| Author | Message | ||
     Benm2 |
http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?artic le=35927 What a bunch of baloney. (much stronger work should be used here, IMHO) So Hacking, a career racer, got upset that he didn't win. He dropped some comments & was less than gracious. WHO CARES! A racer on the podium after 20-30 minutes with the adrenalin meter pegged might be running a little high, don't you think? Clearly from the video on RRW, all the riders were a bit tense on the podium, who knows why. Hacking is allowed his opinion, and from what I read his profanities were off-camera. He's not the greatest "sportsmanlike conduct" representative, but let his sponsors make decisions regarding his actions. Will this lead to the polished, smiley-wavey BS of a NASCAR event? I sure hope not. | ||
| Court |
>>>>Hacking is allowed his opinion, He was . . . . until he accepted sponsorship money to represent sponsors and the AMA organization. If you are confused about how seemingly innocuous actions can have consequences ask the swimmer dude how the endorsement things are going. Remember what your Mom told you . . . "behave" and you'll be just fine. | ||
| Eboos |
Hacking was being a jerk in both conferences. The first one with him cleaning his leathers and scratching the microphone, the second one that got DiSalvo all fired up. I doubt that his conduct will improve after his suspension. | ||
| Benm2 |
I dunno Court, racers should be paid to be fast. Waiters & receptionists are paid to be polite. While Mladin may never have reached the levels Hacking did, he's been no poster boy either. As far as the smimmer dude, my opinion is no different there. Its his own business, and he's still the best in my book. I don't give two s**ts what he smokes in the back room. If his sponsors do, that's their business. He was the best before the big money deals, and would still be if they were gone. I don't need my heros sanitized. | ||
| Slaughter |
Racers are NOT paid to be fast. They're paid to get exposure for their sponsors. This isn't important to a racing fan but I bet it is VERY IMPORTANT to the people who pay ALL their bills! If you look at their leathers and snazzy paint jobs on their vehicles, it should be obvious that they're paid to REPRESENT. Sometimes they forget. The Hack-Job isn't gonna cut it and as was stated, it reflects badly on the whole racing scene. If AMA is trying to get publicity for the sport, it isn't going to go over well to have the kids pitching hissy fits every time something doesn't go their way... how does that look to potential sponsors in the future? Hacking needs a "time out." Maybe a spanking? (not that he didn't just get spanked at Fontana) | ||
| Court |
>>>If his sponsors do, that's their business. You nailed it. They are PAID to represent someone. They can give it up at any time and go back to bagging groceries. But it you want the $$, you behave. I have great limits on what I can and can't do on behalf of my employer. As my Dad used to call it . . . "The Golden Rule" . . . "they got the gold 'en they rule". It's life. | ||
| Elvis |
There is no major sport in the US in which behavior like that would be tolerated. Look at Terrell Owens. He's probably about as big a spoiled brat as you'll find in professional US sports and when's the last time you saw him splashing himself with water at a press conference or throwing out a string of profanities? The DMG obviously wants to make motorcycle racing a bigger sport than it currently is, and that will never happen if they allow idiots like Hacking to behave that way. How many of you could get away with acting like that at your work place? And I'll bet most of you are pretty damn good at your job and valuable to your company. How many of your high-school or college coaches would have taken bahavior like that from you or any of their best players? That kind of behavior is BUSH LEAGUE, and DMG recognizes that and realizes fans won't take the sport seriously if behavior like that is allowed. People can talk about rolling starts or spec. tires, but the real thing DMG needs to do is prevent things like this from making potential fans think this isn't a real sport. | ||
| Benm2 |
Pro sports is full of naughty behavior, from drugs & dogs to wife beating. Each seems to have its own level of tolerance. Sometimes the bad boys (Rodman) bring IN attention. Ultimately I agree, he acted like a child. I see the consequences to be between him and his employer, and I guess by default AMA Pro Racing also can be seen as his employer. I wonder if there was a tongue lashing between race 1 and 2? I hope his reactions don't reflect badly on Buell, especially by those already holding the Buell grudge. For example, the claim that the motor is completely stock internally might NOT be the best thing to point out. If the 600's are taken to the rule limits and the Buell is faster, Buell may be seen as soft pedaling. It leads to the idea that IF Buell DID a full Daytona SS spec, they'd be walking away from the competition on straights & corner exits. It could be seen as rubbing their noses in it, after Kawasaki tears the 636 down to the piston rings to get every advantage the rules allow. Those rebuilds cost money. | ||
| Elvis |
I think if you want to understand what's going on, you should focus on things like this: http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?artic le=35052 Rather than any specific comments Hacking may make. There is bad blood between Kawasaki and the DMG, and the displacement argument is the sympton, not the disease. It's like a wife yelling at a husband for not replacing the toilet paper tube when she's really mad at him because she suspects he's having an affair. DMG won the war and they're the only game in town, but Kawasaki refuses to salute their flag. Ultimately, Kawasaki needs AMA/DMG more than AMA/DMG needs Kawasaki. When all the drama is over, Kawasaki will be back and racing in full force. | ||
