Thanks for that post jackal. Interesting and informative. It's great to see Ant taking this so seriously - hopefully kawasaki (and other teams) take note of that when they consider who they sign next year.
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Thanks for that post jackal. Interesting and informative. It's great to see Ant taking this so seriously - hopefully kawasaki (and other teams) take note of that when they consider who they sign next year.
Well I guess there will be lots of Ant fans at Turn 1 at The Island cheering him on!!
I'll be there~!!!
Ill be at P.I! Dunno about turn 1 ;) but ill def be cheering the green ant on..
But isn't that where Ant would like all his Fans to be?? Turn 1?? :confused:
You'll love it at Doohan corner, Jake. That is where the Kawasaki Sports Riders Club member reside so you'll have plenty of Ant West support behind you. :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by tha_jackal
There should be a lot of "home town" support for Ant at The Island :)
What is it about Ant West?
He's never won a championship and is probably one of the unluckiest riders I can remember with his team choices.
Yet for some reason this post has been viewed more than any other on the board.
If it was a post about either of the Troy's, Casey, Muggers, Chris V or any other Aussie rider it certainly wouldn't have been viewed over 13,000 times.
Why does Ant get so much interest?
I suspect it may have something to do with us Aussies loving to cheer for the underdog, and as you point out, Ant has suffered a lot of bad luck in terms of the rides he gets - which just adds to the underdog factor.Quote:
Originally Posted by neninja
Plus he goes hard!
Spot on burger. Ant represents little Aussie battler, nothing has been handed to him, he has earned everything he's got. And if he ever starts winning races, look out!Quote:
Originally Posted by burger
Bloody oath!! He starts winning races there will be NO stopping him!!Quote:
Originally Posted by NinjaMaster
If he gets a gig in GP next year, watch out!! ;)
On that very subject:-
West vs DePuniet
Several sources suggest that Kawasaki will almost certainly be running two bikes again next year (not the rumoured upgrade to three.) They are due to announce their plans (as far as machinery/sponsorship goes) some time this weekend and Brno. One thing that won't be decided until the latter end of the year (according to crash.net) is who will partner Hopper at team green in 2008.
MCN revealed that West has emerged as favorite after his highly impressive performance at Laguna (being his first time at the track and finishing just behind Randy) and overall impressive learning curve over his first four races in the premier class..
Personally, well I think you know what my preference is, but I think Randy will get the gig just because he's the 'safer' of the options, so to speak.. What do you guys want/think will be the outcome of Kawasaki's lineup for 2008 and where will the rider that misses out end up..
Cheers!
After 11 races, Randy has managed to finish 6 times in the points, for a total of 50 points and 12th in the championship. Westy has raced in only 4 races,finished in the points on all 4 occasions, for 29 points and 16th in the championship.
Randy = 4.5 points per race on average.
Westy = 7.25 points per race. The other plus for Westy is he is less likely to throw it down the road. If I was picking the rider, I would have to go with Westy.
to further that discussion jackal.......Quote:
Originally Posted by tha_jackal
http://www.crash.net/news_view~cid~6~id~152879.htm
de Puniet, West fight for 2008 seat.
Tuesday, 14th August 2007
With John Hopkins already confirmed at Kawasaki for 2008, but a second big name signing yet to materialise, existing riders Randy de Puniet and Anthony West are facing a seven race showdown to join the Anglo-American next season.
de Puniet is entering the second half of his second season with Kawasaki, while West was hired at June's British Grand Prix to replace the under performing Olivier Jacque for the rest of the year.
The fast but somewhat mistake prone de Puniet had looked a safe bet to stay for next season, but Kawasaki's determination to put proven riders on its highly rated ZX-RR next year - combined with West's impressive learning curve - mean that the Frenchman's seat is far from secure.
The good news for de Puniet and West is that Loris Capirossi looks set to join Suzuki, rather than accept a Kawasaki offer, but the possibility of a third 'Ninja' on the 2008 grid seems to have gone quiet - indicating that at least one rider will leave at the end of the year and making every remaining race, starting this weekend in Brno, vital.
"I feel very fit and ready for the rest of the season," declared de Puniet. "Also, I like Brno. I won there in 2003, got a second in 2004 and had many top ten finishes there, when I was riding in the 250cc world championship. I think the Ninja ZX-RR is going to perform well there, too, with good power for the straights and plenty of acceleration. I'm looking forward to it."
"I wasn't expecting to get such a good result in Laguna but figure if I can do that on a track I don't know, then hopefully I can keep on improving when I'm back on a track I do know," warned West, seventh and one place behind de Puniet at the US GP. "I'm more familiar with the bike now, too. I'm looking forward to seeing the team again and working together and I'm having a lot of fun on this bike so yes, Brno should be good."
If i were Kawasaki....... West would be on the 2nd bike... De Puniet is obviously not learning from his mistakes.
http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2007/Aug/e/n070814d.htm
There is considerable curiosity over how the Kawasaki MotoGP team will fill their 2008 seats.
