There was a time when I thought sportbikes were for big egos and little privates. But 4 years ago, I went to watch the AMA Superbike race at Barber Motorsports in Alabama. When you see those guys go over 150 mph on a precision motorcycle, you change your mind very quickly. Then I got into watching the MotoGP and I was entirely hooked on the motorcycle racing scene. This weekend I had the once in the lifetime opportunity to see the Ignaugural MotoGP race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Hurricane Ike decided to pay us a visit up there, but despite the rainy conditions, these riders pushed themselves and their machinery to the limits. My favorite rider is of course, 5 time world champ Valentino Rossi. Let me tell you this guy is the epitomy of smooth.
The picture to the right is of Rossi -
The Doctor, buzzing by at probably over 170 mph in the rain with his front tyre off the ground. If I could just have once ounce of his skills on a motorcycle I would be completely stoked. The whole weekend was completely amazing.
Red Bull (where they get their funding I have no idea) put on race called the Red Bull Rookies Cup, this race was for these junior riders. These guys were bornin the late 80s and early 90s and were charging it just as hard as the MotoGP Premier Class riders. Below is a picture of their little 125cc KTM bike, that they rode in the race. Every rider had the same bike, same tyres, and were only allowed to change the rebound and compression in the springs to fit their weight.
Norweigan rookie Sturla Fagerhaug won the Rookie's Cup. Of course, I ended the weekend with big smiles, as Valentino Rossi took 1st place giving him a significant lead in the points standing. Hopefully he will claim another World Championship title this year.
(All pictures by the author)
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