Ant West

LOL, yeah, I know his history. When you think he's actually raced 500's too, as well as that Shell Advance 250 he was on.
Sure it must be hard for him, but somehow comments more like "I'm grateful for the engine parts that have come my way, and the chance to use a better tyre. Hopefully we can get a few more parts from the factory and some more of the good tyres and try and improve, etc etc"

Not "Jeez, I've had a enough of this, if I don't get a factory bike I'm not going to stay here," and moaning about his mechanics like he did.

Ant might have talent, but so do a lot of other riders. Ants problem is that he is not a team player. He rides for himself and himself only. He is digging his own grave by being a hot head. He only needs to look at Max Biaggi as an example. With so many young guns to pick from why would a team want someone who clearly doesn't know the meaning of the word teamwork.

You need to stick with your team and at least present a unified front even if behind the scenes you're working on trying to get a new ride.

The first page of Mike Nicks' column at crash.net examples why Ants' attitude isn't the marking of a champion.

see: http://www.crash.net/news_View~cid~6~id~148319.htm

When people on your team make bad decisions which make winning or even scoring decent points impossible the last thing you do is trash your team. You admit defeat and rally to keep fighting.

Hes talking about Rossi's attitude, Rossi, whose never had bad maninery or a bad mechanic in his life! Put Rossi on the bikes Ant's had over the years and see how his attitude changes!

If Ant was Spanish or Italian he would of had a factory ride his entire career because of his riding ability, im sure theres plenty of European riders that have a worse attitude than Ant's but still get the right stuff because of their marketability aka nationality.

Also, alot of other riders arent interviewed straight after the race, from another forum:-

"If he had have had time to gather his thoughts after the race he might have phrased it better, but after watching him race his arse off to stay ahead of factory riders hats of to him. Rossi has always had the best machines and mechanics (thanks to dad) since day one,and he's been a winner so why would he whinge. After the WSS race Westy was happy as,because he had the good stuff . Frustration brings out the worst in everyone if he was Italian or Spanish he would get what he wants because he can ride,look how pissed off they get but they still get rides because sponsors love to see their logo on TV wheather the rider is an arsehole or not."

Surely people can understand his frustration?

If if if if!!! Fact is that as we've seen, Rossi is a better team player and that is a definite trait of World Champions. Noones going to be interested in offering you a ride if you blame your team, likewise if you prove that you aren't level headed then thats also a winning trait that you don't have.

I'm sure every one can sense his frustration, but how frustrated do you think Pasini, the 125 bloke is feeling? You see his reaction when he walked into the garage? Those guys are going to bend over backwards to help that guy. Westy, I'm sorry is giving Aussie riders a bad name. You never heard Gardner, Magee, Doohan, Beattie, Corser, Bayliss etc carrying on like that. Even Mat Mladin isnt a fan favourite in the States, but he tells it like it is. Don't forget I'm sure there a plenty of riders in that 250 class who are on worse machinary than West has got this year. Whats the state of the bike that young Thai rider Wilarott is on? He looks to be going OK?

None of the other riders mentioned have had to try for the past 8 years (or therabouts) to get a competitive ride without success so comparing them and Ant's situation isn't entirely fair. I can understand West's frustration and believe he has made some poor career choices but he has also been led up the garden path on a few ride offers that weren't what was promised. His main problem is a complete lack of tact. I didn't have a problem with his statement about leaving 250 next year if he couldn't get a factory bike. My problem was his public criticism of his team. That will get him nowhere. Had he complained about his situation on behalf of himself and his team then things would be different but too often he comes across as selfish. As Jake said, perhaps he is best to wait til a little later before allowing himself to be interviewed if he isn't feeling particularly happy so he can be a little more diplomatic.

