Cycle News - Archive Issues - 2000's

CgcleNews .. Keep the races coming I'll be watching if there is no commentary." letters 10 the editor should be sent 10 Voices, Cycle News, PO Box 5084, Costo Meso, CA 92628-5084; foxed to 714·751-6685 or emoiled 10 edilor@cyclenews.com. Published letters do nol necessarily reRect lhe position of Cycle News, Inc. letters should nol exceed 200 words, and all ore subject to editing. Anonymous letters will not be considered for publication. ~._..,. AU letters should contain the writer's name, address and daytime phone number... Editor. Gaston Rahier Meeting Malcolm I am saddened by the passing of Gaston Rahier. He was an inspiration to all 125cc riders (of my era) as well as those who successfully competed later in life. Dan Reynalds via the Internet I attended the Indy dealer show this past weekend and had the privilege of meeting Malcolm Smith, his daughter and his son. I would have to say that they were the most down-to-earth people. We talked about school, racing and life in general. It was a true honor to meet people that are so famous in the motorcycle industry and yet so humble to talk to anyone. His children, who are in college, are as friendly and polite as they could be. Thanks, Malcolm, for taking the time to talk to me. Brian Temple via the Internet Bring On Emig I never gave it much thought as to who was broadcasting the Supercross races as I was just excited to be getting the coverage (especially the next day). That is until I heard Jeff Emig do a guest appearance on TV He made my hair stand on end as I too am an ex-racer. His inSight and perspective were priceless and possible only from an experienced racer as himself. He could actually tell you what was in a guy's head at any given moment, and his natural excitement could be felt. I admire the professional and adequate (usually) job the other two are doing. I am certain, however, having the likes of Emig or David Bailey only raises the level and excitement of the broadcast. In an industry where no expense is spared and "only the best will do," has it not crossed the minds of the powers that be to seek such individuals? Obviously, this is just one small view of what is a more complex question. Keep the races coming - I'll be watching if there is no commentary. Lance Gorton Yucaipa, CA Unhappy TV Okay, I am finally compelled to chime in on this. Yes I'm another viewer who is completely dissatisfied with ESPN2's choice of commentators for its weekly 5upercross broadcasts. These two imbeciles do not know what they're talking about. Week after week. "Look at the skim in the whoops." What? Is he making cheese? Or, "He drops a wheel and hands the win to Ramsey," when Ramsey had taken the lead several laps prior to this remark - and was handed nothing. After reading previous comments from your readers regarding Todd Harris and Cameron Steele, I can only conclude that ESPN2 has hired them to appeal to the 12 and under crowd on TV The problem is that in the process they are insulting the intelligence of anyone who knows anything about dirt bike racing with their goofy, clueless commentary. ESPN2... please - don't you get it? P.S. someone let them know that it's Tim - not Jay - Weigand. Dick Archer via the Internet 6 Ducati's Daytona? I have noted with interest over the years that Ducati seems to have more than its share of mechanical problems - especially in longer races. In the Daytona 200, whether it was Anthony Gobert or Eric Bostrom, the bikes always had "overheating" problems, or a "rock punctured the oil cooler." Perhaps this was the case, but it seems like this brand has more than its share of mechanical problems in longer races. They do well in Europe, but in reality they are only racing against themselves in World Superbike and, of course, one of the bikes will go the distance to win. I can see Ducati winning the Superbike race at Daytona this year because this race has been cut to a "sprint" version. Eric Bostrom could do a Pikes Peak disappearing act with the help of a holeshot in the shortened race. Maybe this will be the year for the brand D with a shorter race. Maurice McCoy Martinsville, IL We Love It When They Fight Sorry to get back to you so late. Been kind of busy generating another project bike, which should be ready to go shortly. Seemed more important to me then taking the time to respond your letter. But now I have the time, so let's go through what you said. Let's see. Defending the unhappy looking guys