducati)
Giacomo Agostini at Laguna Seca pits...
John Kocinski Laguna Seca
Rossi at Laguna Seca pits
Mick Doohan Mugello pits
DO NO SIT ON THIS BIKE Rossi's RC211V Laguna Seca
The elusive Casey Stoner who dodged posing
BLS, you and Dutchy are shameless name-droppers...I love it!
The cool thing about being a motorcycle road racing fan in the U.S. is access. Outside of the track no one recognizes these guys. I was at the Indy airport Monday morning after the 2010 gp and bumped into Ben Spies (and his mom, what a trip!). We had a nice little chat, where I advised him to get better starts when they got back to Europe. I'm sure he valued my wisdom. 😁
Austria 2019 with my son
[image: IMG-20190811-WA0019.thumb.jpg.b3395ba0296d19c032312041f7bd40a8.jpg]
[image: IMG-20190809-WA0013.thumb.jpg.1c05332f73fc9aca8ac1c750e2813030.jpg]
[image: IMG-20190809-WA0012.thumb.jpg.dddda0571b9e4b389714e02e01bcdffd.jpg]
[image: IMG-20190809-WA0009.thumb.jpg.4debb1709e5ba2ea8472a605495a51a5.jpg]
[image: 75093631_IMG-20190809-WA00102.thumb.jpg.3835ec78d4c2d0af727baa36d3010fb3.jpg]
[image: IMG-20190809-WA0014.thumb.jpg.fe5586325402479f412b989291a284c1.jpg]
Laguna Seca 2019
Backstory. I'm in a couple of racing/trackday groups on the book of faces. Back in '17 or so this kid came on selling shirts to fund his trip to Europe for an RC390 cup event. I said what the heck and bought a shirt, next year bought another. Anyways in 2019 he was racing in Twins Cup. I found his pit in the paddock, walked up and said "hey I'm one of your sponsors!". Draik Beauchamp. Talked to him and his father Curtis for a while. Good kid. He joined the Air Force after the 2019 season.
Dutchy, 6/11/2020 at 12:38 AMEqual opportunity!
Absolutely...
Ginny Cutler #81 WERA Expert Mtn. View, CA
[image: 3710870736_1e73022b6a.jpg]
Elena Meyers AMA Pro... first female to win an AMA Pro Racing sprint
road race. She is also the first woman to win a professional
motorsports race of any kind at Daytona International Speedway, on
March 17, 2012
[image: gallery_3131_5511_112356.jpg]
Shelby and her modified custom Honda... she is part owner of AFT Customs and is a skilled fabricator...
[image: 15117158733_2bc1fcdab4_o.jpg]
Sukhee and Shelby are not only bike builders but racers too... they are part owners of AFT Metric Customs and
have built their own bike named Kemosabe and even raced it on the Bonnieville salt flats...
[image: att00001.jpg]
Larry and Shelby and Sukhee Mr.RC45...
[image: 8204563036_a54fa1a534_o.jpg]
lazyeye, 6/11/2020 at 7:19 PMLaguna Seca 2019
Backstory. I'm in a couple of racing/trackday groups on the book of faces. Back in '17 or so this kid came on selling shirts to fund his trip to Europe for an RC390 cup event. I said what the heck and bought a shirt, next year bought another. Anyways in 2019 he was racing in Twins Cup. I found his pit in the paddock, walked up and said "hey I'm one of your sponsors!". Draik Beauchamp. Talked to him and his father Curtis for a while. Good kid. He joined the Air Force after the 2019 season.
Again, loving the stories behind the pics. Good stuff!
Dutchy, 6/11/2020 at 12:50 PMAustria 2019 with my son
Dutchy! Love those shots! Looks like you guys were able to get into the paddock! Always nice to interact with the racers!
BusyLittleShop, 6/13/2020 at 11:38 AMAbsolutely...
Ginny Cutler #81 WERA Expert Mtn. View, CA
Elena Meyers AMA Pro... first female to win an AMA Pro Racing sprint
road race. She is also the first woman to win a professional
motorsports race of any kind at Daytona International Speedway, on
March 17, 2012Shelby and her modified custom Honda... she is part owner of AFT Customs and is a skilled fabricator...
Sukhee and Shelby are not only bike builders but racers too... they are part owners of AFT Metric Customs and
have built their own bike named Kemosabe and even raced it on the Bonnieville salt flats...
Larry and Shelby and Sukhee Mr.RC45...
These are very cool! I remember watching Elena and Cam Beaubier hashing it out at a little track in Stockton when they were around 10-12 years old. Shame that she dropped out of the racing scene.
Thanks for sharing!
Here are some from 2016 WSBK at Laguna Seca.
