Cycle News

CN III VOICES L E T T E R S T O T H E E D I T O R "American dirt track racing needs the exposure Troy would bring to this truly American sport of dirt track racing" World-Class Track, Really? I agree with the opinions that have been stated regarding the MXGP Qatar venue, as it certainly didn't seem to be up to a "world-class" standard for such an event. Villopoto's first race was far from spectacular, but I'm not worried. The expectations were high as they should be for a racer of Ryan's caliber and he got a lackluster start to his MXGP career, but he has done that in several AMA series and pushed through to win titles. Any racer will tell you, you can't win the title in the first race, but you can lose it. Ryan is without a doubt one of the best at his craft, he and his team will get things figured out and they will be challenging for race wins very soon. I might be getting a bit ahead of myself, but I'm already looking forward to Ryan's homecoming in September at Glen Helen, would that not be the coolest thing to see him win the MXGP title on home soil in his first year! Rob Valero Via the Internet I hope the rest of the [MXGP] tracks are better than these first two. A great ride by Ryan Villopoto in brutal conditions [in Thailand]. Also, nice ride by Thomas Covington for fourth in MX2. Let's not lose sight of the fact he's an American in MXGP in class MX2. Keep up the good work, USA! USA! USA! Brigitte Birdot Via the Internet Dirt Track Rant It's time for another rant. I read the article Larry Lawrence wrote about Troy Bayliss' effort or desire to race on the GNC mile tracks this year. We must make this happen! American dirt track racing needs the exposure Troy would bring to this truly Ameri- can sport of dirt track racing. DT fans want it to survive and flourish; after all, it has helped to develop so many world champions over the years and now has become the most popular training method for most MotoGP stars dur- ing the off-season. Let's pass the hat and crowd-fund this effort. I have the domain name: troyonthemile.com. If we all work together, it will happen. This could be the start of put- ting together an effort to have a superstar dirt track series with Vale, Marquez and others dur- ing the off-season of GP. John Holman Via the Internet $250 Is $250! I'm an avid reader (over 40 years now) and was just read- ing and enjoying Jeff Buchan- an's article on the new 2015 BMW R 1200 R. He did have one really good error in the article, though. The base price without freight is actu- ally $13,950, so $250 less than what was stated in the article. That sounds like about 80 gallons or over 3,000 miles worth of fun in added value to me, and I don't know about you, but $250 still makes a dif- ference to me! All the best, and thank you for continuing to be my first and best source of speedy motor- cycle info. Kris Odwarka Via the Internet Mr. Odwarka is the Vice Presi- dent of BMW Motorrad USA & Canada and longtime Cycle News reader…Editor What About The Americans? I am disappointed in the cover- age you provide of our Ameri- cans racing overseas. Most American riders stay home and collect the money, but not many venture outside their own backyard. I remember pulling for Lackey back in the day. Sure you cover Hayden and Villopoto, but how about all the others? Thomas Covington rode the wheels off his bike in MXGP last year but got little coverage. Why not have a column or section listing all the Americans racing overseas, when, where, and give their results. Doesn't have to be a major story, just let the people know who is out there and how they are doing. Michael Huber Via the Internet 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 P18

• Cover