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/128147
"Smoother transitions from the oval to the infield would do a lot to improve safety." Rule Enforcement 101 Hooray for Chris Jonnum, one of the only journalists to actually voice a solid opinion and options about rules violations and enforcement! It's not just this year that the AMA has been arbitrary in its rules enforcement, but this year is more glaring than others. I find it a total shame that the AMA doesn't have the fortitude to bring substantial and appropriate fines/suspensions/disqualifications against the upper echelon of riders competing on the supercross and motocross circuits. Unfortunately, as Jonnum points out, it seems to be a case of "Let's not upset the big guys! They might not give us money if we do." I hope that the AMA will open their eyes and take a firm stand now, even if a few of the horses have escaped the bam. It would be extremely unfortunate for any of the riders to be injured because the powers that be allow situations to escalate to dangerous levels. Sff1phen BobIc - Aliion Egg Harbor Township, NJ Four Wins Joel H. Brown asks when an inline four last won in World Superbike (Voices, Issue #10, March 13), then claims it was Scott Russell 10 years ago. I can't believe you let this slip by without correction. That was the last championship for a motorcycle of that kind in World Superbike, but it was only last May that Frankie Chili won the second race at Donington on a GSX-R. Dan Wlldhlrt Longmont CO Brown Fan Being an avid motocrosser, I keep up on supercross and motocross in an obsessive manner. I check race results on the Web every week, and I have almost every race recorded from the last four years. Motocross season for North Dakotans is cut short by our depressing winters. But, for the past three years, I have received the opportunity to flag at the Daytona Supercross. Perfectly scheduled in March (springfever days), I get a nice break in the sunny sand of Florida. This year's race was an experience that I will never forget. I found out that the supercross superstars are not snots, but instead sincerely nice people. It all started after the second set of practices. People were working on the track to prep it for the qualifiers. I saw Mike Brown walk to the starting line to check out the lines. I walked to him and said, "Hey, Mike, your were looking good in practice." He acknowledged my compliment with a "thank you." I added that I was a f1agger and I saw him race in Daytona last year. I also mentioned that he gave me his goggles the previous year and I concluded with asking him if I could get his goggles at the end of the day if he finished in a podium spot. He told me that he would try. I gave him my best wishes and let him get back to his business. I ran up to my dad and friend to tell them about my talk with Mike. Full of excitement, I explained that he treated me as an equal. He appreciated my support of him and didn't look at me as an annoying fan. It was time to return to our positions to flag for the heat races. The day went on as usual and finally the 125cc main event was up. I watched the race attentively. Mike was in second place off the start until Chad Reed passed him early in the race. The checkers went out and he finally finished back in second place. I ran to the podium station to wait patiently for him. After the awards, he walked past me. A man stood in my way and I couldn't get to Mike to congratulate him. He walked off the track and I jogged over to tell him he did a good job. I became nervous. I asked myself, "How can I ask him for his goggles without sounding like a stupid kid?" There was no time to think so I blurted out, "Good job, Mike." He looked over and said, "Thanks," and looked back to Mitch Payton. I turned away, thinking "Oh, well, I don't need his goggles." I was bummed - I should have built up the confidence and asked. With my head down, I started to make my way back to the track, when out of nowhere I heard a voice say, "Hey, kid." I looked back. I saw Mike taking his goggles off and he threw them to me. TyHageroft V1a the Internet Daytona SX? My wife, daughter and I attended the Daytona Supercross and had a wonderful time in the process. I believe that Grant Langston mentioned in his post-race interview that he was disappointed that he didn't win the race, since it was the last time the race will be held at that venue. Is that true? Will there not be a 2003 Supercross round at Daytona? I sincerely hope I misunderstood what Grant said, and truly hope we were not witness to the last race at what I feel is a very important part of supercross and Daytona Bike Week. One more thing: Ricky Carmichael rules! Brad 6u11l:1flon 6alnesvtlle, R I believe Langston was referring to the fact that the Daytona Supercross is not on the 2003 Clear Channel Supercross Series schedule. An AMA schedule has yet to be released, and It may never be released as those two are apparently stili in negotiations regarding next year's series. If they get together, I believe you will likely see a Daytona Supercross next year. If the AMA runs Its own series, then I also believe you will see a Daytona Supercross on its schedule... Editor world-class racing. But, it seems from watching it on television that a lot would be accomplished by redesigning the infield section, or at least cleaning it up a bit. Especia lIy the entrance and exit points on and off the banking. Smoother transitions from the oval to the infield would do a lot to improve safety. I wish all of those who were involved in the crash that ruined the 600cc Supersport race a speedy recovery, and hope to see some thoughtful changes to this race in the future. Paul McKendry Bend. OR The 200 Rule Violation They call it America's premier motorcycle race. I'm not so sure. Over the past few years, it has become a crashfest, depriving many of the riders of a healthy start to the season. And in Scott Russell's case, ending his season and eventually his career. It's understandable why the race has so much prestige. With Bike Week and all of the festivities kicking off the racing season, it is obvious why the manufacturers covet a win there. However, with last year's events (pace cars getting in the way, restarts causing additional accidents), isn't it time for some changes? It was suggested last year, and wisely so, that the race should be run in two legs - World Superb ikestyle - thus eliminating dangerous pit stops and possibly the use of dualcompound tires that offer different grip depending on lean direction. I have never been to Daytona. Laguna Seca is my destination for cue' • Of all the people in the world likely to get caught cheating on race equipment, I would have placed HarleyDavidson's Bill Werner's name at the very bottom of the list. I am dumbfounded, disappointed, and ashamed of their conduct if they indeed knowingly and deliberately cheated in regard to the displacement rules in the Florida race. I nevertheless am glad that AMA race officials were "on the ball" and caught the violation. What a sad day! DavIdA/len San Man::ol, 1X Rule Violation II Harley Davidson is trying to tell us that they "accidentally" built the engine too big. Accidentally? Good Lord, you've got to be kidding me! Shawn McAtee YOIba Undo. CA n _ ... MARCH 27. 2002 5