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/128165
"He truly was a man of honor..." SCRAMP Kudos I just got back from the Laguna Seca World Superbike weekend and just wanted to relate a story that backs up what I've always thought about the people of SCRAMP [Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula ... Editor]. My brother and I got back to the bus stop to ta ke the bus back to town and learned we would have to wait 45 minutes for the next one. A gentleman standing there in a SCRAMP uniform informed us that it was our lucky day, that he w~s going home and we could ride with him. We got into his car and, on the way back to our motel, we learned it was none other than Ed Manger, SCRAMP's director of transportation. Not only did he take us right to our motel, but on the way we got to hear some fascinating stories about the early days of SCRAMP and the track. We will never forget his kindness and the super job SCRAMP does year in and year out. Thanks to Ed and all the other volunteers without whom these events would never take place. Oh, the only negative note for the whole weekend was the way foreign riders' names were mispronounced. Patrick Lartsh VIa the Internet Be A 500d Bro Ben, please loan Eric your backup bike for a World Superbike round or two. KalWllson Sunland, CA Kenworthy Briefly Thank you for the coverage of our event. I thought I would let you know the additional money for the riders was provided by Yamaha of Troy. Each finalist was guaranteed $200. Also, on the subject of the track conditions: We were instructed by the AMA on Saturday night not to doze or disk any of the berms or braking bumps. Consequently, the conditions were not up to our standards for a National. With our staff trying to get moisture into the dirt, it was a little muddy during practice, causing additional ruts to form for the day. Kenworthy's dirt is different than any other national track on the circuit in that it is not sand or clay, and different methods must be used to provide the ultimate conditions. We were denied the ability to provide these conditions by the AMA. We apologize for the conditions and hopefully next year we will be able to provide conditions we know how to create for the ultimate race experience. Don Kenworthy Jr. Troy. Ohio Kenworthy is the promoter of Kenworthy's Motocross Park, the site of round seven of the AMA National Motocross Championship... Editor Glen Helen Response In response to Ron Wilson's letter, the Glen Helen staff and myself would like to explain our reasoning in docking the Mark Tilly, Erik McKenna, Ron Wilson and Scott Meyers team. Their team was docked a lap based on several situations that took place during the 12 Hours of Glen Helen. They were caught twice cutting the flat track, and one time cutting a section of the stadiumcross - all by Glen Helen staff. They were also warned about excessive speed in the pit area. As for Ron Wilson's issue that the course was not marked, at the riders' meeting I told all the teams that the course was marked as best as possible considering we had to change some areas at the last minute due to fire in the Cajon pass. I also explained to the teams to stay on the course because of the fire danger area and that we had over 1500 fireman at the Regional Park making sure that we did not stray off course. I would like to thank all the teams that participated in the first year of the Wiseco 12 Hours of Glen Helen. It was a huge success and we look forward to seeing everyone at the HYR 24 Hours of Glen Helen, September 7-8. LortYamell san Bemardlno, CA Yarnell is the manager of Glen Helen Raceway Park... Editor 50 For 24 Hours Most people write about an event immediately after it happens, when the excitement is still fresh, but by the time the event rolls around again, everyone's forgotten about it. Well, it's about time for the 24 Hours of Glen Helen and I'm stoked (even though I might miss it this year if my broken arm doesn't heal in time). It's by far the best time I've had on a motorcycle, not just riding in the heat of the day and in the dark of night over the most fun and varied course you're ever likely to see, but hanging out with friends and trying to be the best in your class. Plus the pits are a blast at night· a carnival on two wheels. You'll definitely be tired when the sun comes up again, but that will go away after a few nights' sleep. The memories, however, will last a lifetime. So grab a few friends, some mole skin, a trusty bike and come out to one of the best events for the off-road crowd. I hope to see you there. Randy Olson Yucaipa. CA Family Thanks We would like to thank the many people who assisted us with our son Tyler Egbert, who was severely injured at the Hom Rapids ORV Park in Richland, Washington, on July 14. Tyler suffered a severe head injury while competing in his last 80cc race. It was his last race before he moved up to the 125cc class, and he ended up winning. After the accident, he was taken to the local hospital, and the staff decided his injury was severe enough to warrant an airlift to the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital trauma center in Tacoma, which is on the west side of the state. Upon his arrival, he was immediately admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Mary Bridge, where he remains in critical condition. While Tyler has shown some signs of improvement, his long-term prognosis remains guarded. Tyler is a strong, 15-year-old boy, and we are hopeful that he will recover. He is receiving the best care possible from a team of doctors and nurses that exemplify care in action. We are very thankful for their commitment to healing our son and the care they provide. We would also like to thank our family, friends and fellow riders for their unwavering support during this difficult time. They have sent flowers, balloons and well-wishes and made sure our every need was met after the accident, right up to making sure the truck, camper and trailer were driven cue. e home more than 200 miles away. We ask that you pray for Tyler, the doctors and nurses caring for him, and for him to be healed. Mike Egbert (father) Craig and Julie Ohm (mother and stepfather) VIa the Internet Walter Villa Kudos on Walter Villa's appreciation (Issue #28). I had the opportunity to meet Walter Villa and witness several of his accomplishments when I was employed by Harley-Davidson. He truly was a man of honor and I am pleased to learn that he exercised his technical abilities well into the '90s. We lost another nice guy way too soon. Godspeed, Walter. Mike Shattuck VIa the Inmmet The Walter Villa appreciation was penned by Alan Cathcart, whose byline was accidentally left off the story ... Editor Yamaha Kudos Just wanted to share an experience of mine at from the Laguna Seca Superbike weekend. On Saturday morning, I parked my R6 in the dirt parking area above, I think, turn five. I put a smashed can under my kickstand, just in case. I then had a great day watching the races and browsing the vendor tents. At the end of the day, as I approached my bike, I noticed a blue Yamaha kickstand plate under my kickstand, and a Yamaha Laguna Seca sticker under my seat strap. As I looked around, I noticed every Yamaha in that parking lot had the same kickstand plate and sticker. What a great way to show their appreciation for owning their product. Hopefully, someone from Yamaha will read this and know that it made the rest of my day that much better. Randy Cook VIa the Internet neVIl's JULY 31,20025