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/126281
Counter opinion The Protect·on Collect-on by I've just finished reading " Opinion" by Jim Gianatsis (Issue 56, Sept. 14, 1977) and I would like to add some discussion to the question of what should happen in the field of motocross racing in the U.S. I hope it remains a professional athletic endeavor so that , according to American tradition, a rider with skill and determination can climb up the ladder of success. After San Antonio , where a professional athlete was asked "not to win" so that a Yamaha factory rider, rather than a Suzuki factory rider, would be number one, I believe the team would become, not a team of professional athletes but , a team of ' salesmen selling a product , solely . . . If Jim's statistics are correct in his article - that 50 of the 40 riders competing in the main event are factory riders - and if the rules" are changed so that all riders must ride all three classes, the result will be that all the riders in the main event will be factory riders. I' d suggest that privateers have their own (stock bike) races and champions. and that factory riders have their own races and champions (stock bikes). The AMA could supervise the privateers and the factories could supervise their teams and their races. Modified bikes could be a separate class , too. From a spectator point of view, 45 minute rnotos are not entertainment. You've lost you audience after 50 minutes for one event. After that , it's torture to watch. 1 would love to see an art icle written by Mike Di Prete. discussing his philosophy of motocross racing from the AMA point of view. This was not writt en to offe nd anyone . I have great re spect and admiration for the "sta rs" of motocross racing. the factories , and the AMA . My son has ra ced Yamahas , Suzukis, and Kawasakis (100s, 125s, and 250s ) in local races. Texas series , and National events. The whole family ha s the " fever" . We're simply interested in the sport a nd its future . JEWELL NEWMAN San Angelo, Texas ~ io l-. V ..0 o ..... u o "We don't get on our bikes ... not even for-practice ... or fun without Jofa gear! " Whether you ride in Motocross , Enduro, Trail, Desert or just enjoy the fun of offroad riding take a tip from pros like Howerton, Smith , Burleson and Weinert ... you get mo re enjoyme nt out of any type of ridin g when you know you're prepared to take the falls and knock s ,.. and keep on go ing . ---- Join Team ,-,urI. The Protection Collection for all off-road biking and riders of every age. Say one for Mitch Payton At the time of this writing we don't know the full co ndition of Mitchell Payton. We do know he got off hard a t the bottom of the downhill. I don't have to tell you what a swell person Mitch is as well as a great desert racer. I don't ask many favors of you desert people but I am asking that you all say one for Mitch . in hopes that by th e time this is printed , everything is okay. GARY LAUDIG CN desert Distributed by: Torsten Hallman . Columbia MO • Torsten Hallman , Addison . IL • Iron Horse , Houston TX • Speed Center U.S.A.. Costa Mesa CA · Wheel Sport. Portland OR • Torsten Hallman , EI Cajon CA • J .T. Racing , National City CA · Jim O'Neal . Reseda CA • Moto X Fox. Campbell CA · OW . Engineering , Huntington NY • Palace Motor Corporation . Port Murra y NJ • Sullivan Brothers. Inc ., Hanso MA • Cycle East. Prattville AL Q Volvo of America Corpo rarior. Husky fan left hanging Re : The Charles Morey article on the 1978 Husqvarnas (# 55, September 7, 1977). Unfortunately it' s what wasn't said that's left some Husky devotees hanging. Is there a " 590 OR" and a " 590 WR"? Perhaps you or Mr. Morey could ascertain this info from your sources. Also of interest would be projected delivery dates. We'd appreciate any effort you could put into this, and hope to find in print what answers you come up with . Thank you. Keep up the superb moto-journalism. BART KEL LOGG Wellington . Co lorado Yes, Husqvarna will produce 390 OR and 390 WR models in 1978. Another '78 mode l of possible interest to H usky devotees will be the 390 A CC (which is actually an automatic 390 WRy. Don 't look for the aforem entioned '78 machines to make their U.S. appearance before early spring of next year. . . . Ed New! .-------------------------- • Order your Com'ic Book today oNLY I I I I I Send Cash. Check or Money Order to: CYCLE NEWS PRODUCTS P.O. Box 498 Long Beach. CA 90801 Please enc lose 75¢ for each Com ic Book. Plus 25¢ for postage and handling. I I I Please send me copies of the MX Cat Comic Book Dealer Inquiries encouraged ! I I I I : Name (Please print legibly) I Address I City I I State ZIP -------------------------- 5