| Davegess |
While Mladin may never have reached the levels Hacking did, he's been no poster boy either May expalin why Mat has never gotten a really good offer to move up! | ||
| Sd26 |
It's really pretty simple. AMA Pro Racing is ran like a real program. It's a business not government or a charity. So, they have specific rules on these topics, and they have no reason to allow them to intrude into the show that they own, offer for sale to race tracks and other entities. Similarly, other teams have decided to compete in this series for the benefit of themselves and their sponsors. So, it's a new gig. DMG put out a pretty good fine in 2007, so this should not be a shock. If Hacker doesn't like his job in the series, well, I mean, he knew what he was getting into. He should ride bicycles or get a job with another team in another series. Someone would be happy to ride his bike. Even for a smaller salary, I'm sure. Rapp got screwed, so he could probably fill in immediately depending upon what his program is with his current ride. | ||
| Aeholton |
Just a correction to the title: Hacking was suspended. He was not DQ'd. His results count. He needs to apologize, pay the fine, get the suspension lifted and start thinking about the championship points race. He's got the speed to beat the Buell. He posted the fastest laps of the 2nd race. He was simply out ridden (it's not the equipment). | ||
| Paint_shaker |
When Hacking applied for his AMA license, he agreed to play by the AMA rules. Evidently he broke them and the AMA has penalized him for it. Kudos to the AMA!! If Hacking doesn't like it, he can race somewhere else. | ||
| Gregtonn |
http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?artic le=35052 Even though the article was dated 11/28/08 I think this is the most telling part. "Specific objections involve rules requiring that non-standard parts and equipment be homologated and made readily available, including handlebars, rearsets, exhaust systems, camshafts and radiators. The importers also object to rules requiring use of 17-inch wheels that are no lighter than stock wheels; the move to ban lighter and smaller-diameter (i.e., 16.5-inch racing wheels) followed tire company objections to supplying both 16.5-inch and 17-inch tires for the American Superbike class, according to DMG officials." If you can't buy the same parts the factory bikes run what's the point of homologation rules? G | ||
| Drummer |
Over on the WERA Board the skinny seems to be that after the press conference Hacker freaked out and used some very, very rough language with everyone around. Apparently that is the reason for the suspension. However chatting it up when another guy on the podium is talking seems pretty disrespectful regardless of who does it. | ||
| Sd26 |
"Specific objections involve rules requiring that non-standard parts and equipment be homologated and made readily available, including handlebars, rearsets, exhaust systems, camshafts and radiators. The importers also object to rules requiring use of 17-inch wheels that are no lighter than stock wheels; the move to ban lighter and smaller-diameter (i.e., 16.5-inch racing wheels) followed tire company objections to supplying both 16.5-inch and 17-inch tires for the American Superbike class, according to DMG officials." If you can't buy the same parts the factory bikes run what's the point of homologation rules? G Well, before 2009, there weren't rules on many things. Many items were not even recognized. Others were, but above the tech guys, the AMA administration would not allow the proper fuctioning of the rules. This year's fine. Or are you saying something different... | ||
| Slaughter |
Anybody remember Aaron Yates? His unsportsman-like behavior COST HIM a $25,000 fine levied BY his sponsor - Suzuki among other losses (loss of points/pole/??) that I can't remember. http://www.motorcycledaily.com/11march04_yates_rr. htm Hack-Ptooie needs to grow up or we're going to report this bad behavior to his mommy and daddy. | ||
| Goldrush |
How many of you guys would like to see every AMA race shown live on TV. Well thats not going to happen if the riders are not kept in check. It really frustrates me that we all have to wait a week to see the race. The one good thing I can see about DMG taking over AMA is they might figure out how to bring it live to the people. | ||
| Jaimec |
What exactly did he say/do??? | ||
| Mainstreamer |
It appears the new race organizing group wants to set a standard for profession behavior. GOOD FOR THEM!!! To grow the sport and gain broader acceptance those spoiled seat jockies need to start acting like responsible professionals. It's good to see them getting a help in tis area. Did you notice Eslick picking at his nose during the podium interview. Too much!!! | ||
| Goldrush |
These riders turn out to be some kids heroes. Learning how to be humble when you win as well as learning how to act when you lose is the first thing you teach a child in any competitive game much more so in racing. | ||
| Benm2 |
Yes, I remember the drop kick. Over the line to me, but it seems I've a different line than the AMA anyway. A couple of people getting verbally upset & calling each other names means a time out and maybe a closed-door meeting, throwing fists is another matter. How about Rossi's famous pass on Giberneau? The one where he stuffed up the inside, going way to fast, and shoving Sete off the track? That was effectively a physical confrontation but the "that's racing" mantra can easily be called into use there. I think these guys sometimes have a hard time leaving that mentality on the track, and I'm prone to be more tolerant of it, but that's just me. | ||
