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/128211
30 YEARS ABO.•• MAYS, 1973 A cacophony of motorcycling images littered the cover of Issue f 17 - a road race photo topping a motocross photo topping a 4420-mile Moto Guzzi odometer... Mitch Mayes (Hus) won the Four Corners Hare & Hound over commo'n winner Tom Brooks (DKW) ... Barry Sheene and Gary Fisher were pictl,lred doing two-up wheelies on their pit bikes at Mallory Park. Fisher was sitting in front, though Sheene was at the controls. In a follow-up photo Fisher was captured crashing his pit bike spectacularly, although he didn't lose his hal... Jeff Sexton won the handicap main at Irwindale Speedway, soon after retuming from a broken back. Jim Castor won the scratch main... Ken Zahrt (Bul) won the 500cc Expert class at Irwindale MX. Dave Zahrt (Bul) won the 125cc Junior overall. e complained when Action began working with Action Group in Luongo is also quick to point out Group was around back in the 1997, and he also introduced many that the live television that everyone 1990s - they had taken our sweet of the best things seen in motocross. is waiting for was introduced by sport of motocross and turned it into Luongo is also happy to mention Action Group in 1997. a mix of Formula One and MotoGP. some of the things he introduced to The atmosphere was gone, we all the Grand Prix paddock six years said. Motocross will never be the ago, and while Dorna has taken a lot same. Then came Dorna, and our of the credit for making the GPs more W sport once again plummeted in the ber who in fact made the GPs what the Action Group days didn't seem so bad anymore. Nobody is looking too dimly at the prospect of another attempt by Giuseppe Luongo to run the promotion of the FIM World Motocross Championships in 2004, and to be honest, we shouldn't be. It's been a complex matter, the reintroduction of Luongo. The Italian businessman was not too interested Chuck Ford climbed his RM25O-framed Suzuki 750cc Hillciimber up the cover of Issue 117 at th.e Widowmaker Hillclimb outside Salt Lake City, Utah. Kerry Peterson added to his records of being the first man to top the hill twice in one day and the only rider to win on the same hill twice, this time winning for the first time on a new 15OO-foot hill... We took a look at Rob Iannucci's Vincent Black Lightning, which he had listed in the New York Times for $30,000. There were reportedly only 23 of the machines built. The machine cost $1500 in 1950... Billy Whitley (Kaw) won the Mini Stock and Mini 105cc classes at a motocross in Tyler, Texas ... Kit Palmer (Suz) was photographed sailing to victory in the 250cc Intermediate class at Corona Raceway. in running the European-based motocross series when Dorna decided to depart the scene at the end of 2003. Luongo also runs the World Supermoto Series and World Snowmobile Series, and he didn't want to risk damaging either of those championships by taking on MX again. After some prompting from his good friend Wolfgang Srb, who happens to be the motocross president of the FIM, Luongo rethought his plans and is now in charge of the 2004 series. "At the press conference at the opening round of the World Supermoto, a journalist asked me about motocross," Luongo said. "We have found a principle agreement with FIM, but still the contract is not signed. As 10 YEARS ABO..• MAY 5, 1993 Team Green's Danny Hamel ripped across the cover of Issue IJ7 on his way to victory in the San Felipe 250 with teammate Larry Roeseler. Hamel also remained undefeated in the National Hare & Hound Series, winnin.9 round four in Utah... Jeremy McGrath (Hon) got his eighth win of his rookie season at the Indianapolis Supercross. Steve Lamson (Hon) fmished second, Jeff Ernig (Yam) third. Doug Henry (Hon) won the 125cc main... Ricky Carmichael (Kaw) won the 85cc (12-13) Stock and Supermini classes at the World Mini Grand Prix. Other notable winners included Bobby Bonds (60cc Stock 6-8), Bryan McGavran (60cc Modified 6-11), Justin Buckelew (80cc Modified 0-11), Brock Sellards (80cc Modified 14-16), Billy Clifton (125cc Modified Beg.), Kevin WIndham (125cc Stock Int., 125cc Open, 2.50cc Stock Int., 250cc Modified Int.), Robbie Reynard (125cc Stock/Mod. Pro, 250cc Modified Pro), Craig Decker (250cc Stock Pro) and Casey Johnson (l25cc Modified Inl. ). "With this came professionalism and passion, professional, we are quick to remem- wrong direction, and all of a sudden "This is a little of what I brought to Motocross in 1997," Luongo said. soon as the contract is signed and FIM has made their announcement, we will then make a press conference and these things saw motocross make a big jump forward in a short time. People often like to they are today in the way of better talk about television and that there is facilities and a more professional not enough - they forget that before approach by the teams and riders. 1997 there was not even three min- "I remember in 1997 when we took utes of broadcasting on international the MXGPs with AGI; before this they television." were similar to the European Cham- Of course, Luongo has the bless- pionship now. We brought all this to ing of the FIM, and Wolfgang Srb the motocross then:" wasted no time in letting his feelings 1. A clean paddock with hard be known. ground with washing areas and elec- "We all know Luongo," Srb said. "I tricity; can't think of a better person to bring 2. Hospitality for FIM, guests, motocross back to where it used to press, teams and VIP; be. We at FIM are very optimistic 3. Time-keeping with transponders about" the future of the Grand Prix, and split-timing; 4. Sound system for public and and we still feel that this series is the paddock; biggest and best in the world. With 5. Live television production (12 the help of Giuseppe and his team, cameras) with live news and maga- we can once again expect the World zine programs broadcasted through- Motocross Championships to gain out the world; more respect around the World." 6. Service for press (press office Grand Prix Motocross was once all with modem, fax and many telephone about atmosphere, and it seems in lines) ; the Dorna years, with dwindling 7. Internet and website with live crowds and disappointed teams and results; riders, the feeling in the Grand Prix 8. Monitors and time-keeping in paddock has been one of despair and the pit lane; discontent. Let's all hope that the 9. More structures to welcome the public (tOilets, signaling, security, return of Giuseppe Luongo brings etc.); something a little more positive back 10. A professional podium with to the sport. tent for interviews; A bright note is that Luongo has to tell what is in our program. But for 11. The permanent-pass system good contact with Jonathan Beasley sure our main goal is to talk with all for teams, riders, press, VIP, etc. (free the parties involved with motocross at Budds Creek and Kevin Williams, of charge); the promoter of the two Australian and listen to all ideas to make the 12. The professional way to pre- important changes that everybody is pare the circuits with the circuit waiting for - to bring peace and sta- responsible for managing all the bility back to motocross. Naturally, Motocross Grands Prix held at Broad- maintenance; everything will be made in agreement with FIM and MXMA. So, practically it was the first time that 1 said 1 ford. Both Beasley and Williams are keen to work with Luongo in the future. 13. A rider autograph session for One thing that is clear, the 2004 the public; series will more than likely run with 14. A staff that was always kind two 250cc motos, the Motocross des was interested, and we will make an and at the disposal of teams, press, agreement with FIM in public." FIM and spectators to manage the Nations will return to its original for- event and to listen and give answers mat, and the circuits that run the GPs to everybody; will not go broke, which are three We have of course been told in the past of the wrongdoings of Luongo, although in all fairness he brought stability to the 250cc series when he reasons to love Giuseppe Luongo the 15. The support of the "Mobile Sport Ambulance." In an upcomIng Issue ", Cycle /lBws second time around. eN South African MotuGP SUgo WSBK salt Lake City SUpercross Loretta Lynn's GNCC cue I e n e _ S • APRIL 30, 2003 99