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/146977
VOL. 50 ISSUE 30 JULY 30, 2013 P107 LOOKING BACK But what I had not done before is really experienced the personal side of his story. I also hadn't truly realized what a badass he is until researching how he came to clinch his 500cc World Championship. Check out his Motocross Files episode and you'll know how incredibly daring and calculated his final race of the season was. Interviewing a legend is certainly a treat, but enjoying casual conversation with one offers even more introspect, and I was fortunate enough to do so with Gunnar Lindstrom at this year's Vintage Motorcycle Days. Hearing him reflect on his days as a motocross racer shed a lot of color on those black-and-white photos I had only seen in archives. Gunnar also talked about his days as the race manager at Honda, and how Marty Tripes was the greatest natural talent he had ever worked with. As is so often the case in any walk of life, more talent equals less motivation to work hard. It was interesting to hear Gunnar talk about Tripes like he was a naïve young racer who would "win whenever he wanted to," rather than talking about his great accomplishments in the sport. Few would argue that there is a distinct value in celebrating the past, but there's an even more unique reward in bringing the past to life. These great personalities of motocross are still among us, but sadly overlooked way too often. I will always remember seeing a group of kids at Anaheim Supercross watching practice, and leaning over the railing desperately trying to catch the attention of Ryan Villopoto and James Stewart. Meanwhile, Ricky Johnson and Broc Glover were sitting not three rows behind them in plain view. Of course, they had no idea who these men were, and yet they'd give their entire week's allowance for a mere thumbs up from "Bubba." I had to laugh to myself thinking, "Do you have any idea who is sitting behind you?" I can already see history repeating 20 years from now when young fans are cheering and whistling for defending champion Tate Reed, totally unaware that a man named Ryan Dungey is quietly sitting right behind them. CN 40 Years Ago August 6, 1973 Yavon DuHamel leading the pack through Laguna Seca's iconic corkscrew was featured on the cover 40 years ago. Kawasaki's Gary Nixon and Chris Carr went 1-2… Heikki Mikkola won the Inter-AMA Championship after winning the final round at Unadilla, topping Jaroslav Falta and Pierre Karsmakers… Roger DeCoster won the German 500 GP. 30 Years Ago August 10, 1983 Doug Domokos was featured on the cover to accompany our interview with the wheelie king... Hank Scott made history by giving Honda its first win in a Mile at DuQuoin... David Bailey went 1-2 to win the Unadilla 250cc USGP over Danny LaPorte and Brian Myerscough. 20 Years Ago August 4, 1993 Mike Kiedrowski made front-page news for clinching the 250cc Motocross title in Troy, Ohio. Jeff Emig took over the 125cc points lead with a win... Mick Doohan topped the San Marino GP… Scott Russell took over the World Superbike points lead in Czechoslovakia. 10 Years Ago July 30, 2003 On the cover, we asked: Who's the king of the hill in our Suzuki GSXR1000 versus Yamaha R1 comparison. A photo of our Buell Lightning XB12S in action was also on the cover 10 years ago… Kevin Windham ended Ricky Carmichael's 22-moto win streak at Unadilla. James Stewart won the 125cc class. Subscribe to nearly 50 years of Cycle News Archive issues: www.CycleNews.com/Archives