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/128332
MXoN, Will We or Won't We? A ccording to a press release by the saneI""\tioning body, AMA Pro Racing's Motocross/Supercross Series manager Steve Whitelock has been meeting with top riders, teams and OEM representatives to The 2004 MXoN is scheduled three weeks after the end of the AMA Chevrolet Motocross Championship and a week before the U.S. Open. "The riders are coming off a grueling determine their interest level in participat- motocross season and have a brief window ing in the 2004 Motocross of Nations (MXoN). Scheduled to be held in Lierop, Netherlands, October 1-3, the Motocross of Nations is historically referred to as the "Olympics of Motorcycling" and features three-man teams from around the world . of opportunity to prepare for the U.S. Open, a supercross race," said Whitelock . "It's a lot to expect them to travel to Europe to race at Notable American motocross stars consid- ered to be top choices to represent the United States include Ricky Carmichael, Kevin Windham and James "Bubba" Stewart Jr. Whitelock says that there are always a lot of variables that go into the decision of whether or not to send a team but that this that time ." Whitelock characterized rider interest in anending the MXoN as "mixed." "Frankly speaking, enthusiasm for attending the event is lukewarm," noted Whitelock. "There is some interest, and most of the riders I have spoken to have said they would consider going, but in all honesty, I would say that most riders are not that excited about it." Kerry Graeber, AHA Pro Racing vice "It's a lot to expect them to travel to Europe to race at that time." - Steve Whitelock year is particularly complex. "There are many external president, communications, acknowledges factors impacting whether or not the United States can field a team," said Whitelock . "Some of the factors this year are uncertainty regarding rider contracts and the difficulty surrounding the logistics of this year's event." that both AMA Pro Racingand the riders are pressured by fans to anend the MXoN. "I've received e-mails and calls from those that suggest we ought to send a team under any circumstances," said Graeber. "Unfortu nately, that blind enthusiasm does - n't really take into account the realities surrounding a MXoN effort in today 's racing climate. On one level we 're all enthusiasts and have a feeling that Team USA needs to be there. But on a practical level we have to do what's in the best interests of our riders and AHA Pro Racing." Sending Team USA to the MXoN represents a considerable cost to the riders, the OEMs and AMA Pro Racing. With litt le commercial value in the United States, it's w ill Ricky Carmichael again represensent the Stars and Stripe s? Or will there be a team at a ll? an investment that, from a business consideration, is hard to rationalize. Whitelock hopes that the event organizers work toward making sure the event delivers more value in the United States. "Having participation from riders of the caliber of Carmichael, Stewart and Windham adds credibility to the MXoN," said Whitelock . "I'd like to see the organizers recognize that and ensure that we receive exposure and value in our home market. Even something as basic as a strong television broadcast in the United States would be a step in the right direction ." Graeber said that the plan is to continue talking to the top riders, teams and OEMs and use that infonnation to make a final decision. "Steve [Whitelock] is going to get a fee l for what the riders are thinking and what kind of support their teams are willingand able to provide," Graeber said. "O nce we have that information, we'll sit down and detennine whether or not it is feasible to send a team this year. The decision will be made with the input of all those involved." Picotte Nearly Perfect MotoGP Bikes To Shrink It was business as usual for Pascal Picone in the th ird round of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship at Race City Motorsport Park in Calgary, Canada, July 3-4, with last year's champion winning on both days on his Team Yamaha/Picone Performance Yamaha RI. "That YamahaRI really suits me now," Picone said in a release issued by the race promoter. "It's started growing on me. I feel confident pushing it hard right from the get-go because the bike feels good. After the first round we weren't quite there, so we just went back and worked a litt le harder. We're looking good for the championship." Steve Crevier started 16th but tore up through the field to fourth by the end of lap one on the DXS Diablo Racing Suzuki GSX-Rlooo . A lap later he was past the Brooklin Cycle Yamaha RI of Frank Trombino and into third . For most of the race , Crevier trailed Clint McBain, whose Coors Light Racing! Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-RI000 was running about four seconds in Although it's not by much, the capact The MotaGP bikes will ga in weight ity of the MotoGP machines is set to in 2007 . Even Rossi's. be reduced, but not for another three years . In 2007 the capacity of the bikes used in the premier road racing class in the world will be reduced from 990cc to 900cc. The minimum weight limit has also been changed with two-cylinder (or less) motorcycles weighing no less than 292.6 pounds ; th ree-cylinder motorcycles weighing no less than 309. 1 pounds; four-cylinde r bikes weighing no less than 32S.6 pounds; five-cylinder machines weighing no less than 342.1 pounds; and six-cylinder motorcycles can weigh no less than 3S8.6 pounds . The decision was taken by the Grand Prix Commission , which is made up of representatives from the FIM, Doma, MSMA and IRTA. Other changes made to MotoGP race were in regard to testing. The Grand Prix Commission race) . The following exceptions to the regulations apply has stated that MotoGP teams cannot test at any circuit practice at any circuit after an event except during a break; between December I and January 20 the following year, any practice sessions organized by IRTA; 125 and 250cc while 125 and 250cc teams can only test in the winter at cirteams at two testing circuits designated by each team, cuits in the cont inental zone where the team is based. No which may take place 14 days before the scheduled race at teams can test at a circuit on the Grand Prix schedule 14 the circuit, but not in a break ; and to wild card entries but days prior to the first race of the season or during a break who cannot practice at a Grand Prix circuit within 14 days in the season (a break is two consecutive weekends with no of the race. arrears of Picotte. As the field completed lap 14, Crevier took over the runnerup spot and held the position to the finish.Jordan Szoke ended up third on his Honda Canada/Fasst Company Honda CBRloooRR. The Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike race was run on Sunday in the wet, and the win went to 18-year-old Chris Peris, a regular on the AMA Superbike circuit but a native of Calgary. Peris, who rode a Suzuki GSX-R6oo, topped Picone, with Szoke finishing third. On Saturday Picone won both the Parts Canada Superbike and Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike races, besting Crevier and Trombino in Superb ike and beating Crevier and Peris in the 600cc race . Picone now leads the Superbike points standings after three rounds with IS I points to Crevier's 136. McBain is third with 117. 6 JUL 14,2004 • CYCLE NEWS Y 4 0th Anniversa ry