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/128124
"Buddy's true motivation through this has been to someday possibly ride again." Who Knew? You guys should have done your homework. Our Acerbis Blitz headlight works great, but it comes stock ith two 35-watt bulbs for a combined total of 70 watts of light. Unfortunately, the bike you rode is only good for about 40 watts max! Putting in even higher wattage bulbs only made the problem worse. You see, the rest of the juice from that ignition on the EXC goes to charge the battery for the electric start. Really, you should have known. Paul Threlkeld VIa the Internet Threlkeld works for Acerbis USA. .. Editor Better Luck I was reading about the National umbers in Cycle News (Issue #38, September 26) regarding Sebastien Tortelli's decision tp retain the number 13 for the 2002 season. I guess when something is working for you, why mess with success? MIchael RIgdon VIa the Infe.met ISDE Thanks Once again, the time has come to thank the many people and sponsors that helped with the American team at the ISDE. As usual, I shanghaied everyone to work all six days regardless of what they volunteered for. This year's thank yo us are a little harder than the past because they will be my last ones. After 15 years of being the team manager, I have decided to step down and let someone else lead the team. My friend, and co-worker, Bruce Wakeley has agreed to take over my duties. So thank you to our sponsors that help so much: Arai Helmets, Bel-Ray lubricants, MSR and Ride to Win. Also this year several individuals and organizations donated items for the team: Oregon Motorcycle Racing Association (OMRA), JAFMAR Racing and Laura Claypoole for donating some custom EZ-UPs and Beaverton Honda-Yamaha of Portland, Oregon, for donating a Honda powered pressure washer that really came in handy after the final moto to clean the bikes and equipment before loading the container. • Thanks to our Trophy, Junior Trophy, and Club Team managers who pulled double duty during the week: Drew Smith • Trophy; Dean Joyner Junior Trophy; and the club managers: Marty Martinson, Bruce Wake- ley, Bob Agonis, Jennifer Krause, Loretta Smith, Larry Schmelzle, Chris Hardy, Ron Collins, Chuck Steahly, and Laura Claypoole. To our work crews: Bruce Wakeley, Marty Martinson, Tim Stowe, Pat Noel, Jessica Briggs, Rosemary Rush and Debbie Aase (our cooks), Laura Claypoole, Beth Garrahan, Lee, Nate, and Keith Pearson for handling the Pare Ferme' and morning work area chores. Our checkpoint crews: Tony Argonis, Barbara Hoess, Kathy Cherry, Pat Sims, Gretchen Orton, Matt Doss, Earl and Barb Morain, Ted Schwartz, John Hammock, Kathern Grady, James, Janice and Shannon Faulk, Chris and Diane Hardy, Doug, Raynce and Sheila Hale, Shelia Beal, Cathy and Terry Hoak, Stan and Lynn Seehorn, Diane Sperle, Larry and Pat Schmelzle, Larry and Pat Zimmerman, Shirley and Cody Mastim, Joe Kenty, and Ellen Wallace. If I missed anyone, and I'm sure I have, it wasn't intentional, but thanks again to everyone. To Suzy Moody and Kurt Wilcox, get well soon; I'm sorry for the injuries, but glad to know that you both will be back riding soon. To everyone I've met, worked with, lived with, etc. over the last 25 years of six-days involvement, I say thank you. Just remember, though, I'm always available for information, any rider or helper can call me anytime, and I'm not really gone for good - just changing roles. Gunny Claypool VIa the Internet Hall of Fame I am a subscriber to Cycle News. In a recent issue (Issue #37, September 19), I was greatly disappointed upon reading the In the Wind article on page three about the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Inductees. Twenty-eight people were inducted but less than half of those were mentioned by name in the article. I feel that all of the inductees' names should have been published, or none should have been published. This was an injustice to some of the inductees and/or their loved ones. I feel certain everyo!]e concerned would appreciate it if you would republish this article listing all of the names of the 2001 inductees. I hope this oversight will be corrected and thank you very much for your time. Emmett R. Everett VIa the Internet Emmett Everett is the brother of George Everett, one of the 2001 inductees... Editor Buddy Thanks This is an open letter to the family of motocross. Our son, Charles "Buddy" Duffy III, was seriously injured this past February 24 at the Atlanta Supercross. This injury was nearly fatal as a stroke followed his skull fracture. After many months of hospitalization, numerous surgeries, and constant physical therapy, Buddy is still facing a long road in his recovery. Buddy's true motivation through this has been to someday possibly ride again, and also the constant support he received from those in the family of motocross. Buddy's life as he once knew it has changed dramatically, but he continues to have the determination of a racer to reach the finish line and regain his position in life. No one can tell me this is not truly a family sport. We owe so many thank yous to those who took it one step beyond to show support. Thank you to Jeremy, Travis, Jimmy, Pat and to Steve at the AMA, to the Clayton Foundation, and to all his local track fans and those students of motocross schools - and to those who didn't even know our son but managed to send their words of support. I know at a time when our country is in such turmoil it is hard to focus on one individual, but we as a family are most grateful for being part of this caring family of motocross. All of your emails have been so inspiring to him - please keep them coming to mx385@aol.com as he has surgery upcoming again in December and needs your continued support. We 'are hoping to have #385 back out to see everyone at the National tracks one day nothing would make us happier. should be allowed a minimum weight of 310 pounds. Such a formula would be based on physics -' not bull%$#*. Jack Hilliard Philadelphia. PA The AMA recently announced that Mladin will get his point back at the end of the season, though the fine of $5000 sticks... Editor Will Davis I want to thank Scott Rousseau for his stirring tribute to one of our great flat trackers - Will Davis, #21. I'm sure it touched many racers, their families and all the fans who love the sport and the courageous racers who put their life on the line every time they strap on their steel shoes. Will was a gentle man; at times contemplative, other times winking with a smile on his face. Scott's commentary brought tears to my eyes, as it did for all the people who knew and loved Will, and I thank you. I also want to thank Scott for his excellent historical salute to our dear friend Joe Leonard. Joe is a true champion of dirt track racing and it touched my heart as he paid tribute to my dad, Jimmy Phillips, who also lost his life doing what he loved best racing flat track. The pain has lessened over the years, but the deep sense of loss continues. We need to pay tribute to all the racers who have given their life doing what comes natural to them - racing. To Rhonda and Cole Davis, my prayers are with you as you go through this terrible tragedy - and please know that there are so many fans of Will who miss him terribly and hope you will feel our support to provide you with the strength you need to go on. Andrea Phillips HunnngfDn CA JoanDutIY MIramar, R. Mladln/Rule Changes As a member of the AMA, I am disappointed in them for fining Mat Mladin and taking away a point. Mat has every right to shoot off his mouth. It reminds me of the bad old days when side-valve motorcycles were allowed 750cc and over-head valves were only allowed 500cc and a CR of 9 to 1. My other beef is the new rules proposed for World Superbike racing. Leave the present displacement rules the bloody hell alone. It is the weight minimum that should be changed. A machine should race at a percentage of its showroom weight. For instance, if an RC51 that weighs 490 pounds can hit the track at 356 pounds, then a GSX-R750 that weights 428 pounds cue I • Beach. n • _ S • OCTOBER 3, 2001 5