In 30 years, what are you going to tell your son about Valentino Rossi?

beansbaxter · 10-15-2007, 04:23 PM

I am not a Valentino Rossi hater. His rookie season in The Big Show brought nothing but experience on the seat of a two-stroke 500cc machine. I was and am saddened that he was not the sole four-stroke 990cc champion because some luck went the way of Mister Kentucky Fried Chicken. I am part of the minority in America not being a Nicky Hayden fanboy and I would surely never have a poster of him hanging in my garage. Nicky Hayden is definitely entertaining as he rides the wheels off that Honda, but entertainment can only sell chicken – it cannot win repeat MotoGP championships.

I’m not here to talk about Hayden or the rise of a lucky Australian whose name reminds us of chronic weed smoking. Mr. Stoner reaped the benefits of the four-stroke 800cc Ducati this year as he sat upon strong motor and even better tires. It’s scary to think how poorly Caprirossi has done this year after he consistently rode better last year for the same manufacturer.

I write this to put emphasis on the new chapter in the degrading legacy of Valentino Rossi. Valentino is over the hill, past his prime, and needs to retire from motorcycle racing or continue to destroy a once-shining legacy. The history books would have been kind to him had he left motorcycle racing at the top for Ferrari or picked up rally racing. He may be young, but he is turning into another Duhamel. Give it up Mr. Rossi, it’s time to go home and enjoy what you enjoy – WLF.

You can look at other greats that were on top of their game and decided to come back to their respective sport to try to regain something that was in the past. Michael Jordan wrapped up his sixth championship with retirement and had to come back for two years of mediocre basketball because his ego was larger than the reality. Evander Holyfield must have fallen from space because he too just got knocked out recently as he tries to be the undisputed champion – dude is past his prime but he cuts down his legacy with a lawn mower every time he gets back in the ring.

Alright, I’ll give Mr. Rossi a chance to redeem himself – but the chances of that happening are looking bleak. In order for Rossi to come out on top as champion, it is imperative and a requirement that he wins two consecutive MotoGP championships. He must not just win once, but win back to back for a second year also. One more championship will do nothing, but to take it twice in a row would show that the likes of Hayden and Stoner were just flukes that got by.

So I say this to you Mr. Valentino Rossi with the Italian accent that gets all
the umbrella girls: It’s time you join the ranks of Speed with Greg White and help them out in the booth with their race announcing. ABC’s television coverage of the MotoGP race at Laguna Seca was about on par with your season results. Help out the announcing crew and make us want to hear you more because surely we are tired of watching you do nothing but diminish and decay like the Italian spaghetti that Hayden will be eating for dinner tonight. Don’t drop the deuce.

Look at Matt Mladin, losing the last two years to Ben Spies. He is following the same mantra that Rossi has laid out, except Mladin has an excuse because he is older than Rossi. The stars are falling from the heavens of Rossi’s legacy and the dark clouds of mediocrity are moving in to obscure the glory of his racing career.

Oh well – I’m not a John Hopkins fan either but I agree with Mama K taking Hopkins over the aging Melandri and the senior citizen Caprirossi. I guess the real question left is who is hotter – Loris’ wife or Hopkins’ newest girlfriend?

GAMBLER · 10-15-2007, 07:03 PM

in 30 yrs I'll prolly will be in a box

vegaseric · 10-15-2007, 08:43 PM

The Michelins made Rossi, as well as the much younger Pedrosa, uncompetitive. Rossi has shown consistency and the tenacity it takes to be a five-time World Champion. He's still got "it", but the "it" damn sure ain't the equipment.

SHWELL · 10-16-2007, 03:33 AM

I would tell him that there will never be anotrher Rossi... Noone did what he did as consistantly or with as much swagger (Riddem) as he did... Think about the diff levels of power output he has raced with and won.

"Son, Rossi did it with combustion engines with the wheels still on the ground; not this flying stuff you guys are on today"......

Lost Sheep · 10-16-2007, 05:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beansbaxter

I guess the real question left is who is hotter – Loris’ wife or Hopkins’ newest girlfriend?

worthless without pics

SHWELL · 10-16-2007, 08:46 AM

I don't think Beans is a Rossi fan...... Without mechanical issues and tire weakness I would take the Dr. over anyne in GP now or ever........

Mladin is in the same boat... He has proven that he can hang with and Beat Ben on any given Sunday....... Thin about it, who wins when Ben does not?