Rainey asks Stoner to come? https://www.gpone.com/en/2018/12/09...s-stoner-to-relaunch-the-us-championship.html
Yeah, read that earlier. That'd be one of a few things they need. Not Stoner in particular but a big name, still popular world stage successful rider to come in. Sykes with personality, Pedrosa or even Crazy Joe. Not some BSB cast off, someone with some "pop."
It's not easy to build a Duck to compete with that, either. Picture Kyle riding CB-equipped ducks. Sure they all look good and shiny, but while Kyle's massaging social media about "the process" and "one step at a time" throughout the year, you'll have Broome off to the side playing with all the switches and fancy handlebar buttons, right before Q1. Or the A-bike will go missing, as he's in the paddock somewhere chasing down a puppy. It's a flat out bad idea. Unless you have a video game system at the track, on-site, in the trailer - to keep him occupied. Honestly, switching bikes to switch bikes sounds dreamy. But to me, there better be some tangible benefits (and support) to justify tossing a whole new set of hats into the ring. It'd be my name on the line - and on most of the receipts.
It can help but depending on your goals (like contingency money) it can be too limiting if all you're getting is a parts budget and a deal on bikes.
The only problem I can see is while it wouldn't be GP level media crap it'd still be a huge amount along with all the normal attention and he seems to hate all of it.
Ideally he would be overseas rooting us on. Just saying, you’re NOT gonna beat them on their territory. But you start getting results, and not only does ducati notice, but they reward pretty well too. How cool for KW to get a call for a fill in ride or a test ride at a MotoGP even? Just saying
I don’t think anyone is really comfortable under any impression that a big name like that would race in MA. They’re only trying to generate media buzz.
Do you ever hear anything out of Cupertino as to why they don’t want to throw their hat into the MA ring? North American sales have be relatively strong and the have increased their market share. Bit for some reason they must not see any value in supporting racing in the States.
What are the regulatory and tax necessities for an oem to race in the USA? Could be more headache than elsewhere. Or not, I've never seen it discussed.
Can't see it being any different than elsewhere. Ducatis issue has always been with rules packages and/or budget. They either don't have the budget to do it or don't have a rules package where they feel they could win. Personally I'd rather see them bring out the displays and Ducati Island stuff to the MA rounds and not have a team. I think it'd be better for them and the series.
Ducati Island, displays and test rides are gonna put more asses in the seats and wandering the paddock than a Ducati team racing the series. Not many manufacturers can claim that but they sure as shit can.