I called Tony A...
Sat, Apr 10, 2010 - 5:19pm
After the Tweet I gave out, the Vital thread started up and Tony called me. I called him back yesterday and we had a good talk. He wasn't angry at me or anything but def wanted to know where I heard this talk of MA and MCY. After assuring him that I'm not out there digging around for dirt on Mike and that I really have no opinion one way or another on where they should go, we talked about why I would get a text saying it was done from someone that would know and I trust.
We discussed some things that he asked me not to talk about and I won't but he admitted that they're 45 days out from the opener and still sorting things out on the bike. Yes he does talk to MCY Yamaha guys after all Jeff is on the team and some team members ride at the Alessi compound but he wouldn't bite at any talk of Mike going over there. He did admit that MCY (and others) have approached him about Mike riding for them but that is a normal part of the business and I agree with him on this. Informally or formally, that talk does go on.
I definitely get the sense that nothing is 100% settled as to what team Mike will be on at Hangtown. Nothing Tony said, just a feeling from a guy that's been around.
Mon, Apr 12, 2010 - 1:32pm
#2
Very interesting post Steve. Smitty, not sure about your comments on the 350. It is working in Europe and Cairoli won the 1st GP with it this past weekend, and even go the holeshot in Moto 2. But I understand it is a full factory bike and here in the US, Mike would have to ride under the production rule and maybe that could be a challenge.
Wed, Apr 14, 2010 - 10:12am
#3
I cant help but dwell on what Gossaler said in his podcast with Steve about Mikes inability to make positive changes to the bike. Here, KTM has an all new bike and they expect Mike to develope it to some extent for American mx when Mike really isnt capable?
And now, in the racerx interview, Stephan Everts acknowledges that working with the "family" is difficult.
If a podcast/interview is done with Tony, the first question that should be asked is, Why do you, Tony Allessi, not trust the direction multiple-time world champions Roger DeCoster and Stephan Eversts have tried to lead your son?
Wed, Apr 14, 2010 - 4:13pm
#4
Photo: Jahn M
Quote:
For the record, can you comment on the status of Mike Alessi in the wake of many rumors?
As far as we know, he is going to race the Nationals for KTM. It is not so easy to work with Mike and his family. We want to stick with our direction, our “KTM way,” and we believe this is the best in order to succeed. We don’t want to go too far off this course with other ideas from the family. As far as I know, we are going to start the Nationals together.
Comment directly from Stefan Everts from this RacerXOnline 5 Minutes w/ Stefan Everts
Still seems like there is an opening for Mike to be departing, any bets on what bike he'll show up at Hangtown with.
You think maybe because they cant ride the 350? or maybe they just are not happy on the 350 and dont want the 450. I definitly think they will be at a less advantage on the starts. They were soo spot on thier starts that maybe this 350 will even it with some guys they will up against. You can never believe Tony, he is wack! Im kinda leaning towards this MCY deal. They want the better starts and they have mad support from Yamaha. Do I think they will win the title? Not a chance, but if they are in a lucky position they were in last year then I think the MCY will suit them better.