When will Miguel Retire?

[tbeemer]

These factors are why he still has a ride. Miguel is a good racer (not necessarily the fastest, but not far down), and he TRIES. ALL THE TIME.  How many of the young guys eat it into the runoff area and just stand the bike against the wall and walk away? Heck, some of them do that even when they just ride off the track. I can't remember EVER seeing Duhamel not try to keep going. Even if he's 2 laps off the leader, he keeps on going.
 
And his manner very much typifies the Honda ideal. No temper tantrums. No acting like a jerk. No mouthing off to the media. He thanks his sponsers, gives the other guy credit, and pays attention to BUSINESS. Zemke has benefitted from his relationship with Duhamel in that respect if nothing else.
 
I expect when Miguel does retire, he's going to retire as a team manager. His experience and political accumen in the racing world would benefit many teams (and it wouldn't suprise me if he continues that long term relationship with Honda).
 
leanintree

I'm thinking either you never saw the "early" Duhamel, or rose colored glasses have altered your memory.  He was an A-number-one-prick in his early years, generally a pain in the a$$ if he didn't win, with a million and one excuses for why he didn't win (other than just being beaten).  Granted, he's matured quite a bit, and most likely learned some hard lessons in order to get the way he is now.  So don't kid yourself too much, Duhamel v2.0 is pretty far removed from Duhamel v1.0.

Tom

[stk0308]

I'm thinking either you never saw the "early" Duhamel, or rose colored glasses have altered your memory. He was an A-number-one-prick in his early years, generally a pain in the a$$ if he didn't win, with a million and one excuses for why he didn't win (other than just being beaten). Granted, he's matured quite a bit, and most likely learned some hard lessons in order to get the way he is now. So don't kid yourself too much, Duhamel v2.0 is pretty far removed from Duhamel v1.0.
 
Tom

And even then, DuHamel v2.0 is really hard on anyone not a factory rider on the track(cutting people off for no real reason, flipping them off, kicking at, etc).  Witness his confrontation with Chris Ulrich at the last Mid Ohio weekend.  He chopped off Chris, then flipped him off.  Chris, not willing to take sh!t, waited for him in the hot pits.  As Miguel rode by, gave him both fingers.  Miguel actually came to Chris' pit later and got in his face over this.
 
All due respect to Miguel, but there are times when he definatly looses his cool.

[Scoop]

I'm thinking either you never saw the "early" Duhamel, or rose colored glasses have altered your memory.  He was an A-number-one-prick in his early years, generally a pain in the a$$ if he didn't win, with a million and one excuses for why he didn't win (other than just being beaten).  Granted, he's matured quite a bit, and most likely learned some hard lessons in order to get the way he is now.  So don't kid yourself too much, Duhamel v2.0 is pretty far removed from Duhamel v1.0.

Tom

This is true, but he's French!  What does one expect?  Actually, his parents are quite nice people and easy to talk to.  We had a nice chat when I was trying to get Miquel's autograph.  Couldn't get one from him, of course, but did get Mom and Yvon to sign my shirt!  

[arkansawyer]

I heard he was running Superbike times on his 600FX bike at the dunlop Daytona tire test.

[rajflyboy]

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

Very Funny HERO

 

[bogthing]

And even then, DuHamel v2.0 is really hard on anyone not a factory rider on the track(cutting people off for no real reason, flipping them off, kicking at, etc).  Witness his confrontation with Chris Ulrich at the last Mid Ohio weekend.  He chopped off Chris, then flipped him off.  Chris, not willing to take sh!t, waited for him in the hot pits.  As Miguel rode by, gave him both fingers.  Miguel actually came to Chris' pit later and got in his face over this.
 
All due respect to Miguel, but there are times when he definatly looses his cool.

And nobody, but nobody, cut's off an Ulrich!, do you know who my father is?!!!

(sorry, I couldn't resist)  

[stk0308]

And nobody, but nobody, cut's off an Ulrich!, do you know who my father is?!!!

(sorry, I couldn't resist)  

It's kinda the attitude I read on Chris most of the time too