I'm not sure I'd be too happy to see Michelin as the main tire. With the garbage they are churning out in MotoGP, one would imagine that it would be the same if not worse in World SBK. Since it's a lesser class of racing. I've never liked Michelin and last year they really proved themselves as worthy with the total crap Rossi was given. It's always nice to see big chunks of the tire fly off at race speeds.
If I remember correctly, the worst tire mishap I saw was on Nakano's Kawi, and he was running a Bridgestone. That think came completely apart at almost 200mph. Throwing chunks of tire is nothing new when you've got 200hp+. I remember it happening in the Lawson/Rainey/Schwantz days. Michelin has been the dominant tire in both series for a long time, and I just hated to see things slow down so much.
If I were to honestly say which series has the most competative racing it'd be hands down WSBK. Those guys are ruthless out there. Their racing is so filthy isn't not even funny. They always bring their A-game and they scrap from flag to flag.
Did you see Rossi's pass on Gibernau a few years ago, or Toni Elias's pass on Rossi (or anyone else)? Did you see the last MotoGP where Rossi had to keep stuffing it down the inside of Stoner, only for Stoner to run away on the straights? I'd say everyone is bringing their A game. 1st always pays better than 2nd, etc. I think all the races this seaso have been exciting. Well, except for Nicky, unfortunately.....
I'm not saying MotoGP isn't filled with action, just not as much and it seems sometimes as they guys really are out there just riding to ride. How else does Colin Edwards win pole then get shuffled to the back of the pack? There is a definite lack of enthusiasm in MotoGP from some riders. However in WSBK seems that a good portion of the riders are there to ride and ride hard. Regardless of where they are on the track, they dice it up the whole time.
I'm not even going to comment much on AMA. I love American racing, but it's bland. It's the Suzuki show, which for me being a Suzuki rider I like, but there isn't any competition. So that is fun for like the first couple of races then it's old. I love seeing one brand dominate, but I like to see the other brands fight for it as well. Meaning they can challenge the dominant brand. In AMA you don't get that. Supremacy is great for WAR, but not in Motocycle Racing.
Yeah, it's been kind of a runaway, but the rules are the same for everyone else, unlike in WSB. Like Mladin said once, it's up to the other guys in the series to step it up and bring the fight to them, not up to the Suzuki guys to sandbag so all the other riders can catch up. Here's something: why is it that Tommy-Gun is on the same bike as Mladin or Spies, but finishes 4-or worse, behind Yates? Think maybe rider skill is involved?
Hence why NASCAR is so popular and will continue to be so popular. Those guys are nasty. They slam each other and really just push it. Sure it's lame going in circles. But at least they don't mind trading paint. Which is something I can't say for Formula 1. Which I'm a huge fan of, but Formula 1 is full of primadonnas that whine at the first sign of a bump or getting tapped. They do whine like little girls, I realize it's open wheel racing and that damage to suspension needs to be avoided, but don't complain just because you were run wide or got slightly bumped. At least the boys in NECKCAR bring their A-game and don't mind growing a set and throwing down when it comes race time.
I think NASCRAP is popular for the same reason WWF wrasseling, Jerry Springer, or a car accident are so popular to watch: we are a nation filled with the lowest common denominator!