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Originally Posted by NinjaMaster

None of the other riders mentioned have had to try for the past 8 years (or therabouts) to get a competitive ride without success so comparing them and Ant's situation isn't entirely fair. I can understand West's frustration and believe he has made some poor career choices but he has also been led up the garden path on a few ride offers that weren't what was promised. His main problem is a complete lack of tact. I didn't have a problem with his statement about leaving 250 next year if he couldn't get a factory bike. My problem was his public criticism of his team. That will get him nowhere. Had he complained about his situation on behalf of himself and his team then things would be different but too often he comes across as selfish. As Jake said, perhaps he is best to wait til a little later before allowing himself to be interviewed if he isn't feeling particularly happy so he can be a little more diplomatic.

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Spot on ;) If West had a ride like Pasini's in the 250s then he'd be happy as larry.. Hes just NEVER gotten one, even though he's more than deserved it.. He got away with an outburst last year, i just hope he gets away with it again.. He has to much talent to go to waste..

edit: I also get the feeling a WSS ride for 08 may be pretty well settled for Ant, hence the outburst..

Being an Aussie (living in China at the moment), I have always barracked for Ant West, but, after the coments he made I have lost a lot of respect for the guy to be honest. I can accept his comments about getting a factory ride, as I believe he has shown so much talent and determination on the track. The comment he made about needing better machanics, could have only brought morale in the team to a low. Now, his comment to the media is all we heard. If he said that on the air, what does he say within the team that we don't get to hear ? I think I am starting to understand why he doesn't have a factory ride. I think Anthony should take a leaf out of Pasini's book, as that was the a great moment in motorcycle racing history IMO, when he hugged his mechanic in the pit garage after what must have been the most frustrating situation, 4 pole positions and only a 10th place to show for it. How unlucky could the guy be ? I think Westy should go to WSS, but, I think he should not expect to get everything he wants NOW. By the way, I didn't hear too much whining from KRJr at Suzuki for all those years riding that total dog box, he just got on with it and kept on trying. Shinya Nakano at Kawasaki didn't whine about the bike, and I bet he won't whine about his current ride on the Minolta Honda ride, he will just keep on giving his best I'm sure. A great champ is not just the fastest rider, he must be a diplomat, a salesman and a good communicator. Sponsors want a rider that goes fast, can promote a good image for their product, and not attract unwanted publicity. If Ant West was on TV promoting a product after those comments he made after the race, I am sure that quite a lot of people would not buy the product, just for the fact that they think Ant West is a total prat. So, Westy, don't go down the Max Biaggi Highway, get it together and show some diplomacy, and look after your mechanics and team, then they will look after you.

Well said John. While it's great to see Ant ride when things are working for him. I don't think he deserves the fanatical support he gets from his fans. He just keeps coming off more and more as a selfish prat. I want to give him the benefit of doubt, but there are soo many other riders just as skilled and just as deserving of better rides.

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Originally Posted by maxu05

Being an Aussie (living in China at the moment), I have always barracked for Ant West, but, after the coments he made I have lost a lot of respect for the guy to be honest. I can accept his comments about getting a factory ride, as I believe he has shown so much talent and determination on the track. The comment he made about needing better machanics, could have only brought morale in the team to a low. Now, his comment to the media is all we heard. If he said that on the air, what does he say within the team that we don't get to hear ? I think I am starting to understand why he doesn't have a factory ride. I think Anthony should take a leaf out of Pasini's book, as that was the a great moment in motorcycle racing history IMO, when he hugged his mechanic in the pit garage after what must have been the most frustrating situation, 4 pole positions and only a 10th place to show for it. How unlucky could the guy be ? I think Westy should go to WSS, but, I think he should not expect to get everything he wants NOW. By the way, I didn't hear too much whining from KRJr at Suzuki for all those years riding that total dog box, he just got on with it and kept on trying. Shinya Nakano at Kawasaki didn't whine about the bike, and I bet he won't whine about his current ride on the Minolta Honda ride, he will just keep on giving his best I'm sure. A great champ is not just the fastest rider, he must be a diplomat, a salesman and a good communicator. Sponsors want a rider that goes fast, can promote a good image for their product, and not attract unwanted publicity. If Ant West was on TV promoting a product after those comments he made after the race, I am sure that quite a lot of people would not buy the product, just for the fact that they think Ant West is a total prat. So, Westy, don't go down the Max Biaggi Highway, get it together and show some diplomacy, and look after your mechanics and team, then they will look after you.

