Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1980's

Russ Darne" (Continued from page 14) with the strap holding down the white gas tank. This is the best motocross stamp issued." In addition to stamps, Russ has collected a variety of motorcycle related special cancellations and covers which commemorate the sport in many ways. One cancellation, issued at Matra, Italy, commemorates a road race win by tbe..late Jarno Saarinen. As an example of a cover (a special envelope which features a design on its front and is stamped and cancelled at the coumry or post office of issue), Russ showed off a 1973 Polish commemorative when the World Speedway Finals were held at Cracow. With such an extensive hobby, Darnell decided to pursue stamps as a business about two years ago. There were· more than personal reasons for establishing the Darnell Stamp Company, says Darnell; it was a means to help out others whoarealso interested in coJlecting motorcycle stamps. "In fact," Darnell says, "in the specialty of motorcycle stamps, there are even sub-specialties. I know of two collectors who specialize injust Triumphs." set of post-World War II Italian stamps (which includes a motorcycle issue) is perhaps a better example of what happens when circumstances produce rare and valuable finds. "After the war," Darnell says, "most of Italy's mail system and railroads were in disarray. Soa private company proposed a route which would have used a combination of trains and motorcycles to deliver the mail. This route was going to cover the entire country. The plan was approved by the Italian governmem, stamps were printed, but it never came to be." Darnell goes on to say that the reason for the collapse of the proposed delivery system remains a mystery. "Some stamps were issued, but most were destroyed." The result is a five-stamp set which is now worth several hundred dollars. "But," Darnell added quickly, "just because a stamp is rare does not mean that it's expensive. Some stamps are rare, yes, but it doesn't mean that they're worth a fortune. However, given time, their val ue wi II appreci ate, depending on factors which include condition, design, and how many of that stamp are around. It's something which takes experience, knowledge and research." Besides scarce stamps, there are stamp "plate proofs" which are in some cases even rarer. According to Darnell, the plate or artist's proof of a stamp is a test to see how it turns out before it's produced; this is not unlike the pre-production prototype of a motorcycle by a factory. And when the proof is approved, it's destroyed or presented as a gift to government officials and other dignitaries. Therefore, stamp proofs are extremely rare. Among the proofs that Russ Darnell has in his collection, there's a series of plate proofs from the west African country of Gabon. The five piece set features Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Bultaco and Motobecane. Another proof, produced in 1969, is of an early-model Matchless. It came from, of all places, the Congo. Out of his entire collection, one of Russ' personal favorites is a stamp which was issued by Afars and Issas, a former French possession in northeast Africa (now renamed the Djibouti Republic). Like the Triumph stamp issued from the neighboring country of Yemen, the Afars and Issas stamp is unusual since it shows a rider on a Yamaha YZ sailing over a jump on a motocross track. "It's very well detailed, and the artist apparently had some knowledge of the subject, since it's obviously a 1974 Yamaha YZ 250 If you think that Russ has gone stamp-crazy, don't worry, because he still teaches motocross schools. He's even signed a new contract with U.S. Suzuki as a sponsor for his classes. The stamp business, be says, is just another venture which he even uses to complement his motocross activities. "Riders have seen my collection and have asked me how to collect motorcycle stamps. Some of them have five or six, but when they see that I have hundreds, they get really excited. Stamps are neat'" At this year's CMC Golden State Series, in addition to giving his classes as prizes, Darnell awarded several stamp collections to Pro class winners, including Johnny O'Mara, Jeff Ward, and Goat Breker. "I've received very favorable responses," states Russ. "In fact, Goat is thinking about adding more stamps to his collection." To break into the high-cultured world of stamp collecting, Russ Darnell says that you don't have to be rich; stamps don't take up much room; and you don't have to be a scholar to know what you want. All that' required is emhusiasm and a willingness to learn. What you can get in return is a greater appreciation of motorcycling and perhap evenan appreciation in the value of your stamps as well. Now that you know something about stamps, budding philatelists can find out more by contacting Russ Darnell, c/o Darnell Stamp Co., P.O. Box 910, Alta Loma, CA 91701 (714) 980-4722. An introductory stamp collection, which includes two "maximum" cards (post cards which feature artist's renderings of Pope motor· cycles and are stamped with the 1983 Pope stamp) and a selection of motorcycle stamps from around the world, is available for $5.95. Oh yes: You can find out about future Darnell motocross schools, 000. • pt)Qp fiY P4IP4I Wf4lLfY (Continued from page 11) Western/Eastern Roadracing Association official Bill Parkinson announced that the WERA Regional sprint races scheduled for May 19-20 at Oak Hill Raceway in Henderson, Texas, have been cancelled. Thecancellation, said Parkinson, \"as a result of track conditions at Oak Hill and a "concern for rider safety." Area road racers are currently raising money to have the facility repaved. Seen advertised in a Japanese motorcycle magazine: A minibike with a "Paris-to-Dakar replica" gas tank. Who says road racing doesn't pay? The Sears Point Pro-Am road race scheduled for May 19-20 will pay $1575 to the Superbike winner and $640 to the Formula Two winner. A new AMA rule will penalize Camel Pro Series riders who ignore a black flag, fining them $500 and mandating at least 30 days suspension. The suspension must include the next two dirt track or road racing nationals, depending upon the type of event in which the rider ignored the black flag. Athletic tape flowed through the Honda pits at the San Jose doubleheader. Not only was Ricky Graham's injured right foot being tended to. but also double winner Bubba Shobert's left ankle. Still in tennis shoes, Shobert twisted the ankle prior to the Saturday night short track. The Dirt Diggers M.C. will be holding their 11 th annual Dinosaur TT scrambles on the long track at Per-. ris Raceway. May 20. Dinosaur in this instance refers to machines that run gasoline without lubricants mixed in. and the introduction and expulsion of gasses involved in the combustion process happens through intake and exhaust valves as opposed to ports. Or. to put it another way. four-strokes only. Entry is $14. Sign-up is at 7 a.m .• practice at 8 and racing at 9. For information. call 714/895-2030. The May 5-6 NMRA Spririg Nationals at New Jersey's A tco Dragway were rained out before eliminations started. The elimination portion of the program has been rescheduled for Friday. October 5, in conjunction with the October 6-7 NMRA U.S. Nationals at the facility. A little bull lifted from a Sears Point International Raceway press release: Track operations crewman Bart Roberts was working on the Sears Point These photos are of the works Husqvarna Harry Everts won't be riding during the 1984 500cc World Motocross Championship Series. Everts recently broke his leg and will"miss most of the entire season. The new Husky incorporates a new single shock rear suspension system. as well as being water-cooled with dual radiators. Leif Persson will also ride a works CR500. while it is uncertain at this time who will take the place of Everts. Jo Martens is competing on a 250cc single shock version as will Peter Hansson in the 125cc world chase. It is possible single shock watercooled production Huskys will be available in 1985. along with a watercooled, four-stroke, single shock machine.

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