| Author | Message | ||
     Classax |
Dean you should sue him and force him to change his name to something more fitting like "Eian Speculor" or "Willy Mckmakeitup". As for the actual racing, its the little things like not having the bike ready until 15 minutes into FFP1 that the Itallians have failed at. True the EBR is a different animal, but still. | ||
| Court |
EBR/HERO will be back for 2015. They simply can not . . . at this point . . . be seen as "quitters". The "we expected the first year to be a learning experience" only works if you come back. With HERO's big plans for world domination . . . I'd be surprised to see them take an ass kicking for a year and leave with their tail twinxt their legs. EBR is capable of performing on par with any WSBK team and . . . just guessing here. . . . will gather up the experiences from this year, toss it all in the ingestor/digestor and be back in the thick of things for 2015. | ||
| Ljm |
I think they have some obstacles here, not insurmountable though. One of them is the expense of travel. If they were allowed to only run the European and U.S. stops, budget would begin to get manageable. Another is the need for redesign given the increased displacement of the v-twins. It would be a definite disadvantage not to take advantage of that change and increase horsepower. The Bimota, small manufacturer loophole may well help with that. It won't be as if they have to do a run of 1200 1290 RX's. On the other hand, if they concentrate on MotoAmerica, BSB, some of the regional races and circuits, and help Splitlath with Macau and Isle of Man that may not be all bad either. | ||
| Classax |
LJM I think the Splitlath team has the best chance for success as the 1190RX is a much better real world road bike than all but the CBR1KRR and S1KRR. I have seen nothing that says the Vtwins will get a bump in displacement in WSBK next year, and the rules will actually bring the Superbikes closer to EVO specs than they are now, so unless there are all new machines next year EBR already closes the gap considerably. The H2 can't race, the 1299(dsiplacment)can't so the 1199 remains the same, Honda's V4 won't, Aprilia will be down on power under the new Specs, the ZX10 will be formidable again, the GSXR will remain the same, BMW remains the same, and who knows what will happen with the new R1. 2015 is the window for success before all hell breaks loose with specialty runs of ultra expensive race only machines. EBR has a shot at respectable finishes next year. They came in trying to develop a bike in the first year where you can't make mods to the engines without incurring a penalty. Develop in the off season and be ready for 2015. MotoAmerica will surely see at least Pegram and a few privateers on the bikes and BSB may see some as well. I know for a fact that the RX will be raced in WERA and the CMRA this coming season. Wish me luck!( and send lots of money!) (Message edited by classax on October 31, 2014) | ||
| Bads1 |
The EBR needs to excel in WSB. The BIG 4 are and is Ducati. Sorry leaving and not continuing is not the answer. Moto America is going to be in its building years for maybe some time to come. Maybe a team over in the British series might be a good sight. | ||
| Ljm |
May makes the superpole BTW. | ||
| Diabuell |
Just saw that. Awesome. hopefully more tv time for them. | ||
| Crusty |
From the SBK site: There was delight in the Team Hero EBR camp as Geoff May made it through into Superpole for the first time in 20th, a great reward for the team’s efforts during their first venture into World Superbike competition. | ||
| Classax |
I'm glad the team was finally able to reach this important milestone. They could have just as easily just mailed it in. Congrats on the effort. I'm also glad to see WSBK respond with such positive press. The commentators have been very "generous" towards EBR all year despite their struggles. It will be interesting to hear their take while the bike is getting some actual TV time. Next goal is to score points in a race. Go EBR I'm always excited for WSBK but this weekend is particularly exhilarating because of the closeness of the title chase. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Interesting article from a German website on the EBR WSBK effort. The translation is pretty rough, but the highlight appears to be that Larry Pegram is considering retiring as a racer and taking over the WSBK teams next year. http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=de& u=http://www.speedweek.com/sbk/news/65926/Nach-Kat astrophe-Erik-Buell-plant-eine-Revolution.html&pre v=search | ||
| 46champ |
Does this mean the Italians are out or Larry's team is in addition? | ||
| Hughlysses |
I think they're saying the Italians are out and Larry takes over running things. Perhaps Jens would do a better translation for us. | ||
