Round 7: Barcelona Official Thread

[DooberRoni]

GRAN PREMI CINZANO DE CATALUNYA
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk279/DooberRoni/BarcelonaPIC.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk279/DooberRoni/barcelonaCIRCUIT.jpg
images: © motogp.com (http://www.motogp.com)

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk279/DooberRoni/SpeedLogoBig.jpg (http://www.speedtv.com)
Sunday, June 8
3:00pm Eastern
12:00pm Pacific
Schedule info courtesy of (clicks)
http://www.dooberville.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=6&pictureid=52 (http://www.racefantv.com/USTV.htm)
Because the one at Speed Bites!

Previous Winners
1992 - Wayne Rainey
1993 - Kevin Schwantz
1994 - Luca Cadalora
1995- Alex Criville
1996 - Carlos Checa
1997 - Mick Doohan
1998 - Mick Doohan
1999 - Alex Criville
2000 - Kenny Roberts Jr.
2001 - Valentino Rossi
2002 - Valentino Rossi
2003 - Loris Capirossi
2004 - Valentino Rossi
2005 - Valentino Rossi
2006 - Valentino Rossi
2007 - Casey Stoner
Valentino Rossi 2007 Pole Position time 1:41:840

From the rabid Italian fans of Mugello, the series moves to Spain where the fans are as equally manic. Home race for Pedrosa and Lorenzo but with Rossi's record, he again may well be the man to be beat? Four race wins in a row...has he used up his luck or just getting started on taking another title? Something special this week for your Doobers, a PDF to download showing the entire event schedule in local time.

For quick read headlines from Autosport and MotoGP.com, don't forget to visit Dooberville Central's MotoGP page for the latest. Click HERE (http://www.dooberville.com/motogp.htm) to shoot on over. There's some good ones there now.

Just for fun this time too, we will make the poll voting public so we can see who picked whom!

[ÜberDoober]

Story yesterday or day before on MotoGP.com said "Pedrosa to make pneumatic engine decision on Thursday" and I read it and said WTF? What about Nicky? Today, the headline reads "Hayden also due for late engine decision" like he was being included as an afterthought.

Hey Nicky listen up! Your fans want you the hell out of Honda's garage. :mad:

I also read at Autosport that the Ducati is reverting to some of last year's parts and electronics?

[gonickygo]

Again... I'll take Rossi and GIVE points against the entire field. Only lost @ Catalunya twice since 2001, both times to a Ducati. Capirex taking one and Stoner last year pipping him @ the line. Rossi has the mojo, both eyes and one hand firmly on the trophy. Out on a limb moment of the day.... title wrapped up with 4 races remaining this year.

[Hoofhearted]

Brave prediction GNG. I, for one, would love to see it happen. Barcelona may be Lorenzo's or Dani's if Honda give him a motor. But in the back of my mind I see Rossi stickin' it to'em again. Hope so.

[Gary]

I think Bridgestone will find themselves behind at at least 1 track this year (no idea which), and I have to say that Pedrosa goes like hell in Spain and Pedrosa probably will too - but yeah, my money's on Rossi for this one. He has the bike, tires, momentum, and supreme confidence again. When the stars align he's tough to beat.

No idea if he'll clinch with 4 to go but I'd have a tough time betting against him for the big trophy at the end of the year. If the new Honda engine is good the midget may get some good results yet.

Oh, as far as mentioning Hayden as an after-thought, keep in mind that with his results to date and current championship standing he is an after-thought! Don't read that as my saying I don't want him to do better, but he's been painfully slow up to now. And yeah, I know the bike doesn't suit him!

[ÜberDoober]

Lots of news to wake up to this morning!

