Nicoletti

bradnelson
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bradnelson
Edited Date/Time 12/15/2013 11:10pm
I guess its better than nothing, but its part time:

http://www.vitalmx.com/news/press-release/JGRMX-Welcomes-Phil-Nicoletti…
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bradnelson
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bradnelson 12/11/2013 6:52am
12/11/2013 6:52am
And the N-Fab team is definitely out of the picture this season.
Sandberm
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Sandberm 12/11/2013 8:31am
12/11/2013 8:31am
Thats a weird deal and a bizzarly written pr. I like this part:

...Nicoletti, who hails from New York, but has been training not far from the team’s North Carolina headquarters, appears to have the potential to race as a professional,...

Appears???Blink

This just in, Vitalmx appears to have the potential to be motocross website.Dizzy

Christ guys, give Phil a good bike with an incentive laden deal and support him from race 1 at Anaheim.
TX24
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TX24 12/11/2013 9:09am
12/11/2013 9:09am
That is strange wording.
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MOTO120 12/11/2013 9:26am
12/11/2013 9:26am
There will no doubt be strong opinions on this topic BUT step back and take a look at it from the "everyday" sporting enthusiast point of view. Many motorsports teams have test drivers....NOT just the Sunday (our case Saturday) racers. ALL sporting teams (football, basketball, etc.) have practice squad teams.....NOT just the players we see on TV. I think it is kind of cool what JGR is trying to do, will be interesting if other teams take up this philosophy.

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berno929
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berno929 12/11/2013 9:33am
12/11/2013 9:33am
Alright... what the hell is this crap!?? Purse money for making the night show on a 450 is enough for airfare and hotel... they already have a bike ready for him... why isn't he doing all the rounds?
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Sandberm 12/11/2013 9:37am
12/11/2013 9:37am
I understand what your saying Moto120 but Phil isnt a practice squad caliber pro. He got top 10 at some Nationals this past summer. He might not be an all-star, but I think he should be an everyday starter.

Practice squad material would be guys who finish outside the points or who just miss main events on a regular basis.
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berno929 12/11/2013 9:37am
12/11/2013 9:37am Edited Date/Time 12/11/2013 9:39am
MOTO120 wrote:
There will no doubt be strong opinions on this topic BUT step back and take a look at it from the "everyday" sporting enthusiast point of...
There will no doubt be strong opinions on this topic BUT step back and take a look at it from the "everyday" sporting enthusiast point of view. Many motorsports teams have test drivers....NOT just the Sunday (our case Saturday) racers. ALL sporting teams (football, basketball, etc.) have practice squad teams.....NOT just the players we see on TV. I think it is kind of cool what JGR is trying to do, will be interesting if other teams take up this philosophy.
Other sports don't have qualifiers for everyone at all races / games....
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ga_pike 12/11/2013 9:43am
12/11/2013 9:43am Edited Date/Time 12/11/2013 9:44am
IMHO, if this is the direction the sport is going, then I think you need to offer the premier class(es) AND a support class. Guys like Nicoletti would race the support class (sort of JV or AA thing) and be called up to fill in if/when a need arises. Due to cost, I don't see many teams following suit, but it might give other hardworking guys a shot at a title. It would also work to continue as a feeder system. This way, you have your premier class and then a true support class (where bike restrictions limit allowable mods). The top talent races the premier class, period and doesn't hang out in the support class.
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Sandberm 12/11/2013 9:48am
12/11/2013 9:48am
Maybe Phil is the Tony Kubiak to Josh Grants John Elway.

Phil holds a clipboard, doesnt get hurt and still collects a nice paycheck?
Camp332
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Camp332 12/11/2013 11:27am
12/11/2013 11:27am
Seems like a cool deal with unmentioned plans for Phil and JGR in the future.
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Matthes 12/11/2013 11:29am
12/11/2013 11:29am
It's a different deal for sure and we'll see how it all works out. Who knows, maybe this is the future?

Two things to keep in mind here-- One is that Phil chose this ride. He loved the bike and liked the concept. And two is that when is the last time Josh Grant made it through the year. Not hating but at this point, I'm sure JGR is keeping this in mind.

I'll be watching for sure.
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ga_pike 12/11/2013 12:03pm
12/11/2013 12:03pm
Pure speculation on my part but...

