I couldn't think of a good comeback to this so I'll just have to be angry! :angryfire :Quote:
Originally Posted by chac47
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I couldn't think of a good comeback to this so I'll just have to be angry! :angryfire :Quote:
Originally Posted by chac47
:rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:Quote:
Originally Posted by NinjaMaster
Rumoured to have signed to ride in WSS on the Stiggy 600
i don't know why stiggy wouldn't stick him on the superbike. he's rumoured to be adding a 2 bike team with haslam on one honda. actually, now that i think about it, maybe better for ant to win the wss title, then have a shot at a factory superbike than tool around mid-pack on a year old honda.
Would make sense considering their existing friendship..Quote:
Originally Posted by neninja
However, would love to see him in WSBK alongside Brookesy.. What an awesome team that would be.. Would be my fav..
I'd love that team but I'd wanna see both them blokes in a competitive Factory Kawasaki team (not run by PSG-1). But only because of my green vision...Quote:
Originally Posted by tha_jackal
http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/artic...-surprise//P1/
none of this is surprising. kwack built a bike for hopkins and that's that. as i have documented, since the switch to a more rideable bike, west has bested hopper.
and they haven't even offered him a kwack wsb ride. :down:
Reading that hurts... Ant never gets an easy run does he?Quote:
Originally Posted by T-D
Shame on YOUR Kawasaki Clint :(
Hope he gets a ride with Stiggy and wins the WSS Title then WSBK Title the next year, stick it up everyone Ant, go where you have friends and loyalty..
4 out of 5 races beating hopkins since the switch back to the '07 machine for ant.
and a great quote:
"On the opening lap I could see Marco Melandri ahead of me, so I thought IŽd give him a good look at the bike heŽll be riding next year - from the rear," :laugh:
Wow... thats astonishing to think that Kwak would go to those levels of underhandedness...... poor form and Ant deserved better, no matter how his performances have been.Quote:
Originally Posted by T-D
...and to think this guy is being booted to make way for a rider who is 70 seconds per race slower than his team-mate!
Poor form. poor form. :down:
From Mr Kropotkins excellent Blog:
Ant West Talking To Ten Kate For World Supersport Ride
When Ant West signed up as a factory Kawasaki rider to race in MotoGP, he could hardly have suspected just how miserable his life was about to become. The Australian had spent years trying to get into racing's premier class, accepting some extremely questionable rides in 250s just to get a chance at MotoGP. Tragically for West, his arrival coincided with a sharp decline in Kawasaki's fortunes, and after some promising results in 2007, West's career has been on a downward spiral, propelled by the dismal performance of the Kawasaki.
After hoping for a long while to somehow stay in MotoGP, Ant West seems finally to have accepted his fate. The German motorsports site Motosport Total is reporting that Westy is in talks for a ride on "a competitive Honda in World Supersport." "Practically my only option is the World Supersport championship. On a Honda," West told Motorsport Total.
Although there are a number of teams fielding Hondas in the World Supersport series, Motorsport Total says that paddock whispers say West's manager is talking to Ten Kate about riding for the team. West wouldn't confirm that rumor, though he admitted "I know the team, and I'd love to ride for them."
With Ten Kate having previously announced their 2009 lineup, a seat at the Dutch team which has dominated World Supersport seems highly unlikely. However, Andrew Pitt, the man who won the World Supersport title for Ten Kate, is known to be unhappy with the team, as he had hoped that a title would see him making a return to the World Superbike championship. But Pitt has been forced to watch his young team mate Johnny Rea move up to World Superbike, while he remains in Supersport to defend his title.
So Pitt could well be looking for an exit. If he does leave Ten Kate, then that would open the way for Ant West. And on previous evidence, that would not be a bad move for either Ant West or Ten Kate. In the three races that West rode in the series for Yamaha in 2007, West finished 3rd in one race, and won the other two. The bikes seem to suit West's style, and on board a Ten Kate, the Australian could end up being almost unstoppable.
