Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1990's

• VOICES Letters 10 the editor Schedule dilemma In reference to Paul Steinbacher's letter (Issue #28, July 17) regarding the inaccuracy of the published ESP 2 racing scheduled, I disagree. Paul said that the times listed are wrong more than they are right. Actually, I have found that they are right slightly more than they are wrong, but it's real close. Seriously, why can't ESPN publish an accurate schedule of their own programming? I'm one fan who relies on that schedule to get my fix. Also, it makes no sense for ESPN to publish their expired monthly schedule in Cycle News each month. Who cares what showed the past four weeks - we want to know what's showing this weekend. On the flip side, ESPN deserves commendation for Significant improvements in presentation of all motorcycle racing events. Two ho'urs of solid coverage dedicated to the two most competitive classes in each series is a huge improvement over the one hour of bits and pieces we saw in the recent past. ESPN took another huge step in the right direction by employing two excellent commentators - David Bailey for motocross and Kevin Schwantz for Grand Prix road racing. These guys are examples of true professionals. They present information with the kind of insight the average fan can understand and appreciate, and they speak clearly and intelligently about what's happening on the track without constantly reminding viewers about how great they were when it happened to them. Incredibly, they even seem to bring out the best in their co-commentators. Overall, I'd say ESPN has made great strides recently, and I hope they continue in the right direction. Now, if they could just get their broadcast schedule right... Keith Quistorff Raleigh, NC Different atmosphere The new supercross promoters could take a lesson from Ward Robinson of Unadilla. He stopped overnight camping and quit selling alcohol and attendance went up, not down at his race. The biggest problem with supercross right now is they promote it like it's going to be the party of the century, then wonder why there's so many fights and problems. Families have stopped going. I won't go again after having fighting drunks fall on me and my wife at the last Anaheim Supercross. They need to decide if they want "Supercross to have a riotous-drunkenparty-rock-concert atmosphere or a familyatmosphere. MOX48K@aol.com A Mann's view I enjoyed reading the coverage of the AHRMA ational Motocross at Carlsbad. The race brought back memories of the famous circuit, as I rode it in the late sixties. I would like to clear up a few points from the article. The race between Rick Doughty and myself was carried out in a fun and sportsmanlike manner. His last-second pass was very legal, safe and expected, as he was faster than I was in that section of the track all day. I am looking forward to the next AHRMA event so I might pretend to be "young" again. DickMann Gardnerville, NV Rock brain? I normally don't reply to rock brain people that write letters like Gene Romero, but if Cary Agajanian said what was quoted in Cycle News, and [ believe he did, it is no wonder that AMA Pro Racing cares little about dirt track racing. If the Pro Racing board is so caring about dirt track, where have they been? Oh, yes, Cary Agajanian was at EJdoria last year. What have they done? That's right - zero! First of all, Scott Rousseau was not at a test session in Las Vegas. He was at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for media day. Gene, I am sure that you or your boss Chris Agajanian were also there trying to land a dirt track race. Of course, you will also want to pay the minimum purse. Is it really the fuel issue we are talking about or the way the AMA ram-rodded it down our throats. We do not even know if our pump gas is legal. They the AMA - has to send it to a laboratory to test it. How would you like to win a National on Saturday night and have it taken away the following Wednesday. This is crap. Gene, get your facts correct about this self-appointed, anti-AMA adversary group. What you stated is wrong. First off, most of this group has been around a long time; my race team, for instance, has been around since 1%7. Don't think we are not serious about wanting to see this dirt track series grow. We are for real. Scott Rousseau's prediction on the AMA losing the dirt track series is not too far off. Remember one thing, Romero, anything is possible. Gene, how can you bash Rousseau about volunteer work for dirt track. What is your definition of volunteer work? You stated that Cary Agajanian works for free. Wrong. I believe the Board is paid a consulting fee. That, Gene, means it is not volunteer. Oh, by the way, don't your paychecks come from the Agajanian family? I thought so. Keep smiling and have a great day. Stephen C. Gardner Sr. East Peoria, IL Gardner is the owner/team manager of Gardner Racing, a team that fields Dan Butler... Editor. Give Rich a Superbike This is an open letter to Tom Halverson, Larry Griffis, and the rest of the folks at Yamaha Racing. Please, please, put Rich Oliver on a superbike. The guy has more than paid his dues. He's been a loyal ambassador for Yamaha for years and years, and he's one of the nicest, most personable guys on the circuit. Whenever he