No No. 50 for Laverty

[Kwackerz]

2011 World Superbike

For nine years, Eugene Laverty contested with the number 50 across many motorcycle racing disciplines. But during his debut year on the Yamaha Factory team for 2011 World Superbike, the Irishman has been forced to give up his number, and instead use 58.

Laverty, who took over the empty Superbike seat left by Cal Crutchlow, had to give up his number because Suzuki rider Sylvain Guintoli competes with 50 in the World Superbike series.

Eugene Laverty (Yamaha Sterilgarda Superbike) says: "I don't have an emotional attachment to it, but I do feel it has been very significant in my career so far, and for that reason I am a bit sad to be parting with it," he admits."I don't have a choice, but I did have a choice in choosing my new number, 58."

"I like it because it's probably the nearest you can get to 50. I'm sure I'll go back to it when I get the opportunity. This year Sylvain has it but I'd definitely like to get it back as soon as I can."

The 24-year old first fielded the number 50 in 2002 during his debut in the British 125cc Championship, and has used it ever since.

Laverty competed in World Supersport on the Parkalgar Honda CBR600 in 2009 and 2010. His best results with the number were achieved in 2009 and 2010 in World Supersport, when he notched up 12 wins and twice finished championship runner-up on the Parkalgar Honda.

While competing in the 250cc MotoGP Championship in 2008, Laverty rode as a wildcard in World Supersport, substituting for the injured Fabien Foret; he took second and third in those races.

I couldnt imagine Rossi without his 46 or Haga without 41.. Methinks he is really just putting a hugely brave face on it in the face of the media. I know many riders down at club level who'd be mortified if they couldnt keep the number they'd raced under for that long although he sounds fairly chipper about it, Im sure he's inwardly cut to bits not having his '50'.

What sayeth the masses?

[D-Rider]

58 ???

Should have gone for 52 .... then he could have told people "Guintoli has number Fifty but I've got Fifty Two" (which, obviously works better when spoken than written)

[HowardQ]

I know it was more about the "joke".
But I think you may just find the number 52 is already taken by a bloke who used to live on the end of our road.
AKA the Kiveton Kid (JT).

[Samray]

This bloke you mean?

[Falco9]

I'm amazed he didn't go for "500" its far closer in looks and style than dull 58, mind you 46 was a boring number up till the late late 90's when a young Italian burst on the scene using it

I've met and known a lot of good racers over the years and for sure he will be absolutely gutted not to be able to keep his racing number, but Guinters has been running No 50 for a long time now and should have the right to keep it, after all he'll be just as attached to the number as Laverty is

His racing will do the talking not his number, I predict a good season for him

F9

[D-Rider]

I'm amazed he didn't go for "500" its far closer in looks and style than dull 58, mind you 46 was a boring number up till the late late 90's when a young Italian burst on the scene using it

... having picked it up from his dad

[HisNibbs]

Jamie Whitam's choice was pretty cool..... same as Niki Hayden's. I've a couple of pictures of me running 68 which was probably never used by Terry Rimmer. Opps I've started my Christmass celebrations early

[D-Rider]

I've a couple of pictures of me running 68 which was probably never used by Terry Rimmer.

Now would that be a secret fourth brother to Red Dwarf's Arnold Rimmer or a carefully disguised motorcycle racer more commonly known as Terry Rymer ?

.... or a worrying scientific experiment to create a hybrid being of the two ...