Whether he ends up at Ten Kate or not, Ant West surely deserves a ride aboard competitive machinery somewhere. Kawasaki's failure has robbed West of confidence, and disguised the talent he has. On decent equipment, we may see the real Ant West emerge once again.
Source:
http://www.motorsport-total.com/moto..._08100610.html
It's pretty heart breaking for me as a Kwak fan. It was pretty clear early in the year that the bike was developed specifically to suit 'the chosen one' in Hopkins. Even though Kawasaki worked hard to alter West's bike to suit him, the dealings behind Ant's back and lack of respect in the way they keep towing him along with promises are pathetic. It really reflects a complete lack of professionalism amongst the team which matches their insignificance in international road racing at the moment. :(Quote:
Originally Posted by tha_jackal
I soo hope Ant can find a strong team that he can really show what he's got. Somewhere that has his best interests at heart and not just biding it's time til someone 'better' comes along. All the best to Westy on "Operational Career Resurrection" in '09. :up:
In fairness to Marco on the weekend, I saw him crash going into Honda corner in morning warmup on Sunday and he came away looking completely confused. The thing just fell over for no apparent reason which gives the rider absolutely no trust in it at all.Quote:
Originally Posted by Malllen
In saying that, it appears the only person on the planet who did not know what was happening must have been Ant.Quote:
Originally Posted by NinjaMaster
I wish Ant well, he is a good rider who has a lot to offer the right team.
when kawasaki publicly state that they were considering wsbk opportunities for ant and it turns out they never even offered him a ride, how should one categorize that behavior?Quote:
Originally Posted by Mach24
"After a difficult year in MotoGP I need to race on a bike that can win, and in Supersport together with team Stiggy I can. For 2009 I have only one goal - to win!"
Gooooo Ant! :D
From: http://www.stiggymotorsport.com/
IMO, a good move for West as Stiggy is a good team and he is known at both a talent and personal level so should be capable of fitting into the team environment quite easily.Quote:
TEAM STIGGY SIGN ANTHONY WEST FOR 2009
Team Stiggy Motorsport Honda are happy to announce that they have signed Australian rider Anthony West for 2009. The 27-year old will leave his factory MotoGP ride at the end of the season, for the highly-competitive Supersport World Championship. Anthony is no stranger to World Supersports. He made his mark in the 600 class, as a replacement rider in 2007, taking two wins and one third during his short spell in the series.
Anthony's race experience is impressive. He started out in the Australian Dirt track championships in 1994, winning the class soon afterwards, before carrying on to win the domestic long track championship in 1996. He then moved into road racing and won the Australian 250cc Production Championship in 1998, taking "Rider of the Year" title in the process. He raced in Japan before joining the International Grand Prix paddock in 1999 - in the 250cc class. In 2001, he had a brief foray in the 500cc championship, but was soon back in the 250cc class again. During his six years in the 250cc class, Anthony managed five podiums, including one win.
Johan Stigefelt
"I'm very pleased to have Anthony onboard. We both come from MotoGP and the 250cc class and know each other well, having been team mates in 2003. I know he is a talented rider, a fighter and a winner and he will be the perfect match for us next year. Ever since his "wild-card" ride in Supersport 2007, I have wanted him in our team. Now it's a reality and we will have to put all our efforts into a successful relationship. With four years experience in World Supersports, I believe we'll be able to give him a winning Honda. Our aim is high - we will be fighting for the title next year."
Anthony
"Im very happy to be joining the Stiggy team. Stiggy is a friend an old team-mate from 2003 in 250GP. I remember saying to him one day that he should start his own team because none of the other teams knew how to do it right, and to my surprise he did! Over the last couple of years I heard from everybody in the industry that the Stiggy team it's one of the better ones in the championship. To have a team boss that knows what it's like to race and knows what racing is all about is just great! After a difficult year in MotoGP I need to race on a bike that can win, and in Supersport together with team Stiggy I can. For 2009 I have only one goal - To win! "
I will tip a top 5 championship position in 2009 now (and favour top 3)
Garry
From: http://www.stiggymotorsport.com/
IMO, a good move for West as Stiggy is a good team and he is known at both a talent and personal level so should be capable of fitting into the team environment quite easily.Quote:
TEAM STIGGY SIGN ANTHONY WEST FOR 2009
Team Stiggy Motorsport Honda are happy to announce that they have signed Australian rider Anthony West for 2009. The 27-year old will leave his factory MotoGP ride at the end of the season, for the highly-competitive Supersport World Championship. Anthony is no stranger to World Supersports. He made his mark in the 600 class, as a replacement rider in 2007, taking two wins and one third during his short spell in the series.
