Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1990's

Laguna Seca Raceway has taken money to go racing this year, and that's where Terry Poovey and the USC Racing tea m came into play. Terry needed somebody to work on the bikes for him, and Johnny needed some financial help. So we all got together. It's like being on a factory team without the salary. It has really pumped me up. But you were al r ea d y Johnny's rider. So had that deal not come together, you would have still had a great ride. That's right. It's like I already had the cake. Now I've got the icing on the cake too. Th e team has only been together since Pomona, but how is it working with Poovey as a teammate? Do you think that you two will get along well? I think that we will have a great relationship. He helped me out (at Pomona). I was ahead of him for a little bit in the main event, but he told me I was getting on the gas too soon and spinning the tire too much. He's been a big help to me so far. That will only make me get better. How do you like working with Johnny Goad? Fo r me, I think it's going to take awhile before I get used to the Honda. I ha d that proble m last year with Babe DeMay. I didn't have enough experience to tell him what needed to be done with the motorcycle so he would just go ahead and make changes, and they usually worked. Johnny is the same way. He went to all those races with Ricky Graham, he knows what the track conditions are, and he knows how to dial in the motorcycle. That's a big help for me . Who are some of the other riders tha t you look up to on the circuit? I'd have to say Steve Morehead. When I started doing good in Daytona at the short track. It seems like we're always in the same heat together down there, and we always got along from there. I always talk to him at the races, like at Pomona. I had the first pick on the second row, and I wasn't sure where I should sta rt, so I wa lked up to him and he gave some advice. That's why I really like him a lot. He helps me out whenever I ask him. Are there any riders out the re th at you would say you dislike? No . It's like a big family, and coming to the races is like a big family reunion. Everybody gets along, and there are no enemies out there. I look forward to seeing everybody every time I go. What is your favorit e track? I' d have to say Hagerstown (Maryland) because it's a clay track, and that's what I grew up rid in g on. Plus, it's a smaller half mile, and I won a Junior National there in '92. In '93, I made my first Grand National there. It's just a fun track to ride . I actually hate Lima (Ohio). I don't d o too well at pea gravel tracks. Reali stically, what are you lo oking to accomplish in 1995? . I' m going to stay with dirt track. I think that I will get better. Johnny Goad believes in me. That's a big plus. Do you think that you will win a National this year? I think so. I'm looking forward to the laSalle (Illinois) Short Track coming up in June. For one reason, it's a short track, and I like those. And it will be the day after my 21st birthday, so winning that would be a hell of a birthday present. I'm also looking forward to Hagerstown and Williams Grove (Pennsylvania). I think I can do something at those places. But my goal is to make every National and finish in the top 20 at the end of the year. Or the top 10. That's what I'll be shooting for . CN (USGP) AND (WORLD SUPERBIKE) THE 1995 WORLD SUPERBIKE'CHAMPIONSHIP Laguna Seca Racewa~ Monter~ CA July 21,22,23 Stroke 1 Paddock Access (Limited - Call Early) Stroke 2 AMA 600 Supersport &H-D Supertwins Races Stroke 3 Great Prices Stroke 4 Kick-off Party for Fans 8;:. . ~ WDltD IU'EIIIIE L AGUNA SECA R ACE \N AY 'S5 Call 1-800-327-7322 fOR TICKETS u.s. Supercrass Series 1251:c April 8 • Pontiac, Michigan t st Mickael Pichon (Pro Circuit-Kawasakil Miclcael Pichon ....... ... . j.; 0..

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