haga... your season's over

great racer, but you just have to be more consistant

I AGREE, Haga is a fantastic racer. I think he can beat Baylis to the championship, but like you said he needs to be more consistant.

But he is fun to watch:crash:crash

How did he do in race 2? It's still fairly early. I've seen strange things happen. I hope he gets his groove back.

This season is Troy's to lose. Haga has gone from almost winning the damn thing last year to making stupid mistakes and crashing out at almost every round so far this year. Don't know what's up with him but I agree his championship shot for 2008 is done.

He placed 2nd behind Bayliss in race 2

Seen Haga race in All Japanese Superbike Championship and wildcarding in WorldSuperbikes back in 97-98, and have followed him ever since. One thing I'll say about him is never count him out of the running

Haga has made some BAD mistakes this year, but I still love seeing him race. Been watching him since the Fogarty days. Even then he was always a threat to win. The guy may be the only racer I think is the greatest Champion to never win a Championship, (even though, IMHO, he should have got that 2000 Championships. That illegal substance in a cold medicine was some BS!) Without him that second race would have been good, but not last lap, battle for the lead, good. Like it turned out to be thanks to Haga. He has year after year of WSBK battles where it is decided in the end with passes that he makes that look like it is all going to blow up and end in misery and he pulls it off! That is why I keep watching all his races, to see what he pulls off, or gets away with next. Unfortunately sometimes those close passes go to sh!t because it is too close. But I would not say there is no light at the end of the Tunnel yet. As much as Haga has messed up there is a long season yet to go. And Troy has proved before, even when having the whole Season all but locked up, he can throw it away. Just look back to the year, (2001 I believe), when Colin Edwards set the Record for number of straight wins and came from behind to beat him when EVERYONE had thought it was over. Bayliss had an ENORMOUS lead. Won everything in sight! Then......... Hope Haga gets on form, and Bayliss makes some minor mistakes. Just to make it more fun. :)

If Haga wasn't racing it would hurt the championship, i do also believe this is Bayliss's to lose, but i always like to see Haga and Xaus do well. I especially like Xaus's win it or bin it attitude and they both sterr a bike amazingly better than any other racer in WSB

"your first or last" ricky bobby

if your not first your last -ricky bobby-

Seen Haga race in All Japanese Superbike Championship and wildcarding in WorldSuperbikes back in 97-98, and have followed him ever since. One thing I'll say about him is never count him out of the running same here, alot of people don't see how talented he really is and only focus on the mistakes/crashes. His style has evolved considerably from the old days of the YZF750SP & R7 to the new R1, he has adapted to the new R1 very well IMO. Haga has had some bad breaks this year but I'd never count him out :secret:

Still think he's out?

haga...you the man kick their ass:thumbup for the rest of the season

It's a long season...

They haven't aired race 2 yet, but race 1 was awesome! What the hell was up with Corser?

Normally I hate Monza because it has such long straights, and people normally get spread out so the action is minimal. But this one was good. Race 1 and definately Race 2! Haga is showing he wants it. Even had me worried for a minute with the earlier races. Like YamaDan said, its a long season.

Race 2 was brilliant and Haga rocked but his point deficit to Bayliss is just too great and no matter how well Haga does as long as Bayliss is in the top three for points each round I just don't see him being caught. That being said Neukirchner is rockin' and rollin' he may have a crck at it if Bayliss makes a mistake or two...the kid was under intense pressure in Race 2 and performed brilliantly. He would have had a race win already if Haga hadn't cannonballed him on the last corner of the last lap.

plus there is always checa...carlos of course not his brother

Race 2 was sick! :rock

last corner last lap you run wide, open the inside line...haga said thanx not cannonball...common sense

Damn good race. Really nice to see Haga up there and winning. All three Carlos, Haga, and Max N. have a chance of catching Bayliss. Obviously, as long as they stay in front of him.

I cant believe I am reading this. Haga's season over? YAH RIGHT!! NEVER count out Haga. The guy is a mammoth racer and its a long season. 90ish points is a huge amount to overcome but look, this is the 1098's first year racing and there may be more troubles for Ducatis new bike yet (see amazing Monza race two). I was in the Philippines watching it live on my PC screaming watching that nail biting race. Dont count out what may be the most talented racer on sometimes under talented machinery. He is amazing. Dont gimme that "more consistant" crap, he has to ride the pants off that bike to be in the top 3 and mistakes are part of that. GO HAGA!!!

After watching the last two races Bayliss might not have it that easy. Between Haga, Max Neuikirchner, and Carlos Checa they might pose a threat at some point. Especially if all three of them get in front of Bayliss. They just got to make sure not to take each other out like Checa did to Max N. Also, like bomber said if that 1098 craps out like it did in the last race. Things could be different, and I'm sure these guys want to beat him while he's on the track. It was nice though to watch Yamaha and Suzuki up front and Ducati struggling to stay up. All of them were pushing hard in those two races, but even Bayliss congradulated Haga and Max because he couldn't catch up.