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Thats a very good post John and I agree with a lot of it. I also struggle to keep my level of enthusiam up for Ant after comments like that but then, given that Anthony Gobert is still my favourite rider, I guess I have a lot of patience!
Just a couple of things though, on what he said about the mechanics in public, I couldn't care if they had a fist fight within the team, so long as it remained within the team and they all knew where they stood. At least the mechanics have a comeback at him in that situation.
As for KRJr not grizzling, I think you have a short memory. He whinged plenty and if I remember rightly, he pulled out of races because of a lack of competitiveness. Shinya had a factory bike and is currently on good machinery, capable of better than he is taking it. And I'm sure neither of them have ridden for teams without getting paid.
And finally on the champion part, Carl Fogarty doesn't fit those criteria you mention yet I would class him as a great superbike champion. He's just not a very well liked one! :D

Winner! :D Gooo Ant, stick it up em! ;)

That's better Ant. Keep it up, and secure a WSS/WSBK ride for next year. Just remember to be diplomatic, and you will be a champ for sure.

when I was watching the race I made a plan for the Kawasaki MotoGP team..

pick up West, and you'll win a race when wet!

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Originally Posted by Corny

when I was watching the race I made a plan for the Kawasaki MotoGP team..

pick up West, and you'll win a race when wet!

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He did come third in the dry two weeks before remember? He's a talented rider no matter what the conditions, so long as he has the machinery. He'll be in WSS next year, then maybe WSBK and hopefully try and make another go for MotoGP after that, its a sideways step but its one that needs to be made methinks.

Great ride by West at Silverstone. Aussies are all over the podiums in MotoGP, WSB and WSS!

He's a very poor post-race interview though, and that definitely has some impact with potential sponsors.

westy is the man. it will be good for his psyche to leave the ltrapolitical motogp arena and head to wss. i think he will be a champion in that series and also in wsbk (if he gets the right machine--which is less complex in wsbk than motogp).

Going to WSBK sure did a lot for Max, but he had a year off to cool down and think about things. I hope Ant does get over to WSS/WSBK, as I think it will kick start his career. If you get the gig Ant, keep your head down, work hard, and don't get all stroppy when things don't go your way and you will be fine.

It would be great to see Ant get in with a manufacturer, Yamaha for example, and have a crack at WSS which I have no doubt he could win. Then hopefully get the opportunity to step up to WSB with the same marque and if successful there, hopefully have the opportunity to step into MotoGP through the back door.
His certainly isn't the most charismatic rider on the planet but a lot of that is because he has a droney voice (not his fault). As for that affecting his sponsorship potential, his nationality plays more part in that in my opinion (Dani Pedrosa is hardly a riveting interview but I don't see him struggling for sponsorship) and a lack of results as well, which is a viscious cycle - no money = poor equipment, poor equipment = poor results, poor results = no sponsorship, etc. If he becomes a frequent winner, the sponsors will follow.

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Originally Posted by tha_jackal

He did come third in the dry two weeks before remember? He's a talented rider no matter what the conditions, so long as he has the machinery. He'll be in WSS next year, then maybe WSBK and hopefully try and make another go for MotoGP after that, its a sideways step but its one that needs to be made methinks.

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Sure he's a talented driver, but I think that guy can win a race in MotoGP when it rains.. That's exactly what Kawasaki needs, they haven't got the bike to win on a dry track..

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Originally Posted by Corny

That's exactly what Kawasaki needs, they haven't got the bike to win on a dry track..

