Cycle News - Archive Issues - 2000's

IIHe wants to race his motorcycle. And he wants to live to do it again. 11 Dirt Track Dirt Track IV I subscribe to Cycle News for your dirt track coverage. Of course, I want more, but I am grateful for what I get. Keep up the good work. Bob Butter La Grange, IL have to agree with Scott Rousseau's article about dirt track racing. While I want more pictures of the racing, I realize we're lucky to have any coverage in a professional manner. I've watched/read about dirt track for 30 years and know that dirt track will never grow into big-time racing. The first major problem is that it doesn't sell motorcycles. The second problem is that when shown on television, mile racing doesn't give the feel of speed that the cars do. Plus, there's no room for sponsors logos, and I mean big spaces for Tide, beer, cereal, etc. Sponsors want easy/quick/glaring recognition. The third problem is the AMA doesn't want to spend money promoting the sport. They'll take the money from the promoter for fees, but have you ever seen any professional catalogs showing all the racers and sponsors that sell mugs/ shirts/hats/pictures, etc., like NASCAR? Some NASCAR drivers are household names just from public relations work. Look at the Supertracker series it's great racing has different brands, possibly some different sponsorships, yet the majority of racers want to race Harley-Davidsonsl Hell, get on a bike that's faster and reliable all season. Look at all the people at a road race or motocross, they sort of relate to the machines. Oh, yeah, another reason dirt track will never really grow financially - it doesn't sell motorcycles. Dirt Track II I just got finished reading Scott Rousseau's column (Issue #29, July 25). It seems some people want to blame Cycle News for the poor showing at dirt tracks, but I say that dirt track has no one to blame but the riders themselves. I love dirt track racing, but I don't go any more because they don't know how to put on a race on time here on the east coast. Harrington and Hagerstown never start on time, as the riders are never ready when they are called - and the fans just sit in the hot night and wait, as the riders seem to do as they like. I've been to Las Vegas, Del Mar and Pomona - they know how to run a show out west. It's always on time. It's too bad we lost three good races. I put a lot of blame on the riders themselves. Anybody who has been to a race on the east coast knows what I'm talking about. Keep up the good work. Ted Bailey Bloomingdale, N:J Dirt Track III Preach on brother Scott, I couldn't agree with you more. Up until the experience I had a few years back at Rossburg, Ohio, I never realized what sad shape AMA dirt track racing is in. I got to the track early and nothing was going on. It was a bright sunny day and the place was deserted. When it was time to race rain fell. After a few hours of waiting around, the officials called the race. When the announcer said, "See ya next year," I thought to myself, "don't think so, buddy." First off, why the heck don't they have the races during the day? For 90 percent of the people out there, it's easier to get to the race early and then get home at a reasonable hour. Secondly, why don't they offer refunds or at least vouchers for another race? Business is a gamble, so if it rains the track/AMA should take the beating not the fans. I hope the new rules for next year draw some more factories into the game flat track could use the boost. Daniel :Jendre Northfteld Center, OH Tom Remlng VIa the Internet Carlsbad Rules Carlsbad Raceway in Southern California is recognized worldwide as one of the great racing venues in motocross history. And while it is no longer the site of the U.S. GP, it's anything but dead. John Taylor of Coast Racing Association (CRA), with the help of good friends and support from Motoworld of Oceanside, has been holding open practice sessions (riders 18 years and up) every other weekend. This isn't just a guy with a key to the gate and permission from the owner. John has orchestrated a tremendous and successful effort to see to it that his riders are treated to the best day of riding to be found anywhere. After the epic day we had out there this past Saturday (July 21 st), I just had to do something to help him spread the word. The track preparation is so good that you'll just have to experience it for yourself, because I don't have the words to describe how much fun it is when it's really done right. Also, there is a new, more-modem-style track under construction and near completion. It looks awesome, too. And don't bother to pack a sand- all your contributing editors provide is excellent. I have not had the luxury of attending any races within the last 10 or 15 years. Therefore, your weekly tribunal is my window on motorcycle racing. wich, Motopro provides Submarine sandwiches and chips - complimentary, of course. Yep, it does cost more than other practice opportunities, but the people, the weather, the free lunch and the elevation changes of that incredible track will leave you wishing it would never end. Oh, I never noticed where any of the articles are placed within the publication, but then again I also read it from the back cover to the front. DavId Admlrand VIa the Intemet Mat Mladln This is a response to the letter writers who seem to think Mat Mladin was Jim Pool Escondido, CA put on this earth to please them. Mat is a motorcycle racer - nothing more. I will bet that he has never had the notion to challenge the political jungle of professional racing. He does not care about what is "politically correct." He wants to race his motorcycle. And he wants to live to do it again .. For more information on Carlsbad Raceway, call the CRA at 760/722-6639 or e-mail to: coastracingrnxa@aol.com... Editor True Fan I just finished reading the July 25, 2001 issue of Cycle News. I think the coverage that Cycle News staff and cycle Howard Halt9""an Falrtteld, CA n e _ so AUGUST 8,2001 5

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