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/295587
IN THE WIND P22 MOTOGP SILLY SEASON? C ontract time in MotoGP has come earlier than ever in 2014. With all major riders on the market at the end of this season, negotiations are already under way, and increasingly fevered speculation as well, with Honda suspected of launching a bidding war to snatch Jorge Lorenzo away from Yamaha. The Spaniard confirmed that talks with Yamaha had begun, adding when asked about a Hon- da approach that it was normal for the top riders to get offers from all the factories, and that "a rider would be mad" not to con- sider all the options. He told Dorna's official web- site that "if things are good with your factory and they treat you well – as Yamaha always has with me – and the bike is competitive, the most logical thing is to sign up again." His teammate Valentino Ros- si confirmed that he planned to continue next season, even though his self-imposed proba- tionary period to see if he could still be competitive was still only one race old. Asked about his future plans, his statement was simple: "I want to continue," he said, without elaborating beyond that it would be with Yamaha. Austin would be important, though, he had said earlier. "I had the worst weekend of the year here last year, so it is very important to understand if my level is better." Marc Marquez is considered a shoo-in to stay with Honda, but teammate Dani Pedrosa must again wait to see if he will be kept on. Should Lorenzo make the move, the older rider will have to seek employment elsewhere. Michael Scott Where will Jorge Lorenzo end up in 2015? Honda? Yamaha? PHOTOGRAPHY BY GOLD & GOOSE STEVE WRIGHT PASSES S teve Wright, the well-known and highly respected restorer of old motorcycles, succumbed to cancer last week at the age of 73. His knowledge of early American motorcycles was re- spected the world over and his love of American dirt track rac- ing, particularly the early years, drove him to author three books that have become valued collectors' items for any fan of racing: American Racer 1900-1940; American Racer 1940-1980; and The American Motorcycle 1869-1914. Each year Wright organized a three-day ride for pre-1916 bikes that attracted knowledgeable aficionados. He was also an enthusiastic racing bicyclist, often riding up to 180 miles a week and he participated in a one-day stage of the Tour de France. Among the racing motorcycles he owned was the four-cylinder bike that Kenny Roberts rode to victory at the Indy Mile in 1975 and a similar bike that Steve Baker rode. His irascible personality and wicked English sense of humor seemed to match perfectly with his love of old motorcycles. Peter Starr Noted motorcycle restorer and author Steve Wright passed away last week.