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/128223
"Thanks, Spud, for being such a great role model for the kids." Boring? Since no one else has said it, let me express my opinion after watching James Stewart's return to the 125cc Motocross Nationals: What the hell is he doing out there? First of all, he probably has no chance to win the title due to his injury-induced layoff. Secondly, are we going to have to be bored to tears by every 125cc moto for the rest of the season? I mean, unless a wheel falls off or something, are the results of these races ever in doubt? And thirdly, Stewart's only potential competition at this point lies in the premier class - the 250cc class. If Stewart would just move up, it would bring more energy to both classes. With all due respect, Stewart's presence in the 125cc class is a farce. He is already one of the elite riders in the world, and he's not doing anyone any favors (well, maybe Kawasaki) by continuing to dominate the underclass. I know his rise has been spectacularly quick, but let's not use that as an excuse to sit on our hands and act like it's okay to keep up this charade. In amateur racing, it's called cherry-picking, and I for one hope that it ends soon. How exciting is it to watch a points battle carried out a time zone behind the leader? Come on, James and Kawasaki, do the right thing. On another note, I hope we'll see Travis Pastrana in the mix again. To his detractors, you probably wouldn't even get out of bed in the morning if you'd had as many injuries as this kid has had. And yet, he continues to smile and look for new ways to use his talent on a motorcycle. Get well, Travis, and come back soon, so we mortals can admire your skills and enthusiasm. Last, but not least: Ryan Hughes, riding with a broken leg - you gotta love it! Go Ryno! And I'll bet there were more than a couple of people in the pits and elsewhere who secretly wished you'd hit Brownie a little harder. We've been watching his takeouts for years now, but knocking down a guy with a broken leg in practice is a new low. Hopeful(y, what comes around will go around. I love mototcross! ~ve Farenell Saratoga Springs- NY No More CCS In a meeting held on June 7, 2003, the CMRA's board of directors voted unanimously to return to independent status after four years as a CCS affiliate. This decision has been explored extensively over the past two years in columns printed in the monthly newsletter "The Inside Line" and on the club's message board. The decision was reached after a number of meetings with CCS failed to resolve issues that the CMRA had raised. There are certainly few people involved in the sport of Amateur road youngsters of ages 8 to 12 will provide entry-level opportunities to get the next generations on the track. The goa I of the return to in depen dent status is to provide an even greater value to CMRA members and to the road racing community in general. Spud Walters racing who are committed to the advancement of the sport as CCS's Kevin Elliott. Hopefully, we will find an opportunity for our two organizations to participate on the race track at some point in the future. The return to independent status comes after a series of accomplishments by the CMRA over a two-year period. A new club secretary, race director and a new editor for the newsletter have been hired, the conversion to GAP accounting reports accomplished, the establishment of the CMRA Hall of Fame (Collin Edwards and Kevin Schwantz were the first inductees), purchase of air fence, repaving of Oak Hill Raceway, the purchase of a new AMB timing/scoring system, and a cash contingency program that has grown by more than $50,000 are evidence that the club is strong and getting stronger. Race entries are at an alltime high, and the CMRA's development of a Motard series that reaches Preliminary conversations with others in the club road racing business provide encouragement that there will be greater flexibility in regard to out-of-region and end-ofthe-season competition. It is the CMRA's desire to see these kinds of reciprocal opportunities granted to amateur road racers regardless of affiliation. This requires a whole different way of thinking, but change can be good, and in this case what is good for the rider is good for the sport. Further details on the rulebook for 2004 and the programs to be offered will be announced in the near future. Brooks 6remmels via the Intemet Gremmels is the president of the CMRA ... Editor Spud's The Man u e Inmate Thanks I would like to publicly thank Kenny Cool beth and Joe Kopp and mechanic Travis Smith for a recent visit to our Ohio prison. These three guys volunteered their time to stop by and show the inmates their bikes prior to the Grand National dirt track race in Lima, Ohio, on June 28. Kenny, Joe and Travis spent the afternoon answering questions from hundreds of inmates and staff - these guys are true ambassadors of the motorcycle industry. I would like to also thank their sponsors for supporting them. Joseph Wahrer via fax My family traveled to Surprise, Arizona, for the first round of the Four- e Stroke Nationals, and we were also at the Albany, Oregon, and Boise, Idaho, rounds. What a great event! It's like the Nationals used to be - lots of great, fast riders, but not so many spectators that you can't get around. Most of the riders are nice when people stop by, but I'd really like to thank Spud Walters. What a nice guy! He always takes the time to talk and sign autographs. My three year old is his biggest fan. After showing Spud that he could ride his PW50 with training wheels, Spud gave him the jersey he wore in the race and autographed it for him. It's now two weeks later, and my son can't wait to see his buddy Spud at the upcoming Washougal round and show him that he can now ride with no training wheels! He says when he grows up he wants to ride a four-stroke Honda and be fast like Spud. Thanks, Spud, for being such a great role model for the kids, and thanks to Honda and White Brothers for sponsoring him. Karen Hills Everett; WA I e Wahrer is the vocational small engine instructor at the prison ... Editor n e _ S • JULY 16. 2003 5