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/126064
1 'Ih ~ neve -met so many arrogant I an d obnoxious pot bellied old men in one place as I did wearing AMA official badges at Day t on a th is year. At leas t one European rider failed t o q ual ify in the waning moments of qualification because so me officious ass at the pit gates would not let his mechanics into the hot pits without white shirt and pants. Since Harlev has become obsolete in road racing, ' (c.1973) the AMA's support of road racing has significantly declined. Let me try to support this 'state men t with some facts. In 1971,6 of 21 Grand National Championship races were road races; I 972-'7 {25; 1973 -9{24; 1974-6{23; 1975 -6{23; 1976-4{28. In the final analysis, I suspect that the AMF{AMA may serve a useful purpose or two. Since their primary function seems to be that of a trade organization let them be up front and , function that way . Let's get racing out of their hands and into those who can and will do something with it. All who wan t true competitive motorcycle racing should seriously consider walking away from t he .AMA. AMA a ' trade group? ' I am In partial disagreement with your opinion regarding the AMA's role in motorcycling today. Clearly, this trade organization (and you cannot seriously consider' the AI\1A to be anything but a trade f . group ) d oes I0 bb y or J.I10torcycle manufacturers and nders. But what ' else has the Al\lA done for us riders, racers or race fans of late . They reduced the homologation requirements from 200 to 25 so that manufacturers n~ed not spend so much money to go racmg. Look what that has done for flat track racing! When it looked as if Irv Kanemoto was going to finally get the bugs out of his triple the AMA conveniently banned all power plants more than two cylinders. . David E. Neal San Francisco, Calif. Want change? Then force zt! . Dave, I think by blaming the "industry" and Harley-Davidson you're loo king for demons that aren't there. If I remember correctly, the idea of reducing the homologation nu mber w as to encourage the small specialty ~ --- - - - - _. _. __ .. . outfit s to get in or stay in the game, and was especially aimed at salvaging Bri t ish p art icip at ion. In that, it fai led, but th e AMA couldn't answer for the British ec o nomy. Another, more telling case in point. I recently called to see how the AMA was going to respond to the proposed EPA{CA RB emission regs. I was told, "The AMA is not going to get directly involved; that's an industry problem." Rather shortsighted of them, because it's going to be far more of a rider problem in a year or two; but the point is, if the industry controlled the AMA, they'd be in there fighting tooth and nail. The fact is, there are plenty of problems with the A.\IA - the ones you cited, plus others. Personally, I'm beginning to find people at A.\1A think too much like a bunch of bankers and accountants. Maybe it's a sign of the times. But the point is, you don't solve these problems by turning your back. Nor do I see any of the existing splinter gro ups (nor any coalition of same, given the kind of petty jealo usy that see ms epidemic a t times) capable of providing a nat ion al fra mework fo r road racing or any other ven ue . Yo u want change? Then lay hands on the AMA and change it! If the organization heirarchy won't respond to normal channels, your AMA Congressman and your Class "AU board member, then is the time to consider leaving. Not as a bunch of disgruntled dudes, but as a coherent group with definite policy objectives. District 37 did just that some years ago, and in just thinking about it, helped force needed reforms. Of course, expecting road racers to fonn a coherent national group may be asking a little too much . . . Lane Campbell Champion motocrosser Marly Smith rides a custom Honda . An Electro helmet rides Marly Smith. ' , To win like Marly, you need something besides natural abilitiy. You need an eye for the best equipment. Then nothing can stop you. _. . That's why Electro rides with Marly in every race. He appreciates the comfort that our overstuffed ear padding and neck roll give. The strength of up to 7 layers of hand-laminated fiberglass . And the eye-catching looks of the most lustrous finish you've ever seen on a helmet. ' . Electro 'h e lme ts aren't cheap. They aren't especially easy to find, either. But if you're willing to go out of y.0u!' way to have the best, take a tip from Marly Smith and stop by for a fitting at your nearest Electro dealer. He 's got many styles to choose from. One just might ride you to victory! a sampling of Electro styles E1 Rad ian t Sliver . E2 CalifornIan co mpetition orange and silver E1 Eclipse black and silver ele b E2 Sweep er bro nze and competition orange -_. ELECTROFILM INC.. 7116 LAUREL CA NYO~ BLVD. NORTH HOLLYWOOD. CALIFORNIA 91toS 23