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/128168
o c (' Continued from page 3 pro, or mini. The cost of the school is $250 per day and students will need to bring their own bike, gas, riding equipment. drinks and lunch. A traditional Mexican carne asada lunch can be purchased for an additional $10 per person. For more information, visit Johnson's website at www.supercross.com/school.php. restore Norton to its legendary rightful place as a world player in the motorcycle industry. " G r LJ The AMA has once again called for a comprehensive nationwide study of the causes of motorcycle crashes after the federal government released final motorcycling-related fatality sta" LJ tistics for 2001, according to a release issued by the AMA. The National HighLJ way Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSAJ released final figures Wednesday that show 3181 motorcyclists were killed on the nation's roads last year, up from 2862 the previous year. The final figure represents an 11.1 -percent increase over 2000. The fatality figures for 2001 also indicate that the highest percentage increases came among riders under the age of 40, which marks the reversal of a four-year trend. The NHTSA had issued a report last summer that noted deaths among motorcyclists over the age of 40 were on the rise beginning in the late '90s. The recent upward trend of motorcyclist fatalities followed 17 consecutive years of declines. From 1990 through 1999 alone, motorcycling-related fatalities dropped by 48 percent. The AMA noted that one significant reason for the increase in motorcycling-related fatalities is that motorcycling has seen an enormous increase in popularity, with sales of new street bikes up more than 100 percent over the past five years - from about 243,000 in 1997 to more than 500,000 in 2001. o " r Tom Dunham suffered serious injuries at Competition Motorcycle Park in San Jacinto, California, on July 20. A longtime motorcycle and watercraft mechanic working in San Diego and an avid racer with the Over The Hill Gang, Dunham suffered a crushed T5 vertebra, fractured C3 and fractured scapula. He underwent surgery on July 24 at Riverside Medical Center in Riverside, Califomia, and is currently recuperating there. A fund has been set up to help with the extensive medical expense for the Dunham family. Cards, letters and checks can be sent to: Washington Mutual. Attn: Thomas Dunham, Acct # 393-142399-5, 10505 Tierrasanta Blvd., San Diego, CA 92124. o o o o o o o o c o After announcing that Clear Channel Entertainment's supercross property would make its inaugural stop at San Francisco's Pacific Bell Park on January 25, 2003, ticket sales sky rocketed, Clear Channel says. Of the 15 Clear Channel Entertainment Motor Sports supercross-produced events, the San Francisco round leads the way in ticket sales, according to Clear Channel. Comparatively, the 2003 supercross tickets sales are up 317 percent from last year's on-sale date, supporting the account that Supercross is the world's fastest growing motor sport, Clear Channel says. "We are overwhelmed with the success we are enjoying in San Francisco," said Mark Abernethy, director of marketing, Clear Channel Entertainment Motor Sports. "It's always a risk when you bring an event to a new city, but everyone from the fans to the media has shown support for this event. " c .... The AMA expressed concern over the increase in motorcycling fatalities, but noted the raw numbers offer no clear explanation for the increase. "The death of any motorcyclist is a tragedy," said Edward Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations. "But because there's no recent research, we don't know the reasons behind the increases in fatalities. There's a desperate need for detailed, comprehensive research." Rae Tyson, spokesman for the NHTSA, said his agency also sees a need for research. "We agree with those in the community who believe a new causation study is called for," Tyson said. "We hope to be able to find the money for one." The last comprehensive federal study of motorcycling accident data was published in 1980, and dealt with accidents only in Southern California. That report, "Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures," commonly called the Hurt Study after lead researcher Harry Hurt, is still the most comprehensive study to date on the causes of motorcycle crashes. For the past several years, the AMA has asked the NHTSA to comiuct a nationwide study of motorcycling accidents that would help identify elements that can improve rider safety. In 2000, the NHTSA and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation released a National Agenda for Motorcycle Safety to serve as a blueprint for improving motorcycling safety in the future. Representatives of the AMA and other industry groups were part of a team that helped shape the plan, which calls for more research into the causes of motorcycle accidents and potential ways to reduce them. ~ o o c The AMA has announced that AMA member Dana Bell is taking part in "American Frontiers: A Public Lands Joumey." Beginning on July 31 , this firstof-its-kind trek will cross the nation's parks and open lands as part of a campaign to introduce Americans to their "larger backyard," the vast public lands throughout the country. Conceived and planned by the Public Lands Interpretive Association, the Public Lands Journey is being sponsored by a combination of public and private partners, including the Departments of Interior and Agriculture, National Geographic Society, American Honda, and others. The National Geographic Society is said to be filming a documentary about the journey. Two teams of four adventurers will trek from the Canadian and Mexican borders through six Western states by foot and horse, bicycle and canoe, all-terrain vehicle, dual-sport motorcycle, and boat some 3000 miles to meet in Salt Lake City on September 28. Their entire route will be on public lands - national parks and forests, wildlife refuges and more and they'll tell their story along the way by Videophones and over the Internet. Bell, 54, an AMA Life Member and a former AMA staffer, is Project Coordinator for the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council. She began riding off-highway motorcycles 27 years ago and has been involved in trail, competition and dual-sport riding. She's worked as a o o o o o o (J o ~ o o f\ Rick Johnson and his School of Champions will hold a two-day school in Rosarito Beach, Baja California, Mexico, August 17-18. The clinic will be for riders aged 10 to 15 years - male, female, beginner, 6 AUGUST 21. 