WSBK » Bayliss prepares for second title attempt.

Agree with Dan & Son but ....... I'd love to see him finish on the top step, not just with the Championship but with masterclass demos to everyone else in his final races. [Leastways, final 'til he's back in some sort of race anyway. Um. Wonder if he fancies Rallying against Valle?] ...... At the same time I'm worrying for the bloke if he's thinking like that he could over-cook it and stack it big time. Nah. He won't tho. He's too professional. He's Bayliss.

WSBK » OFFICIAL: Spies signs for Yamaha.

Popular in the States & good for marketing no doubt. And why Suzuki would be so seemingly laid-back about letting him go I can't imagine. In fact there's an interesting question there.... But whilst he's very good, I don't have him in mind as the next Rossi. His performance in Moto GP was workmanlike, but not brilliant. True he's faired much better in the US WSB where he has been outstanding. But while there are certainly good riders there (and some loons who make it challenging for the rest) I think the competition will be fiercer in 'real' WSB. He'll need to be a good development rider too. Good luck to the bloke. If it works it should improve the racing next year.

WSBK » Bauer to replace Kiyonari in France.

I dunno about the Dutch still being overly anti German or not. But I'd suspect Ten Kate sell more bikes to German speakers than English speakers, so marketing wise it should be a handy bit of PR having Bauer in their line up for a one-off. At the same time I'm not so sure HM Plant would be wild about Leon racing outside the UK so close to Brands .... especially as on current form he's in with an excellent chance of at least two podiums.

MOTOGP » MotoGP goes single tyre for 2009.

Who said Carmelo Ezpeleta doesn't have a sense of humour? Anyone who listened to him explaining to the TV commentator(s) that next season Moto GP will race on tyres that (implicitly) aren't as grippy as they could be - because that will slow the down for SAFETY - had to be rolling on the floor hoping their trousers would dry soon. How do you explain to the bloke you don't make them safer by having tyres with less adhesion? You might make them slower. But only because they're finding the limits of grip sooner! Crash with less kinetic energy = safe? If you want to make them slower AND safer you limit the power. Not saying they should. Just pointing out that's how its done.

WSBK » Haslam to replace injured Kiyonari?

I'm sorry Kiyo's injured, there's never a good time but just when he was 'coming on song' has to be doubly disappointing for the bloke. If Kiyo's not recovered I'd be delighted to see Leon 'pick it up and run with it'. That said, lets focus on the most important point - The accompanying photo of Mr Haslam esq.. The caption competition is now open

MOTOGP » Elias heads to Indy 'second to Rossi'.

Going to Kawasaki Glaxo? Last report I saw, Ducati said they were keeping him after all and the green machine was off the menu. This weekend, three types of track surface, history of erratic riding and binning it? I dunno. More likely to see him in a gravel trap than on a podium. Still, just so long as he misses the walls he'll be entertaining and (dare you say it for MgP?) exciting to watch. I reckon he's a top notch rider ..... but I wouldn't want to be anywhere near him on a track

BSB » Croft - Preview.

Nothing confirming it yet Gaz tho it is being rumoured elsewhere (eg the Alstare blog) If Yam really are set to loose Nori Haga to Ducati and keep Troy C to lead development Sykesy could be a very good investment option for them. But they'll be worrying he has no form on many of the circuits having not ridden on 'em, which consequently he won't know so that will be a bit deterrent for 'em. So most of what he brings to WSB will be expected to come in year two and later. And with some equally great talent (Rea fer instance) riding supersprouts now who *do* know the circuits I think it'll be had for Grinner to break straight in. Which is a shame, cos he's clearly good enough.

BSB » Croft beckons for Donington stars Hydrex.

I rate them both (Guy's not had the results but has had a lot of shoddy luck & let-downs which haven't been of his making). I think its no co-incidence that James' best results have mostly been achieved when lousy weather's evened out differences in bike performance 'tho.

MOTOGP » Gresini confirms de Angelis for 2009.

STOP PRESS The limited edition handkerchief will be in blue *and* yellow and feature an embroidered Osvaldo the chicken. Manufactured by Bridgestone, extra grip and adhesion seems likely for those awkward to get around corners.

WSBK » 'A battle Craig Jones couldn't win'.

A huge tragedy, a terrible loss & unreserved sympathy to those close. I wish the reports would drop the constant references to Andrew Pitt hitting Craig 'tho. Craig died of head & neck injuries. The lad hit his head on the track at a weird angle with immense force. It was almost like a 'curled around highside' that threw him downward instead of up. Very odd, very unexpected. Not something he'd have been able to predict or do anything about. The only glimmer of hope - it was *so* fast he really would not have known anything about it or felt more than the bike going from under him. Pitt hit Craig's thigh & maybe his body. It made no material difference - except it probably gutted Pitt.