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/128157
II Air Fences are not the answer. Run-off areas are. 11 cerns. As interest grows in the sport, 250s were racing on different tracks, the investors will step up and create different days under drastically After attending both Glen Helen and some new circuits worthy of the men changing weather conditions. Hangtown, I am relieved to see who will race motorcycles on them. James Stewart putting his aggressive Until that day, maybe we could cut passing technique behind him and the hardworking people at the AMA instead concentrating on putting his just a little slack. A Passing Fancy lightning speed to good use. But this week, after reading George McGourty's letter (Issue #21, May 29) justifying James Stewart's Greg Ellis VIa the Internet Not Cutting Slack Can't wait to see Hangtown. Tom SCott San Diego, CA And More I'd like to join the chorus of complaint about Speed Channel. I used to have it and had specifically had cable Supercross passing tactics, it leaves Another of the crap tracks that the installed to be able to see it. This me wondering if McGourty's family AMA has the Superbikes campaign involved buying a $50 a month pack- came from the demolition derby crowd before becoming involved with motorcycles. I also want to point out that it seems that the fans questioned Stewart's aggressive moves more so than his competitors, contrary to McGourty's claim. I am almost 46 and have been involved in the sport for over 30 years, so you can call me old-school, or just plain old if you prefer. As far as McGourty's equating less aggressive riders being left on the ground frequently as just racing to serious racers, well that couldn't be further from the truth. Great riders such as RC, McGrath, Bayle, Stanton, Johnson, and Ward have all climbed to the on takes Anthony Gobert out of com- age, which included two golf chan- petition. I'm constantly amazed every nels for gosh sakes! I was disappoint- time I watch a round of MotoGP, see- ed with the niggardly coverage of ing the facilities that put safety first, two-wheeled events and the endless and compare it to what the AMA commercials. Then I went to Britain serves up: Daytona, Sears Point, on vacation and caught World Super- Road Atlanta, the list goes on. bike and Grand Prix coverage over The riders are correct to complain. mercials and a knockout model doing ties with proper run off is incomprehensible to me. Air Fences are not the interviews for World Superbike. The riders were all anxious to talk to the answer. Run-off areas are. her! Even the commercial coverage top of the sport without garnering the reputation of having to crash people in order to pass them. For the record, I am a big James of GP had zero commercials for the duration of the race. This explains why Speed Chan- Smoggy, Smoggy Night As much as I would like to see the MX des Nations come to the U.S., I nel's commentary doesn't review what happened during commercials. The commentators don't know that you've been gone. The worst part is, over there, it's all free. Kevin Molyneux can't think of a worse place to have it Stewart fan and hope his participation area. I lived near there for almost 30 effect of having more African Ameri- Reseda, CA in September than the San Jacinto in our sport leads to a Tiger Woods years, so I know what I'm talking can riders and their families starting about. At that time of the year, it is racing and keep the sport growing in afternoon wind bringing thick smog I am definitely not, however, a fan from L.A. and all points west. of any racer knocking another rider overheard saying, "I'm never coming back to Ohio." Now I don't follow Ty and his accomplishments, and I don't know if he's ever been back to Ohio, but winning in a place where trees are at a minimum (his recent WORCS win) can't be real hard. It seems to be a case The only other possibility is if there out of the way regardless if your name Okay, I was speaking with Ty Davis a couple years back at a National Enduro in Ohio. I asked him why he wasn't riding the four-stroke. His reply: "It's just too tight here in southern Ohio." After the race, Ty was of who holds the throttle open longer, though I may be oversimplifying. Anyway, the point of this is: If Ty wants to reclaim the respect he once had, come back east and prove you can win in the trees. John M. Butts going to be ungodly hot, with a strong the process. Man there. Of course, BBC has no com- Why we don't have world class facili- Geotve Hennum Bloomington, MN 60 East, Young is a Santa Ana wind from the north- is Stewart, Roncada, Carmichael, or Put 'Em On The Cover east, in which case there will be even Ignatowski. V1a the Inff1.met more heat and wind, but at least no Michael Rigdon Hermosa Beach, CA Cutting Slack In response to Kent Sheldon's scold- smog. Neither condition makes for fun spectating or riding. Last year, after seeing the cover of your newspaper following the Springfield TT, I wrote to you to say that I thought you had missed a wonderful Gerry Urban Woodland. WA BadlY? cover opportunity when the three Hayden boys had finished in the top 10 at that race. This year you have an even better opportunity. ing remarks directed at the AMA, please consider one thing. The mass ESPN2's coverage of the Glen Helen growth of motorcycle road racing in AMA 250cc National Motocross was this country will only be realized if the worst we've witnessed in some Great cover (Issue #21, May 29) of races are first run on the only and time. And there is no excuse. With all Nicky Hayden from his double win at best road courses currently in exis- the great technology and talent sur- Road Atlanta. Did you notice the #21 tence. Most of the best tracks in rounding our sport, the guys putting on his helmet? Nicky, thanks for I cannot imagine how Earl Hayden America are in fact being used at this the show together couldn't even man- moment for the Superbike show, and age to balance the lighting from cam- keeping the legacy of Will Davis alive. could be more proud. Way to go Haydens! are getting better and safer each era to camera. For crying out loud, I To his family, friends and all his :Jackie feingold year. was there and it was clear and Loudon is no longer on the AMA approaching 90-degrees, but after schedule largely over safety con- Thanks To Nicky With Nicky, Tommy and Roger Lee finishing one, two and three, what a cover that would make. fans, he is missed. Danville, IL seeing the race on the tube I'd swear Kevin Howard TUrlock, CA c U a I e Your wish is our command... Editor n e _ s • JUNE 5, 2002 5