Puig Blasts Hayden

[tbeemer]

uhm...yah  

If Kenny Roberts & Freddie Spencer layin down black streaks didn't light a fire, nuthin's gonna  

Well, just to play devil's advocate here, the media opportunities are far greater today than in their day (websites, racing specific magazines, Nicky having a one hour MTV show, etc.).  Just by having the races on Speed regularly, they're already ahead of the game.  I've had hardcore NASCAR guys approach me at work and tell me about watching the races on Sunday.  Whether they know him as Hayden or "that one kid from Kentucky, I think", he's much better known across the racing community than I think a lot of people recognize.  Running them at Indy was also a major coup for MotoGP that made a lot of people take notice.  They've got their motorcycle niche fans locked down, but now they're expanding into the consciousness of the general race fan.

Now, whether it'll light a fire, that remains to be seen.  But it's certainly more likely to happen now, than in Spencer and Roberts' day when you were lucky to get a race on US TV (and it was usually tape delayed from a month or so prior).

[Jeff N]

^ +1

You had to be fortunate enough to attend Laguna Seca to see Kenny and Freddie ply their GP skills, otherwise the only exposure they got over here was in specialist magazines.

[Orson]

Well, just to play devil's advocate here, the media opportunities are far greater today than in their day (websites, racing specific magazines, Nicky having a one hour MTV show, etc.).  

good point.

Although, should we as hard core fans, suffer the indignities of pandering to the NASCAR crowd?

sometimes I prefer to be a niche market  

[tbeemer]

good point.

Although, should we as hard core fans, suffer the indignities of pandering to the NASCAR crowd?

sometimes I prefer to be a niche market  

I hear ya man.  I get pretty torn about that.  Especially when I'm trolling through the crowd at Laguna Seca and Mick Doohan is just meandering along and not one person (except me) recognizes him.  He seemed a bit surprised when I said something to him, and I instantly regretted breaking his veil of anonymity.  Hell, a few years back at one of the Laguna WSBK rounds I caught Freddie Spencer in the middle of a big crowd and not a single person even acknowledged him.  And both those happened at freakin' motorcycle races!  Don't these people respect the heritage?!  

The best, though, was catching Julian Ryder and Toby Moody at the first Robb Report auction in Monterey.  Ryder actually looked down to see if he was wearing a nametag, he was so shocked that I addressed him by name.    Really genial chap, the kind of guy you'd like to talk racing with over a few pints.  Although I guess it's a sign you might be a bit too into it when you even start to recognize the journos as well...  

[Jeff N]

The niche market aspect has its appeal. It's nice to be able to catch Freddie and exchange niceties (I didn't mention Sweden). He was surprised to be recognized, but very pleasant nonetheless.

 

[LicketySplat]

.... and Dovizioso blasts Puig.

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/10112008/58/dovizioso-slams-pedrosa-man-puig.html

[cyclopathic]

.... and Dovizioso blasts Puig.

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/10112008/58/dovizioso-slams-pedrosa-man-puig.html

Dovizioso added that his goal for 2009 is to beat Pedrosa.

"To finish ahead of Dani would be important, and I am confident about my chances," he said.

you've gotta love this, if your last name is Puig  

[Scoop]

The niche market aspect has its appeal. It's nice to be able to catch Freddie and exchange niceties (I didn't mention Sweden). He was surprised to be recognized, but very pleasant nonetheless.

 

I don't think that Freddie wants anyone to catch him these days!!

[JonS]

I dug this topic out of the closet because this picture warms my heart and I couldn't find a home for it.

[Mr. Whippy]

JonS,

Thanks so much for posting that pic.  Totally awesome.  That picture sez EXACTLY why these guys race.



'cuz it's awesomely fun.  

[Wes]

Sure Stoner may enjoy racing but the real reason to watch is the temper tantrum he throws when he gets beat.  

Plus this picture makes me happy, because with a decent bike maybe MotoGPs favorite redneck can win a few this year.

[Mr Sunshine]

What I found interesting is Nicky said he had never been around mountains so big and around so much snow.  Southern boy through and through.  

[999RBEN]

Wow......given all this, I have new-found respect for Nicky.....with this asshat as a team manager, obviously not supporting hi, and he still has had his recent great rides & results?

Honda should have canned Puig, not Hayden.  

I kinda wanted Honda to do well and give the Ducs a serious run for their money, now I want the Ducs to beats the crap out of Honda...
 

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