Daniboy tops both practice sessions. Lorenzo, Hopkins, Stoner, Pedrosa, de Puniet(2x) and Elias all crashed. Lorenzo banged up but expected to ride tomorrow-broken finger and re-hurt ankle. Valentino with a wacky livery this round too.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g223/EKron/RossiLivery.jpg

Pos Rider Bike Time Gap
1. Dani Pedrosa Honda 1:43.017
2. Loris Capirossi Suzuki 1:43.023 +0.006 - Suzuki? Whoa!
3. Valentino Rossi Yamaha 1:43.090 +0.073
4. Casey Stoner Ducati 1:43.099 +0.082
5. Alex de Angelis Honda 1:43.233 +0.216
6. Chris Vermeulen Suzuki 1:43.368 +0.351
7. Shinya Nakano Honda 1:43.442 +0.425
8. James Toseland Yamaha 1:43.479 +0.462
9. Nicky Hayden Honda 1:43.614 +0.597
10. Colin Edwards Yamaha 1:43.668 +0.651 - Umm? Whazzup Colin?
11. Andrea Dovizioso Honda 1:43.707 +0.690
12. Randy de Puniet Honda 1:43.742 +0.725
13. Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha 1:44.001 +0.984
14. John Hopkins Kawasaki 1:44.043 +1.026
15. Toni Elias Ducati 1:44.610 +1.593
16. Sylvain Guintoli Ducati 1:44.678 +1.661
17. Marco Melandri Ducati 1:44.706 +1.689 - Holy Crap, Melandri & the Duc don't mix
18. Anthony West Kawasaki 1:44.865 +1.848 - At least the man is consistent


I was hoping Spain was on different time than Italy, but it looks like not. :mad: Up at the ass crack of dawn again (but at least Q and the race don't conflict with F1)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g223/EKron/BarcelonaSchedule.jpg

Check out Capirex on the Suzuki! That's pretty unexpected and De Angelis may be coming around? Something like 7/10ths separate the top 12. Talk about a close field - wow!

Is Honda running the pneumatic? I can't find it anywhere on MotoGP.com or Autosport.

FORGOT YOU GUYS CAN'T HEAR. MAYBE I SHOULD SHOUT?

<edit>
Just read at SPUDtv of all places that Honda is running the spring valve and not the pneumo.

[Gary]

Wow, I thought Lorenzo would be out after that. Hopkins was apparently injured too.

[Gary]

Fiat Yamaha is reporting that Lorenzo is out - banged his head and needs to be under observation, cat scan shows no serious damage.

I think the boy can use the rest...

[ÜberDoober]

Thanks for the update. Working today and busy...

That sucks for Lorenzo being his home race and all. :mad:

[ÜberDoober]

Autosport is also reporting that Hopkins is questionable and will need to undergo another examination tomorrow to determine his fitness. If he is out, that leaves it up to Ant West to put in a strong Kawasaki showing.

NOT! :ack2:

There has been a lot of crashing. I see that another guy, 125 rider Rabat, is in intensive care. Not good.

[Gary]

I'd been waiting to hear about Hopkins, that's too bad.

Hearing the guy is in intensive care is bad news, the only good side to that is with their very different medical care systems many European hospitals will put you in intensive care FAR faster than a US hospital would. I Remember not too long ago when every one was worried as Melandri was in intensive care - and he raced the following weekend. Not trying to belittle Rabat's injuries, just hoping they aren't as severe as they sound.

[ÜberDoober]

Up and watching at 5:00am. Looks like a nice day. Hopkins is riding today but looks pretty stiff. Need to run and pee and throw on some coffee but I'm home alone this morning and can crank my 7.1 sound up so if anything happens, I won't miss it.

[ÜberDoober]

Stoner with his first pole of the season and Nicky Frikkin' Hayden on the front row! :) That last few minutes of qualifying had my heart pounding and that's got to be one of the most exciting things in all of racing.

Rossi had a terrible session and defo has his work cut out for him tomorrow. I was thinking Capirossi might be up at the front but starting down in 12th, he doesn't stand a chance. Good run for Randy de Puniet but doubtful he will be a factor, unless he gets in somebody's way. Pedrosa has a good grid position in spite of switching bikes during qualifying. It looked like Rossi switched bikes too? We'll have to wait for the news scoops to get the details. West again gets the consistency award. Melandri right down there with him even though he lost the front and fell off.

This is going to be one hella good race even though it may just be between Stoner and Pedro. Watching Valentino come toward the front from 9th will be interesting assuming they'll get his problems sorted overnight?