2002' cue I e n _ ... s trail volunteer and served for seven years on the California Desert District Advisory Council. "Throughout the years, myexperiences with land managers, recreation groups and other public-lands stakeholders built within me a firm belief that working together is not only deeply rewarding, but also the most powerful tool to accomplish whatever work that needs to be done," said Bell. "Through her involvement in this Public Lands Journey, Dana sets a great example for others who responsibly enjoy our public lands in a variety of ways," said Robert Rasor, President of the AMA. "We also commend the event's organizers and sponsors for including off-highway vehicles in the event - showing that these are viable and valuable ways to enjoy our public lands." The AMA, through its website, www.AMADirectlink.com. will publish periodic reports of Bell's experiences during her adventure. The Public Lands Journey will hold a series of regional events along the route, and the trek can be followed online at www.americanfrontiers. net. Anti-doping and alcohol tests were carried out at the Czech round of the Individual Speedway World Championship Grand Prix, held in Praga on July 20. All the alcohol controls were negative, according to the FIM. The riders tested were Jason Crump, Greg Hancock and Billy Hamill. Off-road racing legend Larry Roeseler, known as "LR," is planning on opening a retail store in Hesperia, Califomia, called LR's MotoZone. Scheduled to open in September, LR's MotoZone will be the newest KTM Sportmotorcycle franchise in Southern California. For more information, call 760/949-9050. Jeremy McGrath and his girlfriend of more than four years, Kim Maddox, were married on Saturday, August 3. The gala affair, for apprOXimately 300 guests, was held at the St. Regis Resort in Monarch Beach, California. The exchange of vows took place just as the sun was beginning to set in a breathtakingly beautiful outdoor area of the resort, close enough to feel the breeze and mist of the ocean, according to McGrath's publicist. The ceremony was officiated by Minister Steve Hudson, also known as the Supercross Chaplain. The Wedding Party consisted of the bride's parents Linnea and David Maddox; the groom's parents Ann and Jack McGrath; the bride's grandmother Virgina Elliott and the groom's grandmother Jeanne McGrath; maid of honor Piper Lindgren and matron of honor Laurie Porter; bridesmaids Kristi Sampson, Mande Nantkes, Kila Green, Tracy McGrath, Katrina Gaede; best man Lawrence Lewis; groomsmen Jimmy Button, Scott Bell, Skip Norfolk, Doni Wilson, Lanry Brooks, Victor Sheldon; flower girl Emilee Parco; ring bearers Jaren and Brayden Porter; ushers Chad Maddox and Chris Maddox. The couple is honeymooning in Hawaii. Not to be outdone by the Supercross King, our own Blake Conner and his longtime girlfriend, Karen Barber, were also married on Saturday, August 3 in Palos Verdes, California. Associate editor Conner, who rides nothing like McGrath on the dirt but can do stand-up wheelies at over 120 mph on any streetbike ever constructed, and his new bride are also honeymooning in Hawaii. The AMA is urging all concemed motorcyclists to meet with their members of Congress now, while Congress is in recess. During the congressional recess, which lasts until September 2, federal lawmakers normally return to their home districts and hold town hall meetings to meet with constituents. Tenry Lee Cook of the AMA Government Relations Department said that attending those town hall meetings is a good way to let federal lawmakers know that motorcyclists are concerned about issues, and motorcyclists vote. Cook suggests telling lawmakers that there is a great need for a comprehensive nationwide study of the causes of motorcycle crashes. He also suggests urging lawmakers to require that motorcycles be accommodated in parking facilities built with federal funds, and to ensure that off-highway riders get their fair share of Recreational Trails Fund Program money to build and maintain motorized trails. "This is one of the few opportunities people have to meet with their federal legislators," Cook said. "We need to be sure that they know we motorcyclists are voters in this important election year." For background on motorcycling issues to discuss with your lawmakers, contact Cook at 614/856-1900, ext. 1288; or bye-mail at tcook@amacycle.org. Motocross has a new company promoting the sport and its riders. With motocross' popularity and increased . exposure in the mainstream media, Action Sports Authority (ASAl is drawing on the potential to market motocross riders through various merchandise, including T-shirts, and selling them trackside through the use of 54-foot Featherlite souvenir rigs in conjunction with Gear Race Wear, Inc. and eventually at large retailers, according to a release from ASA - a Pennsylvania-based corporation that specializes in the field of licensing professional action sports athletes. ASA already has agreements with a number of top professional motocross riders in both the 125 and 250cc classes, including two-time National Motocross Champion Mike LaRocco. A line of T· shirts has already been created for ASA athletes and is now being sold at all AMA/Chevy Trucks U.S. Motocross Championship races. "This is a great opportunity for myself and other riders to help the sport grow," LaRocco said. "I am looking forward to seeing the variety of ASA rider souvenirs and the places that fans will be able to purchase them" Within the next three weeks, ASA will be making official announcements on Tim Fenry, Grant Langston, Nathan Ramsey, Chad Reed, Robbie Reynard, and Sebastian Tortelli who have already signed on, along with other agreements in the industry. For more information, call Bryan Peckinpaugh at 734/697-2914. ATK Motorcycles, the Utah-based manufacturer of dirt- and dual-sport-oriented motorcycles, has announced that it will add a new model to its lineup. The new model, a 600cc four-stroke single, is specially designed to meet the needs of dirt-track/motard enthusiasts, as well as bolster our Homeland Defense strategy, according to an ATK press release. Powered by the tried-and-true Rotax singlecylinder engine that has dominated the ATK lineup since the company's inception in 1983, this new motorcycle is modeled around the company's already successful 600cc dirt-tracker. Modifications include replacing the dirt-tracker's 19-inch wheels