MotoGP in the US still pulls Fabio, but is the new era just as cool as the old? image by riles and nelson

MotoGP racing is making a run at popular culture in the United States. What has long been a niche sport enjoyed by a small but rabid group is now being marketed on a wider scale.

Evidence? Several races were broadcast on network TV by CBS and Fox this summer, and the Indianapolis round was announced as a second MotoGP race in America. Nicky Hayden was recently profiled by the mighty "Gray Lady", the New York Times (Registration required).

While Grand Prix motorcycle racing has always been big in Europe, it's now categorized amongst "All the News That's Fit to Print" in the US of A, too.

The irony of it all is the new 800cc formula seems lacking compared to the old 990cc era. It may be early to judge, but this season seems less exciting and more processional than the previous formula.

In a world of political correctness and clean, polished corporate sports, those 990cc MotoGP bikes were a hedonistic and churlish answer to a question never asked.

They made too much power and were way too loud -- which, of course, made up their charm. Sure, Valentino Rossi seemed to be near the front most weekends on his 990cc bikes, but you never knew when a competitor like Toni Elias would put together a spectacular ride to take a victory.

The new bikes (apart from the 'big bang' Ducatis) sound as sexy as unmuffled Volvos at idle but are faster -- even if it's just on a single line around the track. The fear is MotoGP is turning into two-wheeled F1 racing.

As the summer has worn on, it seems the 800cc era is more about corner speed, lean angle, and smoothness and less about excitement under braking and hairball passes. The old era saw a variety of different riding styles come out on top. Even the computers couldn't harness the mighty beasts when the tires were shagged.

Before this year, there seemed to be more jockeying for position and more thrilling moments. We already long for the days when the tires spun and the racing was more fun.

Maybe the 800cc era will turn it around and even eclipse the old formula. But right now, we're not that impressed.