Anthony's race experience is impressive. He started out in the Australian Dirt track championships in 1994, winning the class soon afterwards, before carrying on to win the domestic long track championship in 1996. He then moved into road racing and won the Australian 250cc Production Championship in 1998, taking "Rider of the Year" title in the process. He raced in Japan before joining the International Grand Prix paddock in 1999 - in the 250cc class. In 2001, he had a brief foray in the 500cc championship, but was soon back in the 250cc class again. During his six years in the 250cc class, Anthony managed five podiums, including one win.
Johan Stigefelt
"I'm very pleased to have Anthony onboard. We both come from MotoGP and the 250cc class and know each other well, having been team mates in 2003. I know he is a talented rider, a fighter and a winner and he will be the perfect match for us next year. Ever since his "wild-card" ride in Supersport 2007, I have wanted him in our team. Now it's a reality and we will have to put all our efforts into a successful relationship. With four years experience in World Supersports, I believe we'll be able to give him a winning Honda. Our aim is high - we will be fighting for the title next year."
Anthony
"Im very happy to be joining the Stiggy team. Stiggy is a friend an old team-mate from 2003 in 250GP. I remember saying to him one day that he should start his own team because none of the other teams knew how to do it right, and to my surprise he did! Over the last couple of years I heard from everybody in the industry that the Stiggy team it's one of the better ones in the championship. To have a team boss that knows what it's like to race and knows what racing is all about is just great! After a difficult year in MotoGP I need to race on a bike that can win, and in Supersport together with team Stiggy I can. For 2009 I have only one goal - To win! "
But, I do hope that it is not Brookes who is losing out on this move (that is the Aussie coming out)
I will tip a top 5 championship position in 2009 now (and favour top 3)
Garry
Ant should be top 3 in this championship, 2009.
Hope the Stiggy bikes can peg back the Ten Kate bikes.
good move. i recall how ant west destroyed the field in those 3 races in 2007, which clearly shows that he is a more than capable supersport rider. this is much better than a crap kwack wsbk/wss entry.
good-luck for ant next year, same opinion as everyone so far, Stiggy team will do him well, hope the Honda CBR600RR will match up to the Ten Kate machinery.
Chuffed.
Got to be honest guys dont know what all the fuss is about really when it comes to Westy, good in the wet that`s about it. Very Bored and confused with it all, just goes to prove how many australians are on this forum.
:confused: :confused: :confused:
Ohhh god, someone ban him? :D :rolleyes:Quote:
Originally Posted by alfa155btcc
Ban me what for for having an opinion, LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by tha_jackal
Ant West has left Moto Gp or will be soon get over it.
Now , never thought this was an Australian Forum , i thought anyone could join in LOL
:D :D :D
I got to agree with Alfa here. I saw his supersport wins, and on his day he is a good rider, but that's it. He screwed up his factory rides in 250cc and MotoGP, and on top of it keeps whining about it instead of going out there and doing something about it on the track.Quote:
Originally Posted by alfa155btcc
Really don't get what's all the fuss about. :-/
He's overhyped and ordinary.Quote:
Originally Posted by X-ecutioner
In his defense, I don't see why Kawasaki has replaced him with Melandri, who has been clearly the worst rider in motoGP this year.
Put anyone on the Kwak and see how they do.. test bike in MotoGP, to slag Ant off for Kawasaki's failures is not on.. Regardless of his nationality.. Melandri is on a CHAMPIONSHIP winning bike, there's no comparison..
