Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/119121
VOL. 50 ISSUE 13 APRIL 2, 2013 venture into their home. But no matter how you slice it, as far as public relations moves go, this wasn't a good one. Schwantz has been a fan favorite since he broke into AMA Superbike racing in 1985. He's one of us. He drinks with the fans, eats with them and signs autographs until his oft-broken hand aches. He's the swashbuckling ex-World Champion from Texas. CoTA? Well, in the eyes of the motorcycle road-racing fan, they are now simply big business. They are The Man. And The Man is trying to keep the Schwantz down. In Germany, after four hours, that would be the warning in a Viagra commercial. Good luck with that CoTA. "I really felt like making my point and telling people about being asked to leave and then with them [CoTA] responding that I was a liar and that I never had this and never had that…" Schwantz explained. "Well, the four documents that I presented are in direct conflict with what they say. Basically, they're saying that I'm a liar, but I just proved them all wrong again. "The sad part about it is that now it's going to be, he said, she said. But at least I have some kind of documentation supporting my side instead of just word of mouth." I'm not sure where any of this is headed and I'll admit to having a dog in this fight. I've known Schwantz since 1985. I saw him win his first AMA Superbike race and I saw him win his first 500cc Grand Prix. I've broken bread and drank beer with him. And a big part of me wishes that was a possibility of doing exactly that at the track on Sunday night after what I hope is a highly successful Grand Prix of The Americas. But now it looks like for that to happen, I'd have to join Schwantz at the Gypsy Lounge in Austin where a die-hard group of fans have organized a Free Kevin 34 Grand Prix viewing party. Say it isn't so. P103 LOOKING BACK 40 Years Ago April 17, 1973 We tested the very first Japanese production trials bike, the Honda TL125, and it was featured in action on the cover 40 years ago… Jim Pomeroy finished second at the Spanish MX Grand Prix, at that time it was the highest finish ever for an American rider in GP competition. 30 Years Ago April 13, 1983 We ran an action photo of the new Kawasaki KZ1000R to accompany our road test of the "Green Hornet roadster"… Warren Reid, Scott Burnworth and Jeff Ward dominated the final round of the CMC Golden States Series at Saddleback… Ed Lojak won the Tennessee ISDE Qualifier. 20 Years Ago April 7, 1993 Kevin Schwantz and his Lucky Strikes Suzuki made front-page news for winning the Australian Grand Prix… Jeremy McGrath had little trouble winning the Dallas Supercross. Doug Henry won the 125cc class… Danny Hamel won the Rabbit Creek National Hare & Hound in Utah… Robbie Reynard and Kevin Windham were the big winners at the Texas GNC Finals at Lake Whitney. 10 Years Ago April 2, 2003 Chad Reed and Ricky Carmichael battling side by side at the St. Louis Supercross was featured on the cover 10 years ago. Reed went on to win. Branden Jesseman won the 125 main… Rodney Smith also made the front page for winning the Steele Creek GNCC in North Carolina… Steve Reed topped the Cherokee National Enduro in Georgia.