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/128196
"Forget being 'Iike Mike' - I wanna Whip it like Mel" McGrath Says Goodbye Thank you for the editorial about the retirement of Jeremy McGrath. You managed to put words to a very difficult and confusing situation. I agree with you (and Jeremy, I suppose) it's time. The proverbial writing is, and has been, on the wall. Regardless, it is still tough to see him go. Jeremy was the kind of champion you could feel comfortable about knowing was on top of the sport - he always made our grand sport look good. He was a dedicated professional, an innovator and a genuinely nice guy. Where I race, Jeremy would occasionally turn up for some practice and testing, and I have personally witnessed him (many times) be extremely gracious to his fans, always taking time to smile and say "hi," sign something and pose for a picture with the kids, even though he was obviously very busy. In my mind, that kind of thing, and not necessarily his AMA achievements, however awesome they may be, is what makes him a hero and champion for the ages. As far as a replacement goes, I think Travis Pastrana has a chance with a little maturation (and considering his age, that's not a knock on him). I also think Bubba Stewart has a shot, and there is no telling what that could do for the horizons of motocross. It is even possible that RC can fill the void. Even though I know they are meant to manipulate, I think those Honda ads (showing him out for a ride with the kids) are a step in the right direction. Rocky Hash via the Intemet McGrath Says Goodbye II Great McGrath article. I was at the very first supercross and have followed it ever since. Although I'm not a motocrosser, I have ridden since 1966. That lump in your throat made me think of the time I was listening to Bob Hannah after a dreadful day in a supercross race. It was a time at the end of his career, and quad jumps were the norm. He was doing doubles. Everyone else, for the most part, was doing it as a quad jump. He just told the interviewer something to the effect that if you don't have the balls to do the quads, and he didn't, it was time to exit. And he did just that. Hannah was the McGrath of his day. I was manning the Hangtown pits one day when he came through and was all prepared to show his l.D. to me, as most were doing, to get through the pit gate. With [respect], I told him he didn't need it. Good piece on Don Vesco, too. 1 rode with his two brothers, Chuck and Rick, a little. They had a little Yamaha/Suzuki shop in Brigham City, Utah, in the late '70s. I also did the land-speed stuff with both Don and Rick. Rick, John Howard and I, plus others, were involved in the landspeed record for bicycles - over 125 mph. We made practice runs towing John behind my van until he got used to the speed. We ran 125cc road-race tires on his many speed bikes. Dick West via the Intemet McGrath Says Goodbye III I really enjoyed your editorial, "The End of An Era." I share your sentiment, and lump in the throat, completely. One of the things I noticed, and particularly enjoyed, about Jeremy over the years was that he still came across as a pretty normal guy, despite the fame and fortune. He never displayed the "I'm a rock star" cockiness that is all too common in our sport. Like you, I was, in a way, relieved to hear about his retirement. But it's definitely going to be strange and a little sad at Anaheim on January 4. For me, it's hard to even say "supercross" without thinking "Jeremy McGrath." The two are, and always will be, synonymous. Thanks again for the thoughtful editorial and thanks to Jeremy for all the great years. Bruce McGrew Colorado Springs, CO McGrath Says Goodbye IV I just wanted to write and say thank you. I don't often respond to stories and articles I read, but I needed to say thank you for this one. You said what I felt about McGrath and I'm sure for many others, too. Jeremy made supercross the "place to be," and the sport just won't be the same without him. Hell, the guy had me thinking of giving up Yamahas for a KTM. Despite Michael Jordan's return to hoops, the loss we felt when he called it quits back then is on the same level for MC now. 1 don't mean to make it sound like he's dead or something, and I'm sure there will be a good life after racing for Jeremy. However, we can't watch him spread some slick style on the track anymore, either. Forget being "like Mike" - I wanna whip it like MC! Chuck Lenhart via the Intemet McGrath Says Goodbye V Although I did not experience the beginning of Jeremy McGrath's career, 1 can understand and probably agree with most of the adjectives utilized in your editorial for this accomplished rider. However, your third paragraph from the end was the inspiration for this response. Who will replace him? His replacement sounded the bell a few years ago when he accomplished all records possible in the 125s before moving to the 250s, and he currently appears on your cover dated January 1, 2003 - Cycle News #50. His track record speaks for itself in the same issue. I realize that opinions are like bellybuttons: everyone has one. Like you, I made my choice long ago when he was still on a 60. He'll be aboard the #4 Honda (yes, only the second manufacturer he's been with in his entire career) this coming weekend at Anaheim. Again in my humble opinion, knowing the integrity, honesty and good values that this individual, along with his family, has, he wouldn't be a bad choice for a new role model for a young person to "keep his eyes on," such as your son. Thanks for the forum to express my opinion. forget your 250cc National Championship), a motorsports feat only achieved by racing greats Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. You're the one who turned every company you were associated with into gold. You're the one in this day and age who was truly loyal to your sponsors. You're the one who still had the longest lines for autographs, always with a smile. You're the one the kids look up to. You're the one who somehow made time for everyone. Even me. Many heartfelt thanks. Good luck and God bless you. It was a blast! DrewUen Canoga Park, CA McGrath Says Goodbye VII Jim Fenfon via the Intemet Jeremy McGrath deserves a tip of the helmet for all he's done for the sport of motorcycling. His approach to racing has been a wonderful blend of showmanship, creativity and sportsmanship, as well as true professionalism. His willingness to focus and work hard when needed, yet enjoy racing, made going to the races to watch him compete a great deal of fun. The first time I saw Jeremy ride was at Daytona. I was sitting on the pit wall next to a young guy who was obviously studying Jeremy's domination of the race. Ironically, that young guy was Ricky Carmichael. After Jeremy took the checkers, he rode to the podium and posed for a brief moment to allow us working photographers to take a few photos. Then he announced, "Help me get this bike up to the podium!" We set our cameras aside and proceeded to pass Jeremy's Yamaha up the podium steps. Jeremy, as always, praised his sponsors, his team and his equipment, but most of all he pleased the many fans and gave me a lasting memory of a young gentleman who balanced professionalism, fun and integrity in the sport of motorcycling. McGrath Says Goodbye VI Jeremy, we miss you already. You're the one who didn't really come up through the farm system. You're the one who bagged groceries to pay for your racing. You're the one who was part of Mitch Payton's historical independent team, winning 125cc SX Championships. You're the one who won the 250cc Supercross Championship on your first try. You're the one who revitalized the sport after most all of the past greats retired. You're the one who almost gave Suzuki its first Supercross title after umpteen years, if not for a flat tire. You're the one who brought Chaparral's independent team a historical Supercross Championship. You're the one who beat your competition so badly, you had time to pull a nac-nac (a first) while leading the best riders on earth, putting them to further shame. You're the one who unwittingly invented "freestyle" contests, without even participating in one. You're the one who continued to win Supercross Championships through historically forming your own race team. You're the one with seven AMA Supercross Championships (lest we cue I e David R. Back Wilmington, DE n e _ S • JANUARY 15, 20035