for a generation of riders trained in the AMA mixed disciplines of dirt-track and road-racing.The supply seemed endless: Lawson following on directly, and Freddie Spencer. And Randy Mamola. Then came Kevin Schwantz and Wayne Rainey; and then John

to the Ivory Control Tower, and after a reportedly rather vigorous argument with Race Direction was disqualified.Flushed with success and by now clearly getting excited at this new-found task of making an example of riders, Race Direction then looked

it at all.His comments – “lost a little respect” and “some moves went beyond what is normal” – weren’t aimed at the fans, but directly at Rossi. And the purpose was simply to rile him. An unsettled rival is a weakened one, fact. So will it work

its casualties. And with WSB veering off in a completely different direction (control Pirelli tyres - are they mad?), now is the time to get matters lined up.I say this in remembrance for Steve Hislop, sadly taken in a helicopter crash as he looked

with some 30 teamsters, from director Ichiro Yoda and manager Michael Bartholemy to the catering staff. And three riders, counting tester Olivier Jacque.John Hopkins switched to Kawasaki last year for big money after five years with Suzuki. Crash after crash

he can find another engine supplier before too much longer.Credit crunch? Team Suzuki chief Paul Denning found a novel way to save money. Instead of flying to Paris and driving to the French GP, or just driving, he flew direct from Bournemouth

, however, Rossi spoke highly of the creature, when Pit Bull asked him directly at the next race: What happened to the chicken?“We gave it to the circuit operators,” he said, “after they promised that they would not kill it. So it is living happily

supplies the majority of bikes on the grid... which is a major overlap of interest, if not a direct conflict.Word is that the clutches don’t actually work that well, and the bikes will be hopping and chattering into the corners much like Agostini on the old

-down, but there is an explanation. Of sorts.Seems Rossi’s shoulder injury (a motocross crash back in April) is worse than he’s letting on, according to Burgess. Lack of strength spoils not only his braking, but his ability to change direction. His two consecutive below-par races

direction. When I see the riders straight after a race, eyes mad with adrenaline, physically exhausted, I will understand why they too must be shattered. And admire all the more at the gift of riding talent to tame these forces. And then still go racing.