Christian Craig

Yes, but my god his stint at Husky had been a considerable drop from Star Yamaha. He hasn’t looked comfortable at all. 

As incredibly talented as CC is, I agree that his comfort level on the Husky isn't there. Would love to see him take Deano's spot next year (assuming he's retiring from US racing) or maybe along side of Roczen. Both of those bikes and teams would probably be a great fit for him. 

I hope not, let someone else ride the bike. 

Unpopular opinion: but him and Mookie made big career mistakes in signing with Husky. Two of the best whoop riders in the world sign to ride bikes that are known as not being good in the whoops. The Husky isn't a bad bike, Jason Anderson and Zacho proved they are championship capable bikes. They are just not a good fit for those two. 

Mookie looked fast and aggressive last weekend. I hate saying certain riders have "bad luck" but once again he had crappy luck when Roczen crashed into Friese, he pretty much had nowhere to go and was collateral damage.  

I'll point out the obvious... Those Husky's just aren't set up right for their riders in any whoop section. Craig was phenomenal in the whoops on the Yamaha. Now he can't go thru them nearly as fast...

IN MY OPINION: WP Suspension just isn't good enough to blitz whoops like the other brands. Stewart, Craig, Sexton are all noticeably slower in the whoops once moving to the Austrian bikes with the WP Suspension. Is it the suspension alone? Maybe not. I think its definitely a combination of sub-par WP Suspension settings, wheel-spacing, and fork rake. Maybe the bike isn't forgiving with a setup that's slightly off. I don't know, never rode one. But visually the bike seems fine all around the track until the whoops.

Ironically this would be the year to have a less than ideal whoop set up and allow for a better setup with the rest of the track. With them only allowing 9 whoops per section which break down every week you'd think it wouldn't really matter as much. 

The husky bikes look stiff. By that I mean everything looks to translate into the riders touch points. It just doesn’t look compliant compared to other brands. 

They should hire Jimmy Ellis to set up their bikes

Craig needs his star clause in his husky contract where if he pulls off or gives up he’s booted. Guy has so much talent but the excuses come very quick 

Interestingly enough, I always thought that Zach Osbornes setup looked very compliant when he rode for them.

Quite possibly the apple didn't fall far from the tree. 

Never ever ever give up

I wonder if this is what causes him to retire? I would hope he comes back, but with a new team.. 

Probably also an unpopular opinion.  When you're the age of either CC or Mook, and have the 450 results they each have, you sign with the team that will pay you and hope for the best.

Probably needs to mess with the clickers a bit, he will be good. 

Supposedly Craig has the best bike setup of anyone Lars Lindstrom says. Odd to me that he struggles with the bike (which I think he does). 

Something about all of this just doesn't add up. Hope there isn't something else going on that we are completely unaware of, but his head and/or heart just doesn't seem to be in it at all this year. 

He does have a really bad elbow. That’s not helping matters 

This is all a part of the plan. Fresh adversity. 

before he sat out in Texas on press day he looks so pale like he’s sick…also always has that sore on his lips for years maybe herpes? 
 

So Mookie and Hampshire on 450's unless RJ wins the west this year. 

You are right however it's a bit hard to say it was a mistake when that was their only option, it still baffles my mind mookie couldn't get a ride after his 250 championship, had he got a 450 ride the year after his career would have gone way different and most likely would on a japanese bike.

Money is always right on the money. 

Yep, if the wind blows in the wrong direction he self destructs.

I did as well, and that was before the latest release by KTM. The frame has gone through changes and riders are struggling.  When Zach O rode for them it was Bobby Hewitt and co with a much different motorcycle with 52mm forks and a softer frame. Apples and Oranges kind of thing 

Man he looks rough in interviews. Almost like he’s an addict, sick, or just mentally shot. I hope he can figure out what ever it is. Hate to see anyone in that shape. 
 

Too dangerous to be out there if you are not all in.  

Aldon........... just saying lol 

"Tuck the front end Son."

I don't buy that its just the bike.  The bike isn't that much different than the KTM that AP and Sexton are riding, and they seem to be doing well enough to be in the top 5 in a tight points battle.  AP looks better than he ever has.  I could see CC not gelling with it being an issue, but that doesn't mean the bike is bad.