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MXGP in 2017 will introduce Metal Mesh behind the start gate, replacing dirt, which will end rider prep of their start gate slot. According to Guiseppe Luongo "It will Give all riders the same grip at the start, in all wether conditions, it makes it more equal for the riders". Wonder how long before the rocket scientists at MX Sports catch on ?
The Shop
What it will stop it people pinching a better prepped gate after the sight lap, and all the faffing that goes with it.
I don't think it will be an issue. As others have said, it may well help stop the rat bastard trick of letting another rider prep a gate, then having it 'stolen', by said Rat Bastard.
Hell, variations on that theme, Mesh, but more often wire on wood, have been used for many years in Special Test starts in many, many Off Road events, World Wide.
Also some indoor races...
I think it's a good thing. The goal of any promoter, or race organiser should be, to cut the race length as much as possible, so now we wont see that stupid gardening at startline before every race. And riders will have at least 15 min more to prepare the bikes and relax.
I think it makes sense in SX for several reasons , outdoors maybe not so much.
Now with that being said, I completely understand why people don't like the idea. But I'm speaking solely from a fan's perspective and a fan that wants to be entertained with close racing.
I liked it,but can't think where it was at the moment, bent mind last nite,whoa.
I love the idea of a concrete start, except for the fact that it's concrete and sucks to burn a new sand tire on a concrete start given it won't wear out anywhere else. I think the grate is a great choice and allows flexibility in the starting area s since you don't have to have concrete that isn't easily/cheaply moved.
If what HenryA says is true (via Dungey), then I guess I wouldn't be so keen on the idea.
Pit Row
All sports tweak things to help the sport grow. Moto hasn't grown because we're stuck in 1980.
It will be interesting to see how this Meal Mesh plays out. What size grid ? What Gauge wire will they use ? Is it easily transportable ? Or will every track have their own Mesh and will it be the same type ? Do they carry it over in front of the Gate ?
You will always have a rut/line after the grating unless its carried out way past the gate which I don't see happening.
Add grating take away start hooks. Some of these midgets in our sport probably couldn't even touch the ground with out the hook.
for SX they should make a standard length of grating, say 15 feet behind the starting gate and then get rid of the gate drop and replace it with lights similar to drag racing.
then each bike could have a hook like attachment to the frame and the grating would have a catapult system similar to an aircraft carrier. the bikes would launch from the rear of the grating with the mechanic in charge of actually initiating the launch when the lights change to green. the rider would no longer have to worry about timing the gate drop and would just rely on his mechanics reflexes.
they would just fly out of the gate like a bull rider leaving the shute. 22 bikes side by side into the first corner.
Is it something like a block of wood to stand on? I've seen shorter riders dig the run deeper behind their gate to lower the bike.
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