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/127188
United States Grand Prix Bayle (111) beat Jeff Stanton (7) and Jeff Ward at the first 250cc National in Gainesville. Florida. cuit, an aftermarket accessories manufacturer based in southern California, provided him with a bike, Bayle brought the Showa suspension units he used last year, American Honda supplied him with some parts, JT Racing supported him with riding gear and he paid all of his travel expenses. o why pay all that money and put up with all the hassles of coming here to race? Bayle feels he has to do it to become the best in the world. He likes the United States, but more importantly, he feels like he's wanted here, at least he feels wanted at Honda. "I like the ambiance on the tearn here," he says. "The manager and people at American Honda are very interested in the rider. If you win, yea! Good ride. In Europe I win but Honda doesn't say much there." While Bayle has found a generally friendly atmosphere with the Honda team, it's been more difficult to be accepted by the American fans. "I don't have many American fans," he says, holding up both hands to indicate he has 10. "But it's better to have 10 good fans than 100 not good. I think it's the same in France when an American rider comes. I think it's the same here, it's new. The people like something new." Following his last U.S. supercross appearance in Houston, Texas, March 18, we asked Bayle if he was looking forward to going home. He grinned and said, "No, not really. I like racing in the U.S.. There's more team spirit here. That gives you more incentive to go fast. In Europe, it's just you and your mechanic that's it. If you pa s somebody on the track here - that's greatl" Then he paused, shrugged his shoulders and concl uded, "Back home you pass , somebody...so what." Next year Bayle wants to race the full season here in the U.S. It's his dream, regardless of the outcome of the 250cc World Championship. "I hope to come here next year to win some races and maybe the championships," Bayle says. ''I'll try my best. I hope to have many more fans behind me next year." Until then, American fans will have to wait until the 250cc U.S. Grand Prix at Unadilla on July 9 to see Bayle again. And when the GPs are completed in Europe, he may even return to race the 500cc Nationals. • For COmfort alHl CoafideDce TOIl liders I.Iy Oft••• (SHOEI) SHOEJ SAFETY HELMET CORPORATION If you don't have a spark arrester, "The Choice of Champions" 2228 Cotner Ave.• Los Angeles. CA 90064 (213) 477-6051 What's happening? GOODJ!i'EAR EACLE RACINC TIRES we have a spark arrester. DRAG-WIder fOr Increased Traction EAGLE DT II-NEWShOrt and I.OI1Q Track compounds CDAfPETITIDN TIRE ~ IWDT P.O. Box 301 P.O. Box 666 Reading, PA l!l603 Ilroc*lyn, Ml4923ll 1215l ~191 15171592~ CAl'iLI.DA p.O.Boxm st. llaIitds, Clnt:al1O LOS'l PO (416) 684·7418 send For catalOg· Shipped Dally Authorized Dislribu1Dls For looS:~"1 &iiii