Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1990's

INTERVIEW' Chris Manchester By John Hlpklss 26 ontroversy ruined the recent Overseas Speedway Final at Coventry, England, when Californian Chris Manchester won the event but was later told the result will not stand. Leading up to the meeting, 13 of the 16 riders refused to take part because they were told to use solid-block tires - a ruling made by the FIM in an effort to slow down the racing. ' After hours of talking, FIM officials decided to cancel the event as it became obvious the riders would not give way, and British Authorities took over the meeting in order to satisfy the fans. Manchester went on to win the .event in fine style, and there was Significant hope that the FIM would allow the results to stand and then discuss the matter with a view to next season. Instead the FIM decided to throw out the 13 riders who refused to race on the mandatory tires and send through Kelvin Tatum, Mark Lemon and Ryan Sullivan to the Intercontinental Final. Tatum was clearly concerned about any punishment, as he is the reigning World Long Track Champion and was not prepared to lose his crown. Sulliva'n and Lemon had both agreed to ride on the solid-block tires prior to the fiasco, thus setting themselves straight for any possible aftermath. All three riders took part in the meeting, however, and did so on the standard Dunlop "cut tire." Yet it is Manchester and the unlucky 13, which includes fellow American Mike Faria, who must waif and see what further punishment will be handed out. Thus far they are out of this year's race for a Grand Prix berth, and Manchester has been denied the opportunity to represent America in the World Team Cup. In light of the situation, Manchester has refused to wait around quietly. He is not scared to let his true feelings be known. Did you fear that the result would not stand at Coventry, even though there was genuine hope that the FIM would allow it? There was always a fear that they would take it all away from us, but they don't have to ride the bikes. When we took to the track, we were all united even the guys who said that they would actually ride on the new tires - they only did that because they had a lot to lose. I knew I was champion of something, but I was seriously hoping I would be overseas champion. What did you have to lose by protesting this way? Only the final punishment will tell me exactly what I have lost from the whole deal, but in the short term I am out of the World Championship, and I . can't ride for America in the World Team Cup. That's a real bummer, but 1'd rather be walking and healthy than in a wheelchair thanks to some stupid tires that these people have brought in. Without riding a bike; supporters don't understand the difference in the tires. Can you explain the deal? It's hard to explain in detail what they are all about, but they are supposed to slow the sport down and mak it safer for everyone. These guys expect us to go straight into an important World Championship meeting without having used them competitively before. Our British League racing is fine, and as far as we are concerned, there is no need to mess about with tires - there are more important issues in the sport than a silly argument over ·tires. In trying to make' the sport safer they have actually gone the other way, because the (new) tire are very unpredictable, and we don't want an accident. I was reading a newspaper article with Simon Cross, who was blarninZ an FIM decision to put six riders in a race, which forced him out to the fence in the 1990 World Pairs Final, and he broke his back. He was saying that if these tires callse him to crash again he would take legal action against the FIM - that's how serious the issue has become. But these people who sit in a dark room, smoking cigars and getting fat on cakes paid for by everybody else, can't even see that. They are just crazy. Aren't you scared of what you say tothe press and media about the FIM" bearing in mind the tough stance that' they are taking on this whole issue? I really don't care. What have these people ever done for me? They have done nothing for any of the riders. They just don't think about our case, and all they do is try and make heroes of themselves. How many of the people who have imposed this punishment on us guys have actually ridden a speedway bike? I would challenge any of them to come and try and race at high speed for four laps with no brakes. The sport is dangerous enough as it is, and I am totally fed up with them. It's time they' realize the riders have to be considered more, and they don't even ask our views. We are told, "You get on with it," and that's the end of the matter. What's

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