One of the benefits for Phil in this is most likely he is a paid employee. I obviously do not know the details, but my guess would be he gets a check from JGR weather he races or rides the bench. There is something to be said for a steady income. Plus, he gets the opportunity to ride a factroy level bike and provide input. I sort of see him as a modern day Doug Dubach or Mike Fisher in that respect.
Mr. Ted 12/11/2013 12:26pm
12/11/2013 12:26pm
Is that a 1/2 factory deal?
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bogdan912 12/11/2013 12:37pm
12/11/2013 12:37pm
In his 6 years as a pro he's definteily shown that he has appears to have the potential to be a pro.
GeorgiePorgie 12/11/2013 12:38pm
12/11/2013 12:38pm Edited Date/Time 12/11/2013 12:39pm
Ok so he's getting the factory bike for every event, but running different graphics package in at least 6 events if Brayton and Grant stay healthy? Sounds like a good fallback plan set up by JGR.

Sounds like a badass deal to me for PN. Who cares about the stickers when you got a factory rocket between your legs!
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MT MX 12/11/2013 12:54pm
12/11/2013 12:54pm
ga_pike wrote:
Pure speculation on my part but... One of the benefits for Phil in this is most likely he is a paid employee. I obviously do not...
Pure speculation on my part but...

One of the benefits for Phil in this is most likely he is a paid employee. I obviously do not know the details, but my guess would be he gets a check from JGR weather he races or rides the bench. There is something to be said for a steady income. Plus, he gets the opportunity to ride a factroy level bike and provide input. I sort of see him as a modern day Doug Dubach or Mike Fisher in that respect.
I know Dubach and Fisher did a shitload of testing for their respective factories back in the day, but isn't that what Travis Preston is doing for JGR?
I'm kind of leaning towards Matthes direction (for once). When was that last time that Grant finished a whole season? Phil could be on the bike in Phoenix. Crazier things have happened!
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moto431 12/11/2013 3:05pm
12/11/2013 3:05pm
Let him ride the first 6 and see how he does. Or put him in the 250 class to get him some race time. With how many guys get hurt during practice its not a good idea. So he could possibly get thrown into the championship at round 6 with no races under his belt. Not going to work. The only good thing is, he has a job!!!!
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GuyB 12/11/2013 3:17pm
12/11/2013 3:17pm
MT MX wrote:
I know Dubach and Fisher did a shitload of testing for their respective factories back in the day, but isn't that what Travis Preston is doing...
I know Dubach and Fisher did a shitload of testing for their respective factories back in the day, but isn't that what Travis Preston is doing for JGR?
I'm kind of leaning towards Matthes direction (for once). When was that last time that Grant finished a whole season? Phil could be on the bike in Phoenix. Crazier things have happened!
I think Travis does a lot more future product testing for Yamaha.

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mxdude105 12/11/2013 4:13pm
12/11/2013 4:13pm
The "appears to have the potential to race as a professional" line is a bit ridiculous, considering he has been racing as a professional for several years. I'll be interested to see how this works out. I almost feel like it puts Josh and Phil in a weird spot, in that Phil is basically going to hope for Josh to get hurt so he can have the ride. I guess we'll see
Crisp BRAAAP! 12/11/2013 4:22pm
12/11/2013 4:22pm
I don't get what all the stink is about. All F1 teams do this.

• Phil gets to prove himself to JGR (and everyone) on good equipment
• JGR and Phil get familiar with each other to see how compatible they are
• JGR gets an extra test rider - could give full time riders a break here and there
• Phil could slide into a full time slot if someone gets hurt.
• If not, he could have a successful "audition" for 2015

It's a win-win.
adamrooney123 12/11/2013 4:27pm
12/11/2013 4:27pm
Why not put him back on a 250F if his first actual race (unless an injury) for the East? Still tests but actually gets a chance to show what he's got on more than factory equipment.
Crisp BRAAAP! 12/11/2013 4:31pm
12/11/2013 4:31pm
JGR doesn't run a 250 and it's expensive to develop a program. I don't think JGR is interested in what's in it for Phil - they have the upper hand in these negotiations. Where else will Phil go without N-Fab? Phil might want the part time program anyway so he can focus more on those races and have fewer but better showings for his resume.
Jamie_Munro 12/11/2013 4:32pm
12/11/2013 4:32pm
Why would anybody hate on this?

