With the first race of the season now entered in to the record books, the 2013 MotoGP season has gotten off to a quick start with many of the usual suspects rising to the top of the leader board. Its no surprise that perennial favorite, Jorge Lorenzo, sits atop the rankings as the pack heads into Texas this weekend for the Circuit of the Americas race, however, what is unusual is seeing some of the old guard – particularly Valentino Rossi – breathing down his neck in second position. Other notables at the top include Dani Pedrosa and Nicky Hayden, with several newcomers sprinkled in amidst the top, middle and bottom of the rankings.
Valentino Rossi
Rossi Rides Galore!
Some times, it’s feast or famine, particularly when it comes to waiting for Minichamps to work their magic. This November, perhaps paying homage to Thanksgiving, it was feast, as no less than four different Valentino Rossi-related bikes showed up in time for the holiday season. Earlier this month, we received his 2010 Yamaha from the Laguna Seca circuit, which was soon followed up by a pair of Honda super bikes that saw action in the 8-hour Suzuka Endurance race. Lastly, there’s the 2011 Ducati Desmosedici mount, which blew out in rapid fashion and is currently on back order awaiting the arrival of more bikes some time in December.
We’ve also received a healthy dose of classic bikes, including a restock of the 1939 Triumph Speed Twin and 1972 MV Agusta 750S, plus a cache of BSA Rocket 3s in red. A blue version is expected in December. More bikes seem to be on the horizon, turning this fourth quarter into a bounty of motorcycle goodness.
Minichamps: Better Late Than Never!
Originally slated to arrive in November, Minichamps’ 2001 Honda VTR 1000 World Super Bike driven by Valentino Rossi at the Suzuka 8 Hour Endurance Race is now in stock. This is another one of those heavily requested Rossi rides that are almost guaranteed to sell out fast then zoom climb in value once supplies run out. We have a few still available for pre-order so consider this your last chance to own one of these incredible collectibles.