04-14-2014, 09:18 AM
(04-13-2014, 10:42 PM)The ferret_imp Wrote: Congrats on the 45
The track looked awesome on TV. Thats why I can't go in person. Been to an AMA race at Mid Ohio and all I could see was 100 yards at a time. All of a sudden someone wouldn't come around and you'd have no idea why. That drove me nuts. I like slow mo and close ups and replays that TV gives you.
At PI huge screens are placed around the track at strategic points. These show the race broadcast as seen at your couch. Simultaneous commentary is broadcast on an FM frequency. Hang over the fence or sit in the stand with a noise protective headset with built in FM receiver, field glasses, a hot pie, a beer (or hot dog and cup of tea) an umbrella girl (or the Missus) and for me it is bike racing paradise. I would be certain that these electronic aids are at COTA.
CB4ME, I have read that some say that Alex M has as much, if not more, talent than MM.
ferret, you're right, once MM got over a second clear it was a done deal. Only self-harm could stop him. As you say the sub races-for-places did provide some good entertainment.
Rattling on a bit more about PI, a great feature of the track is a dirt/gravel road that follows, for the most part, the boundary of the track area, passing behind the stands. At the WSBK event you can jump on the bike from the camping area (no helmet laws applicable) and ride around to change your viewing point as desired. Plenty of parking on the track verge. At MotoGP no bikes allowed but shuttle busses circulate continuously. This road is shared, very amicably, with pedestrians. There is no real supervision of riders around this road however if anyone was riding in a threatening manner they would most likely be dragged off their bike, given a short talking to, and then torn apart. Just love self-regulation.
STOP PRESS/GREAT NEWS: my Staintune, to replace the badly scarred OEM, just arrived on the doorstep. Problem. Can't fit it with one arm. I will have to bribe one of the neighbourhood boys to come and do some supervised mechanics for me. I just wanna hear it!
Cheers