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/126651
who was on hand to dial-in his factory bike for the National. Kirk opened a few eyes at Indy and showed her Knoxville performance wasn't just a fluke by qualifying sixth fastest for the program. There were a lot of well-known names who qualified behind her for the 48-rider field. Kirk put in good rides in both her heat and semi at Indy. She was in contention for a tran fer spot in both, bur lost out in the furious draft-andP,\ s moves that make up much of Ollie racing. Being a bit too anxious put her on the penalty line for the Ll t Chance Qualifier and that effectively ended her night. )'oovey, who was one of the many to congratulate her at Knoxville, has always been friendly with the Kirk family. 'Tvealway talked to Tammy and her dad at the races so I was reallv glad when she made the National a't Knoxville," said Poovey. "We just bench race, but once in a while they'll ask me a bou t gearing to ru n or something like that. Tammy's a good rider who stays in control and doesn't ride over her head. She can handle high speeds. You don't qualify sixth at Indy and not know what you're doing! What she needs now is some more experience at drafting because that's what it takes to make the grid for a mile National." . Jay Springsteen summed up his feelings about Kirk's Knoxville performance: "I thought it was great for Tammy and for the Sport, She put in one heck of a ride at Knoxville because it's a banked track and you have to run some different lines if you want to go fast. I can honestly say I never re!llly fel t secltre on the track from the fiist lap of practice on. I hope she gets sdme breaks because she deserves th~m. he'sonequick lady'" said the three-time Grand Tational Champion. ~Personally, I thought she should have madea National last year," said another former Grand National Champion, Gary COtt. "However, I'd say it's more of an accomplishment thi year because there's more and stronger competition than I've seen in a long while. For a female rider to earn an Expert license and pay the dues that goes with doing that is something. To make a National and earn a National Championship point is a milestone." Scott contin ued, "Now she's got to keep pushing forward. Tammy needs a progre ive racing program so that she can put in consistent showings, get better machinery and focus all of het effort and that of her team on ra,cing. If she can do that, she'll have accomplished more than a lot of her male counterparts." Peel, as mentioned earlier, has been keeping a close eye on Kirk as well as doing some work and offering advice on her racing equipment. "Tammy is ready to race," said Peel. "Her eguipment is slowly getting straightened out. When it's ready, I think she'll really start doing good. She's got a lot of talent and determination. You don't qualify sixth fastest at Irldy if you don't have what it takes to ride. What I would really like to see is forTammy to get some good financial backing for her racing. She's an asset t the spon and has tremendous potential for some company to utilize h~r unique spot within our sport." And what does Tammy think about the future? "Most people told me it would take about three full seasons before things really started coming together and I would begin to make some Nationals and turn in some top finishes," said Kirk. "I guess we'll have to chang'e the timetable a bit. My goals now are to take a trip to winner's circle and start the 1984 season with a National number." • C(") 00 0") August 13th & 14th, 1983 w..slmugallHotocro-.. Pa'* WiBhougal" Wa.mngton You'll see the best of the 125cc/25Occ/500cc Class motocross racers battle it out on a European-style track., complete with natural terrain uphills, and spectacular downhills. The action begins with the practice session both days at 10:00 a.m., and builds to its peak when the race begins. But, don't miss a secondI The gate opens at 8:00 a.m. Catch all the excitement with a $2.00 savings per ticket under the gate price, by writing: Northwest Motocro.. Ent.rprtse., 34 N.W. first Street, St•. 307, Portland, OR 97209 or call:(503)248-1106)by August 1st, 1983 SATURDAY Adults Children (6 to 12 yrs.) Children under 6 yrs. SUNDAY COMBO-BOTH DAYSI $5,00 $3.00 FREE $12,00 $6.00 FREE $15.00 $8.00 FREE Don't miss itl Sponsored by: Yamaha USA KGON RADIO Beaverton Honda-Yamaha A & W Root Beer Mr. Rags Ltd. KOIN-TV 21