Kawasaki have stated they think their bike is capable of winning races and they want top riders on board next season. The team already signed John Hopkins to a big money deal, but the list of top riders is shrinking. Loris Capirossi likely will sign with Suzuki. Dani Pedrosa is unlikely to leave Honda. Colin Edwards probably has a home with Yamaha in some capacity.
The partner or partners to John Hopkins on the ZX-RR for next season are open. Remember, Kawasaki has stated they want to field a third bike for next season, if there is a proper budget.
Randy De Puniet and Ant West currently race the bike. Both have shown flashes this year. Maybe not race winning flashes, but both are younger riders who may continue to improve.
Another rider possibly in the mix is Roger Hayden. The factory pilot currently racing in America in the Supersport and Superbike classes rode impressively as a wild card last month at Laguna Seca. He also has a tie-in with Monster energy drinks, as does John Hopkins. Could Monster (who sponsors the American Kawasaki roadracing and motocross teams) extend their deal to MotoGP next season?
So keep your eyes peeled to see how West and De Puniet perform the rest of the season. And if Hayden tests the bike again or rides more wild cards this year.
What a crappy article! Honestly, American biased drivel :laugh: Ant 'may' continue to improve? He's had four races FFS, of course he's going to improve, enough to overthrow Randy eventually, im sure..
Realistically, RLH doesnt have much of a chance, if a third bike is run (Monster energy needed to jump on board $$$) then he'll be considered, however that is looking extremely unlikely at this point in time.. The most likely choices are Capirossi,(Suzuki bound?) DePuniet and West, period.. Also, how dare they mention Edwards as a 'top' signing, hes on the way out and only ever been a GP support act at best :lol: .. the cheek!
Whats this about West slagging off Chris Vermeulen in the Aus press, saying that he regularly kicked Chris's arse when they were teens. Was it a throwaway comment or is anyone taking it seriously?
Was a comment made in jest in the MCN article .. He was just saying, back in their dirt tracking days (remember that they were only kids, barely teenagers) Ant would kick CV's arse and at lunchtime (after the first two race wins to Ant) CV would crack the ****s and go home while Ant went on to win the third race of the day heheh.. Just a joke, no malice intended im sure..
Jim........Both of these guys are from South East Queensland and have enviable riding records from when they were kids and going head-to-head. However, Australia's the driest country in the world therefore it follows that they were inflicted with the endemically arid sense of humour which results in we Australians continually taking the p... out of each other. The Kiwis are affected likewise. As unbelievable as it may sound, we have occasionally been known to take the p... out of the poms, Irish, yanks, Europeans and most others. Call it a friendly ragging said in jest rather than a slagging.Quote:
Originally Posted by jim mcglinchey
Time for my medication...Regards from me and the other inpatients. :D
Love your work RR, can you share that medication around?Quote:
Originally Posted by Rod Richardson
Good Ant West video on motogp.com for those that have a subscription.. Worth a look..
I tried to post the link to the interview but I can't seem to get it to work!! :dozey: :dozey:
Its a good interview..
Now with Randy off to LCR next year surely Ant will get to keep his place at Kawasaki
Touch wood, but Shinya and others will be his competition...
Ever heard the name Shinya Nakano?Quote:
Originally Posted by Roby44
I dont think Nakano deserves another chance at Kwaka.. He ditched them for the 'superior' Honda without even seeing the team green 800 to gague its potential.. He's made his bed, he should lie in it..
He supposedly left on good terms with Kawasaki though. Plus he got Kawasaki's only podium in MotoGP.
Going to be a tight one. If Ant can get a solid result at Misano he must be favourite. Kawasaki have been known to make some strange selection choices in the past though.
Nakkers got Kwaks only dry podium (which counts for more). Jacque got one as well.
You're right about Kawasaki's decision making. Not only is it often strange but usually poor. However, Shinya back on Bridgies on the 800 that suits his 250 style more than the 990's may be competitive. My completely biased opinion is that team green should sign Ant. As Jake said, Shinya showed no faith in them by leaving at the end of last year. Let him head to D'Antin.
Yes, I forgot about OJ - easily done after how poor he was in all the dry races
I think Nakano's virtually a certainty for Kawasaki if he's available. He was their golden boy for years. I don't blame him for moving to Honda, he thought he was moving onwards and upwards.
MCN is reporting that Ant has got the deal with Kawasaki for 08 !
Good job for him. Not official yet but if MCN is accurate and I think they usually are then its a done deal.
MCN's approach to news reporting is: if there are no news, we will make up some. ;) that said they also get a lot of things rightQuote:
Originally Posted by fatman
They also reported that Edwards has a deal with Tech3 and Guintoli has a deal with D'antin so this makes it 3 done deals according to MCN without official confirmation
I really hope its true, id also hope Kawasaki run three bikes and Nakano gets a go, but im just happy as long as Ant's there first :D He deserves it as much as anyone IMO.. Others are allowed to disagree, but from someone whose ridden every high and low (sadly lows have dominated) with Ant, I can safely say justice is done if this news comes to fruition..
