Notes on the new GP1 series from a die hard Superbike fan.

April 8, 2002

o The sounds aren't all that exciting, at least on TV they aren't. It sounds like an amorphous horde of insects. You can't pick out the individual bikes very well.
o Honda's V5 isn't all that exciting to me. Why a V5? Does anyone really care to buy a V5 for the street (granted, not it's intended purpose)?
o The Suzuki was a pleasant surprise. Hopefully their performance isn't a fluke. And guess who put one on the box? A SUPERBIKE RIDER FOR CHRIST'S SAKE!
o I firmly believe that if the top Superbike riders were given a chance to race one of the competitive GP1 bikes, like Corser or Edwards or Haga, look out. Or any of the top guys. I think we may see teams cherry pick Superbike riders in the near future...
o As with Daytona, it was Honda's race to lose, and lose they didn't. They didn't even break a bike as far as I can tell. Quite amazing really. I don't think anybody broke?
o What a ride out of John Hopkins. I'm guessing a 500 two stroke in the rain is probably akin to trying to ride on the back of a polar bear while holding steaks in both hands. He falls off and still scores points. Good man. Let's hope he can stay on the bike for the next race.
o The Honda just sounds ugly. It's unique, sure, but weird. I never liked the sound of their V4s in superbike either. The V5 seems like a slight perversion of the V4.
o If anything, I see the beginning of GP1 as a war cry for Superbike. Time to get the 4 cylinders back into competitive form. Whatever it takes, but please, don't touch the 750cc capacity! And let's get some triples out there! Benelli and Triumph both have road going triples, and Foggy is coming soon hopefully. Talk about wonderful sound... The series needs this kind of diversity that the GP1 series already has.
o I'll be watching GP1 this year, but wil a fairly critical eye. When you have a lot of money and you don't have to build a roadgoing equivalent, things can get ugly quickly. Formula 1 is a good example...

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