Yoichi Ui Japan 250 Champion?

Question

As a fan of the Japanese riders. I notice that one of my favourite riders has become the Japanese 250 Champion. he was on the topstep in 125Gp. Riding for Yamaha now. I know his last Gp wildcard was a bit off (I blame his bike) what do you think of the chances we will see him in GP 250/Moto in 2009. maybe even Haga another go.

Answer 1

Hi Proc,  Sorry for inadvertently calling you a woman before at least I wasn't trying to pick you up !!!

I too am a fan of the Japanese riders and really do think that they add something a little bit special to any series they race in outside of Japan. Look at Norrick Abe when he hit GP! Just fantastic and what a breath of fresh air. It is such a tragedy what happened to him recently. Noby Ueda was also a great character and there is just something about Okada that I really like.

I am not sure if we will see Ui back in the paddock or not, the factories do not have a great history of returning riders once they have been taken out but who knows. As for Nori well I really think that his return to the top flight is even less likely. As sad an undeserved as it is I think he will be the best (SBK) world champion we never had. He ticks all the right boxes with so many people in so many ways but it has just never gelled for him that final bit on the world stage. I do hope that I am wrong but that is my prediction. A great rider and after having met him at Brno last year and all round great guy.

Cheers

Shug

Answer 2

Well said Shug.

Nice that you two have kissed and made up LOL !!

Ui was great. I still look back at 1993 with him Sakata and old man Nobby giving it great guns!

Also, great to see Harada lift the 250cc title on that c**p Telcore Velecey Yamaha in the same year!

Great days.

Ui would be a great face to see in the paddock again but due to his age, regardless of talent I fear it would only be for wild card rides.

Although age has never stopped Ito and Okada still giving it great big licks at the 8 Hr.

Also, I heard a little note on the grape vine, that Kevin #34 + Wayne Gardner + Okada might even the 8Hr on a semi works Gixer 1000 in 2009! Now that would be worth a flight over to Japan for !!