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/339119
CN III VOICES L E T T E R S T O T H E E D I T O R "The end result could be a resurgence of talent and interest in the most exciting racing sport in the world." Not A Happy Camper With the malaise that U.S. motorcycle road racing has become, it's time for a change. With car racing going much the same route, World Cham- pionship events are becoming nothing more than NASCAR style match racing. About the only races I attend anymore are the Historic events held annu- ally at Laguna Seca. Big power, variety, and innovation. What we have now in F-1, Indy, WEC and sports car GT racing are neutered down pro- duction cars that are less pow- erful than their street counter- parts. The complete opposite of the old IMSA days. Where are the 935 Porsche Turbos and supercharged Corvettes? Daytona prototype races are just boring processions of spec machines with regulated power output on the same tires. And if they dare go too fast they get penalized. That said, the state of top- level motorcycle racing in the U.S. is at an all-time low and it's due to many factors, not the least of which is Daytona Motorsports Group's (DMG) ignorance of the moto enthusi- ast and how to market to them. I have to wonder why DMG hangs onto the U.S. motorcycle road racing series. They can't be making money at it. No TV, five or six venues or whatever. With fewer races and circuits, maybe it's time to go back to the "old school" of Grand National Championship Racing. Everyone collects points in the grass roots dis- ciplines of flat track and road racing to determine the overall champ. The end result could be a resurgence of talent and interest in the most exciting racing sport in the world. It's time for new blood and new ideas. It's time for DMG to get out. Paul McKendry Bend, OR Will James Race? So, will James Stewart be rac- ing at the Tennessee National on the 28 th or not? I've got my motel room reserved already, but I really would hate to go to the race and James not be in the running. I think Justin Barcia is out, Eli Tomac is out, Ryan Villopoto is out and now you're telling me that James Stewart might not be there either? Well, there is a pool at the motel, maybe just sit by the pool on Saturday and avoid all the heat and humidity. Danny Hutcherson Via Facebook We Are Fools? You guys have to be kidding me. PJ Jacobsen takes third in Misano, Italy over the weekend and all the World Superbike guys are talking about PJ being a good guy and wishing he is the real deal from the U.S.; and the top story is that Josh Hayes won another AMA Superbike race. Give me a break. Who cares? There's like three guys on the AMA grid. PJ is overseas busting his ass trying to represent the U.S. in some of the strongest racing series out there and you're talk- ing about AMA. How about some support for the guy. You are total fools. Sam Krasznai Via the Internet Oliver vs. Kling I vividly remember that race (Archives, Issue 25, June 24). Our local hero Fritz Kling was in pursuit of Rich Oliver and lost the front end of his machine coming on to the long Grattan straight. Fritz, with his huge frame, literally picked the bike up and continued on. In my mind Fritz was the David taking on the factory machines. R.I.P., Fritz, you are gone but the memories will last forever. Gerald Bertolini Via Facebook Letters to the editor can be sent to voices@cyclenews.com. Published letters do not necessarily reflect the position of Cycle News. Letters should not exceed 150 words and are subject to editing. Anonymous letters won't be considered for publication and each letter should contain the writer's name, address and daytime phone number… Editor P16