Discussion
With the final race this weekend at Snetterton prior to the Showdown, i wonder who of the current grid won’t be in BSB next year. With such a depth of field securing a showdown spot was always going to be a challenge.
I wonder who (if any) will move onto the World Stage, a different Class in BSB or simply Retire.
I wonder who (if any) will move onto the World Stage, a different Class in BSB or simply Retire.
Rob 131 Sport said:
rigga said:
Birdy to pack up
FHO to WSB
Paul Bird has contributed so much to BSB over the last 20 plus years. It would be a great shame if he withdrew. Like all such things it’s sponsor dependent. FHO to WSB
I wouldnt be shocked if he quit, but the paddock would miss the team I think.
FHO to Wsbk?
Dont think Hicky will be happy with that.
Brookes and Sykes will go else where/retire
Taz to Wsbk
2 japanese guys will go back to japanese Superbike and two seats will open up there (Kennedy?)
Vickers will go, to many offs.
Skinner to Moto2
Tag racing to Superstock only
Haslam will give it one last crack
Dont think Hicky will be happy with that.
Brookes and Sykes will go else where/retire
Taz to Wsbk
2 japanese guys will go back to japanese Superbike and two seats will open up there (Kennedy?)
Vickers will go, to many offs.
Skinner to Moto2
Tag racing to Superstock only
Haslam will give it one last crack
It's worth remembering that Birdy doesn't run the team as a business, it's more of a fun hobby funded largely by himself rather than big sponsors
He loves winning (as everyone else does), and that's just not happening
Plus, his lad is racing GT cars, which is mega bucks, so I wouldn't be surprised if he just sacks it off at the end of this year and concentrates on Frank Juniors racing
I don't think they're going to be the only top level super bike team to call it a day at the end of this season too
He loves winning (as everyone else does), and that's just not happening
Plus, his lad is racing GT cars, which is mega bucks, so I wouldn't be surprised if he just sacks it off at the end of this year and concentrates on Frank Juniors racing
I don't think they're going to be the only top level super bike team to call it a day at the end of this season too
graeme4130 said:
It's worth remembering that Birdy doesn't run the team as a business, it's more of a fun hobby funded largely by himself rather than big sponsors
He loves winning (as everyone else does), and that's just not happening
Plus, his lad is racing GT cars, which is mega bucks, so I wouldn't be surprised if he just sacks it off at the end of this year and concentrates on Frank Juniors racing
I don't think they're going to be the only top level super bike team to call it a day at the end of this season too
Who else do you think might leave. It’s like all these things one team leaves, another one joins. He loves winning (as everyone else does), and that's just not happening
Plus, his lad is racing GT cars, which is mega bucks, so I wouldn't be surprised if he just sacks it off at the end of this year and concentrates on Frank Juniors racing
I don't think they're going to be the only top level super bike team to call it a day at the end of this season too
Edited by Rob 131 Sport on Wednesday 7th September 19:01
slopes said:
rigga said:
Birdy to pack up
FHO to WSB
But who with? I can't see Hicky giving up the roads as i imagine that is the bulk of his year but i would be happy to be proved wrongFHO to WSB
There have been rumours about Bird doing all sorts for years, BSB, WTCC, GT racing, his lad does race in GT yes, but at a much lower level than he once did, he used to do GTWC but not anymore, presumably as a paid amateur.
Bird is many things but he has been loyal to BSB for more than 20 years, Palmer knows this so hopefully does enough to keep him sweet.
but he does only really like winning, so this year must been pretty tough, and he tends to have a big sponsor on board to help a bit with costs.
Bird is many things but he has been loyal to BSB for more than 20 years, Palmer knows this so hopefully does enough to keep him sweet.
but he does only really like winning, so this year must been pretty tough, and he tends to have a big sponsor on board to help a bit with costs.
With the 8 title fighter’s decided and looking at the Podium Credits and recent form, it’s looking like a battle between Brad Ray, Tarran Mackenzie and Jason O’ Halleran. Looking at the way he rode this weekend, you would fancy Brad as the favourite.
It will be interesting to see who goes where next year.
It will be interesting to see who goes where next year.
Zarco said:
slopes said:
rigga said:
Birdy to pack up
FHO to WSB
But who with? I can't see Hicky giving up the roads as i imagine that is the bulk of his year but i would be happy to be proved wrongFHO to WSB
don't want to start rumours
BSB needs to do something, as it feels a little flat at the moment. The two teams on Yamahas have dominated the field this year, whilst every other manufacturer has struggled. It was Yamaha domination that led to the creation of the showdown as the season was over at the halfway point back then. It feels like the rules have done such a good job of levelling the field that all the bikes apart from one manufacturer are absolutely level and the racing midfield and lower is good, but feels almost processional. I say feel, as it’s clearly not, but it seems like they all really struggle to pass each other. However one bike has somehow managed to get the one step ahead and become too dominant.
I think a few teams will walk away this close season, or need a decision on which level they’re going to compete in. The money just to be there on the grid is silly and it’s just got that feeling of the year when GBMoto who were the official factory Kawasaki team walked away, along with a couple of lesser teams. This year might be a bit more radical, especially with the issues around whether people, companies etc have the funds to run, watch, or sponsor race teams.
PBM leaving would be a real wake up call. Not sure FHO would though, as they were created to replace Smiths and Faye Ho is engaged to Stuart Higgs the BSB Series & Race Director
I think a few teams will walk away this close season, or need a decision on which level they’re going to compete in. The money just to be there on the grid is silly and it’s just got that feeling of the year when GBMoto who were the official factory Kawasaki team walked away, along with a couple of lesser teams. This year might be a bit more radical, especially with the issues around whether people, companies etc have the funds to run, watch, or sponsor race teams.
PBM leaving would be a real wake up call. Not sure FHO would though, as they were created to replace Smiths and Faye Ho is engaged to Stuart Higgs the BSB Series & Race Director
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