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/128184
"... nothing could have prepared me for a Moto6P race in Estoril, Portugal." The Supercross Dilemma I'd like to know who out there is trying so hard to destroy or discredit motocross? First we had the problems with the AMA and Clear Channel going at each other's throat over contractual disputes, and then we had the cancellation of the Motocross des Nations. Now we have the FIM trying to take over running the whole supercross calendar of racing both here and overseas. It seems to me that AMA Pro Racing and Clear Channel have promoted and regulated supercross into a very popular racing series without any interference from any outside source. Now, suddenly, we have the FIM trying to take over by imposing rules and regulations that apply to overseas racing - not racing here in America. I just hope that the two governing bodies can reach agreement and not destroy racing here and abroad. Surely they can compromise: Let the FIM govern the races held overseas and let AMA Pro Racing govern the races here. I would think the years of experience with racing here in America would be enough to allow AMA Pro Racing to govern the races here. Get it straightened out and let's go racing! Kenneth Rogers via the Intemet The Supercross Dilemma II I may not have all the facts, but it looks like Clear Channel Entertainment and its newly recruited partnerin-crime, the FIM, is making a "hos_ tile take over" of AMA Supercorss the de facto premier World Class Supercorss Series. Why? Likely because there's a big hole in the FIM's product portfolio and profit potential; a best-in-c1ass World FIM Supercross Series. This not-too-subtle move is being managed and manipulated by the motorsport mafia, CCE. Who, it would seem, plan growth by greed. These amateur antics serve no one, least of all our sport. I've cancelled my Arenacross tickets. Ron Pinder ottawa, Canada The Supercross Dilemma III The FIM, typical of so many international "organizations," tries to use extortion tactics when it can't impose its" authority" through less forceful methods. Too many people in the USA are unaware of this trend and most likely don't understand what all the fuss is about. The FIM needs to be resisted emphatically in its attempts to undermine the authority of AMA Pro Racing. The FIM has shown time and time again that it can't run anything effectively, so we here in America don't need for them to prove it all over again in the USA at the expense, of a successful racing series. Robert Cozine via the Intemet For the latest information on the current "supercross dilemma, " see In The Wind... Editor ence - but nothing could have prepared me for a MotoGP race in Estoril, Portugal. We decided to call a local travel agency, explained what we wanted to do, and we were handed over to Patty Roberts-Hards. No kidding, that's what happened. When you have two sons whose names are Kenny and Kurtis, you have plenty of experience traveling to motorcycle races. Now how can I thank Patty, Chuck Aksland, Bud Aksland and Team Roberts for the experience? Upon arrival at the racetrack, I hear the 125s practicing and the sound is like music to a racing fan. Then they rolled out the big bikes and it was like suffered a broken right footpeg. After getting up and finishing the race, I went to the KTM race tent and asked if they had a spare peg. I talked with Scot Harden, and he gladly searched his own spare parts inventory. Harden didn't have any luck, but he then checked with another support truck and found the correct peg. Then he gave it to me at no cost so that I could get back on track for the next race. I did not expect that kind of service for a no-name rider like myself, but I know now that KTM is all about the rider - and not just selling bike. What About Willy? In the November 27 issue of Cycle News (page 29 of the article on the Big 6 Finale), there is a picture of Larry Roeseler with a caption that r=:=:J. says, "Larry Roeseler won the over 40 Open Expert Division." What the caption left out is although Mr. Roeseier did win the over 40 Open Expert Class, he was beaten by Willy Simons on a YZ250, and Simons had started on the second row in a staggered start some 30-45 seconds after the open bikes left the gate! Willy Simons won the over 40 250 Expert class. We all recognize L.R. as one of the greatest off road racers of all time, but let's give credit where credit is due! T7naSlmons SImI Valley, CA I'm not quite sure why we would mention Simons in a caption for a photo of Larry Roeseler, but we get your point... Editor The Ultimate 6P Experience After 31 years of marriage and motorcycle races, my dream came true. My wife asked what I would like to do for our 31 st wedding anniversary and after thinking about it for about 15 seconds, I said: "Go see a MotoGP race." She said, "You watch that on Speed Channel day and night. Don't you get enough racing on TV?" The answer was no. After Sears Point, Laguna Sec a and all the other live motorcycle events I've attended, there is a differ- DovGoldman via the Intemet The perfect hosts - Team Robertsl Dust? What Dust? an opera! MotoGP racing is the most exciting thing I've ever seen, and Team Roberts and Kenny made us feel like we were part of the team. We were treated to food and drinks, we talked with Randy Mamola, who was really friendly, and Mick Doohan was there hanging out with many others. Kenny Jr. gave me two hats and spent time talking to me. It was unreal to be that close to the action. Charlie from Team Roberts gave me the grand tour of the garage, and I was able to hang out and watch how they work on the bikes in between practice and qualifying. It was awesome. Thanks again to Team Roberts, team manager Chuck Aksland, Alpinestars, Patty Roberts, and everyone else for a fabulous MotoGP experience. Portugal was a great place to visit, and it was fun meeting race fans from all over the world. We're thinking about Assen next. This letter is addressed to all the prima donna motocrossers out there who are always complaining about the track being too dusty, too wet, too rough, or about how the weather was just too hot. Quit bitchin' about everything. Buck up! It's the same track for everyone. If you want the conditions to always be perfect, play chess. It's indoors, it's cool in the summer and warm in the winter. And then maybe the rest of us won't have to listen to your complaining. Nothing gets under my skin more than hearing a pro motocrosser bitch and moan about the track being too dusty or too slick (case in point, Doug Dubach in regards to the World Vet races at Glen Helen). You are professionals - deal with it. You chose this profession so buck up. The purpose of this letter is not to cause problems, but to tell Doug and the rest of the motocross population who complain too much, to be men. I have total respect for motocrossers because it is one of the toughest, most demanding sports in the world. But if you think you have it so bad, come join me in a National Hare & Hound in Lucerne Valley in July. Une and Ann Reeves Manteca, CA Elsinore Help From KTM In my race at the recent Elsinore Grand Prix, I crashed on the first lap, and as a result of the crash my bike cycle n Cody Cafes Bakersffelct CA e _ S • DECEMBER 1 1, 2002 5