| Court |
One way or the other . . . . I'm betting . . . just based on knowledge of the folks and personalities involved . . that you can expect EBR in the hunt and back, moore focused than ever, next year. There are certain changes, like in the NFL, that you can't make during a season. This should not be misconstrued to mean that the lessons weren't learned. Erik Buell is a seasoned race veteran as are Mike and a number of the Elves. They are fighters and winners at heart. I . . and this is just my personal opinion . . could not be more excited about what 2015 holds in store for EBR . . both in terms of racing and sales. I think there are some big surprises looming. | ||
| Hughlysses |
I am conversing with Jens on Facebook about the article. Here are Jens' highlights from the article: 1- The Italian team is history after this weekend. 2- Larry is about to retire as a racer and will take over as team manager. 3- Larry questions using the ZTL braking system and non-linkage rear shock for WSBK. It is not clear if Erik would consider changing these. 4- Erik says they learned a lot this first year and are not willing to quit. We need more time but 2015 we will be a bit more in front. The other teams make the pace because they have the experience we lack. 5- Erik says their focus with the RX to build a very good road bike, not a race bike- something that performs great and is not so expensive. 6- In 2014 the EBR WSBK effort came all together. New bike, new team, new tracks and our riders are for sure not the fastest in the grid. Pegram has talked with Haslam but Haslam has better offers the text continues, but maybe Josh Herrin who got kicked from Moto2 is an option, as Dorna wants an American in the Championship. However, that might be not a good idea for Herrin's career. In the end, there might only be May and Yates who are willing to do that painful job (developing the race bikes). | ||
| Hughlysses |
Interesting- according to his FB page, Larry is at NOLA Motosports Park testing his EBR this weekend. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Superpole results: http://resources.worldsbk.com/files/results/2014/Q AT/SBK/Q1A/CLA/Results.pdf and http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/Giugliano+win s+first+WSBK+TissotSuperpole+held+at+night | ||
| Blake |
Melandri's top speed is out there. The EBR is right in the mix top speed wise it appears. Good news that! | ||
| Sparky |
Go Goeff, Aaron and EBR! I'm wearing my Goeff May signed EBR hat tonight! | ||
| Xb9er |
Where can I watch WSB races on tv or online? Now that Speed is no more, I don't know how to watch the races. | ||
| Jaimec |
beIN Sports. It's on FiOS, but not sure what other services carry it. And it's a damn shame it ISN'T on more services because beIN's coverage is PERFECT. You get to see the ENTIRE race without commercial interruption. The commercials are only shown before or after the race. Not like Fox Sport's coverage of MotoGP where it seems every time you come back from a commercial break there is a change in the race leader, or someone crashed. One of my friend's hypothesized the Pit Boards tell their riders: "Fox is on commercial break. Make your move NOW!" | ||
| Diabuell |
May finished 17th without being lapped. | ||
| Xb9er |
Where can I see a second showing? | ||
| Hughlysses |
Was that high enough for May to score points? | ||
| Diabuell |
Unfortunately no, I think you need 15th | ||
| Davegess |
Any word on how Aaron is doing? Had a very big crash. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Geoff just posted to Facebook that Aaron has a broken femur and has to have surgery before he can leave. Tough day for Aaron. | ||
| Fast1075 |
In the crash replay, you could see Aaron's feet twitching uncontrollably. Not a good sign. I guess a broken leg is better than brain damage. | ||
| Jaimec |
Congratulations to Sylvain Guintoli, 2014 WSBK Champion! It's been a long time coming. | ||
| Classax |
Sylvain Guintoli rode the wheels off the Ape. Congrats! Please be sure to at least send Luarrence Baz a thank you card. Aprillia broke out their ultra engine for the final race and it was clearly stronger than anything in the field. I really like EBR's chances for next year under the new rules the machines will be much closer in power and performance. There's only so much to be gained from porting the heads when they can not be repositioned. Thoughts and prayers go out to Aaron but with a second major injury and his age, its hard for me to envision him being on the bike next year. A May/West team or May /Herrin or Hayden team might work since both those guys are technically looking for a ride. | ||
| Reepicheep |
So sorry to hear about Aaron. A broken femur is a big deal. Let us know if we can do anything to help. |