| Buell2001b |
I dont know about this hacking guy nor do I care since AMA superbike is so boring with mladin winning all the time with 16 susuki bikes. anyway I think its good to have guys that are buttheads it make the sport more interesting. look at wrestling good and bad guys. I dont like all the time good guys. for the one that watch tennis can say that since Mcanroe retired tennis has never been the same nor has their money has been the same. everyloved when mcanroe complaint to a referee like "Are you kidding me, are you blind" or when he bounce the ball back o the referee. Classic. I never liked his attitute but becuase of him I learned the sport and Im pretty good at it,lol nothign wrong with being a bad boy. remember bad boys always gets the girl,lol | ||
| Anonymous |
Back to the original post from Ben. The behavior in question occurred in victory lane twice, to varying degrees in post race interviews, and then the post race tirade after race two. Come on.... He's a veteran rider with factory rides on his resume. There are many ways to get ones displeasure across. F' bombing tantrums in front of the public like a rookie aren't on that list. It appears Danny and Mr. Disalvo really got in his head. For that he's earned a vacation of which length is determined by his own future actions. In this case I'll put a rider reference in place. He IS NOT Matt Mladin (our most infamous rider), and not due anything when it comes to sharing an opinion on the state of anything in US racing. After the second weekend, he lost his mind after two podiums, and a fourth in the 200? If Kawasaki weren't in a strange rider issue.... I'd wager his ass would be fired and a factory rep apologizing. Can't imagine Monster is all that happy either. To me it's like WTF mate, you have the points lead, and life is bad? anony11 | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Okay, did hacking throw the tantrum over Disalvo or the "unfair" advanatage the Buell has over his 600cc? | ||
| Bads1 |
I'd say it was brewing in him about the Buell but Disalvo brought it out of him. Could be wrong but it seem's that way. | ||
| Court |
>>>Can't imagine Monster is all that happy either. Who knows. But I wrote them on my professional stationary from New York City HQ and told them I was really surprised to see the guy wearing all the Monster stuff spouting off and being ejected from the races. Shit matters and when you take money in return for sponsorship you ain't paid to think or for your opinion. Your ONLY purpose in life is to get as much favorable visibility for your sponsor as possible. I got the impression that were thy vying for the corporate MENSA test he is not the rep they'd have sent. An embarrassment to:
Court | ||
| Schmitty |
Bottom line, the guys a spoiled rotten cry baby! He was extremely disrespectful during both Danny and Jason's interviews. And I also saw that the other #1 prick in the paddock, Mat Mladin, was placed on probation for skipping the mandatory rider autograph session. These are just the kind of guys that DMG doesn't want in the public eye. I race CCS, and I'm nothing but an average amateur in the Midwest Region who swears like a sailor. But, when I put on that Buell Racing shirt on race weekends, my whole attitude changes. I may mean nothing to the future of Buell Racing, but I want to represent the brand with nothing but the best behavior. Hacking's actions are not good PR for any of his sponsors, and I'm sure they are not very happy either. And the fact that Hacking is suspended for at least one event weekend gives Danny the perfect opportunity to claw back the points he lost at Daytona. GO BUELL RACING!!! Schmitty | ||
| Endoman33 |
I think Mr.Hacking has been hanging with Nascrap's Mr.Tony Stewart. hee hee | ||
| Fresnobuell |
As far as the autograph signing, it was setup in about 4 separate horseshoe type table configurations. They seemed to be somewhat segregated by motorcycle brand with what I remember to be Buell/Aprilla/Ducati sharing one. As I emerged from the mob scene with Danny/Barney/Shawn's posters/autographs. I stumbled over to the next horseshoe where a bunch of Suzuki/Yamaha riders were seated. Not ONE person in that section. Not one. I actually felt bad for them--looked like they were the last one picked during a recess football game. I thought to myself how can Buell be so ridiculed, yet do popular at the same time? This is FANTASTIC publicity for the brand. They have picked GREAT riders to represent the brand. Times are a changing. With Danny's charisma and talent, he could be the next big thing in American road racing. You have to love his honest enthusiasm and his huge front stretch-long wheelies/rolling burnouts will give him the "cool" factor with the kids. Hell, Hacking even seems to like him. By sheer luck, I happened to be around Danny for just a little while after the first race. Barney was hanging around a travel trailer close to the Geico rig, so I talked a little while with him/took a photo. I asked if Danny was around and Barney literally walking into the trailer and got Danny out. He did it before I could even say that if he was inside the trailer, I didn't want to bother him. I don't make it a habit to do things like this, but it was such a friendly and accessible atmosphhere--that's a credit to the Buell, Barney and Danny. But 2 seconds later Danny walks out of the trailer while chatting on his cell phone obviously to a buddy, telling him the good news. I was shocked when he ended the conversation short, specifically to chat with me for a moment and snap a picture. He still had a grin from ear to ear Danny is the real deal. He is a young man literally realizing his dream right before our eyes. How cool is that? |
