“What is your opinion about not having Friday practice?” The reason I asked this question is because I’ve heard different opinions from different people. A lot of the teams are for it because it’s an extra day home but for the guys who don’t have practice tracks, they could use another day on the track. Let’s see what some members of the industry think!

“I think by not having Friday practice it’s a benefit to me because over the years I’ve learned to adapt to the tracks quicker. I also think it separates the faster riders from the not so fast riders. I think it’s tougher for the privateers that maybe don’t have their bikes dialed in like the factory riders. Fortunately for me, I benefit from that! From a personal standpoint I benefit from it but I don’t know if it’s a good thing for the sport or not. But each Saturday I think it’s a good thing for me [Laughs].”

“For me personally I’m happy we don’t have Friday practice. It made for a long weekend. It makes it harder for guys to sort out their bikes, but then again you have to show up more prepared. We do our homework a little bit more during the week. As long as we do our homework everything is still good.”

“In general I think it’s good and workable. We haven’t had enough races yet to have a firm answer on this situation. But in our case we’re lucky to have some riders who adapt to the tracks quickly. So the less practice there is, the better they are in a sense. For our team it’s a good thing and logistically it’s a good thing because it will save a little money and give people a little lighter schedule during the week.”

“I like it! I think Friday practice was overkill and having the Saturday only program it gives people another day at home. I know it hurts the privateers a little but it’s one of those things where it has to be that way. I think overall it’s positive for everyone and it’s going to stay that way.”

“Personally, I like it because it’s one less day on the road. As far as a team manager for a team, it’s good. It’s one less day of rental cars and hotels, so it’s cheaper. I think for the top 20 riders who make the main events it wasn’t really necessary. But if guys need those two 15 minutes practices then maybe they shouldn’t be out there. Our sport is growing and unfortunately it might squeeze out the local guys.”

“It’s different, for sure. At the beginning of the year it’s real important to have it because it makes you more comfortable on the tracks. But towards the middle of the season, I think all of us don’t want to be there on Friday’s. It’s 50/50 because I’m not away from home that many days. I usually fly out Friday afternoons so I still practice in the mornings.”