#22 Alex Lowes Turn 9
[image: 1812506793_8W3E3915(2).thumb.JPG.00767f79f00c664e3ac83bee5d24d9c7.JPG]
The late great, #69 Nicky Hayden
[image: 1467747064_8W3E3931(2).thumb.JPG.da88a63de2d892c8257371c90bdd95c2.JPG]
Top of the world famous Corkscrew, #66 Tom Sykes, #7 Chaz Davies, #1 Johnny Rea, #34 Davide Guigliano
[image: 1573487006_8W3E4107(2).thumb.JPG.d112cc30a702e35bee18099c200c3f35.JPG]
#1 Johnny Rea in the Corkscrew
[image: 1709266741_8W3E4673(2).thumb.JPG.27881f8e60fe2a80c89ecace8a6e6e0e.JPG]
#95 Roger Lee Hayden got an opportunity to do a wildcard on the Suzuki.
[image: 958026286_8W3E4995(2).thumb.JPG.b3ad80b5c2972b1d46601b9e7c2b40c9.JPG]
Mugello 2017. OMG.
To see Rossi lead the race at Mugello is like nothing else in this world. I thought I knew, but I didn't. Dovi wins. First podium for Petrux, in tears. FP2 I was above turn 1 and saw Marquez brake too late from 215mph and slide all the way through the kitty litter. Bounced right up.
The wild insanity of the crowd was addictive, and the outpouring of love for Nicky, who had died (in Italy) two weeks prior was overwhelming. Anyway, here's a few photos:
If you can read Italian you will laugh:
[image: IMG_3080.JPG]
Turn 1.
[image: fullsizeoutput_cda.jpeg]
60 seconds of silence for Nicky (can't quite photograph through two chain link fences like Jelorian). I got a chill.
[image: IMG_3090.JPG]
Mugello grid!
[image: IMG_3104.JPG]
Race is over. I wasn't happy parking the rental Fiat 1.5 miles from the track, but this walk (pilgrimage?) turned out to be a blast. BTW, June 4th was our wedding anniversary. I married the right girl!
[image: IMG_3110.JPG]
Austria 2019
[image: PSX_20190811_113028.thumb.jpg.292b28c6d87be8d9bf5abc28e525569f.jpg]
:tongue:
:fing02: Dovi!!!! .m .
[image: 78222781_spracewin1.thumb.jpg.f52f098592129364a9a400a30c70b324.jpg.cad00564a2b65114950b74b7f3c2f56b.jpg]
St. Stephen and Dutchy, thanks for your last contributions to this thread.
Been a bit busy but here are a few from the 2013 MotoGP at Laguna Seca.
My wife says he has pretty eyes....now I can't unsee it. LOL
[image: IMG_5847.thumb.JPG.6de6efa19a6438171c3bb22a7ce9f7c7.JPG]
[image: IMG_6219.thumb.JPG.dc5781c69f998654cde77985bff79ee6.JPG]
A privilege to hang in Colin's Garage.
[image: IMG_6271.thumb.JPG.78bb7b70893f0348cb283adbedf549fc.JPG]
[image: IMG_6305.thumb.JPG.b605a68ab9ca81fde3f834d395b9a5f5.JPG]
The podium! Nice to see you up there Bradl
[image: IMG_6784.thumb.JPG.84cf2fb8a56e513bff2f1770947de4bd.JPG]
Not for long Alvaro!
[image: 1099621921_JPEGImage(42783).thumb.jpg.9681bb1a72df7d6bb3be2b3a30d7278c.jpg]
Vale chasing Andrea
[image: 798587168_JPEGImage(100447).thumb.jpg.3f921b1a5d2bc9793ca6379b46e365c7.jpg]
[image: 760323690_JPEGImage(118668).thumb.jpg.67ea25aa286d3c8ce82ffd281691538c.jpg]
Good ol' Ben
[image: 1474429595_JPEGImage(34565).thumb.jpg.4b0718183c6f5eaaeaac0a91d25618bd.jpg]
Cal
[image: 1043372515_JPEGImage(35447).thumb.jpg.03d50b6dc870747b3a548a06b9f5dac4.jpg]
Who watched that Misano MotoGP race?! Some good racing there!
12 minutes ago, JelorianWho watched that Misano MotoGP race?! Some good racing there!
(spoilers here)
Fun seeing the young guns at the front, although I was hoping for Vale to hang onto 3rd.
Also fun to see some fans. I think there was even one guy who wasn't rooting for Rossi.
And the opposite of Rossi (best on Sunday) is his teammate. This has been going on for years now.
And Mr. Consistency is leading the championship!
The absence of Marquez has given the others a sense of hope and right now it is anyone's championship.
This season may be a little bit odd but I've enjoyed the racing so far. Much better when the riders are battling instead of trying to keep up.