comes to Loudon, he always takes the time to talk with his fans. But, most importantly, he's an intelligent, level-headed, and blindingly fast rider. A guy well-suited to the technically challenging YZF750. You know, come to think of it, they guy who most resembles Rjch in demeanor is Tom Kipp. What a great team they'd make. Don't misunderstand me, I have nothing at all against Jamie James. I love the guy, but I'm sure he's on the verge of two-wheeled retirement. And, if not, what's wrong with a threerider team? You've done it before. So, here's my plan for next year. Resign Tom (and Jamie, if he doe,sn't retire) and sign Rich. The 250cc GP class will survive without him. In fact, it'll be a heck of a lot more competitive. . You could score the double: 250cc GP and superbike. Hey, put Tom or Rich (or Jamie) on the new YZF600R and win 600cc Supersport, too. The Triple Crown! Do the right thing, Yamaha. Your fans depend on it. Sean Bice Loudon,NH Letters to the editor should be sent to Voices, Cycle News, P.O. Box 498, Long Beach, CA 90806-0498, faxed to 310/4276685 or e-mail.editor@cyclenews.com. Published letters do not necessarily reflect the position of Cycle News, Inc. Letters should not exceed 200 words and all letters are.subject to editing. Anonymous letters will not be considered for publication. AIl letters should contain the writer's name, address and daytime phone number ... Editor. INSIDE FEATURES DIRT TRACK Oklahoma City Half Mile Editorial Paul Carruthers, Editor Kit Palmer, Associate Editor Scott Rousseau, Associate Editor Mark Hoyer, Mnnaging Editor Keith Bush, Assistant Editor/Copy Editor Cameron Coatney, Assistant Editor Laurel Allen, Editorial Assistant Advertising Terry Pratt, National Accounts Mnnager Mark Mitchell, Eastern Accounts Manager Mark Thome, Western Sales Manager Thomas Gonter, Western Sales Manager Forrest Hayashi, Western Sales Mnnager Greg Mitchell, Eastern Sales Manager Rick Matheny, Eastern Sales Milnager Rhonda Crawford, Western Ad Coordinator Carla Allen, Eastern Ad Coordinator Laurie Snow, Assistant Marketing & Promotion Mark Thome, Manager New Media Development Mark Mitchell, Director Rick Matheny, Operations Classified Ads Sharon Van Hazelen Graphics and Production Ree Johnson, Production Supervisor Mandy Loa, Production Manager Dennis Greene, Lab. Tech. Stacey Guest, Graphic Artist Vance Lanoy, Graphic Artist Administration . Judy Klinger, Coordinator Leanne Sims, Administrative Assistant AccountingIData Processing Donna Bryan-Diamond, NR Coordinator Geneva Repass, Assistant Herlane Lewis, Credit Circulation Rheba Smith, Manager Alma Anguiano, Processing Coordinator Pam Klein, Billing Coordilwtor Carol Begovic, Dealer Coordinator Service and Support Bridgett Bobrofsky, Receptionist National Headquarten 2201 Cherry Ave., Long Beach, CA 90806, P.O. Box 498, Long Beach, CA 90801-0498 (310) 427-7433; (213) 636-8844. FAX (310) 427-6685 Eastern Office 4188 First Ave., Tucker, GA, 30084; mailing address P.O. Box 805, Tucker, GA 30085-0805. (770) 934-7850. FAX (770) 934-3112 ~mail editor@cyclenews.com subscribe@cyclenews.com advertising@cycJenews.com Internet http://www.cyclenews.com Cydo News (USPS 14J.340) is published weoJdyexcept!he last two weeks of the calendar year for $50.00 per yt'at by Cycle New>. Inc. 2201 01eny Avenue. Long Beach. CA 90806. Periodicals pos~ge paid al Long Beach" CA and at additional mailing office. Canada Post ln~tional Publications Mail 1546615. POSTMASTER: s.nd .ddress changes 10 Cycle News. P.O. Bo.498, Long Such, CA 90801~98. fssue #31 Au ust 7, 1996 MOTOCROSS Troy 125/250cc National... Idaho Four-Stroke National America's weekly motorcycle newspaper Volume XXXIII Sharon Oayton, President Michael Klinger, Publisher 1997 Harley-Davidsons Cruiser New Products 4 36 8 VINTAGE AHRMA invades Mid-Ohio 12 CRUISER SECTION Cruiser ride to Las Vegas Harley-Davidson Bad Boy Test Yamaha Royal Star Project bike Honda VLX Riding lmpression 16 24 28 30 To d.etermine the expiration date of your subscription, check the four numbers on the fint line of your addrta bbd. The first two dipis indicate the bst issue number you'll ~e and the last two char.tdert indiate the year of the lut luUe. 32 34 Subscription rates: Rates for the United States and its p0ssessions for one year, (SO issues). $50.00; two years (100 issues). 595.00; six months, (25 issues), 526.00; trial 5ub (15 issues), $19.00. Canada and Foreign. one year (50 issues), S9().OO; two years (100 issues), 5175.00; six months (25 issues), 545.00; trial sub (15 issues), $38.00. ENDURO Massachussetts NETRA Enduro .38 Pennsylvania ECEA Enduro AO Cycle News welcomes unsolidted editorial material including DEPARTMENTS RESULTS : EVENTS CALENDAR LEADERBOARD LOOKING BACK A VIEW FROM THE FENCE , 41 42 56 79 80 80 stories, cartoons. photos. etc. Such malerial, if published. becomes the exclusive property of Cycle News. Reprinting in whole or part only by pennission of the publisher. Advertising rates and drculation information will be sent upon request See S.RUS. ON THE FRONT COVER Cruisers and Las Vegas. 'Nuff said. Photos by Kinney Jones. W/BD'A V ~ AUDITEO CIROJ1.ATlON Printed in U.s.A. co~~ Cvde News. Inc. 1996. T..denurlt Cycle New. reg>slored u.5. P.lenl Office. AD rights ....."eeI:

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