Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1990's

VOICES America.s weekly motorcycle newspap~ Letters to the editor Volume XXXIII Sharon Oayton, President Michael Klinger, Publisher Editorial Paul Carruthers, Editor Kit Palmer, Associate Editor Scott Rousseau, Associate Editor Mark Hoyer, Managing Editor Keith Bush, Assistant EditorlCnpy Editor Cameron Coatney, Assistant Editor Torn Titus, Cnpy Editor Advertising Terry Pratt, National Acco/lllts Manager Mark Mitchell, Eastern Accounts Manager Mark Thorne, Western Sales Manager Thomas Gonter, Western Sales Manager Forrest Hayashi, Western Sales Manager Greg Mitchell, Eastern Sales Manager Rick Matheny, Eastern Sales Manager . Rhonda Crawford, Western Ad Coordinator Laurie Snow, Assistant Carla Allen, Eastern Ad Coordinator Tina Farr, Assistant Marketing & Promotion Mark Thome, Maltager ew Media Development Mark Mitchell, Director Rick Matheny, Operations Oassiiied Ads Sharon Van Hazelen Graphics and Production Ree Johnson, Production Superoisor Mandy 1..00, Production Manager Dennis Greene, lAb. Tech. Stacey Guest, GraphiC Artist Vance Lanoy, Graphil: Artist Administration Judy Klinger, Coordinator Leanne Sims, Administrative Assistant AccountinglData Processing Donna Brynn-Diamond, AIR Coordinator Geneva Repass, Assistant Herlane Lewis, Credit Circulation . Rheba Smith, Manager Alma Anguiano, Processing Coordinator Keshona Dawson, Billing Coordinator Carol Begovic, Dealer Coordinator Service and Support Bridgett Bobrofsky, Receptionist . Michael Swedberg, Seroice & Support National Headquarters 2201 Cherry Ave., Long Beach, CA 90806, P.O. Box 498, Long Beach, CA 90801 -0498 (310) 427-7433; (213) 636-8844. FAJ(310)427~ Eastem Office 4188 First Ave., Tucker, GA, 30084; mailing address P.O. Box 805, Tucker, GA 30085-0805. (770) 934-7850. FAJ( (770) 934-3112 e·maH editor@eyclenews.com ubscribe@cyclenews.com advertising@cyclenews.com Intemet http://www.cyclenews.com Cycle News lUSPS 141·340) is published weeldy""cept the last two weeks 01 the calendar year for sso.oo per year by Cycle ew', 1nc.,2201 Cherry Avenue, Long Beach,CA 90806. Periodkals Postage Paid at Long Beach, CA and at additional mailing office. Canada Post International Publications Mail The Elsinore Grand Prix I just wanted to publicly thank GFI and all of the people who were involved on putting on the 1996 El inore Grand Prix, and I would especially like to thank the city of Elsinore for allowing this race to happen again. Every since seeing the 1970 version of this race in the movie "On Any Sunday" I have wanted to ride in this classic event. I missed the last two in 1971 and 1972 because I thought this race was going to last forever. Well, after 25 years the wait is over. I finally got my chance, along with a couple of thousand other riders, and it was worth the wait. It seemed like everyone had a great time - I know my friends and I did. I hope GFI can continue to hold the Elsinore GP for many years to come. For those of you who couldn't attend the '96 edition, all I can ay is you missed a truly great classic. If it happens again next year, I will recommend to everyone - be there, you won't be disappointed. Remember, if you only ride one race a year, it's usually Elsinore. Joe Lorenzen San Clemente, CA And again... Three cheers to GFI's Goat Breker and crew. After 40 years of racing I never thought I would look so forward to going to a race and riding - well, it happened. About eight months ago [ heard a rumor that the Elsinore GP would happen again. After riding in 1968, 1969 and 1970, I knew what a cool race it was and how much fun I had back then. When I called to ask, the answer was yes. After that I asked if it was going to be just like the old days? I was told, "As much as possible." The next thing I know I'm driving 2,400 miles to ride in an event that I hoped was going to be as much fun as it had been over 25 years ago. Let me put it this way, if you didn't go you missed it. If you did, I know you are going to go back next year. Hats off to Goat. I know, he put his neck out a long way for this one. The race was super. For a first-time effort, I think everything went well. Sure there were some mixups with thing , but it was hot and sunny and the course was long. For me it was the best and I hope I can go back next year. I think a big thank you should also go out to all the people in and around Lake Elsinore for letting us come to their town to race. ot only did I get to race/ but I also got to spend two days with my whole family. What more can you ask for? Hopefully, we can be back for more next year. Thanks again to everyone. Gary Bailey Axton, VA look forward to next year's events, and competing against all the VDTRA racers from around the country. Once again, Johnny, thank you and we'll see you next year. Jim Grant Sherman Oaks, CA Bailey was the overall wi/mer of the Elsinore Grand Prix in 1970. In 1996, Bailey won the Over 50 Expert class... Editor. 