The Ben. Again.

Toe' posted that while watching Gigli on TV.

 

The Ducati principal? I don't understand what is going on here.

 

I've heard this from a few people within the paddock as well. The interest from the only two factories in MA has been waning, especially with none of the other factories seeming interested in coming into MA.

 

I would love to see The Ben on a Graves ZX10 in MotoAmerica.

They constantly talk about how the R1 is down on power/top end compared to the Yosh bikes. They would also get their feelings hurt by a Graves built ZX10RR.

 

why does that interview read like it was translated to Italian then back to English...

I wish Spies would stop bringing up him racing again every time someone puts a mic under his nose. hes not doing anyone any favors with this. if he wants to help the sport in America, go buy two Ducatis, a trailer, hire a crew, and run MA like Kyle Wyman is doing. we need more paying rides, more rigs, and more sponsors in the series. poaching an existing seat and demanding a large paycheck won't help anyone. hell, if he really wants to help, he should find enough sponsorship to pay for 2 rides so he can hire a younger rider.

 

I don’t want to see The Ben racing back in America. What is he doing, trying to scrape together a few dollars in the twilight of his career? He should be racing in Europe.

 

I think this all boils down to him wanting to race but the injury will never allow it. All of us could understand how it would feel to wake up one morning and be told you are never racing again

 

Just don’t tell your bank what your phone number is...

 

Would it be good for the series...yep. would it be good for the sponsors...yep. would it be good for Ben's bank account...yep. could he run the table... nope.

 

I agree with everything you said, except the part in bold.

While I haven't seen Ben say it in so many words, I am sure he is of the same opinion as guys like Mladin, Hodgson, and many others...in that what the sport needs is LESS paying rides. Mladin and Hodgson were very vocal in their opinion about that. The felt racing was their job, they were professionals providing a service, and should be paid as such.

What the sport needs, is what Ben is trying to do, bring sponsors/OEMs/support into the sport so there will be more quality seats, available to guys who truly deserve them, so guys can be paid to race like the professionals they are.

Why in the hell should Ben (or anyone) come out of retirement, spend hundreds of thousands of their own money, not to mention risk their own lives, to provide entertainment and revenue for others?

I would love to see Ben's response if someone asked him "why don't you just go buy everything with your own money, then grid up and race so we can watch you?".

I am assuming by "paying rides" you meant riders paying for seats. If you actually meant riders getting paid to race, then I agree with everything you said, and disregarding this post.

 

I get the impression Ben thinks MA is beneath him and he could win every race. Maybe that's not accurate, but I really don't like the way he comes across these days, and I'm a Spies fan. Even if he was on a Yosh bike, my money would still be on Elias.

 

Shane Byrne. It sucks and I hate it for him but it's been great having him as commentary and the Shakey Show podcast is one of the best there is. Love it when these guys can stay connected to the sport.

As for starting a team and putting back into the sport I give you Matt Mladin Racing. His boy took a nasty tumble but Matt is all in.

If Ben hasn't come back with a team or himself on the bike it's not for lack of trying I think.

 

I think Toni is every bit his equal, and I’m saying that as a Ben fan ( but I’m not a fanboi).

 

Ya I meant riders getting paid. Sry for not being clear.

I said he should buy some bikes because at this point, I don’t think Ben could get paid to ride. Hayes doesn’t seem to be and he doesn’t have a career ending injury and was retired for far less time. The market isn’t there to throw that kind of money around for such a rider. So if Ben wants back in, he should run his own team and try to make it pencil.

 

A rider with a wsbk championship under he belt is probably to proud to pull a mil or 2 out of his pocket to go MA racing. But if someone is willing to foot the bill for everything else with good equipment but his salary he may do it.

 

Ah ok, I gotcha. Then disregard my post, I agree with everything you said.

 

That's the feeling I get also, and I don't blame him.

He is a big name that is known around the world, and an attraction. He could generate a good bit of exposure for the series and a lot of sponsors.

If I was in his shoes, I would feel the same. I would be like "My life is ok as is. While I would love to race again, I am in not in a position where I must do so. I am not going to break my own bank and risk my own life to put on a show and generate revenue for others. If you want me there, and want to win, prove it".

 

article said he would do some trackday(s) to get up to speed...
Can you imagine seeing him at a riders meeting?
Got to respect how he can call Yosh and ask about a test ride. He just gave @Steeltoe a whole flurry of idears

 

That’s the sad part. MA doesn’t need influencers that are too proud to help. It still needs to be all hands on deck to build this series.

 

I hate to say it but if Toni hadn't joined the series the whole thing might have ended by this season