I totally love my MotoGP.com package. Been wanting to sign up for it for the last few years and you guys convinced me to do it. Thanks! It's 6:15 and now time to head out and do a little yard work before it gets over 100º.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g223/EKron/BarcelonaQualTimes.jpg

[Gary]

The good news is that for once Hayden actually has a decent race pace too.

Rossi is not a clear cut winner this week, and if Pedrosa gets a clear track watch out!

[ÜberDoober]

Helmets are going on and the fans are growing anxious, this one included. There's a hint of first light creeping across the great Sonoran desert and I try to not wake up my grandson sleeping in the other room. Coffee's done, I've had a pee and a piece of toast and I'm ready for my boots!

[ÜberDoober]

Two laps in and Pedrosa is away already. Live timing is messed up :mad:

[ÜberDoober]

De Angelis out, Capirossi out, De Puniet out. Peanut away in a different time zone with a 7 second lead. Yawn. Live timing still won't come up after 5 tries...keeps showing 250 riders (or one anyway)

[ÜberDoober]

10 to go and Stoner and Rossi are dicing. Live timing just popped up but is wrong shows lap16. Stoner to 2nd! Dovi having a good run.

[ÜberDoober]

It was a phenomonal ride by Pedrosa but the battle between Rossi and Stoner wasn't too shabby. Great run by Dovizioso and good finish by Toseland although Chris V. almost nipped him at the line. Nicky down in 8th spot.

Final Results (timing finally sorted itself out)
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g223/EKron/Barcelonafinal.jpg

When it was messing up, this is what I was getting. :ack2:
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g223/EKron/brokentiming.jpg

[Hoofhearted]

Gotta admit I didn't expect to see peewee do a disappearing act like that. I figured he might have something special for his "home" GP but I was not expecting rocket fuel. Nice dice Rossi and Stoner. Sure wish Nicky could rmember these are more than one lap races.

[Gary]

Give Pedrosa an open track and he can be scary, give him that in Spain and he seems to go into overdrive. When the pneumatic valve engine is sorted he's going to be a monster, although by all reports he's fighting against the new motor. Hopefully Hayden will have it soon, but you know as soon as it's sorted Dani will have it.

On to Donington!

[ÜberDoober]

...On to Donington!

But wait, there's more!

Pedrosa crashed his new pneumo in today's test and will have a scan on his back to see if he is fit to ride on Tuesday. Ducati brought out their new carbon framed GP9 for a spin too!

[Gary]

I'm guessing Pedrosa will sit out - he isn't one of serious hard asses and why should he push it?

[Hoofhearted]

Unlike the hard men of years ago they don't have to risk anything to put food on the table. I don't suppose any of them know what beans on toast for a month is. And I'm sure the question of "Do you want to eat or race" has ever been heard by them.

[Gary]

Well, it is just a test - and I can say I've ever eaten beans on toast myself, lol. I can think of a few other things I'd eat if I was flat-ass broke before that! :ack2::smilielol5:

[Hoofhearted]

Well, it is just a test - and I can say I've ever eaten beans on toast myself, lol. I can think of a few other things I'd eat if I was flat-ass broke before that! :ack2::smilielol5:
For a while I was trying to run three bikes and race two to three weekends a month. Beans on toast became very popular!

[KingKenny]

For a while I was trying to run three bikes and race two to three weekends a month. Beans on toast became very popular!

Gee does that bring back memories of the mid to late 90's. You had "beans & toast"? You lucky dog you. I ended up filing bankruptcy after I had starved to death. The Championship was worth it though... LOL. Finally got a bike again... yep and life is GOooooooood. Once a month is my new limit. :cheers2:

[KingKenny]

Again... I'll take Rossi and GIVE points against the entire field. Only lost @ Catalunya twice since 2001, both times to a Ducati. Capirex taking one and Stoner last year pipping him @ the line. Rossi has the mojo, both eyes and one hand firmly on the trophy. Out on a limb moment of the day.... title wrapped up with 4 races remaining this year.
Same bet I would have made. Dani is just full of surprises. Some good. Some NOT !!!

Dani: "I don't know!" ... You don't know? ... "I don't know!" where those lap times came from.