Peace!
Here's the link to the MCN report on Ant
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sp...akimotogpdeal/
It will supposedly be announced officially tomorrow.
If it's true I suspect Nakano will struggle to get a ride next year. From golden boy to nothing in a year.
it says in the eve of the Misano race so in 8 days, not tomorrow ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by neninja
Misano is this weekend, so tommoro is right :)
oops, mixed the dates
thanks for reminding me the race is this weekend :)
**kneels down and says a prayer for Ant**Quote:
Originally Posted by neninja
You and me both...Quote:
Originally Posted by osg
30 Aug 2007
KAWASAKI CONFIRM WEST AS HOPKINS' TEAM MATE FOR 2008
The Kawasaki Racing Team confirmed their full rider line-up for the 2008 season today at Misano, with the announcement that 26-year-old Anthony West has been signed on a one-year deal to ride alongside Kawasaki's other recent signing, John Hopkins, next year.
West was drafted into the Kawasaki Racing Team back in June as a replacement for Olivier Jacque, who moved across to head up Kawasaki's Ninja ZX-RR development programme as the official factory test rider. Since his arrival in MotoGP, West has impressed with how quickly he has adapted to racing in the premier series, as well as his consistent results during what has been a period of intense adjustment for the Australian.
West, who resides in Austria during the season, has considerable racing experience, having started out in the Australian Dirt Track Championships in 1994, which he won soon afterwards. It was a similar story in 1996 when he won his domestic Long Track Championship as well. After a move to road racing, he won the Australian 250cc Production Championship in 1998 and took home the 'Rider of the Year' award.
West also had a period of racing in Japan before entering the international Grand Prix paddock in 1999 as a 250cc rider. After a brief foray into the two stroke 500cc series in 2001, he rejoined the quarter litre series only to be largely frustrated by substandard machinery and financial constraints that, whilst difficult to contend with, failed to quench his talent and determination to continue.
Earlier this year, West headed to World Supersport as a stand in for injured Yamaha rider, and fellow countryman, Kevin Curtain. In the three races he rode for the manufacturer, he ended up with a third and two wins: at Misano and Silverstone. Then, having caught the eye of Kawasaki team boss, Michael Bartholemy, he was drafted in to replace Jacque in the factory MotoGP squad and hasn't looked back since.
His early performances have shown remarkable promise: he has notched up 33 points in just five rounds, with three of those finishes being in the top ten and, as he grows more used to the ZX-RR over time, Kawasaki are optimistic they will see him shine ever brighter on track.
With his obvious gift and unquestioned passion for racing, partnered with Hopkins' talents and wealth of experience, the Kawasaki Racing Team offensive looks set to light up the circuits of the world next year. Furthermore, the ever-advancing speed and consistency of the Ninja ZX-RR, along with the reliability and performance of their Bridgestone tyres, bodes well for an electrifying season in 2008.
Anthony West: Kawasaki MotoGP Pilot #13
"I feel great about how things have worked out. As you can imagine, it's a huge weight off my shoulders. This is definitely something I've been stressing about: whether I can stay in MotoGP and, if so, for which team. But this really is the best opportunity for me, to stay with Kawasaki, as I'm really happy here. It's such a good team and a great bike with all the support from the factory. Now, I've got one thing less to worry about so I can just concentrate on riding. It will be cool to be in a team with John Hopkins, too, as I know him pretty well and we get along together. He's riding really well at the moment, so hopefully I can push him next year! This is such a massive difference to where I was earlier this year in 250s. I didn't even think I was going to be racing again and now I'm in one of the best teams in the paddock and staying another year, so it's a big turn around. I'm just so glad I kept trying and stuck at it. With the chances that Kawasaki are giving me, it's really paid off, and I am looking forward to repaying their faith in me with some good results aboard the Ninja ZX-RR, both this year and next."
Michael Bartholemy: Kawasaki Competition Manager
"I think a lot of people in the paddock were surprised when we brought Anthony into the team at Donington Park. His route to a factory team in MotoGP was not an orthodox one, but his performance so far this year aboard our Ninja ZX-RR was enough to convince Kawasaki that he was the right choice for next season. Now the pressure is off him, and I think we will see this reflected in his racing for the remainder of the season. As for his potential for next season, who knows? He's young and he has the chance to show what he can do, and I'm confident he will perform. Together with John Hopkins, we have a very strong line up for the 2008 season. They're both very determined riders and it's great to see a fantastic team coming together."
Im over the moon! Gooo Ant ;) :up: Cant wait for 08 now :D
Woop woop woop woop woop!
Yep, thats about what im doing right about now.. :laugh:Quote:
Originally Posted by NinjaMaster