Ruben Xaus

[Kidder]

I've been hearing rumors that Xaus will be riding a Ducati (a 999, I assume) in AMA Superbike. I don't understand this. Unless Ducati wants a true front-runner in AMA Superbike, it doesn't make sense. Xaus has been the hottest rider in the latter half of World Superbike. I can't imagine Ducati placing him somewhere else. I know he's crash prone, but this year, he's done much better in that department. In fact, he might have doubled @ Laguna Seca had he not "brain-dumped" and lost the front end. He did WHIP the field in the second race, though. Anyway, Xaus is one of my favorite riders in WSBK since Colin Edwards left.

What I'd like to see is Mladin move back to WSBK on the Gixxer and show those v-twin boys a thing or two.

[buck000]

On Two Wheeled Tuesday on Speed, Greg White 'reported' that Ducati wanted Xaus to win Daytona, then win some other races, because they understand how important it is (marketing-wise, I assume) to do that. White went on to say that Xaus subsequently said that he spoke with his lawyers about all this, and there's "room for negotiation" or somesuch. Basically, Xaus'll do it if it's a path to MotoGP, I think.

[Tourmeister]

Howdy,

:tab Maybe even Ducati is giving up on WSBK? So they'll push their up and coming star over here so he can get more attention and boost stateside Duc sales? Imagine if he came over here and won an AMA title!!?? Duc's would be selling like hotcakes to all the racer wannabes, hehe.

:tab It would be nice to see Mladin move up. Perhaps he might get Kenny Roberts Jr's spot on the MotoGP Suzuki? Actually, that would suck unless they can get their bike remotely competitive. He'd fare better in WSBK though, especially under the new rules for next year.

Adios,

[VFRinAustin]

Basically, Xaus'll do it if it's a path to MotoGP, I think.

I think that unless Rube can learn to keep the bike up on the rubber a little better and more often it will prbably be quite a while before he gets a MotoGP ride where each bike is worth more than an entire season of WSBK rides

It would be nice to see Mladin move up. Perhaps he might get Kenny Roberts Jr's spot on the MotoGP Suzuki? Actually, that would suck unless they can get their bike remotely competitive. He'd fare better in WSBK though, especially under the new rules for next year.


I agree, it would be cool to see Matt on the GSV, but you are right, Zook needs to get the thing even remotely competitive first. It might get so discouraging that they could all bail to another factory ride.