[Hoofhearted]

A rented (cheap) apartment, an old ex-post office van, old furniture. I couldn't file for bankruptcy. I had nothing(other than the bikes). I was living in bankruptcy!

[Gary]

Guess I was lucky - I was able to turn enough laps before I was broke to know my riding wasn't worth wasting money on! I'm 6'4" and 250 lbs. when I'm thin (which is rare), so I wasn't born to race bikes anyway...

[Hoofhearted]

I'm 6'2" but when I was racing I was 150lbs. I didn't weigh that because of dieting.

[Gary]

Yeah, thin for me is relative - I've never actually been thin. At 250 I'm not fat and generally very fit because I have to work out like a demon to get there. Effortlessly carried a 80 lb. pack over an 11,000' pass in that shape.

[Hoofhearted]

:D Effortlessly carried a 80 lb. pack over an 11,000' pass in that shape.


Isn't that why we are on a motorcycle forum? You know, 80lb pack, 11,000' pass, motor power rather than foot power. :)

[KingKenny]

Well 2 thoughts concerning Gary.

1> We are all hung up about weight these days because of the Media Portrayal of FAT Americans. It's a myth mostly. We have never been skinnier on the whole. People come in all shapes and sizes. Get over it all ready. If Gary say's 230 is thin for him, I for one believe him. My dad's head is the size of a basketball. 265 is pretty good for him.

2> 80lb pack? Some "Pack Training" may be in order, unless he was carrying for 2. In which case, the other party needs some pack training and conditioning. Gee Gary were ya carryin the kitchen sink? Better half did the packing? Or what?

[Hoofhearted]

Well 2 thoughts concerning Gary.

1> We are all hung up about weight these days because of the Media Portrayal of FAT Americans. It's a myth mostly.

That, as a myth, would be sorely tested in out local supermarket. Most of them have to be greased to squeeze them down the aisles.

[Gary]

WARNING: NOT MOTORCYCLE RELATED!

80lb pack? Some "Pack Training" may be in order, unless he was carrying for 2.

Carrying for 1 1/2 (my (now) wife had a much smaller pack), 12 days, late season so we had to be prepared for cold weather and possibly extra time. Went over Donahue Pass on the Yosemite/Ansel Adams Wilderness border if you know the area.

Also, most of my trips have been with my brother, and together we are the 'Mr. Magoo' of the outdoors - we attract HORRIBLE weather. He wasn't there so it all went fine (until she got sick).

[KingKenny]

WARNING: NOT MOTORCYCLE RELATED!



Carrying for 1 1/2 (my (now) wife had a much smaller pack), 12 days, late season so we had to be prepared for cold weather and possibly extra time. Went over Donahue Pass on the Yosemite/Ansel Adams Wilderness border if you know the area.

Also, most of my trips have been with my brother, and together we are the 'Mr. Magoo' of the outdoors - we attract HORRIBLE weather. He wasn't there so it all went fine (until she got sick).
:cheers2: I can relate. My ex always brought incliment weather. I had it nailed. :D

I am aware of Donohue but, haven't been there yet. Hey weather is pretty normal their isn't it?

Ansel Adams "real" cabin or home is only a couple of blocks from my place "On the Mountain" in Costillio county Colorado though. Beautiful upgraded place now yet looking pretty original - they did a great job keepin it architectualy sound. Was for sale last year asking $380,000. Haven't checked on it recently. It is slightly hidden away down a not so used road. A genuine piece of "American History" that is hard to come by. :cool-0014::thumbup:

[Gary]

Give me the house Adams owned when he died - Carmel Highlands, off Spindrift near the Highlands Inn if you know the Monterey Peninsula.

Unfortunately my life savings wouldn't make a decent down payment...


As far as the weather in the Sierras it was usually pretty nice unless my brother and I were together. We went inear Desolation Wilderness once to catch the first snow of the year, expecting the forecasted 1-2". Three and one half freaking feet of snow and winds that HAD to be over 100mph. It was an interesting night...

