MotoGP Indy Practice 7/1/08

BizJetGuy · 07-01-2008, 08:16 PM

Just a few photos from today...

Can't wait to see some of Baketech's!

ND4SPD · 07-01-2008, 08:20 PM

Indianapolis MotoGP test - Tuesday. | MOTOGP News | Crash.Net

Baketech · 07-01-2008, 09:09 PM

Here are a couple...more later...

The inimitable Mr. Spies doing the thing in T2...
2008-07-01 Indy GP Test 1648.JPG

Canepa leading Spies through T4...
2008-07-01 Indy GP Test 1689.jpg

Olivier Jacque...
2008-07-01 Indy GP Test 1525.jpg

Repeater · 07-01-2008, 09:33 PM

I wonder how he will since he will have the most track time? I know none of the test riders ever really get to the pace of the "Regulars".

I hope he does well!

Baketech · 07-01-2008, 09:42 PM

That's a great question. The track was really green, but he got on the pace pretty quickly. It'll also be interesting to see where the lap times go to during race week...

Here are some rider quotes from: MotoGP Test Rider Quotes :: Official site of the Red Bull Indianapolis GP

Quote:

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

WILLIAM COSTES (Yamaha/Michelin): "The circuit is very well, and it was difficult today because it was hot. The grip improved throughout the day, and we did a lot of testing of the tire and found some solutions. The track is very beautiful and different than anything we know. The banking is unbelievable; I did not know of that before. We are happy to be here, and I think we can do better tomorrow." (On frontstretch speed): "I don't know exactly, but I would say around 300 kilometers (188 mph) and maybe more. The straight was very long, but the last corner is very slow. If we got out of the turn better, we could probably go 320 (km) or so."

BEN SPIES (No. 11 Suzuki/Bridgestone): (About first visit to IMS and initial impressions of track): "Yeah, it's good. I think there's a couple little things they can improve, but I also think the people at the track are definitely going to go for that and make it happen for the race and fix what's needed to be fixed to make it better. For the first time on the track, I think it's a pretty good starting point, and we'll throw some ideas at them and see if they can get it worked out for the race time, and I think everything will be good." (On the most important things he's learned today): "Not so much the track for me. It's just that this is a new motorcycle for me so I'm just trying to do as many laps as I can, and that's about it. The track, after a few laps you learn it no matter what, so just trying to get more comfortable on the bike. In the end, we're getting faster and faster so it was a pretty good day." (On his goals for the MotoGP races in the United States): "I'd love to be in the top 10, top five, but that's going to be pretty tough so if I can get comfortable on the thing, I think we can do reasonably well but the issue is trying to get comfortable and that's why we're here. I did 100 laps today and I'm probably going to do another 100 tomorrow so, just the more laps, the better for me and try to run with those guys." (On what he's most looking forward to about coming back and racing at IMS in September): "Just being in America for a GP. I think it's going to be a good event and I think there's going to be a lot of fans here, so I'm just looking forward to seeing all of the American fans here rooting us on."

NICCOLO CANEPA (No. 59 Ducati/Bridgestone): "It is a beautiful track. Just this morning, I got to learn the circuit because it's new for everybody and it was also a little bit dirty, so we have to clean up the circuit. We did many, many laps this morning, but now in the evening the grip was good, and we found a good setup and good tires to do a good lap time. I'm happy also because I'm faster today than Ben Spies, the American, so I'm happy. But we will see tomorrow because we have a lot of work to do, and we will see. I think that the lap times will be better, for sure." (On being quickest and some things that can be improved on for tomorrow): "I don't know. We did a little bit of setup. The bike is still not good, but we have to work tomorrow. I don't know what I did better than the other guys, but I have learned the secret better. I'm younger, so I think I'm ready to be more crazy than the others."

OLIVIER JACQUE (No. 19 Kawasaki/Bridgestone): "The track was not difficult to get used to. It took maybe 10 laps. The track is quite short, and the biggest problem was getting used to riding against the wall. The frontstretch was very slippery this morning. At the end of the day, it was getting better, not perfect, but it was really tricky in the morning. It's quite funny to ride against the wall because that would never happen in our circuit. Now, I'm only 1 meter from the wall, so you really appreciate the speed. I was not happy during the day with our setup, so tomorrow we will concentrate more on our chassis setup."

ERWAN NIGON (No. 72 Honda/ Michelin): "The track is very special. It's an American track, and it is very interesting for me. The first few corners are very small for me, and it is dirty outside the white line. This is the first time for me to arrive in America, and I like it. This is a dream." (On seeing the fans out today): "It was very nice to see, and I was happy they were all out there. It was perfect."