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I think they do, just not riders good enough to do it. Put a top, fast rider on the ZX-RR and it would be very competitive I reckon.

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Originally Posted by NinjaMaster

I think they do, just not riders good enough to do it. Put a top, fast rider on the ZX-RR and it would be very competitive I reckon.

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But do you see them beating a Casey Stoner or Valentino Rossi, on a dry track?

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Originally Posted by Corny

But do you see them beating a Casey Stoner or Valentino Rossi, on a dry track?

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It's hard to say because the current guys are so far from being able to do it but the bike is clearly very fast in a straight line and appears to handle very well. Perhaps with a Melandri or Hopkins it is possible? It would certainly finish better than it currently does.

Wonder how Max Biaggi would be doing on the Kawasaki if he had got the ride, rather than Jacque?
As for Ant West, he has always been a great rain rider, but as for implying that winning the WSS world title will springboard his career, are you kidding? Apart from Chris Vermeulen, how has any previous winner done? Andrew Pitt? Karl Muggeridge? Fabian Foret, Pere Riba, even Seb Charpentier, not many have set the world on fire, have they? Other winners are Paulo Casoli, Fabrizio Pirovano, Stephene Chambon and Jorge Teuchert.

No doubt Max would be faster than Jacque on the Kwak but his days as a MotoGP title contender are over in my opinion.

I'm not kidding about a WSS title springboarding Wests career. If a title led to a top superbike ride like Vermeulen and Muggeridge got I can see him being very competitive. A lot of the blokes you mentioned also made poor choices on follow-up rides after their title. Pitt went to the uncompetitive Kwak MotoGP project, Riba tried 500GP with D'Antin, Foret rode an uncompetitive Kwak Supersport, etc. The other thing West has over them is age. They won their titles (I don't think Riba actually won a title did he?) at around 30 years of age, West is currently only 25. And I rate him more highly than most of those blokes. I guess time will tell if I'm right or not.

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Originally Posted by NinjaMaster

I'm not kidding about a WSS title springboarding Wests career.

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I agree with you Ninj, I think Ant has wasted the early part of his career with 250's. Sure had he found and been successful with the 'right' team/manufacturer this conversation would not be taking place.

Ant has been holding out for the 'right' team for years now. Cut your losses son and get outta there!

Even a competitive season in Supersport (assuming Foggy does not pick him up at MV) would set him on an upward path (Aprilia 2009).

i think a wss title would definately get wests career moving.surely teams are already looking.i would like to see ant ride the yamaha for the rest of the year even if it means leaving 250gp(that ride is going nowhere and really is harming his career and profile due to the frustation he openly vents).he is already in a better points position than the other riders in the team and going on what he has shown will keep moving up .a good year on that bike maybe straight to a top superbike next year and then who knows.i would like to see him in motogp and he already has that 250 experience they want but i believe that door has closed(on anything competetive).what he should do is move to the wsbk paddock and take the best team/bike package that is avaliable to him wether that be wss or wsbk and with his talent,determination and belief in himself he will be a star i dont think anyone could argue against that.
(a foggy mv or aprilia is not a good option)

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Originally Posted by kymando

(a foggy mv or aprilia is not a good option)

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Who knows Rolfo and Lanzi may well be out of a ride next year, perhaps Ant might have an option or two?

Ant and Troy B at Ducati with one year left on Troy's contract, now that sounds tasty.

I think the Aprilia option would be strong, but a year too late for Ant?

I think you all (minus kiwigav) make legitimate and positive points. For 2008 Ant will have a few WSS/WSBK options IMO, good performances in either of these classes could be just what he needs to show the big manufacturers he's made of the right stuff to compete in MotoGP. Even if it takes until hes 27 - 28. I HIGHLY doubt that Ant will go back into an association with Aprilia after he leaves them in 2008, they have been nothing but disrespectful and damaging to his career by never acknowledging and nurturing his true potential (not going to go into detail.)

