Cycle News - Archive Issues - 2000's

443-2153, or access its website, the AMA/Red Bull Supermoto Championship Series round at South Boston Bruce Cox sold ABC Sports the idea of bringing together top motocross/super- zel. now 55, was only 21 years old when his second chance came around. In Jan- www.harley-davidson.com. Speedway in Virginia on August 30. cross, dirt track and road racers from "Boris is very excited about the opportunity to race in the United States and will ride on the Red Bull/HMC/KTM team around the world to compete on a spe- uary, 1968, while flying door gunner with the U.S. Army's 173rd Assault Heli- Harley-Davidson will present its inaugur- cial race course at Carlsbad Raceway in Carlsbad, California, that consisted of copter Company in Vietnam, Private al Genuine Hero Award to a veteran First Class Wetzel and his crew were for dedication and service to our coun- and compete on 450 SX Racing and 525 SX Racing KTM machines," said Red Bull/HMC/KTM team owner Mitch both dirt and asphalt sections. This shot down deep in enemy territory. The try. Veterans or family and friends of event offered race fans a showdown of the best of the best until the restructur- next 12 or so hours would prove to be a defining period of time for the youn9 veterans are asked to write about how Hansen. Hansen intends to bring interna- man. While trying to get his injured com- someone has made a positive impact on the country or community through such mander out of the cockpit. a grenade landed only a few feet from him. The characteristics as patriotism, citizenship, war-time heroism or community service, Supermoto series alongside the HMC's in9 of ABC Sports, which dropped the event. Tickets for the Del Mar events are now on sale at Ticketmaster.com, cC.com and selected Southern California explosion ripped his left arm to shreds, Veterans may nominate themselves. The U.S. team consisting of Doug Chandler, Larry Pegram, Benny Carlson and Chris motorcycle dealers. For more event information, call 817/332-4822. Despite the horrific injury and loss of blood, Wetzel was able to use a winning veteran will receive $1000 in machine gun and keep the enemy at bay for several hours. "You don't quit." he said recalling his actions that day. "I didn't want to die, not in the mud, not in the slop." Wetzel's heroic actions distinguished him, not only in the eyes of his fellow troops, but in the eyes of his country, In November 1968, he received the highest U.S. military honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor, from President Lyndon Johnson. Since 1861, more than 3400 Medals of Honor have been awarded to our nation's bravest soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coast guardsmen, but there are only 137 recipients alive today. Wetzel, of South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, remains steadfast to his love of country and his military ties. Memorial Day marked the 14th consecutive year that Wetzel led the Rolling Thunder parade in Washington D.C. on his Harley-Davidson. More than 500,000 riders rode in the parade to publicize the POW/MIA issue and and Genuine Motor Accessories. Two tional guests and other celebrity riders to each round of the Red Bull AMA Fillmore. With Ricky Carmichael, Tim Ferry and "The minimum weight requirement for the Harley-Davidson entries in Pro Stock Bike up to 160 cid will be increased by 25 pounds. from 550 to 575 pounds, effective at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minnesota, August 14-17." This is from information released on the National Hot Rod Association's website, nhra.com. "This adjustment in minimum weight reflects the current weights of the Harley-Davidson entries while in competition," the release continued. "The change was also implemented based on the competitiveness of the Harley-Davidson at these weights and to curtail cost of development of lighter parts for the motorcycle in the future." Clear Channel Entertainment - Motor Sports has announced two Grand Marshals for the K&N Del Mar Mile Weekend of racing that will include Vintage, Superbikers, Concours d'Elegance, Motorcycle Expo, Parts Exchange, Short Track, Lap of the Legends, and Mile National at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, California, October 3-5. The 2003 Dirt Track Grand Marshal will be three-time AMA Grand National Champion (1985-87l and 1988 AMA Superbike Champion Bubba Shobert. Shobert was one of the most versatile riders during the 1980s, winning road race, short track, mile, TT and half-mile events_ Gavin Trippe, who was one of the Ryan Hughes selected to represent Team USA in the 57th annual Motocross des Nations in Zolder, Belgium, Racer X Illustrated has come up with a way of allowing fans to support the team. You can support Team USA at thiS year's race by purchasing a Team USA decal for $10. The sticker features a draWing of one of the original superstars of Team USA, Johnny O'Mara, from the 1981 Motocross des Nations the first time Team USA ever won the event. The decal was drawn by Trent Howie and is being printed by the Davis brothers at Throttle Jockey. Racer X can even get them autographed by one of the Team USA riders or team manager Roger