In the midst of a massive software upgrade for MotoMatters.com, David Emmett took time out to record another episode of the Paddock Pass Podcast with Stephen English. Despite the absence of Neil Morrison, who is on his way to Argentina, and Tony Goldsmith, who was taking photos of other kinds of motorcycles, Steve and David managed to fill three quarters of an hour of chat about the upcoming racing this weekend.
As usual, we covered a lot of topics in our preview of Argentina, discussing the possible effect which the tires and electronics may have. This will be an even bigger factor in Argentina, as this is the first track MotoGP visits where they haven't already tested. We talk about the sense of choosing Michele Pirro over Casey Stoner to replace the injured Danilo Petrucci at Pramac, and take a look at Moto2 and Moto3 as well. We also cast a quick glance ahead to Aragon, where the World Superbike series will be racing this weekend, giving fans an action-packed weekend of motorcycle racing action.
The other major topic of debate is the future of winglets and aerodynamics. We discuss why Dorna wants them outlawed, and why doing so is not as simple as it seems. We also talk about the complexities of aerodynamics on a racing motorcycle, and how it isn't anywhere near as simple as in racing cars.
Finally, one last note: there will be an event at Austin, where you can come and meet the Paddock Pass Podcast crew, as well as Scott Jones, MotoMatters.com's star photographer, and Jensen Beeler of Asphalt & Rubber. The meet up will be an informal affair, and will happen on Friday night at The Handlebar, on 5th Street in downtown Austin. More details of the event are up on Facebook.
If you don't want to miss out on these episodes as they are released, make sure you follow The Paddock Pass Podcast on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to it on iTunes or Soundcloud. If you do use iTunes, please remember to rate the show and leave a review, as this helps other MotoGP fans find it. Enjoy the show!