being flagmen (flaggers is not a real word, Greg) working for free? Why don't you ask Mike Brown what he thinks of free flagmen? Might have cost him a championship! Ask Ryan Hughes what he thinks, too. Heck, Iget paid flagmen when I go to lake Elsinore or Glen Helen whether just goon riding or racing. Supercross is supposed to be the top attraction in the two-wheeled off-road sport. So why not have professional flagmen? The very people we go to see in these events run the risk of career-ending injury and death. In light of this it seems the AMA and the promoters can step forward, set a professional standard for flagmen - and pay them. As for calling Nissans Datsuns? That is what I call sarcasm. It's in the dictionary MARCH 2, 2005 • CYCLE NEWS Volume Sharon Clayton - President Michael Klinger - Publisher EDITORIAL _ between Sarawak and sarcastic. As for wasting a ticket to the supercross... I actually had two! Before going to the track I went by one of my favorite motorcycle shops, Orange County Honda, and gave it to one of the kids working behind the parts counter who did not have the chance to go. If you are really concerned about the sport and what grassroots motocross fans such as myself think of it, then call for improvements in the sport. Do you not think flagmen should get paid? Do the whoops really need to be 3-feet deep? Does 70 percent of the track really need a flight plan? Do we really need a split start? Don't the workingmen of the sport (privateers) need start money? Their family, friends, supproters and sponsors do the best they can, but they are just scraping the bottom of the wallet to get from round to round. Most of them go into debt just trying to make the show - let alone the season. While leaVing your shoes on, Greg, please tell me how much of your ticket value reached the racers? Maybe .098 percent! Every Supercross should be a $100,000 event! Every privateer should get paid. What have you really done for the sport, Greg? Have you ever given hard-earned cash to Wonder Warthog? Have you ever tried to assist a privateer to reach their dreams? I have. I built a bike with the help of a friend. It was built it in my living room (the wife is cool about stuff like this) and was on display in the entryway to my house when the racer came to pick up the bike. He got 16th at Anaheim I in 2003 in the 12Scc class. I also funded the race bike for another privateer in 2003 as well. Did this make any sense' None at all, as I do not have deep pockets. But it was my one chance in my life to help someone in the sport I love, and I did it of free will and at no profit or notoriety (except for now). Did I go in debt to do this? Sure I did. I did it because I believed in both racers and wanted to make a difference. Will I do it in the future? No, never again. But once a year from now on I will write a check to Wonder Warthog racing at the start of the season. Will you and everyone else who reads this to do the same? And now to close, Greg, I'll clear up a point you seemed to be confused on. You really don't have to ask me to stay away from Supercross, as I stated in my letter that I never intend to go back. And I will be at Glen Helen in turn two during the start of the first 250/450cc class motos. There is no more awesome sight in motocross then this. Speed, power and racing! Hope to see you there if you don't mind the dirt. Steve Hackett Yorba Linda, CA Okay, enaugh af that... Editar XXXXII Paul Carruthen; - Editor Kit Palmer - Off-Road Editor Scott Rousseau - Managing EdItor Blal(e Conner - Associate Editor Brendan lutes - Off-Rood Assistant Editor Henn" Ray Abrams - Conlribuling Editor Alan Cathcar-t - Europeon Editor David R. Holther - Regional Events Editor Kimberly Pellman - Copy Editor ADVERTISING· WESTERN STATES 1714 ,751-74]) Terry Pratt - Notional Accounts Manager Mark Thome, Forrest Hayashi. Dan legere. 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"'Of\t~s 125 ISSJesl 5S; 00 1".11 s~b (IS .;S\le5l. 5~2 00 Cyc'e ~'I!"foS "'f'comes U'·SO;'C"f'l:! e;! le"J' ""ale"al '-:',,;(j_~ S~J'·es ca'l'J.O"S pIlotes.etc S"Ch mate' a; ,j pu~,s"fd ~o"'.es 1'Ie n~,,,s,,e ~'~e'tl oj Cyl;'e ',e.,s Re~r""i'~ ,,"c'e 0' p.a,t o-~', ~ >-e'''''s>,c~ ell"'e Ol\Jb",~, A(he'1's·~g 'Ites ilnd c"c~lal'o" ,dermat,o;, ,~,:I be se"l "'PO' 'e 1'\'11,'\1\11"" I'rinh'd in L:.S.A. Copyrighl RJ Cycle News Inc 2005 Trademilrk Cycle News regislered U 5 Patent Otlice All rights reserved

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