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/128111
"Those imposing the penalties on Mladin should grow up." Mladln And The AMA I read that in a front-row press conference and in a newspaper interview, Mat Mladin expressed his opinion of the Loudon (New Hampshire International Speedway) track and its safety. In response, the AMA fines Mladin $5000 and takes away a championship point, citing "conduct detrimental to the sport of motorcycle racing. " Fair minded and thinking individuals should be outraged, especially Mladin's fellow Superbike riders - all motorcycle riders and fans of the sport. Mladin's only transgression is having pissed off the dilettante officials in charge of the AMA program. Mladin said things they did not want to hear the truth, and Mladin's right to speak it be damned. Capriciousness, whim and unchecked egos are far more detrimental to the sport than honestly expressed and truthful statements of track conditions and safety. Those imposing the penalties on Mladin should grow up. No doubt as children, when the call was not what they wanted to hear: they took their bat and ball and went home. Now, as AMA officials, they can take Mladin's money and points. Shame on them. Mike Mdnfyre Santa MonIca, CA Mladin And The AMAII I think Mat Mladin deserved a fine for hijacking that press conference. However, I think championship points should be deducted for on-track actions, not for anything that happens off-track. KelfhPaffl VIa the In~met Mladin And The AMA '" I guess it was okay to fine Mat Mladin if he used unacceptable language. Although, otherwise I think he should be free to express his opinion. Taking away a point from him was a step too far. Fred Rathbun VIa the In~met Mladin And The AMAIV Although I didn't hear the exact wording of what Mat Mladin said, I think the AMA is wrong to spank Mladin for anything other than cussing in public. If Mladin wants to be known as the "Bad Boy" (I.e. John Kocinski), then so be it. If he thinks some track people are doing a lousy job and believes it could be and should be done better, so be it. This is a free country. If the AMA motorcycle races are made up of just a bunch of politically correct robots, I'll quit spending my money to watch them perform and put their lives on the line every race. Randy Dawes Yuba City, CA Disappointed Fan problems, the night went off without a hitch. Joe Kopp and Chris Carr treated everyone to some good, old-fashioned dirt track racing and a big pat on the back should go out to the promoters and the staff at Superior Speedway for an unbelievable evening. And what about J.B. Norris. Does this guy know dirt track or what? He did everything in his power to ensure that everyone in attendance would go away with a little dirt in their blood. Whatever this man gets paid, it's not enough. steve Erickson VIa the In~met I just wanted to convey my disappointment in the way the Loudon Superbike Race was handled. After spending Sunday waiting in the rain, there were no announcements made and no one at the track seemed to know what was going on. After waiting until 5 p.m., there was still no solid information on what was going to happen with the races. We called the track on Monday and a II they knew was that there were going to be races, but they had no ;~~~~. schedule. Myself and other fans L"I:;:;~ therefore did not get to see a 600cc Supersport race or a Superbike race after paying $60 for tickets. I know that rain races are difficult for everyone, but I think the AMA could do a much better job of informing the race fans and the racetrack employees of what is going on. The 600cc race was run on Sunday with no participation by the major teams, and the Superbike race was run on early Monday before we had a chance to get back to the track (they did not keep to the original schedule). When we did get there, we were told that the race had been run and ended 20 minutes before we arrived. Ron MonnIg Clndnnatf, OH Happy Fan Wow! What a race. For a first-time event, the fans were treated to one great evening of racing at the Superior Half Mile. Other than a few minor how many past or present National Championship-winning motocrossers would have made that extra effort. As I said, he is still number one to the Workman family. Iva Nell Worlanan Richland. MO Ben Bostrom Remember that guy who wrote in to Cycle News about a year ago, talking about how Ben Bostrom had no business being in World Superbike? Do you ever hear from him anymore? Brian Phillips VIa the In~met Nope... Editor. Two-Stroke Fan Plan A: Pull in the big clutch lever, kick halfway, then return kick start lever to the top. Pull red choke button, then pull black choke button three-quarters of the way out. Pull in small clutch lever, then kick. If it sounds like a really loud fart, repeat 40 to 60 times and then it will probaby start. Always remember to pull in small clutch lever for small tums and the big clutch lever for big turns. By that time, me and everyone else on real motocross bikes will be loading up to go home. Plan B: Park on top of Mount St. Helen by the big flag and ride down the big downhill and try to bump start that bucket. Plan C: Buy a two-stroke while you still can. Guy Cooper Cooper Stili Rules Recently my family and I attended a AMA Suzuki Dual-Sport Ride sponsored by the Midwest Trail Riders Association. Among the over 100 participants was Guy Cooper, former professional motocrosser. During a lunch break on the second day, we asked if he would mind taking a picture with my 13-year-old son. He was happy to oblige. When I started to snap the picture, I realized I had no film. I told him to go eat lunch I would catch him later, after I had reloaded the camera. I was going to let it ride, but 45 minutes later, after lunch, Cooper made it a point to find me and ask if I was ready for that picture. I wonder cue I Jack Weed VIa the In~met Plan 0: Buy a four-stroke with an electric start ... Editor e n e _ s • JULv4, 2001 5