Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1990's

v Letters to the editor 01CES INSIDE Godspeed, Rodney FEATURES Dirt track racing has lost a champion. Rodney Mashue, the 1991 AMA Eastern Regional Pro-Am Champion, lost his life at the Ohio State Regional Half Mile at Greenville, Ohio, on June 20. In addition to the Pro-Am title, Rodney was also named District 14 Motorcyclist of the Year. Coming from a district that has produced the likes of Bart Markel, Corky Keener, Jay Springsteen, Ted Boody and Scott Parker, to name a few, this award is one which Rodney was especially proud of. And we are especially proud of him. These are indeed noteworthy accomplishments, but the fact that Rodney accomplished them after suffering the loss of his leg, is a fair representation of the character, determination and work ethic that drove him to always give 110% in e;ery aspect of his life. This is what made him a hero and a champion in the eyes and in the hearts of his family, friends and his many fans. After the loss of his leg (in a street bike accident), countless people warned Rodney that he could be killed if he didn't give up racing. He would look them in the eye and reply, "If I give up racing, you might as well kill me anyway." That reply sums up just how much dirt track racing meant to him. Over the years we have witnessed the excitement on the faces of fans and friends as they watched the magic Rodney performed on the half mile tracks of the Midwest. We have also witnessed the sparkle in his eyes and the grin on his face, both in ·the winner's circle and in late-night bench racing sessions in the garage. Though he enjoyed the "thrill of victory," it was the "heat of the battle" that he thrived on. Many times he stated that he would rather finish second in a close race than win by a wide margin. A true competitor, racing is what he lived for. . We, Rodney's family, would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have so actively participated in his life and his dreams. We would also like to thank Rodney for being such an important part of our lives. Godspeed, Rodney. You are loved. The Mashue Family Midland, MI The Mashue family is interested in obtaining videotape of Rodney in action. If you have tape they can copy, contact William Mashue, 830 Whitetail Lane, Midland, MI 48640 . . . Editor. Another side of the story After reading Mark Leopold's letter in the June 24 issue, I felt compelled to tell another side of the story. After attending the Atlanta Supercross (not one of Jeff Stanton's better nights), my STOLEN: A toolbox, two gas cans, wife and I and another couple recognized Jeff eating a late dinner at a local restaurant. aturally, I wanted his autograph but I hated disturbing him while he and three friends ate dinner. I quietly laid my ticket stub and a pen on the corner of his table and said, "I hate to bother you while you're eating. Would you mind signing this when you're done? I'll come back and get it." Jeff replied, "Hang on, no problem. Thanks far asking." He signed it and we were on our way. I wasn't at the San Jose round, so I'm not qualified to comment on that situation. I do agree that the "stars" owe the fans some respect, but I also think the fans owe the stars some compassion. The San Jose round probably eliminated Jeff's chances of winning the championship. My only experience with Mr. Stanton was pleasant and enjoyable, and I hope you'll give your readers another side of the story. David Brunner Ballston Spa, NY Misses Cycle magazine It's the end of the month and every now and then I find myself thinking, "Hey, Cycle didn't come yet." Then, of course, I remember that Cycle, a magazine I read since I was 10 or 11 years old, is not going to come anymore. It's not just late this month. it's gone. Long gone. Now in my forties and still reading most of the other motorcycle publications, there is something I miss. I find myself thinking, "Well, I'll wait to see what Cycle says about the new such and such." Or, "It ought to be interesting to see what Cycle has to say about that (race or new product, etc.)." So, how do you write a letter to a dead magazine? Well, I guess the people at Cycle News, which I've been reading almost as long, might still see some of the people (yeah, I know a few Cycle staffers write for Cycle Warld - it's not the same) or print this letter to those people who used to work there so I can say someone remembers you, remembers you weren't all things to all people, but you produced the best written, most interesting and my favorite consistent source of motorcycle information. I appreciated and miss you. Good luck to you all, wherever you are. I hope Cycle News is around as long as I am. Thanks for your coverage of the GP road races. There are, of course, many John Kocinski fans back home following his career. Owen Floyd Little Rock, AR Letters to the editor should be sent to: Voices, Cycle News, P.O. Box 498, Long Beach, CA 90801-0498. Published letters do not necessarily reflect the position of Cycle News, Inc. Letters should not exceed 200 words and aU letters are subject to editing. and a gearbag containing an Arai helmet and full set ofAXO riding gear, from the back of a white Ford pickup truck on June 25 at the Mammoth Mountain MX. Anyone with information that could help Scott Burch recover the items should call 714/8315774. EBC Brakes Endurance Challenge, not his father, William Himmelsbach, as we had it in our coverage of the event. "My dad and I both race and we can understand the mistake," aid Mike in a phone call to Papa. "We just wanted to set the record straight." Both William, 43, and Mike, 21, hail from Quakertown, Pennsylvania. CORRECTION: It was Mike Him- Yorba Linda, California, July 31. The VIN is JSISP44A8N2101453. If you have any information, call 714/9705493. ROAD RACE Falappa flies to Austrian Superbike win Team America tops at Road America OAK Racing grabs Grattan Endurance win 4 12 17 25 38 18 26 30 PREVIEW Unadilla U.S. 250cc MX GP preview ..... 