I also doubt Ant will really want to develop a bike again, so MV may not be his wisest choice. I think he just needs to get on an established bike, with an established team and run at the front from there. Weather thats with Ten Kate SS, Yamaha Germany SS or even Ten Kate WSBK. (Toseland to GP, Rolfo is kinda average.) Ant will have to knuckle down next year and make some career changing decisions, i hope he makes the right one. I also think that Ant will continue to ride for Yamaha WSS this year (as so far i cant see to many clashes with GP's, he'll be a busy boy) and Spyke have made up a pair of factory yamaha leathers for him.

Goooo Ant!

To be perfectly honest, I would rather Ant carry out his obligation and finish with his 250 team (unless it's their decision to cut him loose). Let Kev Curtain (hopefully he can get healthy) finish his international career with Yamaha like he deserves, no-one is going to beat Kenan to the title anyway. Kawasaki WSS would be another good destination for Ant in 08.

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Originally Posted by NinjaMaster

To be perfectly honest, I would rather Ant carry out his obligation and finish with his 250 team (unless it's their decision to cut him loose). Let Kev Curtain (hopefully he can get healthy) finish his international career with Yamaha like he deserves, no-one is going to beat Kenan to the title anyway. Kawasaki WSS would be another good destination for Ant in 08.

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I read a quote from Kev last w.e that said his 07 was pretty much done and dusted for him :confused: so i dont think he'll be back this year. Ant said hes happy racing every weekend, so maybe he'll continue to juggle both rides with Steve Martin getting the WSS ride on the clashing weekends? Im also pretty sure Kev has plans to race again in 08 ;)

I am happy for Ant to race both series, just wouldn't want him to abandon his 250 team beacuse it's less competitive. Would be good to see Marto have a few races on competitive machinery too.

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Originally Posted by tha_jackal

Im also pretty sure Kev has plans to race again in 08 ;)

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Wonder if he will source a competative ride?

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Originally Posted by NinjaMaster

I am happy for Ant to race both series, just wouldn't want him to abandon his 250 team beacuse it's less competitive. Would be good to see Marto have a few races on competitive machinery too.

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Pitty?

Yeah, you beat me to it, Andrew Pitt. You think Ten Kate are going to pick Ant West over Andrew Pitt? Can't see it my self. A lot of teams now are running guys in the Superstock class and are looking at introducing these guys into their teams.
How about AMA? I'm sure he could find a lot more new stuff to moan about over there?

"I think you all (minus kiwigav) make legitimate and positive points."

So mine are legitimate negative points, then? :)

To walk into WSS and podium in his first 2 races, I think West is a very good chance of a good WSS ride. Pitt would be in box seat for Ten Kate WSS but I would reckon more likely WSB.

A Dutch racing website is reporting that Ant West will ride his last race for the Team Sicilia 250 team at Barcelona, and will be joining the factory Yamaha World Supersport team for the rest of the WSS team.

Story here:

http://www.racesport.nl/nieuwsbericht.php?id=12835

(pinched from another forum.)

Its not the worst news even if it is true, means we wont have to deal with anymore complaining and we get to see Ant on the podium and running up the front.. Good luck to the bloke either way..

Somebody is watching. Hope he rings its neck

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sp...torykawasaki-/

Fantastic opportunity, maybe he'll fill in for the injured Jacque if he cant ride at Donny.. Either way, Hopper and West @ Kawasaki in 08, dream team! :D

Good on him, remember your manners, Westy!
And I see Andrew Pitt is testing the Yamaha M1 too!

I read that too Gav. Great opportunity for Pitty on top machinery. That guy needs a change of luck. Has been shafted by too many teams.

Hopefully West can really impress on the Kwak. I'm pretty sure he got offered to be their test rider a few years back but turned it down to continue racing. Given Jacques elevation this year, perhaps that was an opportunity missed?