15SQC5 is the CEO of VDTRA... Editor. In defense of... I wanted to send a sincere thanks to Kenny Parry and his well-orchestrated Team Green crew for all their hard work and involvement in Baja. A lot of US riders could not have participated in the race if it wasn't for their pit service. And a special congratulations goes out to Paul, Ty and Greg on their first-place finish. I also want to give them a shout for their efforts in the Elsinore Grand Prix. Team Green's hard work, enthusiasm, and inspira tion makes racing a whole lot of fun. Charlie Peltzer Orange,CA Whooaa, ellie! Mr. Rob Green, hold up a second, dude. Your letter (Voices, Issue #46, November 20) has me all fired up. I'm visibly shaken. I'm hotter than a French-fried frog in a forest fire. You managed to get on the case of three of my moto-heroes in one little electronic postern speed1. Thou has inned, I tell ya. It was bad enough tha t you critiqued my amigo; the czar of Racer X, and a modern day moto-Shakespeare - Daveyman Coombs - but then you had the su preme gall to insult the Earl of Enslow, and Sir Metzger. 1 believe your words were, and I quote - dammit, "really slow racers" in reference to those crusty critters - Seth and Mike. So Seth is low, huh? Yeah, I guess sailing an RM Suzuki 372 feet (300 feet out, 72 feet down) in Crusty "Crusty Demons of Dirt" is "slow." In defense of Metzger, there are few men on this planet who can qualify, and hold their own, in an outdoor 250cc ational, or make the main in a Supercross. Metzger has done both, many a time. Yeah, as you say, he does get "evaluated on style points" but by the judges who line the fence. Fans like me. We love our racing, but what's wrong with showmanship? We enjoy a few can-cans and heel-clickers with our coffee, too. • Methinks you are angry because you can't do a one-handed candy-bar-whipout while munching on an egg-roll, over a rutted-out, gnarly, 80-foot step-up double. Stop the madness, Rob. Buy "Crusty Two" and have a Coke, a smile and... Robert Pellett Newark,OH Thanks VDTRA I'd like to say a big thanks to Johnny Issacs and the whole VDTRA (Vintage Dirt Track Racing Association) organization. What he has done has given all of us dirt trackers from the '60s, '70s and '80s a chance to do it all over again. Although I was unable to compete in this year's events due to broken ribs, I INSIDE Issue #48, December 41 1996 POSTMASTER: Send ilIddrt:SS manges to Cycle ews, P.O. Box 498, Long lkach, CA 9OllO1~ To determine the expiration date of your subscription, check the four numbers on the first line of your .ddre:ss label. The finu two digits indicate the last i!lsue number you'll receive and the last two characters indicate the year of the last issue. ARENACROSS Philadelphia Arenacross 6 Subscription rates: Rates for the United States and its posse9sions for one year, (50 issues), $50.00; two years (100 issues), 595.00; six months, (25 issues), $26.00; trial sub 05 issues), 519.00. Canada llnd Foreign, one year (SO issues), 590.00; two years (100 issues), 5175.00; six months (2S issues), $45.(Xli trial sub (15 issues), $38.00. RACER TEST MuZ RennSkorpion RS3 Dick Andrea On September 18, 1996, I lost my best friend, husband, father of my children, grandfather of my grandchildren, and business associate for 32 years. I miss him greatly, but with all my friends and family that have shown so much love and comfort, I shall go on as he would want me to. Our likes and interests were so very much the same. The love of motorcycle racing and being.in business (is partners has given me so many memories to store in my heart. Also, the love of motorcycling down the road with just each other or with friends is a memory which shall never be forgotten. The friends, or Harley-Davidson family (as we call them) are the greatest people to surround your life with. I can't begin to thank all the people who brought food, called, or sent flowers and cards to me. As I shed my tears at night alone, I remember all of the friends who shared so .many special memories with us. The many motorcyclists who rode 90 miles in the cold and rain to the cemetery in Pekin. What a tribute to Dick - my only love. I'm sure he was looking down as Dean was lining up the riders to leave. There are no words but a big thank you to my Harley-Davidson family and my children and their families. My employees, who have kept things running smoothly in the store, I sincerely thank you. Thank you also to the Champaign County Sheriff Department. Dick is gone, but his memory never leaves our hearts. Sharon Andrea Urbana,IL Andrea was a former professional dirt tracker raar, a longtime AMA Distrid 17 referee and a founding member of the Illinois Motorcycle Dealers Association. His wife Sharon continues to own and operate. Andrea's Harley-Davidson in Urbalta, flIi/lOis... Editor. FEATURES '_15. And Team Green 8 Cycle News welcomes 1,lIlsolicited editorial material including stories, cartoons, photos, etc. Such material, if published, becomes the exclusive propertr of Cycle News. Reprinting in whole or p.1rtonly by pennissl n of the publisher. Advertising rates and circulation information will be sent upon request. See S.R.O.5. W!lP,8 ~~cITffnoN Printed in U.S.A. COl'J'rigbt" Cycle News, 1nc.19%. T..de.owk Cycle News reptered U.S. P,tent Office. AU righ" ........el. TEST 1997 Suzuki Marauder 12 DEPARTMENTS EVENTS RESULTS CALENDAR LEADERBOARD WANT ADS DAY SIX LOOKING BACK 16 25 26 .30 .31 47 47 ON THE FRONT COVER We ride Suzuki's newest member of its cruiser family, the VZ800Z Marauder. See page 12. Photos by Tom Riles. 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. All letters should contain the writer's name, address and daytime phone number ... Editor.

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