One of the highlights of the official MotoGP.com YouTube channel in 2018 is its newest series titled “After the Flag.”During these episodes, MotoGP Commentators Steve Day, Matt Birt and Simon Crafar provide some deeper insights into each round of 2018 MotoGP.
The latest “After the Flag” video discusses the Argentina MotoGP,” which was one of the most confusing – and exciting – rounds in years. Topping the headlines at Argentina’s Termas de Rio Hondo circuit was the delayed start that caused panic in the paddock, and the aggressive riding penalties against reigning MotoGP Champion Marc Marquez.The four-time MotoGP Champion first stalled his bike on the start, and pushed it backwards down pit lane – an action that’s penalized in MotoGP. He suffered a ride-through penalty for that, and soon afterwards he lost a position due to aggressive riding after colliding with Aprilia Gresini’s Aleix Espargaro.But that wasn’t all – the biggest problem came when he ran nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi off the track on lap 19 of 24 (shortened from 25 due to rain delay). Rossi would later say he feels unsafe on the track with Marquez, and that race officials need to do something about his actions.As for Marquez, many agree he should have been black flagged and disqualified, but he was able to finish the round two of 19 in 18th with zero points.Marquez and Rossi crash at Argentina MotoGP 2018While all this was going on, the true story of the race unfolded when LCR Honda Castrol’s Cal Crutchlow ran a smart race and claimed his third premier-class win, and the 750th World Championship victory for Honda. The Brit finished 0.251 of a second ahead of Monster Energy Tech3 Yamaha’s Johann Zarco, and 2.501 seconds ahead of Suzuki Ecstar’s Alex Rins.The series no heads directly to America for the only stateside round of 2018 at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. COTA is Marquez territory; the Spaniard has won the past five consecutive races in Austin from pole.
Our first segment introduces you to the new Arch 1s. This latest, slightly more sporting American V-twin, adds to the original KRGT1 coming from the boutique manufacturer based in Hawthorne, Southern California. Senior Editor Nic de Sena rode through Malibu with Gard Hollinger, who co-founded Arch Motorcycle with his friend, Keanu Reeves. The 1s is a unique ride for sure, and Nic explains what makes the bike really stand out.
For the entertaining story behind Arch Motorcycle from Gard Hollinger himself, you must listen to his podcast episode on Motos & Friends HERE
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The guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—visit your local dealer or suzukicycles.com to learn more.
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In our second segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with multiple Emmy award-winning writer, Producer, Director, and actor, Thom Beers. the former Chairman & CEO of Fremantle Media North America, responsible for American Idol and America’s Got Talent.
Thom’s fertile imagination led to most of the really big reality TV shows such as ‘Deadliest Catch’ (now in its 17th season!), and many others. Of course for us in the motorcycle world, you’ll be interested to hear the genesis and story of how he started the first real fabrication reality show ‘Monster Garage’, that showcased Jesse James, and then how that led to ‘Biker Build Off’ and the ‘Zombie Choppers’ movie.
You’d imagine that most of Thom’s time is spent sitting behind a desk and on his phone. Not so. His intense stories of capturing much of the content for these shows make for some hair-raising listening.