Ben Spies at Qatar

I don't even know where to start. Let's see, steal three consecutive AMA titles from mad man Mat Mladin. Go to World Superbike and win the championship from Noriyuki Haga and Ducati in your first year. Oh, and enter the last round of MotoGP and come in seventh ahead of Andrea Dovizioso ... securing fifth place in the championship for future teammate Colin Edwards? Check. Ben Spies' determination is unquestioned, and this Thursday/Friday's Qatar test proves that. After all was said and done, he came in .601 seconds behind fastest lap holder Casey Stoner. I think that it is simply amazing for someone who has been on the YZR-M1 for a little over four months to be lapping even within a second of the pole sitter. Ben Spies is a methodical mad man and I'm excited to see the faces on the rest of the paddock throughout the season.

Honda RC30

Also referred to as the VFR750R, the RC30 (factory code name) was the first HRC homologation. Built specifically for world superbike, Honda put immense time and effort into making this bike perfect. Even available in race trim (modified pistons to new camshafts and crankshafts), there's no mistaking that V4 sound. In 2009 three French journalists raced a 21 year old RC30 in the 24 hour Le Mans race, and posted a time 10 seconds off of pole, set by Steve Plater's team on a 2009 Fireblade. Ask any purist about what bike is at the top of their list... I'll bet you get a whole lot of the same thing.

Vital S1000RR Accessory

I don't know about you... but when I purchase my S1000RR, I'm getting the Akrapovic slip-on, full carbon fiber trim and of course, every mans essential when going blisteringly fast around the track... A tank bag?! Yes the S1000RR is made by BMW, the company that caters to your dad's touring needs, but we're are talking about a weapon that was developed for sheer blitzkrieg speed. The thing lapped a second faster at Inde Motorsports Park in Wilcox, Arizona than an AMA Superstock spec GSXR1000!! I think that the last thing on your list should be making sure your cell phone and wallet are well within comfortable arm distance. Sheesh.

Moto2 Valencia Testing!

So this past weekend was the first real Moto2 test. With Honda finally giving out the engines, teams found out they're putting out around 140 Horsepower, which is only ten down from what was initially expected . The decrease in power is a result of longer engine life being the focal point of development. With a control engine, electronics and tires... this series is promised to be extremely competitive. Only a second and a half separated Julian Simon (125cc Champion) and twentieth place Vladimir Ivanov in the second day of testing. I think that is a good indication. The chassis are completely prototype, forcing teams to dial in their ergonomics perfectly. I loved 250CC and its pure-bred heritage... but like the rest of us, MotoGP needs to open its eyes and see what state the world is in. F1 has been greatly effected by the economic state of the world, and MotoGP has already shown some signs of this with Kawasaki pulling out last minute in 2009 and a mesely 17 riders being on the grid in 2009. Hopefully Moto2 can shine some hope for 2012 when the return of the 1000cc's is expected... along with some talk about allowing privateer teams to run production based engines. Is it April 11th yet?!