Funny, we found the car and managed to get to Tahoe (couldn't go home, Echo and Donner Passes were both closed), checked into a motel and called a pizza delivery place - the response was 'HAVE YOU LOOKED OUTSIDE?!?!'

[KingKenny]

Give me the house Adams owned when he died - Carmel Highlands, off Spindrift near the Highlands Inn if you know the Monterey Peninsula.

Unfortunately my life savings wouldn't make a decent down payment...


As far as the weather in the Sierras it was usually pretty nice unless my brother and I were together. We went inear Desolation Wilderness once to catch the first snow of the year, expecting the forecasted 1-2". Three and one half freaking feet of snow and winds that HAD to be over 100mph. It was an interesting night...

Funny, we found the car and managed to get to Tahoe (couldn't go home, Echo and Donner Passes were both closed), checked into a motel and called a pizza delivery place - the response was 'HAVE YOU LOOKED OUTSIDE?!?!'
:thumbup1: Yep, I am part owner of a cabin at "Lily Lake" just inside the southeast border of Desolation Wilderness. Where Ansel Adams place in Colorado is [lived there the longest] is like 10 times better than the area around Lily Lake. I love looking at the Red Rock area north of there from a "lawn chair" nook just below the Indian Head Rock ... Yes on the face. You look left and see the Red Rock and ya look right and see Fallen Leaf and Tahoe from about 3k up.

I gotta admit Gary you have done some stuff I wish I had. Maybe someday. I am just gettin serious about the "big stuff" in the past few years. Looking for a "buddy system" partner because a lot of the stuff here in CO is real dangerous. This past winter a lady who had done the what is it Big 7 tallest died on Mt. Blanca. Caught in an avalanche and she was on top of it without getting within 30 ft of the edge according to her also experienced partner. Just gave way. Very sad.

I have gone up coming from the west and the north. I like the north better but it is a bit more challenging. The north face is a nearly 4k inverted cliff. Straight up and down in a slightly curve [east to west] manner. Very breathtaking and simply the most amazing "rock" I have ever seen. You come up and go around the bowl just a few hundred yards away and just "look up". Really neat. Wish I had a camera. On the "birthday list".

We had real deal snow this yr. I haven't been up yet it is so dangerous. Snowed more this week still. 3 weeks back they were trying to clear 25' drifts in Leadville area. Expecting more snow on the mountains this weekend.

Your definitely "the man" when it comes to backpacking. I wouldn't even attempt to compete nor do I want to come off as "better" or anything. I just like the High Altitude from a keeping in shape perspective and oh the views. Geez the views. I can never get enough. EVER!!!!

[Gary]

I love the back country, although I've been stuck in Delaware for almost 20 years, and I think this smiley sums this region up nicely - :ack2: I was making annual pilgrimages to the mountains every year until about 3 years ago when we started going to Europe. I have high hopes to live near mountains soon - God knows I'm trying.

As far as being 'the man', that's my brother. He started backpacking at 13, then mountaineering, rock climbing, ice climbing, hang gliding and when our father finally got him to back away from the last 3 he took up motorcycling and then came road racing. Man, was Dad pissed...

As far as backpacking in the winter, yeah avalanche danger is huge. We went in at Emerald Bay and came out at Horsetail Falls on Route 50 one spring and had to cross some really sketchy areas near Dick's Pass. But if it's your time...

[Hoofhearted]

Mountains, wind, snow, avalanches. No siree Bob. Heres a link to my kind of wilderness. I'll give you a hint. Its dry, flat, and hot.

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,26050.0.html

[Gary]

Ok, that's where El Mirage is - southeast of Edwards. Lovely country - if you are a rattlesnake, lol. Brings back memories of Willow...

I like some areas of the desert but not wild about that area! But then I realize you aren't there for the ambiance.

[Hoofhearted]

Sorry, I had to post that. I was getting cold just reading you and KK!

[ÜberDoober]

Sorry, I had to post that. I was getting cold just reading you and KK!

No kidding (said from the Arizona Desert)!

Great link, Hoofhearted! I think I saw the Stinky bike in there!

[Hoofhearted]

You did. I didn't ride that weekend. A friend flew in from North Carolina to ride it. Such is the attraction of a Norton!!