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/143892
production bikes ... I think I'm as good as they are. They might be in a little better shape, but their bikes are so much better. At the last USGP (250cc round in August) I stayed behind Hansen for 35 minutes, and then I just got tired. I think if they were all on production bikes it would be a different story. Remember, when all the guys from Honda went to the Florida Winter-AMA Series in '81 on production bikes. they couldn', do anything. . You had a pretty good deal going with Yamaha in '81, then in '82 you were out on the streets looking for a ride. lVhathapPened? I don't know why I lost my ride, if it was because I got hurt or what, but it was good for me to ride Suzukis this year, I really seemed to conform to them. I went out and bought those Suzukis, because I figured if Yamaha didn't want to help me I didn't want to ride their bikes. Do you see any problems with the AMA's Grand National Championship format next year? If I buy bikes again it's going to be pretty hard financially (a rider will need 250 and 500cc bikes), but I think it's going to be neat. Some guys can ride 2S0s and some can'l. and ollH'rs can ride 500s and some can·1. II's ,he same wi~h Supercross, some are good and some aren't. I think I'd have a good shot. In '81 I was pretty good at Supercross, but this year I only rode three. Are you an AMA supporter, or can you see the logic in running CMC events? I'd like to see the factories back in the AMA races, but if they're going to keep having series' like this I could be another Mark Barnett. The racing was a lot more competitive without the factories, it was a better show for the spectators. Is it harder for you mentally when Barnett, Hansen and the other top factory riders are on the line? Not really, it's harder for me at a local race. At home I have to race with the amateurs and they're always going to try and beat you, and might end up taking you out. They know you're going to win so they do everything they can to stop you. The only time it got scarey in this series was in the last moto when Liles got next to me. I more or less just let him by, because at the first moto at Unadilla he put a few moves on me that were a little spooky. Staying up, staying on two wheels is the key. If no sponsorship comes through for next year what are you going to do? I don't know. I don't want to quit racing, but if I don't get any money from anyone I can't be going on the road again for six .months. I'll just probably end up being a body . mechanic in Michigan. I worked with my dad through high school and I can do everything that needs to be done to rebuild a car. I wouldn't be happy doing that, and I'd rather make a living racing, but I might not be able to. Your .dad has dumped all the cash into your race program. Has it been worth it to him? I think it has. He gets a big thrill out of all of this. Besides your dad, has anyone else helPed you pull through '82? WP Racing gave me quite a few shocks which helped out a lot, and Moto-X Fox played a big part-they gave me anything I needed as far as gear. My mechanics Mike and Jim J:>ryor have been helping me out for a long time, and my new girlfriend Dienna has been telling me I could win this thing and it helped my head out a lot. I'm just hoping I can put it all together for next year, make some money, and fly my girlfriend to the races. That would be really nice. • ET gPO" THE TA"K ONE PIECE MOlDED CONSTRUCTION ~i~~I~~~hm $ • Accent PANEL for with HI-FLITE 3995 fit and style Col. 11M. odd 6" SaIeI Tax • All seams double ~ stttchedformaximum strength ~v • Vinyl cover 35,. heavier than stock seats • Precision molded to fit snug against gas tank • No cross seams to snag...separate... or tear SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER Umlted Time Only HI-FLITE USA~_.,..... A .,..