20 HISTORY Alook at the first 35 years of 250cc MX GP racing 22 RIDING IMPRLSSION 1993 Honda XR650L dual sport bike ..... 32 OIRTTRACK Morehead motors at Norwalk HM 36 DRAG RACE Myers fastest in Ohio 39 NEWBIIFS Yamaha's 1993 YZ MXers Kawasaki's 1993 KX MXers 40 41 DUAL SPORT Two-wheelin' to Copper Canyon: Adual sport adventure 73 DEPARTMENTS NEW PRODUCTS LOCAL RACING CALENDAR RESULTS WANT ADS 29 42 53 58,72 60 ON THE FRONT PAGE: Overlooking Copper Canyon of the Sierra Madre Mountains in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, we join Great Motorcycle Adventures on a dual sport/off-road tour to the top and bottom of Copper Canyon. Story begins on page 73. Photo by Kinney Jones. America's weekly motorcycle newspaper Volume XXIX Michael Klinger, Publisher Caroline Gendry, Executive Secretary to the Publisher Editorial Jack Mangus, Associate Publisher/ Editor Kit Palmer, Associate Editor Paul Carruthers, Associate Editor Donn Maeda, Associate Editor Ken Faught, Assistant Editor Chris Jonnum, Assistant Editor Edwina Mangus, Calendar Editor Graphics and Production Ree Johnson, Production upervisor Mandy Loo, Production Manager Dennis Greene, Lab. Tech. tacey Guest, Graphic Artist Amy Harris, Graphic Artist Carolyn Branham, Typesetter Circulation Rheba Smith, Manager Sarah Taylor, Billing Coordinator Alma Anguiano, Processing Coordinator Debbie Weller, Dealer Coordinator Advertising Terry Prau, National Accounts Manager Mark Thome, Western Sales Manager Thomas R. Gonter, Western Sales Manager Steve GolO ki, Western Sales Manager Mark Mitchell, Eastern Accounts Manager Greg Mitchell, Eastern Sales Manager Rick Matheny, Eastern Sales Manager Rhonda Crawford, Western Ad Coordinator Carla Borden Allen, Eastern Ad Coordinator Dealer Sales teve Gotoski, Dealer Representative Marketing Be: Promotion Mark Thome, Manager AccountinglData Processing Donna Bryan-Diamond, A / R Coordinator Geneva Repass, Assistant Herlane Lewis, Credit Want Ads Toni Kerr, Want Ad Sales Service and Support Chris Aitcheson, Headquarters Receptionist Leonard Herring, Service and Support National Headquarters 2201 Cherry Ave.. Long Beach, CA 90806. P.O. Box 498. Long Beach. CA 90801-0498 (310) 427-7433; (310) 636-8844. FAX (310) 427-6685 Eastern Office 4190 First Ave., Tucker, GA, 3(1)84; mailing address P.O. Box 805, Tucker, GA 30085-0805. (404) 934-7850. FAX (404) 934-3112 Cycle News (USP 141-340) is published weekly except the last two weeks of the calendar year for $50.00 per year by Cycle ews. Inc., 2201 Cherry Avenue, Long Bea~h, CA ~06. Second class postage paid at Long Beach, CA. Canada Post Imetnauonal Pubhcauons Mail #546615. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Cycle News, P.O. Box 498, Long Beach, CA 90801·0498. To determine the expiration date of your subscription, check the four numbers on the first line of your address label. The first two digits indicate the last issue number you'll receive and the last two 'Characters indicate the year of the last issue. Sub cription rate: Rates for the Unite~ tates and its I?O sessions for one year, (50 !ssues), 50.00; twO year (100 issues), $95.00; StX months, (25 I sues), $26.00; mal sub (15 Issues), 19.00. Canada and Foreign, one year (50 issues), $90.00; twO years (100 issues), $175.00; six months (25 i ues), $45.00; trial sub (I5 issues), $38.00. Cycle News welcomes unsolicited editorial material including slOries, canoons, pholOs, etc. Such material, if published, becomes the exclUSive property of Cycle ews. uch accepted material is subject lo revision as is ne essary in· the sole d.is~etion of Cycle ews. Unsolicited material which is not used will be returned if accomparued by a self addressed . stamped envelope. All unsolicited material will be handled with reasonable care, howe,:er, Cycle ews assumes no responsibility for .the safety, loss o~ damage to .s';1ch matenal. Reprinting in whole or part only by permlsslOn of the publisher. Adverusmg rates and circulation information will be sent upon request. See S.R.D.S. STOLEN: A 1992 Suzuki DR650S in melsbach who was a member of the GTU class-winning T.B.R. Racing team at the June 20 Loudon, New Hampshire; round of the AMA/CCS MOTOCROSS Kiedrowski, Emig roost to Red Bud wins Lamson, Reynard tops at Mammoth Olsen aces Mammoth Old Timers Schmit smokes'em in Ireland Yoho, Porocoba pound Devils Ridge REUABIUTY ENDURO Smith snags Trask Mountain victory ..... 34 ViI/anA V AUDITED rl'\ . CIRCULATION Copyright8 Cycle News, Inc. 1992. Trademark Cycle News registered U.S. Patent Office. All righcs reserved. - 3

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