Honda preparing Dakar assault

Discussion in 'Racing' started by STROM-CRF450X-990SMT, Jul 2, 2012.

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  1. neduro, Dec 8, 2012
    #921
    neduro

    neduro Long timer

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    Contracts with KTM, Kaw, Kaw, respectively, tho I think Steve is open? Anyone know for sure? He rode on the THR team but I don't think has a contract.

    Kendall and JCR- who knows? But the rumors at the time were that it was not a simple situation...

    This is the best part of the internet- speculation without any need for facts! :lol3 Point remains, it would be great to see some of our talent take one of those seats, sad tho it is that they are open.
    #921
  2. too old, Dec 9, 2012
    #922
    too old

    too old Keen supporter Supporter

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    Yes all great speculation, but without the necessary navigational GPS/Roadbook skills it would be a non starter for the factory teams and not something to be learnt in a few weeks with the actual event as the test.

    Nevertheless for the information we have Honda are not intending to replace Sam for the Dakar and are relying on Helder supported by Johnny.

    Philipe is another issue and the concensus is that with it being Honda SA and if Philipe is not fit then it will very probably be a South American rider.:deal

    Jaun Carlos could be favourite and he has actually retweeted something that may indicate this, although my Spanish only identifies key words not the grammer to go with them, so he could making the coffee for HCR for all I know - but doubt it :lol3

    No it wasn't coffee but a general ad for Honda in Bolivia (but they make coffee) still my favourite as a replacement if one is required.:clap

    No new news on Philipe though :eek1
    #922
  3. neduro, Dec 9, 2012
    #923
    neduro

    neduro Long timer

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    Bad translation is a close second to a complete lack of information for internet perfection... :lol3

    He's proven he's got the stuff, he's proven his navigation, I agree he'd be a great candidate.
    #923
  4. bajaboundmoto, Dec 9, 2012
    #924
    bajaboundmoto

    bajaboundmoto Been here awhile

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    On the road here and not sure what all has been said for replacement riders but...
    A few names I've read would be foolish choices at the level of this program and what's needed.

    I'd suggest Aussie Jake Smith.
    Fit and ready, good navigator, knows Hondas, been to Dakar before, pissed he didn't get the GHR ride at Dakar.
    #924
  5. Safariaddict, Dec 9, 2012
    #925
    Safariaddict

    Safariaddict Safari 2010 FINISHED

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    Have heard a little whisper the Jake Smith will ride at Dakar to fill in for Sam.
    Looks like they will be taking five riders ?
    #925
  6. rmhrc628, Dec 9, 2012
    #926
    rmhrc628

    rmhrc628 Long timer

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    Oh the irony of being passed over to get a gig with HRC.

    He might need some sleeping pills to contain the excitement and achieve some rest!!
    #926
  7. Simosez, Dec 9, 2012
    #927
    Simosez

    Simosez go ride your bike.

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    would also be a highly beneficial situation for HRC as they would unoficially gain added support for Jake through GHR.
    #927
  8. rmhrc628, Dec 9, 2012
    #928
    rmhrc628

    rmhrc628 Long timer

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    Entirely different bikes though. Not much cross over
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  9. Sylvia, Dec 9, 2012
    #929
    Sylvia

    Sylvia vir sapit qui pauca loqui

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    :evil:clap
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  10. Simosez, Dec 10, 2012
    #930
    Simosez

    Simosez go ride your bike.

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    i'm not talking major surgery in the dunes. familiar faces, moral support. i'm sure these things would be counted as beneficial to HRC. nothing wrong with a few extra bodies keeping an eye out for each other.
    #930
  11. Carlos M, Dec 11, 2012
    #931
    Carlos M

    Carlos M www.motoxplorers.com

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    On Zanol's facebook, fans are commenting asking for more info. 5 min ago there was a reply from whomever manages his facebook:

    Not looking good :(

    go Zanol!
    :clap:clap:clap:clap
    #931
  12. Flood, Dec 11, 2012
    #932
    Flood

    Flood F5lood.

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    Javier Pizzolito tweeted yesterday that he'll visit Felipe in hospital before flying home today.
    #932
  13. doyle, Dec 11, 2012
    #933
    doyle

    doyle RallyRaidReview-ing

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    I sent a few DM's to HRC with no reply. Frankly, the lack of news is a little concerning.
    #933
  14. doyle, Dec 11, 2012
    #934
    doyle

    doyle RallyRaidReview-ing

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    Looks like some more statements were posted via FB... (Translated)

    Folks, today is a week since Felipe Zanol suffered an accident while training for the 2013 Dakar Rally and is hospitalized in the United States.

    Like you, we look forward to official information of the state of health of our champion. The timing is delicate, so no good news postarmos based only on impressions from friends and family, even reinforcing that data are unofficial.

    What we can guarantee is that the pilot is receiving the best possible treatment and has beside his loved ones and important.
    #934
  15. xr400r, Dec 11, 2012
    #935
    xr400r

    xr400r Long timer

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    anyone know if there is any JCR/Honda/HRC/Dakar Rally swag to be had out there?
    #935
  16. too old, Dec 11, 2012
    #936
    too old

    too old Keen supporter Supporter

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    Well the dust has somewhat settled on the California week and here has been a level of criticism around with Honda testing so close to the event, however when you look around there are many teams carrying out final testing and it would appear that Morocco alone would be like the London M25 rush hour in parts! :lol3

    Technical testing per se appears to be the norm late Nov/ early Dec for many, unless of course you have the developed Orange machine, so perhaps we shouldn't be too hard on Honda and considering what the have achieved in the recent months :clap:clap and the following this has generated.

    The accident's, well they happen - pretty shitty luck to have 2 at this stage and let's keep our fingers crossed and prayers for Philipe. I am sure Honda will provide some feedback on the position as soon as they have the chance in returning from the field and are able to sort out what did and is happening :wink:

    Sam will be on his way home in a day or so and is hoping to be fit and challenging for podium on what will be his home event - the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge early in April:clap:clap

    No news on Philipe, but let us hope he is recovering and will be back in action soon. :beer:thumb

    Good luck to the HRC team for Jan.

    Go Helder, Johnny and Javier :clap:clap:clap
    #936
  17. mxmum, Dec 12, 2012
    #937
    mxmum

    mxmum Been here awhile

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    Very well put, good luck to all involved with HRC come January and let's hope all the bad luck is out of the way now, prayers for Felipe. :clap:clap:clap:clap
    #937
  18. barrier, Dec 12, 2012
    #938
    barrier

    barrier Says who?

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    You almost have as much insider knowlege about Sam as MXMUM!:clap
    Will yo be changing your name to 'MXAlmostFatherInLaw' :lol3
    #938
  19. too old, Dec 12, 2012
    #939
    too old

    too old Keen supporter Supporter

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    That's on a different forum :lol3

    Call us his unofficial press officers :clap:clap:clap
    #939
  20. mtrehy, Dec 13, 2012
    #940
    mtrehy

    mtrehy Adventurer

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    #940
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