I'll let you know how Haga does when I'm there at MMP watching the races unfold this weekend. :rock Never count Haga out. He won (in my eyes) one WSBK Championship (2000), was runner up last year and runs for the title again this year. The season is only a third of the way over.

I'll let you know how Haga does when I'm there at MMP watching the races unfold this weekend. :rock Never count Haga out. He won (in my eyes) one WSBK Championship (2000), was runner up last year and runs for the title again this year. The season is only a third of the way over. Haga Crashes, Breaks Collarbone http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/May/080531b.htm

I read that about 15 minutes ago and I yelled out loud in disgust. My wife thought something was really wrong until I told her what I was swearing about. I was REALLY looking forward to this weekend of racing and watching Haga dice the competition up. Well, guess we'll be rooting for Corser who looks to have picked up a bit of speed this weekend. Now Haga's season is truly over. Just sucks...

He might still race :secret: :flex: Go Haga!!!

He's racing again. Pain shot and he's good to go. Insane! I think he qualified 10th?

Haga Crashes, Breaks Collarbone http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/May/080531b.htm Dude that sucks. I wonder how well he'll do if he races. Definently going to watch that when I get the chance.

last corner last lap you run wide, open the inside line...haga said thanx not cannonball...common sense Both crashing ... not common sense

Its a long season. I was upset to read the broken collar bone, but knew he would champ on. Too bad he crashed again. But so did Bayliss in the same race. So no harm done IMO. Then, he gets a 6th place finish and I dont even see Bayliss in the results meaning maybe he is too injured to race. Collar bones take 6 weeks to fully heal, 4 weeks to feel no more pain. Haga will be just fine. The damage would of been horrible if Bayliss finished the weekend strong. Im still not worried about my heros' (Haga) season.

I was there as Haga went down on his broken collar bone and still raced in race2! Bayliss had motor problems in race 2 so he received 0 points for the weekend. Sucks for both of them but I really wanted to see Haga battling for the front watching my first wsbk race live.

I wish I could have seen it live : ( Someday. I would have been in the same boat too wanting to se Haga in the front.

I keep waiting to see an update from superbikeplanet.com on Hagas condition. Looks like Checa is coming on pretty strong. Anything can happen. Im still not counting Haga "checkers or wreckers" out. I love that attitude.

Haga impressed me racing Race #2 after crashing with a broken collarbone in Race #1. I think he will be a bigger factor as the year goes on. Last year he did not get the best start, but I think he is a second part of the season type dude. Just like he is a Race 2 type of guy. If you look at his results, alot of times in Race 1 if he does not win, he will go back and make changes to the bike. Come out Race 2 far more competitive than Race 1 and win or get alot closer. Seasons not to the half way point yet. Anything can happen, but I bet he will be getting some good wins after his collarbone heals to the end of the season.

Haga undergoes collarbone surgery in California Update: June 05, 2008, 12.35 PM ET Noriyuki Haga has undergone surgery in the USA to fix the broken right collarbone he suffered in a crash at Miller Motorsports Park in round 6 of the WSBK championship. The Yamaha Motor Italia WSB rider started both races and then flew to San José in California on Monday morning to have his collarbone operated on by Dr. Arthur Ting, a leading orthopedic specialist. Haga, accompanied by team manager Massimo Meregalli and his agent Toshi Araki, had a metal plate fitted with eight screws and returned to Italy on Wednesday. Recovery time in these cases is usually around three weeks but Haga has already said that he has no intention of missing the next round at the Nurburgring on June 15th. http://www.worldsbk.com/pubb_EN/news_ext.php?id=2310

Haga undergoes collarbone surgery in California Update: June 05, 2008, 12.35 PM ET Noriyuki Haga has undergone surgery in the USA to fix the broken right collarbone he suffered in a crash at Miller Motorsports Park in round 6 of the WSBK championship. The Yamaha Motor Italia WSB rider started both races and then flew to San Jos? in California on Monday morning to have his collarbone operated on by Dr. Arthur Ting, a leading orthopedic specialist. Haga, accompanied by team manager Massimo Meregalli and his agent Toshi Araki, had a metal plate fitted with eight screws and returned to Italy on Wednesday. Recovery time in these cases is usually around three weeks but Haga has already said that he has no intention of missing the next round at the Nurburgring on June 15th. http://www.worldsbk.com/pubb_EN/news_ext.php?id=2310 :rock:rock Damn anyone and everyone in prof. roadracing goes to Dr. Ting.