WATARU YOSHIKAWA (Yamaha/Bridgestone): "I was scared a little because there was a low level of grip in the fast section in the first few turns." (On grip improving throughout the day): "The grip was getting better and better as the day went on and it got hotter." (On the length of the frontstretch): "I feel good on the long straight, but this straight is longer than any other Grand Prix track. When there is grip in the first corner, it is fast." (On fans attending the test today): "I saw many fans around the track, and a Grand Prix allows people to see many riders and many motorcycles, so I hope the fans come and see this Grand Prix."

Baketech · 07-02-2008, 06:55 AM

Here's a nice vid from our local Indy news...

WTHR Video Player

ND4SPD · 07-02-2008, 09:20 PM

The one above doesn't work for me. Found this one on Soup:

Soup :: MotoGP Testing: Fan Perspective Video :: 07-02-2008

Baketech · 07-03-2008, 10:34 AM

Pics from yesterday...

The Spanish Archer...
2008-07-02 Indy GP Test 1751.JPG

It's been a long wait for Indy fans to see this sign...
2008-07-01 Indy GP Test 1483.JPG

gt702 · 07-03-2008, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baketech

From yesterday...

If you had time to be at a track yesterday, you were at the wrong track young man

Missed you Bake. Look forward to seeing you at the GP later this year

Hammer · 07-03-2008, 10:40 AM

Bake, you going up today?

Baketech · 07-03-2008, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hammer

Bake, you going up today?

I'm thinking about it...but they shut down early today, so I probably won't make it...

You?

Quote:

Originally Posted by gt702

Missed you Bake. Look forward to seeing you at the GP later this year

I think it's going to rock..

Hammer · 07-03-2008, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baketech

I'm thinking about it...but they shut down early today, so I probably won't make it...

You?

Just got up and on my first cup of coffee, but could be persuaded to make a trip up there.

Baketech · 07-03-2008, 10:52 AM

I'm trying to figure out if they (Red Bull Rookies) are on the track or not with this weather. I'd assume so, but can't seem to confirm right now...

Hammer · 07-03-2008, 11:14 AM

if you go, give me a call.

proto · 07-03-2008, 12:22 PM

'RACING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD'

Is it any wonder that the USA comes across as brash and arrogant? Even if it is the 'capital' (which it isn't), you still don't stick that on the wall. It must be a culture thing, innocent I'm sure, and no doubt no offence is intended, but this kind of thing really pees off the rest of the world, believe me. Just thought I'd let you know.

As you were.

edit: added the word 'capital'

maxib · 07-03-2008, 02:19 PM

Proto, I hear you and do not disagree with anything you've said. Let's put this into perspective and use another analogy as well, as I really do not think this is meant to be brashness on the USofA part at all.

I don't know any of the dates so I'm guessing that Indy started when the track was mostly dirt, drivers had navigator/mechanics sitting side by side with them, the most advanced race equipment was goggles and the speediest racer could go 50, maybe 60 mph. Communication with the rest of the world took a week or longer via paper transatlantic or perhaps speedier via telegraph? There may not have been transatlantic cable at the turn of the century?

In any case, the world of racing only existed in the eyes of the local people at that time, so it was easy to declare Indianapolis as 'Racing Capital of the World'. Nothing was known about racing anywhere else. Over the years the marketing phrase stuck regardless that we now know there are many greater tracks across the world. Three that immediately come to mind here in the USA are Miller, Barber and Grattan

but I am not aware of anyone wanting Indy to remove the phrase from the building. We recognize this as nothing more than a slogan that identifies this particular track and nothing more.

The analogy: The Miss Universe pagent has been held for more years than I can imagine. If they ever get a request from three trillion light years away that they should call it the 'Miss Part of the Universe' pagent, I doubt the name would be changed. So don't look for 'Racing Capital of Part of the World' anytime soon.

I agree with your feelings entirely. It is what it is and what has evolved. If we didn't have the ability to communicate instantly worldwide today, this might not have the same impact.

I appreciate your comments and likewise my chance to respond. In closing, I would like to tell you there are only two groups of people who truly believe that Indy is indeed the 'Racing Capital of the World'. That would be the owners...and Baketech.

ND4SPD · 07-03-2008, 02:29 PM

Spies: I got what I needed. | MOTOGP News | Crash.Net

MotoVegas · 07-03-2008, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by proto

'RACING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD'

Is it any wonder that the USA comes across as brash and arrogant? Even if it is the 'capital' (which it isn't), you still don't stick that on the wall. It must be a culture thing, innocent I'm sure, and no doubt no offence is intended, but this kind of thing really pees off the rest of the world, believe me. Just thought I'd let you know.

As you were.

edit: added the word 'capital'

No offense taken.

