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Silver Bullet is one of only a few Websites worldwide that receives Desiree Crossman`s newsy behind the MotoGP scene column (not always PC). She reports on #21 John (Hopper) Hopkin`s MotoGP exploits and her own as they travel the globe.
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Well the sun was out, the sky was clear and there were loads of people wondering about today. I think it’s about 32 degrees (95 Fahrenheit) outside and it doesn’t get officially dark out until at least 9:30 pm so we’re dealing with some intense sunshine.
Yesterday when I wrote the first update, John was in the clinica mobile getting a physical to see if he was fit enough to ride today, and he managed to pass. There are some minor alterations so he can grip the handle bars properly because his thumb is still a bit sore and stiff but apart from that, he was ready to get on and go for it which was good considering he hasn’t ridden anything since Le Mans. That can drive a racer nuts.
Today I was in the garage helping John out and taking care of a few things, also running into people. The bike seems to be alright at the moment, but I know there are some lingering problems including the tires. Last year, Bridgestone tires were definitely showing their capability out on the track, and this year they’ve been running into a few problems here and there. So during the day, I think all of the Bridgestone riders weren’t pushing too hard to be on the safe side which ultimately was the tire manufacturer’s decision until they can provide some durable ones. Don’t want another tire bursting. John was doing 2-3 lap stints cause’ the tires weren’t dependable, but apart from that I think he was quite happy to be out there riding around again. In the qualifying session John went out and qualified 4th with about 6 minutes to go. Both John and Kenny put in a good qualifying position towards the end, but of course so did majority of the riders. They ended up 12th and 13th but I would assume it wasn’t too bad, a step in the right direction.
There were some diggers today but it went relatively smooth. I know Max went down, Ruben went down, Sete went down, and I think Carlos went down but I can’t confirm that. There was some major rear wheel slide action going on, pulling some real Gaz McCoy antics on the tarmac, along with a few close calls of riders bouncing out of the saddle. From what it looked like on the television, it seemed as though a few riders were really pushing out on the track, and Vale was having his work cut out for him. Nothing the doctor can’t fix eh? We also have some past World Champions present as well, Alex Creville, Kevin Schwantz, Wayne Rainey and family, so it’s a reunion.
Alright well I think that’s about it for now. I must go out and face the heat, not like it’s unusual especially coming from Southern California. The weather forecast calls for rain this weekend but by the looks of it, I don’t see it. It can always change though.
Bye for now.
Des