Seriously, read it for what it is and understand it FFS.

FAIR PLAY JGR AND ITS NICE TO SEE FILTHY GET A REWARD FOR RIDING THE BLUE AS HARD AS, IF NOT HARDER THAN ANYBODY LAST YEAR
adamrooney123 12/11/2013 4:35pm
12/11/2013 4:35pm
Crisp BRAAAP! wrote:
JGR doesn't run a 250 and it's expensive to develop a program. I don't think JGR is interested in what's in it for Phil - they...
JGR doesn't run a 250 and it's expensive to develop a program. I don't think JGR is interested in what's in it for Phil - they have the upper hand in these negotiations. Where else will Phil go without N-Fab? Phil might want the part time program anyway so he can focus more on those races and have fewer but better showings for his resume.
That's true. I like Nicoletti. That's too much talent to waste. I'm glad someone is helping him out. I just wish it was full time. Not hating on any of it. Just wish it was full time.
Crisp BRAAAP! 12/11/2013 5:29pm
12/11/2013 5:29pm
I hear you-could be at any point this year though, and might be what's needed for a full time gig here or elsewhere next year. Lots of contracts up at years end. Think of it as an internship before the job. Can't beat being able to show what you've got on good equipment. Better than loading up the pickup and driving the country on your own dime.
GeorgiePorgie 12/11/2013 5:34pm
12/11/2013 5:34pm
If JGR puts him on a 250 and he gets hurt. Then there goes the fallback route if grant or Brayton get hurt. JGR intent is to keep sponsors happy by having the bike on the track. They don't care whose in it. Like NASCAR numbers are owned by teams. They don't care whose in the car to a point but they do care that its decals are getting tv air-time.
aaryn #234 12/11/2013 6:07pm
12/11/2013 6:07pm
Weird deal for sure and I don't see the point!

What happens if Phil is healthy at the start of the year then (Hopefully it does not happen) Hurts himself before the first of his scheduled six races!

Even if it all works out for him, coming in from the side lines it will take a race or two to get back up to race pace and be back in the mix. So what he gets a feel for racing then told back to the sidelines due to no riders getting hurt?

Also why start him so late into the season with his 6 rides, why not at A1 and run through the first six, if he is doing well or out riding the two team riders, promote him to the full factory bike and drop one of the other two to the N-Fab bike.

Shit deal having a potential top ten rider who is still on the rise sitting on the sidelines potentially for the majority of the season when there is a bike sitting there to ride.
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machine 12/11/2013 6:13pm
12/11/2013 6:13pm
They should at least let him ride the nationals full time, he would probably be more consistent then the two "full time" guys they have.
MillsHondaRider 12/11/2013 6:35pm
12/11/2013 6:35pm
Unusual, but sounds like a good thing for both (potentially).

Phil gets a factory ride with N-Fab / JGR graphics for at least 6 rounds... Not only 6 rounds. I would hope if he is successful and Grant and Brayton stay healthy, that his factory bike is still made available. If he is not cutting it (worth having as 3rd a full time rider), sounds like JGR can kinda pull the plug on supporting him, but have him available as a quick fill-in rider.

It doesn't mention this, but seems like since he is running N-Fab graphics (too) when being the 3rd JGR rider, that N-Fab must have a hand in his program. Hopefully if JGR drops him as the 3rd rider (Grant and Brayton still healthy), N-Fab would be there to get him to the races, if only on a privateer bike.

I'm done speculating.
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mx5471 12/11/2013 7:05pm
12/11/2013 7:05pm
I remember Phil from when he was on 80's. My son raced with him. He was fast, very fast. And he has showed it in the Supercross races recently. He could be a contender. But you can't make it without giant support. It's a story that shows how hard it is to make it in this sport. Only a very few get the big rewards, and many, if they had the support could be as good. But at this time, the big sponsors are few. As different as it seems, it's good for him.The point is simple. It's the best deal he could get, so he took it. Good for him. If he stays healthy and wins races, he may get a better one. But for now, that's what he's agreed to to, and is probably happy as hell to get that.

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