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7 hours ago
hartebreak wrote: I think signing Stewy would be a huge mistake for KTM. If they sign him and he wins it will because he is an awesome rider and the bike doesnt really matter, so KTM wouldnt really get any props. Now if he loses everyone will be blaming the bike, just as they did with MC. I think the downside of this deal far outweighs the upside. If KTM really wants to make their bikes shine they will sign a fast yet unproven/unkown rider that takes the US scene by storm kind of like GL8 did back in 2001. I feel in recent years (post Larry Brooks) the thing that has hurt KTM more than anything is the way the team was ran. There is nothing wrong with Casey Lytle but in a world of todays "factory teams" the KTM thing has still kind of had a big rig look with a box van feel to it. It just never seemed like the team ever made the jump up to run like the elite factory teams. KTM USA needs to find a Mitch Payton or a Roger Decoster to run it. Hopefully Everts can be that guy.
But, KTM's existing market is mainly off-road riders (WORCS type guys), who couldn't really care how Stewart does, that's where KTM is really established in the US. They don't have a huge presence in US SX / MX. The exposure can only be good for KTM. Also KTM riders tend to be very loyal, they aren't going to jump ship if Stewart doesn't win. I think these reasons are why KTM didn't get killed by the whole McGrath debohcle. It would be a great move for KTM to go for Stewart.
IMO todays KTM's (relative to their competition) are much better than Suzuki was in 97'.
But based on recent performance from Stew I would only pay after performance, but I would pay good money. But Stew will prolly look for a safe way? Choose the ones offering him a good combo in base salary and performance bonus.
Dunno how much PR James is worth though? Those digging him really buy bikes? Or the title so damn important?
He will earn a couple of extra millions despite the outcome...
BTW: I understand that Hannah was a true champion, and my hat's off to him for being part of moto history.
With that said, I don't care what he thinks.
I'm only bringing up what I hear time after time from the pro riders. When the stress of it all is off their shoulders, they ride their best and have fun. Look at Dungey for instance, look at Canard on the 450. Both recent examples of what can be accomplished by great riders when the stress of expectations aren't a factor.
James has been dealing with the expectation to podium his whole life. That's not something the average dude can deal with for about 20 years.
I think he's done great, and is doing fine.
Pit Row
Congrats to him for being in his position.
As for KTM that new 350 not only has more than enought power just like I said it would but with that new frame and linkage .....I am thinking the frame is more credit to the machine than the linkage but in the races Ive seen on it so far it looks to be one of the best handling most planted bikes on the circuit same goes with the new 250f..... The PDS problems were dure to flex in the frame that made the bike hard to make competitive....That's what preston said the frame flexed too much for SX
I think KTM would do great by signing James to ride the 350 indoors they really don't have a good SX rider on their roster this year and with the leadership of Everts Im thinking 2011 will be an awesome year for KTM James would dominate on that 350 indoors.....Alessi isn't much of an SX rider.....and after yet again seeing the 350 holeshotting the USGP and not giving up one inch on any of GH's uphills that bike is more than potent enough to win and you can guarantee the Japanese have got to be shaking in their boots seeing that 350 leading the best 450 riders on 3 of the 4 moto's so far Hangtown and the USGP has more than proven the bike's capability to be competitive and the Japanese will follow the 350 engine soon mark my words.....I see KTM taking a large market share this year over the Japanese.....maybe not the biggest in sales but they will gain a lot of ground this year, the Japanese know it too and willl drop a 350 on us a lot sooner than you think.
No disrespect to Cairoli and MUsquin, but KTM need a big name US rider (or at least an established AMA star if not an actual American) to headline their effort next year. On top of that, I believe they need one or more riders who are also capable in SX as well as MX. On those criteria the list starts getting short - Stewart, Reed, RV, Dungey - I think if they don't have one of those guys they've missed their mark. Anyone else and I think they'd be signalling that they're satisfied with Top 5 results and that's not their MO.
KTM have been down that path already in the US with hiring fringe riders, Euros who are unproven in SX, or guys that are in the twilight of their career. This time it has to be different and they have shown in other disciplines when they're serious they're not afraid to go after the best riders.
g
pro circuit has done the samething for years and has been very successfull in doing so.... so that doesnt help your case. i believe they need to get their amateur support together and start raising future champions that are brand loyal as kawasaki and suzuki has been doing. having Musquin and Cairoli over here will give the team some exposer as they are current champs on the otherside of the world.
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