And your point is valid. But (as a Brit I'm sure you're aware from your own history) it takes a while for the empire "we are the champions" aspect of a culture to wearoff once they've been on top. Hell, those Iranian's sure are upity and it's been a few thousand years since they were kick ass. Come to think of it, it takes quite a bit of time to unswell the collective heads of a nation/society/culture, even long after such an empire has been in the downward slide of no longer being "capital" of anything. The US is in that phase, right now. The long slide down. A few more generations and I'm sure we'll have it out of our system... until then, please forgive us (collectively and individually for that matter) for our "capital"-this, and "best in the world"-that nonsense.

Back to Spies. He's smokin' Hobbit Pipeweed if he thinks he's gonna finish top 5 in the race.

Baketech · 07-03-2008, 07:11 PM

Proto: Masterful cast...8/10

Maxib: Humorous, albeit historically and factually innacurate. But I'll still give you 4/10 for the blitheness factor ...

Vegas: While you are begging for forgiveness, please add a disclaimer that I am not part of said "collective".

Baketech · 07-03-2008, 07:25 PM

Back on topic...

Only got to watch the Red Bull Rookies with Hammer for a short time today, but there was plenty of action...

2008-07-03 Indy GP Test 1850.JPG

2008-07-03 Indy GP Test 1875.JPG

BizJetGuy · 07-03-2008, 07:33 PM

Track looks a little slick...

I was in the neighborhood but had to run by the house instead. What time did they shut down? I was within a few miles around 4 pm today.

Baketech · 07-03-2008, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BizJetGuy

Track looks a little slick...

I was in the neighborhood but had to run by the house instead. What time did they shut down? I was within a few miles around 4 pm today.

It was scheduled to shut off at 3:45, but went on until 4:30 due to the earlier rain delay...

BizJetGuy · 07-03-2008, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baketech

It was scheduled to shut off at 3:45, but went on until 4:30 due to the earlier rain delay...

That figures...

I was so tempted to keep driving straight from I-74 right on down to the speedway.

Baketech · 07-03-2008, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BizJetGuy

I was so tempted to keep driving straight from I-74 right on down to the speedway.

You did the right thing, apparently it's a shithole rife with arrogant cocks...

BizJetGuy · 07-03-2008, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baketech

07-01-2008, 08:20 PM	#2
ND4SPD Dreaming of a day.... Join Date: 12-12-2006 Bike(s): Trek Posts: 6,723	Indianapolis MotoGP test - Tuesday. \| MOTOGP News \| Crash.Net __________________ "This is your life - are you who you want to be?" Learn all you need to know about Mac OS X

07-01-2008, 09:09 PM	#3
Baketech Same Koolaid, different cup... Join Date: 12-14-2006 Bike(s): VFR800 - CBR929 - VFR800 Posts: 1,344	Here are a couple...more later... The inimitable Mr. Spies doing the thing in T2... 2008-07-01 Indy GP Test 1648.JPG Canepa leading Spies through T4... 2008-07-01 Indy GP Test 1689.jpg Olivier Jacque... 2008-07-01 Indy GP Test 1525.jpg __________________ "Ten times more charming than that Arnold on Green Acres..."

07-01-2008, 09:33 PM	#4
Repeater Join Date: 12-28-2006 Age: 33 Bike(s): F4I Posts: 478	I wonder how he will since he will have the most track time? I know none of the test riders ever really get to the pace of the "Regulars". I hope he does well! __________________ NASMR - National Association for Stock Motorcycle Racing . Really doesn't roll off your tongue the same does it?

07-02-2008, 06:55 AM	#6
Baketech Same Koolaid, different cup... Join Date: 12-14-2006 Bike(s): VFR800 - CBR929 - VFR800 Posts: 1,344	Here's a nice vid from our local Indy news... WTHR Video Player __________________ "Ten times more charming than that Arnold on Green Acres..."

07-02-2008, 09:20 PM	#7
ND4SPD Dreaming of a day.... Join Date: 12-12-2006 Bike(s): Trek Posts: 6,723	The one above doesn't work for me. Found this one on Soup: Soup :: MotoGP Testing: Fan Perspective Video :: 07-02-2008 __________________ "This is your life - are you who you want to be?" Learn all you need to know about Mac OS X

07-03-2008, 10:34 AM	#8
Baketech Same Koolaid, different cup... Join Date: 12-14-2006 Bike(s): VFR800 - CBR929 - VFR800 Posts: 1,344	Pics from yesterday... The Spanish Archer... 2008-07-02 Indy GP Test 1751.JPG It's been a long wait for Indy fans to see this sign... 2008-07-01 Indy GP Test 1483.JPG __________________ "Ten times more charming than that Arnold on Green Acres..."