DeCoster. To purchase a sticker, send a check or money order to: Racer X Illustrated, Dept. "Go Team USA!" 166 Harner Run, Morgantown, WV 26508. The stickers can also be purchased over the phone with a credit card by calling 304/284-0080. All you have to do is let them know whose signature you want on the sticker. Cycle Gear is now selling product online, according to a release from the company, For more information, visit www.cyclegear.com. promoters of the original ABC Wide World of Sports Superbikers from 19791985, has been named as the Grand Marshal for the inaugural Parts Unlimited Harley-Davidson's Engine Remanufacturing Program aims to give Evolution engines a second chance at life. So, it was fitting that Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories provided Gary Wetzel with a complimentary remanufactured engine for his 1993 Electra Glide. After all, Wet- Superbikers sponsored by KTM to be held on Saturday, October 4, Trippe and zel knows all about second chances. A highly decorated Vietnam veteran, Wet- Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Parts other winners will receive $500 and $250 Harley-Davidson Genuine P&A prize packages. Letters of 200 words or less should be sent to Harley-Davidson Genuine Hero Award, c/o Bellwether Communications, 510 College Avenue, Racine, WI 53403, Include the nominee's name, address, phone number, age, branch of service, dates of time in service, and year and model of HarleyDavidson motorcycle. All entries must be received by October 24. With the Motocross des Nations set for Zolder, Belgium, on October 4, some of the most important National teams are beginning to come together, according to Cycle News contributor Geoff Meyer. It is looking like the AMA National Champions plus all three World Motocross Champions will be in the event. In the AMA 250cc Championship, Ricky Carmichael is just about assured of winning the championship and leading assist disabled veterans from all wars. "Gary epitomizes the true meaning of what an American hero is," said Paul his men against the world, while in the 125cc class it is very much looking like James, Harley-Davidson communications manager. "His story of survival is incredible. We are proud to have Gary be a Harley-Da~dson rider, and his new remanufactured engine should keep him Grant Langston and Ryan Hughes will fight it out for the 125cc title. With thiS in mind, it could be the first time since 2000 that the five most important AMA/FIM champions all appear on the on the road for years to come." Launched as a pilot program in 1998, the engine-remanufacturing program allows customers to get back in touch with their bikes' initial power and performance by targeting all 1340 Evolution same track on the same weekend. Missing from this year's event will be James Stewart (who has yet to race for his country in the des Nations), Sebastian Tortelli, David Vuillemin and Kevin Windham. Of course, leading the way thiS engines on Harley-Davidson motorcycles built between 1984 and 1999. For year will be Belgium, with three possible World Champions in the team: Steve more information on the 1340 Evolution Engine Remanufacturing Program, visit Ramon, Stefan Everts and Joel Smets. There was talk that the Belgian riders were disappointed with some sponsorship problems, but we can count on Ramon, Everts and Smets riding for their any U.S. Harley-Davidson dealership. To locate the nearest dealer, call (80Q) country on October 4. Australia will run BORN: A baby girl, Charlotte Joy, to team Yamaha motocrosser with Chad Reed, Michael Byrne and Andrew McFarlane, although Byrne is in an amicable split. and I look forward to continued business relations with Bill as well as future riding adventures, - Don Emler said in a release. After September 1, Berreth can be reached by calling Motonation at 858/513-6280. some doubt due to a possible team change. If Byrne is out, he will be replaced by Craig Anderson, France is looking at fielding Mickael Pichon, Mick- David Vuillemin and his wife, Erica, on August 13 in Corona, California. MARRIED: Jay Bemard, founder and president of Mototek Imports, ael Maschio and Stephane Roncada. ACCEPTING: Factory Effex, Inc.. is currently accepting resumes for Inc. and www.mototek.com. to Genviev Martin, the company's market- While it's not a bad team, they will miss the 2004 motocress season. Resumes can be sent to: Factory Effex, altn: race support, 24922 Anza Dr.. Suite 0, Valencia, CA 91355 or through www.SponsorHouse.com. ing director. on June 21 in Monaco. David Vuillemin and Sebastian Tortelli. South Africa is said to be bringing Grant NAMED: Marla Kowalski to the position of senior marketing manager Langston, Greg Albertyn and Tyla Rattray. New Zealand looks like haVing Josh Coppins, Ben Townley and Daryl Hurley, with England yet to name its at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma. California. effective immediately. RESIGNED: Bill Berreth, from his position as FMF's director of sales and marketing, effective September 1, due to personal reasons, "It is Kowalski most recently worked in the global events department at E'TRADE Financial. cue' • n e _ - - - - Continued on page 100 S • AUGUST 27.2003 3

• Cover