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/128136
I..&.....I~IQ) 2002 AMA/EA Sports Supercross Series identical lap times at the recent U.S. By CHRIS JONNUM be looking to avenge himself on a Open). And there are plenty of candi- A 6 JANUARY 9, 2002' c: Y c: I Kawasaki. Of course, there's also dates to keep the two favorites hon- ny writer of fiction novels, movie screenplays or theater scripts will tell you that most stories tend to folIowa basic formula: Following the introduction, excitement is built steadily via a series of conflicts, eventually reaching a high point that is followed by a relatively languid resolution. Can that template also apply to the story of supercross? If so, the past several years of increasing success (despite squabbling between the promoter and the sanctioning body), along with the impending downer of a 2003 split of those two groups, would lead one to believe that the 2002 season will be the sport's zenith. There's also more substantive evidence that the '02 supercross season will be one for the ages: Judging from Ricky Carmichael's incredible '01 Championship drive and Jeremy McGrath's off-season preparations, there could be a knock-down, dragout brawl over the '02 crown (a prediction supported by the duo's near- Travis Pastrana, who is recovered, est. Kevin Windham looked impres- committed to the 250cc class, and sive on his Suzuki as he finished off eager to show he's serious enough to last season, as did Yamaha's Tim win races. Even the 125cc regional Ferry. Frenchman David Vuillemin classes promise excitement, with rid- showed at Bercy that he is over his ers such as James Stewart and Grant sophomore slump, and Ezra Lusk will Langston showing their stuff. January 5 January 12 January 19 January 26 February 2 February 9 February 16 February 23 March 9 March 16 March 23 April 6 April 13 April 20 April 27 May 4 e n e _ West Region West Region West Region West Region West Region East Region East Region East Region East Region East Region West Region East Region East Region West Region West Region East/West Shootout s Edison Intemational Field Qualcomm Stadium Edison International Field Bank One Ballpark Edison Intemational Field RCA Dome Metrodome Georgia Dome Daytona Intemational Speedway Louisiana Superdome Houston Astrodome Trans World Dome Pontiac Silverdome Texas Stadium Rice-Eccles Stadium Sam Boyd Stadium Another indicator of a good series is the still-increasing corporate support coming into the sport. Despite an economy that's in the midst of a recession, companies such as Bud Light, Sobe, Blimpie and Simple Green have all added their names to the list of outside-industry sponsors involved in supercross for 2002, and new teams are sprouting up left and right. And if you like your stories to have some drama, '02 should provide it. Carmichael, the sport's champ, switched teams during the off season, moving from Chevy Trucks Kawasaki to the distinguished Honda factory squad. Will he be able to extend his reign on a new bike and against an inspired McGrath? Opinions vary, but whatever the case, the dynamic should heighten the story's apogee. Another good indicator of the '02 season's magnitude is the coverage it will receive in mainstream media outlets. The television package is more impressive than ever, offering regular (delayed) ESPN2 broadcasts, four next-day airings on ABC, and a live showing on Pay Per View (the series finale). In addition, it's a safe bet that print publishing's recent improved treatment of supercross (in both regional dailies and national monthlies) will continue. Never before has a season been more anticipated than this one, and never before has the expectancy been more warranted. Predictions are always difficult, but this is about as close as you'll get to a scenario in which guaranteeing a great series isn't tantamount to sticking your neck out. It should be special, and considering the storm clouds on the horizon, that's a good thing. Enjoy it while you can. eN Anaheim, CA San Diego, CA Anaheim, CA Phoenix, AZ Anaheim, CA Indianapolis, IN Minneapolis, MN Atlanta, GA Daytona Beach, FL New Orleans, LA Houston, TX St. Louis, MO Pontiac, MI Irving, TX Salt Lake City, UT Las Vegas, NV 630/566-6100 630/566-6100 630/566 6100 630/566-6100 630/566-6100 630/566-6100 630/566-6100 630/566-6100 904/254-2700 630/566-6100 630/566-6100 630/566-6100 630/566-6100 630/566-6100 630/566-6100 800/462-4112