When will Miguel Retire?

[rajflyboy]

How much longer do you think Miguel Duhamel will race in the AMA Superbike Series?

[Jeff]

If he keeps posting decent results, and he is, he'll keep on racing. Unless he has another huge get off that forces him to retire.

JMO.

Jeff

[Jeff N]

Yvon is still racing snowmobiles, so Miguel's career has no boundries.

[phoenix]

He's ONLY 38! Same age as me. He's got plenty of racing left in him.
 
And yeah, as long as he's running top 5 most races, who's to say he should stop?

[tbeemer]

I like the guy as a racer, and personally from the handful of times I've interacted with him; but I wish Honda would move on and sign some younger talent.  Sure, he's still fast, but maybe there's a young gun out there who'd be a bit faster on the same level of machinery and get the red machine at the pointy end of the championship.  

Tom

[Playinthestreet]

Who would those young guns be?

[scott-sts]

I respect Miguel and obviously, he's a great racer but IMO, his time passed a long time ago.  I think Honda is holding back their own program by keeping him on their bike.  I do think he would be great in several of the support classes (Superstock and supersport come to mind).  Even when he was on top of his game, he was not what one would consider a consistant rider, which certainly hurt his ability to win championships.
Yes, he's good for a podium now and then and may even eek out a win but a Superbike championship?   Unless Honda doesn't want to win the championship? (Headscratch)

[scott-sts]

Who would those young guns be?

Lots of 'em; Josh Herrin just signed with Yamaha.  Even if you stay away from the young guys, Hacking, T. Hayden and Eric Bostrom could have been signed to ride in '07 for Honda if they wanted them.  
The 2 youngest riders Honda has got the best results last year: Zemke won the Superbike race in UT and Josh Hayes won the formula extreme championship.

[Playinthestreet]

You've changed the parameters.  The statement was "young guns".  You gave me Herron and I'll give you Eslick.  That's 2.  Who are the "lots of 'em?".  Steve Rapp and Chris Ulrich and Larry Pegram don't count either.

[Snowbird]

Miguel will retire long before you have your dream date with Vivid1.

[phoenix]

Miguel will retire long before you have your dream date with Vivid1.

 
 

Yes, he's good for a podium now and then and may even eek out a win but a Superbike championship? Unless Honda doesn't want to win the championship? (Headscratch)

He was 2004 and 2005 Formula Xtreme champion. I realize that's a championship that Honda seems to have bought, but he must be doing something right to win the championship at least twice. Maybe he's just got those 600's dialed in.  Regardless, I think it would be to Honda's advantage (or anyone else) to keep him around to pass on skills and knowledge to future riders.

[scott-sts]

You've changed the parameters. The statement was "young guns". You gave me Herron and I'll give you Eslick. That's 2. Who are the "lots of 'em?". Steve Rapp and Chris Ulrich and Larry Pegram don't count either.

I'm not an encylopedia of young racers (sounds rather pornographic) thus I can't sit here and name names. Maybe Jeff Wood deserves a shot?  Point is, like ALL sports, the future comes from youth.  All teams are looking for the next superstar.  I believe the point is Miguel's seat on the Superbike team would be better filled by a hungry, young rider.  
Steve Rapp was a factory Ducati rider and Larry Pegram is average, IMO.  Chris Ulrich is average, on a good day.  Frankly, he's not even an above average writer and that's his day job.

[scott-sts]

 
 
 
He was 2004 and 2005 Formula Xtreme champion. I realize that's a championship that Honda seems to have bought, but he must be doing something right to win the championship at least twice. Maybe he's just got those 600's dialed in. Regardless, I think it would be to Honda's advantage (or anyone else) to keep him around to pass on skills and knowledge to future riders.

I knew someone would bring up Miguel's Formula Extreme championship.  Think about it: He beat the only bike capable of even hanging in his draft and it was ridden by his teamate.  Furthermore, he won it by what? One point or something?  
I agree he could be an awesome influence on a younger rider.  I'd love to see him back in Supersport.  Honda could really sell alot of CBR600RR's if Miguel did race in Supersport.

[Gaolee]

How old is Gary McCoy?  I am pretty sure he is older than Miguel, and he is still going in all kinds of things.  BSB has several riders in their 40s, too, if I remember right, although I can't name them.

[keystonejenks]

I'm glad somebody pointed out Miguel's recent championships (saved me the time of looking them up).
 
That being said I think one rider that is itching for a shot at a factory ride is John Haner. I think this guy is a very talented racers. However, my racing knowledge isn't as in-depth as many on here.

[scott-sts]

How old is Gary McCoy? I am pretty sure he is older than Miguel, and he is still going in all kinds of things. BSB has several riders in their 40s, too, if I remember right, although I can't name them.

 
Lot's of 40 year old wash-up's in minor league baseball too.

[scott-sts]

I'm glad somebody pointed out Miguel's recent championships (saved me the time of looking them up).
 
That being said I think one rider that is itching for a shot at a factory ride is John Haner. I think this guy is a very talented racers. However, my racing knowledge isn't as in-depth as many on here.

 
Agreed.  Haner was hurt for a good part of the year, hopefully he didn't miss his window.  Geoff May looks ferocious (he resigned with Ulrich's Emgo Suzuki team).  Hopefully, his support of Pirelli won't hurt his career (Politics and all).

[rajflyboy]

Miguel will retire long before you have your dream date with Vivid1.

 
Man >>  I don't have a thing for Vivid!  Gee Wiz    

[rajflyboy]

I was at Road Atlanta in 2005 for the Great Formula Extreme battle between Miguel and Jake Zemke for the title.  That is the best racing I have seen in person at an AMA event.  Those two guys put on a whale of a show.

[Scoop]

Since Miguel is a Canuck, I have always watched his career with interest.  I recall watching him ride the wheels off of Harley's attempt at Superbike.  He was unbelievable.  No one else but a crazy frenchman could have coaxed that bike to the podium.  He was in line for the win, but rode it off the track while trying everything possible to keep the bike in front.  Still managed 3rd.  
He still has it in him, but injuries and circumstance are taking a toll.  Remember this past year when he was a contender with a busted windscreen?
He may be getting on, but he is still a hell of a rider.