07-03-2008, 10:40 AM	#10
Hammer Not Me! Join Date: 12-17-2006 Location: Indiana Age: 39 Bike(s): 05 Suzuki 600 Posts: 4,241	Bake, you going up today? __________________ SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES. NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS

07-03-2008, 10:52 AM	#13
Baketech Same Koolaid, different cup... Join Date: 12-14-2006 Bike(s): VFR800 - CBR929 - VFR800 Posts: 1,344	I'm trying to figure out if they (Red Bull Rookies) are on the track or not with this weather. I'd assume so, but can't seem to confirm right now... __________________ "Ten times more charming than that Arnold on Green Acres..."

07-03-2008, 11:14 AM	#14
Hammer Not Me! Join Date: 12-17-2006 Location: Indiana Age: 39 Bike(s): 05 Suzuki 600 Posts: 4,241	if you go, give me a call. __________________ SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES. NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS

07-03-2008, 12:22 PM	#15
proto Join Date: 12-20-2006 Location: Oxford, UK Age: 55 Posts: 334	'RACING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD' Is it any wonder that the USA comes across as brash and arrogant? Even if it is the 'capital' (which it isn't), you still don't stick that on the wall. It must be a culture thing, innocent I'm sure, and no doubt no offence is intended, but this kind of thing really pees off the rest of the world, believe me. Just thought I'd let you know. As you were. edit: added the word 'capital' Last edited by proto; 07-03-2008 at 03:08 PM.

07-03-2008, 02:19 PM	#16
maxib Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: MN Age: 56 Bike(s): 02 CBR954RR 05 ST1300 Posts: 897	Proto, I hear you and do not disagree with anything you've said. Let's put this into perspective and use another analogy as well, as I really do not think this is meant to be brashness on the USofA part at all. I don't know any of the dates so I'm guessing that Indy started when the track was mostly dirt, drivers had navigator/mechanics sitting side by side with them, the most advanced race equipment was goggles and the speediest racer could go 50, maybe 60 mph. Communication with the rest of the world took a week or longer via paper transatlantic or perhaps speedier via telegraph? There may not have been transatlantic cable at the turn of the century? In any case, the world of racing only existed in the eyes of the local people at that time, so it was easy to declare Indianapolis as 'Racing Capital of the World'. Nothing was known about racing anywhere else. Over the years the marketing phrase stuck regardless that we now know there are many greater tracks across the world. Three that immediately come to mind here in the USA are Miller, Barber and Grattan but I am not aware of anyone wanting Indy to remove the phrase from the building. We recognize this as nothing more than a slogan that identifies this particular track and nothing more. The analogy: The Miss Universe pagent has been held for more years than I can imagine. If they ever get a request from three trillion light years away that they should call it the 'Miss Part of the Universe' pagent, I doubt the name would be changed. So don't look for 'Racing Capital of Part of the World' anytime soon. I agree with your feelings entirely. It is what it is and what has evolved. If we didn't have the ability to communicate instantly worldwide today, this might not have the same impact. I appreciate your comments and likewise my chance to respond. In closing, I would like to tell you there are only two groups of people who truly believe that Indy is indeed the 'Racing Capital of the World'. That would be the owners...and Baketech.

07-03-2008, 02:29 PM	#17
ND4SPD Dreaming of a day.... Join Date: 12-12-2006 Bike(s): Trek Posts: 6,723	Spies: I got what I needed. \| MOTOGP News \| Crash.Net __________________ "This is your life - are you who you want to be?" Learn all you need to know about Mac OS X

07-03-2008, 07:11 PM	#19
Baketech Same Koolaid, different cup... Join Date: 12-14-2006 Bike(s): VFR800 - CBR929 - VFR800 Posts: 1,344	Proto: Masterful cast...8/10 Maxib: Humorous, albeit historically and factually innacurate. But I'll still give you 4/10 for the blitheness factor ... Vegas: While you are begging for forgiveness, please add a disclaimer that I am not part of said "collective". __________________ "Ten times more charming than that Arnold on Green Acres..." Last edited by Baketech; 07-03-2008 at 07:56 PM.

07-03-2008, 07:25 PM	#20
Baketech Same Koolaid, different cup... Join Date: 12-14-2006 Bike(s): VFR800 - CBR929 - VFR800 Posts: 1,344	Back on topic... Only got to watch the Red Bull Rookies with Hammer for a short time today, but there was plenty of action... 2008-07-03 Indy GP Test 1850.JPG 2008-07-03 Indy GP Test 1875.JPG __________________ "Ten times more charming than that Arnold on Green Acres..."

07-03-2008, 07:33 PM	#21
BizJetGuy Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Indianapolis, IN Age: 39 Bike(s): 2002 Aprilia RST 1000 Posts: 375	Track looks a little slick... I was in the neighborhood but had to run by the house instead. What time did they shut down? I was within a few miles around 4 pm today. __________________ There's no "I" in "threesome"