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So, who watched it? So good to have BSB back on the TV, and a big thumbs up to Eurosport for their coverage. I gather the highlights tonight will include the 125s and SuperDuke's too. That said, the constant swapping between Tony Carter and Jamie Whitham was a little messy, and I'm not too sure about Whitham's interviewing technique. I love his commentating though.
A few things that I thought stood out (including the obvious):
There was talk of Honda having launch control. I don't think there was much doubt after the way they took off on the first race, don't you think? As they say though, they're perfectly legal so either they should be banned or the other teams should get it themselves. Personally I don't think there's any place for it. I'm watching the WSB classic races on ESPN this past week (and coming week) and loved seeing some of the bike wheelying off the line, great stuff.
Also good to see Rutter back up at the front. Great performance by him and it just shows how good that 1098R is out of the box. Likewise John Laverty's 'superstock' 1098R. Does the extra 200cc give them an unfair advantage? Didn't stop Cal Crutchlow winning his first ever BSB race on the HM Plant Fireblade in race 2 did it? Big congratulations to him for that.
Great also to see the top five bikes in the supersport being 5 different manufacturers too at some points. Triumph, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha. When's the last time that happened? Didn't notice how they finished up mind you.
Felt really sorry for Karl Harris though. I paused the race when I saw Tom Sykes' bike clout him in the chest and didn't know if I wanted to watch it back after that. Eventually did and I don't understand what Sykes was gesturing at. Was he calling for help for Harris or swearing at Haslam? Personally it looked like a racing incident to me that at worst was Sykes fault; how could Haslam have known he was there?
Likewise Hobbs in the BSS race. I felt that he was unfairly taken out by an over-optimistic move and his collision with the air fence looked painful. Only sustained a dislocated shoulder though which is good news. Hope he recovers in time for Oulton in a fortnight.
Anyway, dinner is ready, time to think more about some great racing while I eat :thumbup
A few things that I thought stood out (including the obvious):
There was talk of Honda having launch control. I don't think there was much doubt after the way they took off on the first race, don't you think? As they say though, they're perfectly legal so either they should be banned or the other teams should get it themselves. Personally I don't think there's any place for it. I'm watching the WSB classic races on ESPN this past week (and coming week) and loved seeing some of the bike wheelying off the line, great stuff.
Also good to see Rutter back up at the front. Great performance by him and it just shows how good that 1098R is out of the box. Likewise John Laverty's 'superstock' 1098R. Does the extra 200cc give them an unfair advantage? Didn't stop Cal Crutchlow winning his first ever BSB race on the HM Plant Fireblade in race 2 did it? Big congratulations to him for that.
Great also to see the top five bikes in the supersport being 5 different manufacturers too at some points. Triumph, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha. When's the last time that happened? Didn't notice how they finished up mind you.
Felt really sorry for Karl Harris though. I paused the race when I saw Tom Sykes' bike clout him in the chest and didn't know if I wanted to watch it back after that. Eventually did and I don't understand what Sykes was gesturing at. Was he calling for help for Harris or swearing at Haslam? Personally it looked like a racing incident to me that at worst was Sykes fault; how could Haslam have known he was there?
Likewise Hobbs in the BSS race. I felt that he was unfairly taken out by an over-optimistic move and his collision with the air fence looked painful. Only sustained a dislocated shoulder though which is good news. Hope he recovers in time for Oulton in a fortnight.
Anyway, dinner is ready, time to think more about some great racing while I eat :thumbup