Quote:
Originally Posted by alfa155btcc
Quote:
Originally Posted by X-ecutioner
What you both say is correct in that we have not seen the best of West as generally he has been unable to deliver it for a great number of reasons and if we do not see we will never know.
But, IMO he is extremely talented at riding and racing a motorcycle, but lacks the ability to develop a bike at MotoGP level. IMO, this is only partially a personal failing as I doubt that he has ever been supported at the engineering level when he has raised issues/concerns and I say this as he has been the #2 in the team and therefore carries 'little weight'.
I do believe that WSS and possibly WSBK are far more suited to his personality (MotoGP is real killer and West is not) and above all else his abilities.
I expect him top 5 of WSS in 2009 and likely top 3.
I don't know about 'over hyped' as really he does not get any media coverage that really hypes him (well, coverage that I have come across). Certainly he does get coverage come GP time but outside of that all Australian press focuses on Stoner/Bayliss and to a lesser degree Vermuelen.Quote:
Originally Posted by theugsquirrel
Now, if you want to talk over hyped then maybe West's team-mate for 2008 is a better example of that genre.
Garry
I was referring to within the forum. Unfortunately, Ant has upped his game on Hopkins too late, and he'll be replaced by Melandri (which imo is a bad call).Quote:
Originally Posted by gco0307
I'm neither hot or cold about West, he was impressive in his supersport wildcards but nothing special in MotoGP.
The support he gets here in this forum is a bit strange.
A blind man could see that the Kawasaki has not yet been developed to the stage of being a potential race winner in which case it is unfair to be critical of the results of either Hopkins or West.
Wet weather is obviously the equaliser and West's abilities in those conditions provide an insight into the level of this guy's talent.
The support he receives in this forum appears to be mainly from members who appreciate his abilities yet are frustrated by the fact that he cannot display those talents in all conditions on a bike that is not currently up to the task.
He rarely bins a bike and as far as I am concerned if he is on a competitive bike as I expect the Stiggy unit to be in 09, he will be a consistent front runner.
Sure Aussies are parochial but we're not ignorant of the facts and are generally supportive of a talented and likeable underdog regardless of their country of origin.
Moto GP's loss and WSS' gain.
Is there that many Australians on here?? I didn't know..
I support Westy because he is a good rider who tries very hard every time he races and the times I have actually spoken to him he seemed to be a really nice down to earth fellow with no airs and graces just "normal" like Chris V but nicer!!
Ant hardly ever gets any press "hype" or if he does I've never seen it! He is usually the last Aussie bike rider the press ever mention.
As Rod said..MotoGPs loss is WSS gain...
I'll be supporting Ant in WSS next year!!
Just have to ditch a few Kawa / Westy Tshirts now!! :p
Westy at Phillip Island 2008
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a20...IMGP4279-1.jpg
I used to be neither here nor there as far as West went, even though I am a 'biased Aussie'. But then I learned a bit more about the guy, and I upped my opinion of him considerably. He is most certainly a talent, he's just flown under the radar for most of his career - and when he's been in the spotlight it has been largely for unflattering reasons such as team/money/political issues.
He is the real deal, a genuinely fast rider, who doesn't have the media savvy that many/most other riders have, but who is quite capable of riding fast and strong with pretty much anyone else on the grid - given the right bike.
You could have said the same of Stoner in 2006...
Not at all. Stoner was fast all the time and had results, including a near victory in a privateer bike.Quote:
Originally Posted by The Phantom
Ant West was significantly slower than his teammate for much of this year.
The similarities end with their nationality.
And apparently, West will ride for Stiggy in teh last WSBK Supersport round.
Garry
Really!!
That is good news..... more reason to watch that last round...
Quote:
Originally Posted by theugsquirrel
Maybe but Ant is so much nicer ... :)
True that! Casey is so grating and irritating.. Ant is laid back and calls it as it is ;)
Hope he does ride for the last round, sorry gco where did you hear this?
Peace!!