Monday, January 26, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Here today gone tomorrow?
http://uk.reuters.com/article/rbssIndustryMaterialsUtilitiesNews/idUKSP35028920090123
By Alastair Himmer
TOKYO, Jan 23 (Reuters) - Honda Motor Co may withdraw from most forms of motorcycle racing in a bid to cut costs, although it has no plans to pull out of MotoGP.
Japan's second-largest carmaker (7267.T), which has already left Formula One, hopes to save an estimated 3 billion yen ($33.73 million) as the worldwide economic crisis continues to bite.
"We have not formally decided yet but we have been looking into the option of pulling out," Honda's Akemi Ando told Reuters on Friday.
"It is something we have been thinking about for a while since we pulled out of Formula One. We have no plans to leave MotoGP."
Motocross, motorcycle trials and other forms of off-road racing will be the main victims of Honda's latest cost-cutting measures.
Honda, which has forecast a 190 billion yen operating loss for the fiscal second half ending in March, withdrew from Formula One last month to reduce costs amid a slump in global car sales.
They have won 14 premier class motorcycling world titles, their breakthrough triumph coming in 1983 and most recently with Nicky Hayden in 2006.
Honda's works team will not be on the grid for the popular Suzuka Eight-Hour World Endurance Race in July, but the company pledged its commitment to the event at its home circuit.
"It's not strictly accurate to say Honda are pulling out of the Eight-Hour race," said Ando. "It is true that our works teams will not take part.
"But Honda supplies bikes and technical support to many of the teams and 60 percent of the bikes on the grid will still be Honda bikes."
The worldwide economic downturn was blamed for Honda's decision to quit F1 and the subsequent withdrawal of rival carmakers Subaru and Suzuki from the world rally championship.
Japanese motorcycle maker Kawasaki also followed suit earlier this month by pulling out of MotoGP.
($1=88.94 Yen) (Additional reporting by Yumiko Nishitani; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
By Alastair Himmer
TOKYO, Jan 23 (Reuters) - Honda Motor Co may withdraw from most forms of motorcycle racing in a bid to cut costs, although it has no plans to pull out of MotoGP.
Japan's second-largest carmaker (7267.T), which has already left Formula One, hopes to save an estimated 3 billion yen ($33.73 million) as the worldwide economic crisis continues to bite.
"We have not formally decided yet but we have been looking into the option of pulling out," Honda's Akemi Ando told Reuters on Friday.
"It is something we have been thinking about for a while since we pulled out of Formula One. We have no plans to leave MotoGP."
Motocross, motorcycle trials and other forms of off-road racing will be the main victims of Honda's latest cost-cutting measures.
Honda, which has forecast a 190 billion yen operating loss for the fiscal second half ending in March, withdrew from Formula One last month to reduce costs amid a slump in global car sales.
They have won 14 premier class motorcycling world titles, their breakthrough triumph coming in 1983 and most recently with Nicky Hayden in 2006.
Honda's works team will not be on the grid for the popular Suzuka Eight-Hour World Endurance Race in July, but the company pledged its commitment to the event at its home circuit.
"It's not strictly accurate to say Honda are pulling out of the Eight-Hour race," said Ando. "It is true that our works teams will not take part.
"But Honda supplies bikes and technical support to many of the teams and 60 percent of the bikes on the grid will still be Honda bikes."
The worldwide economic downturn was blamed for Honda's decision to quit F1 and the subsequent withdrawal of rival carmakers Subaru and Suzuki from the world rally championship.
Japanese motorcycle maker Kawasaki also followed suit earlier this month by pulling out of MotoGP.
($1=88.94 Yen) (Additional reporting by Yumiko Nishitani; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Anaheim part Duex
This weekend brings in the second of three Anaheim races with a new track, some refined settings, and two surprise points leaders. What is not for sure is the outcome of Jason Lawrence. One has think that he is still a favorite for a win, regardless of the mistakes he has made. At the same time Ryan Dungey could continue his winning ways and put another wrench in Lawrence's season and career. In the 450 class Josh Grant continues to lead the series while Stewert took his first win last week and Chad Reed seems primed to take his first win.
The track this weekend looks like it could be good. It has a lot of old school sections and less jumps than usual. It is rumored to have a huge double and the section after the finish line looks great. It really seems to twist back and forth so bar banging seems inevitable. Here is a picture of the track.
My predictions for this race are pretty boring. I think you will see James, Reed and RV on the box for the 450's. In the 250 class I think you will see a Dungey, Lawrence and Weimer box. However I do think it will be a exciting week for racing due in most part to the track design.
One thing for sure, when the gate drops on the main Saturday night, we will still have JG in the lead, Stewert more than enough points behind to keep it fun and Reed needing to prove that he can do more than just be there with Stewert.
The track this weekend looks like it could be good. It has a lot of old school sections and less jumps than usual. It is rumored to have a huge double and the section after the finish line looks great. It really seems to twist back and forth so bar banging seems inevitable. Here is a picture of the track.
My predictions for this race are pretty boring. I think you will see James, Reed and RV on the box for the 450's. In the 250 class I think you will see a Dungey, Lawrence and Weimer box. However I do think it will be a exciting week for racing due in most part to the track design.
