Why Are the Spaniards So F'in Good Moto Racers?

[nnjhawk02]

 

Well I finally finished watching the Moto2 race from Valencia   (thank goodness for my high capacity DVR)

Anyway, why are these blokes from Espana so damn good??

Height / weight advantage? Pedrosa (Yes during off season he performs in A. Midget Porn, B. Rides in circus clown car, C. Wee man award @ Coney Island freak house, D. Horse Jockey, E. All of the above)

Really what is it??

Where are the folks from the UK, America, Germany - hell wherever?

I've never been to Spain & I know dem Europeans have a better moto culture than the USA, but why is Moto racing dominated by these Spaniards??  I know the Eye-Ties have good representation, but you look at the nationalities of the racers in all MotoGP classes & SBK and its dem Spaniards.

Please discuss

Lastly - Feliz Navidad y Feliz Ano Nuevo a usted y su familia

[Orson]

I don't think there's really any rhyme or reason.

The Swedes ruled motocross forty years ago, yet now they languish nowhere near the top.

I think it's just an ebb and flow.

For the record, the most intense and passionate performance art I've ever witnessed was a Flamenco performance. They even have Flamenco radio stations.

[Cablebandit]

[garry]

I think it's because of a national passion for motorsport, and they have a very competitive Spanish series for bringing young racers along. As I recall, Casey Stoner raced in the Spanish series prior jumping to GPs.

[motodog650]

1> In Spain moto-racing comes in right behind soccer in popularity.

2> Like most of western Europe the two wheel lifestyle is much more a way of life from a young age than in the States.

3> Better feeder series (CEV). Races on same tracks as MotoGP.

4> Currently four GP's in Spain (although might soon be three).

5> A blazing passion for the sport.

6> Many kids racing mini-motos from an early age (Marquez had a data acquisition guy in mini-moto).

7> Dorna is based there and major sponsors (Repsol, etc...).

[Bruce Bogtrotter]

I don't think there's really any rhyme or reason.

Agree with this. Also why I always roll my eyes when people argue that when Americans or Australians are winning, it's because of their dirt track experience.

[veefer800canuck]

1> In Spain moto-racing comes in right behind soccer in popularity.

2> Like most of western Europe the two wheel lifestyle is much more a way of life from a young age than in the States.

3> Better feeder series (CEV). Races on same tracks as MotoGP.

4> Currently four GP's in Spain (although might soon be three).

5> A blazing passion for the sport.

6> Many kids racing mini-motos from an early age (Marquez had a data acquisition guy in mini-moto).

7> Dorna is based there and major sponsors (Repsol, etc...).

What he said.

[R Doug]

I think it's because of a national passion for motorsport, and they have a very competitive Spanish series for bringing young racers along. As I recall, Casey Stoner raced in the Spanish series prior jumping to GPs.

That makes sense.  

Now, explain the history of successful Texans.  

[Orson]

Agree with this. Also why I always roll my eyes when people argue that when Americans or Australians are winning, it's because of their dirt track experience.

In the case of Kenny Roberts & Freddie Spencer, I believe it was their dirt track experience that gave them an advantage. At the time engines overpowered the tires and frames of the Era. European riders tried to carry as much corner speed as possible, carving graceful arcs through corners. Roberts, then Spencer did just the opposite, doing their braking early, then hard on the throttle while power sliding through the corner, which allowed them to reach top speed faster than the yurpeens. As tire technology caught up, the dirt track experience lost its advantage.

[motodog650]

Now, explain the history of successful Texans.  

Stubborn, bull headed (not that these are bad traits)...

[Blunder]

Under Generalissimo Franco (who's still dead) small bike manufacturing was a big industry in Spain. After WW2, when the rest of war torn Europe lay in shambles, Spain, a technically neutral nation, was there with the capacity to provide cheap transport as Europe was rebuilt. Motorsport was a popular diversion and Spanish bikes prevalent, as were Spanish riders and with them Spanish fans who continue to support and participate to this day. Well, until the last year or so before the unemployment rate for 20-somethings grew to 50%. Spain has always supported motorsports as a part of their government's way, both fascist and socialist, of providing the circus to go along with the people's bread. From toddler ridden tiddler bikes on up to teenagers there are support series in abundance. Sorta like Little League baseball over here. If a youngster shows talent, there's a support system in place to foster growth into maturity.

[Silverbird]

Seems only recent to me.

Aussies are the fastest cause they're so 'effing crazy.

Gobert, Doohan, Stoner. All stupid fast.

[Blunder]

Seems only recent to me.

If you're talking about the big boy class, then yes, only recently have the Spaniards been contenders. In 250s and under they've always been there.

[tbzep]

If you're talking about the big boy class, then yes, only recently have the Spaniards been contenders. In 250s and under they've always been there.

Maybe because the bikes are no longer wild bucking beasts that at one time favored strong riders with dirt track backgrounds of the Aussies and Americans?  Or maybe because people in previously dominant countries had rather play Grand Theft Auto than get outside and ride/race?  Maybe because more Spaniards are now able to commit to racing full time at an earlier age and progress farther and faster than in the past?  Any other ideas on why they've suddenly exploded in the premier class?

[Blunder]

They took the salt peter out of the paella?

[Silverbird]

If they were riding 600cc 2-strokes without electronics things would very, VERY different now.