Haga's fortitude is something to be admired!

two podiums this next nurburgring race and he'll still have a chance gooooooo HAAAAAGAAAA if none, then its really OVER

I dont think Checa can keep up the good luck he just experienced. Troy Bayliss is still going to be the man to beat. This being his last WSB season. I get Troy B comes over to AMA when they allow the Ducati back into AMA. CMon Haga, this has to be the season.

Way to jinx him 5272R1, if he doesn't win the championship I'm blaming you!

I'm betting Checa will take the title this year

I'm betting Checa will take the title this year he does have the tools to do it and so does Haga, although Haga doesn't have much room for error now.

Haga's on the front row in Germany.. Still think he's out?

HAGA!!!!! ****Spoiler****** HELL YEAH you the man haga

Let people see the race first ;) :thumbup

I cant wait to watch the races!! Even if I do know the results!!

:rockHAGA!!!!! ****Spoiler****** HELL YEAH you the man haga

You punk! :) I was so sad when I saw the topic about Haga out for the season. Of cause I didn't now the original post was a couple months ago. I was thinking Haga crashed out bad in Germany. During the races this Sunday on SpeedTV. I kept on looking for how Haga crashed. Well, thumb up for Nitro. Even with six pins on this shoulder, he rode like a champ! On another note, it is not just all about rider any more. Did you heard what Corser said? He thanks Haga for the mapping. After copied Haga's mapping, Corser kicked butts. If the rain didn't come, Corser may have taken the win.

HAGA... :bow Looked like the "Yamaha" Show. Domination in the second race. That was nice for a change... Those new engines hopefully will carry over to a championship this year...:fork

what was that about haga's season being over?

is his WSBK career over if he takes the title this year??? will yamaha ship him off to MOTOGP??? and payoff is contract

Hagas riding style isnt meant for MotoGP. He will end his career with Yamaha WSB IMO. Same reason Nicky Hayden struggles so much with the new 800's. They have to be riden like 250cc's. Smooth. Sliding the rear doesnt do it for GP's. I loved the comment about if Bayliss is out next year it will be easy for Haga to win since there will be no veteran competition in the WSB class (Besides Spies).... That is why I think Haga needs to win it this season, no excuses.

"I loved the comment about if Bayliss is out next year it will be easy for Haga to win since there will be no veteran competition in the WSB class (Besides Spies)...." Did Spies say he is going to WSBK:confused:. Or am I reading this wrong?

"I loved the comment about if Bayliss is out next year it will be easy for Haga to win since there will be no veteran competition in the WSB class (Besides Spies)...." Did Spies say he is going to WSBK:confused:. Or am I reading this wrong? Neither.. he has it backwards. Spies is most likely jumping to GP. That is why he is a wildcard for the donnington, laguna, and indy gp races this year. Edit: The statement confused me also... 1. Spies is going to gp next year 2. There are plenty of "veterans" left in sbk for Haga to battle in 09.

back on topic.... NITRO SWEEPS IN GERMANY!!!! http://www.worldsbk.com/pubb_EN/sbkTV.php

back on topic.... NITRO SWEEPS IN GERMANY!!!! http://www.worldsbk.com/pubb_EN/sbkTV.php That was a fun race to watch! Broken coller bone and all what a champ! I really doubt he will have a more impressive weekend then that in his career.

I didnt have it backwards, I know Spies is going to MotoGP. Atleast that is what HE is saying, no contract is signed yet, and if you were watching the Miller WSB race you saw an interview with the ALSTAIR Suzuki team owner saying "I WANT SPIES on my team". Now that is wishful thinking but you never know. I would rather see spies in WSB anyways. We need a better American representative than Pridmore. HAGA needs someone to destroy next year!!!

P.S. The "Statement" was made by the commentators on WSBK, on "No veteran competition", not me.. I DO agree with them. Maybe Troy Corser will move to Xerox Ducati and give Haga a run for his money. I dont see anyone else who can seriously Challenge Haga consistently. The only ones close will be Max Noikerkerker (whatever) and MAYBE Checa. Like I stated earlier, Checa doesnt pose a consistent threat. His name is going to drop back down on the standings very soon. Call me out when/if im wrong...

By "he" I meant the announcer my mistake for not clarifying. However I do highly disagree with the statement. Haga has been shown the wheel numerous times by riders such as Max N and B., Corser, Checa, Kiyonari, Kagayama, Nieto, Xaus and Fobrizio who has been doing very well. All of these riders have the ability to give Haga a run for the championship next year and many of which could be considered "veterans". Moreover, Spies has made no inclination to move to world superbike. Not only is he making more than most riders in wsbk, I believe he would be taking a serious pay cut. Spies has made it known that the move to GP is the only thing he desires now and made a statement that the zook deal was %100 (however never confirmed yet by suzuki).