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
IN THE WIND P26 CRUTCHLOW STAYING WITH DUCATI? C al Crutchlow was quick to stamp on rumors at the Dutch Grand Prix that he is considering baling out of the factory Ducati team, insisting that "I'm not even thinking of any option for next year… my priority is to be with Ducati." Crutchlow was facing questions concerning a supposed opt-out clause in his contract, to come into effect at the end of July. With Andrea Iannone clamoring for a place in the team, and with Crutchlow's switch from Yamaha to Ducati proving serially disappointing for both sides, the questions came thick and fast. "Firstly, you're wrong [about the contract clause]," he said; adding: "It's a matter between Ducati, my management and me." Then he said he intended to persevere with the GP14 and ultimately GP15, pointing out that several other riders have found the move to Ducati difficult at first. "You have good years and you have bad years," he said, adding: "I've never ridden a bike this hard for such bad results." While teammate Andrea Dovizioso and even the satellite Ducatis have shown improving per- formance, the British rider has been struggling. A series of mechanical misfortunes – both electronic and braking – plus an injurious crash at round two in Austin, Texas, have contributed to a best so far of sixth in the opening round. Since then Crutchlow has had one non-start, four non-finishes, and a downtrodden 11th at Le Mans. At Assen he was ninth, "my first finish for more than a month." The previous year on the satellite Tech 3 Yama- ha, the former World Supersport Champion was fifth overall, with four podium finishes including two second places. Michael Scott Cal Crutchlow says he's not thinking about leaving Ducati. PHOTOGRAPHY BY GOLD & GOOSE JANNIRO AGAIN! T he AMA National Speedway Series reached its halfway mark with Billy Janniro stepping closer to a fifth title after scoring another victory at Ventura Race- way in Ventura, California, on June 28. A large and enthusiastic crowd was on hand to witness some fast and exciting racing on the 1/5 mile banked oval - the big- gest track used in the series. Jan- niro did not have it all his own way and was pushed harder than ever by the emerging young riders, in- cluding 17-year-old Max Ruml and 20-year-old Gino Manzares, who had flown in on a break from his British league season to compete. An hour before the main show, Rocco Scopellite and PJ Byrne emerged victorious from run offs for the last two spots, with Dan Faria the reserve rider. After a heated bout of heat race action, the first semi final saw Manzares win from Austin Novratil in a carbon copy of heat 20; Bart Bast and Broc Nicol were third and fourth and elimi- nated. Semi final 2 saw the race of the night with Ruml stunning Janniro,