PLAYBOY MotoGP De Puniet Sponsor—Bunnies Underline MotorSport Man’s Arena

When I initially heard the news last year that the French MotoGP Randy de Puniet (also sponsored by REV’IT the Dutch motorcycle gear brand I’m associated with) received title sponsorship from Playboy Italy, I threw my arms up in the air exclaiming—great!- PLAYBOY bunnies in the MotoGP paddock now! If barely covered umbrella girls weren’t enough. It’s true; we viewed bunny-turned-umbrella gal- throughout the season.

Predictably, Randy had a PLAYBOY photo shoot with a centrefold expert before the onset of season 2009—photos are also posted in full view over the Internet and on the LCR Honda MotoGP Team website, (not all however for reasons you might imagine) his ride since leaving Kawasaki behind in 2007.

Admittedly, he looks really good, alone (woman's perspective), without the "bunny" in the pic.

But in visiting the website, I see that perhaps, via presumed current photos of his bike, the PLAYBOY logo has been replaced by RADIO MONTE CARLO? Cannot confirm and could well be I've got it reversed.

Admittedly he had a good finish for season '09, at 11th which may well be attributed to his extra intake of carrots!

I do wonder what will happen when women finally (equally not just a one off season thing) get into the MotoGP, you know with regard to all the years of this male potency demonstration. It will be interesting. But at least for now, the MotoGP riders themselves are examples of manly handsomeness and phenomenal talent. Its this combo, for those of us who truly appreciate it (I'm guilty as charged)--is sexy/sex appeal beyond explanation.

Oh...here’s a pic of my very own umbrella guys at a race on Zandvoort circuit, The Netherlands--classy wouldn’t you say? Three cheers for emancipation!

BLISS IN FEMALE RIDERS SMILES

Have you ever noticed how anytime a woman is photographed aside, on, or with her motorcycle bliss radiates through her smile? You sense the happiness, you feel it. The emotion comes directly through the camera's lens portraying excitement, pleasure, pride, and her love of the activity. Just have a look at the National Female Ride Day photos!

Here's one photo in particular, a recent favourite I captured of fellow rider friend Andrea Goodman. In the mirror is a happy, enthusiastic face. Even though Andrea is always positive and an incredibly good natured person with a contagious laugh, I caught her "havin' fun feeling" reflection in her own motorcycle mirror. This was just prior to moving off for the yearly WROAR ride (Women Ride Out Against Rape), 10 June Toronto. The photo also shows the background image of another female participant as she heads out to join the main group.

I’m reminded of one of my own photo moments while exiting famed seaside Dutch Zandvoort Circuit spring 1999 —after my very first race!

I had a Ducati 750ssc at the time and this picture taken on 2 May 1999 captured the true "high" I was on. Now so many racing years later, I recollect those 12 laps of sheer adrenaline induced motorsport pleasure!

The smile you see under my helmet was an uncontrolled product of numerous genuine feelings, not a pose for the camera -- the very day I became hooked on racing.