One thing for sure, when the gate drops on the main Saturday night, we will still have JG in the lead, Stewert more than enough points behind to keep it fun and Reed needing to prove that he can do more than just be there with Stewert.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Science and Motocross?
If you are reading this you are probably going to appreciate today's blog. Today while snoozing through my biology class, I began to think about how great it would be to see a good Supercross series. The first two races have been really exciting with two surprise points leaders. Then my mind began to wonder a little farther into how good these guys really are. I mean James is obviously the man right now, but Reed seems to be a little different this year. Chad looks smooth, fit and mentally prepared to contend for the championship.
1. Observe phenomenon - The ability to dominate a sport
2. Develop a Question - Who is the greatest of all time?
3. Develop hypotheses - I believe by the time the results are prepared we will find that Ricky Carmichael will be the greatest mx racer of all time.
4. Make predictions - Regardless of the compiled facts, there will be no real way to determine the rider based on anything other than total number of victories. If a rider is active then there wins will be divided by there years of competition to get an average wins per race. This number can be used to set a base for future numbers.
5. Carry out test and analyze results - TBD.
6. Conclusion and publish - TBD.
Now back to the boring part, science. Just when I was ready to throw the boots back on and go for it, my teacher caught my ear. My class was discussing the basic principals of the Scientific Method and how to apply it. For some reason the scientific method has stuck with me since I was a kid. I use it in everyday to break down simple situations and how to evolve as a person. Well here it was, right in front of me. I will use the scientific method to give a theory to who truly is the greatest of all time. This is always a subject across the boards and I think it will be fun to use it to more accurately debate the question with no real answer.
Remember a couple of things though. There is no way that you will ever get a factual answer. However a theory can be submitted based on facts. Lets follow the steps.
Scientific Method
2. Develop a Question - Who is the greatest of all time?
3. Develop hypotheses - I believe by the time the results are prepared we will find that Ricky Carmichael will be the greatest mx racer of all time.
4. Make predictions - Regardless of the compiled facts, there will be no real way to determine the rider based on anything other than total number of victories. If a rider is active then there wins will be divided by there years of competition to get an average wins per race. This number can be used to set a base for future numbers.
5. Carry out test and analyze results - TBD.
6. Conclusion and publish - TBD.
I think the results will be fun to see. This is anther one of those great deals where I will get school credit for something I would do on my own anyways. So stay tuned.......
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
The aftermath of Phoenix
Well Phoenix came and passed without too much drama and results maybe a little more in line with pre-season expectations. The big news from this weekend has to be the fact that both defending champions were absent from the mains in the 250 class. Canard decided to try and ride through Michael Hall and in the process pulled a Mary Lou Retton into the backside of the berm and Jason Lawrence continued his streak of silly little mistakes that cost him his championship and possibly his career, while Dungey got right back on form.
You know every weekend I find myself pulling for Jason because I like the spunk he brings to the series and to watch Dungey react. I think the current "J-Law" image you see these days, is probably more of him trying to be something that the public is making him, maybe a little Tyler Evans? So will Lawrence be the next "One Punch" wonder or will he win the rest of the races and take the outdoor title? Time will tell, as for Canard, well lets just hope he is OK and back in the mix soon.
As for the guys who actually rode in the race, well what can you say other than "de de de", I mean common Weimer, really? Of course we could just blame the announcers for jinxing him as he entered the sand, but no that wouldn't be fair to the sand. Morais rode a smart race while Brayton continued his trend on being close but no cigar. Pj Larson had a great ride and the same goes for Ben Evans, some guy from France and my old buddy Ping's team having more continued success.
As for the big boys, well what is there to say? James got out in front and never looked back, while Reed seemed to struggle with the middle section of the track, allowing Stewart the small precious seconds needed to stay out front after Reed's whoop charges. Reed continued to show that he is ready to run with Stewart, Grant continued to capitalize on good starts and the rest of the world is still wondering what is up with a few of the Honda guys.
Also props to Josh Grant on his holeshots. He seems to have that that Donnie Hansen thing going and if he can do that consistently watch out!. Speaking of a Hansen, it was good to see Josh in the main, I wish he would have stuck to the TLD ride, but he didn't and now he can race for a rockstar instead of becoming one.
Last but not least we have Mr. Villopoto. I am one of those guys that said don't be surprised if you see him on the box at A1. Well I was wrong, but I am glad. It does seem that Ryan is doing the smart thing and surviving to tell us about it later. My guess is we will still see him on top of the box by the half way point.
As for the series itself so far, I think it is pretty good other than Ralph Shaheen and Erin Bates need to go. I also want to thank Speed TV for going to commercial with Reed 6 seconds back, then returning from commercial with him passing for the lead, bravo!
As for the rest of us web geeks out here I am sure the debates of RV vs. Grant, One Industries, Yamabog, and every other beat to death subject will continue on pointlessly. By the way, DMG I am still waiting to see your first turn pic.
Until next week, oh ya I almost forgot, Carbs 2 - EFI 0.
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