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/495160
CN III VOICES L E T T E R S T O T H E E D I T O R "I'm really tired of busybodies trying to make my world more vanilla than it already is." Grid Girls I couldn't agree more with managing editor Andrea Wil- son's take on what seems to be a looming wave of political correctness regarding pit girls, umbrella girls, or whatever title applies. The NFL has its cheerlead- ers—hell, there was even a movie about the Dallas Cow- boys' Cheerleaders! The NBA has choreographed dancers that aren't exactly hard on the eye. Why shouldn't motorcycle racing have an attraction during the downtime before the start of the race? As Andrea correctly pointed out, none of these women are victims of "white slavery." All of them chose to display their God-given attributes of their own volition. Why do meddlers feel these poor girls need to be protected from themselves? I really am tired of busybodies trying to make my world more vanilla than it already is. I can also remember female AMA pro racers having "um- brella boys," so is this really one-sided "sexism"? I think not. And, by the way, congratula- tions to Andrea Wilson for join- ing the Cycle News masthead. I've seen and spoken with Andrea for the past decade around the AMA pro paddock, and while she is a skilled action photographer, I always knew she had more in reserve than calculating aperture and shutter speeds. Also, anyone who has seen Andrea "dressed" for the AMA Awards banquet knows she could rival any umbrella girl if that had been her career choice. Way to go girl! Rene LaPrevotte Placerville, California It's time that we kick out the old farts that run motorsport, we all buy pit and paddock tickets for two reasons only—the girls, and whatever is being raced. Take one of them away, and I might just as well sit at home, unless of course the pit girls are still there. It's like having the Oscars without the red carpet show. Peter VanDerPol Via the Internet Excellent article by Andrea Wilson on this grid-girls de- bate that's been going around. Finally, a woman's viewpoint. I think folks should listen to Andrea. She goes to the races and sees what we see. It's a non-issue. Great looking wom- en have been around for a long time and any of the females I've watched motorcycle racing with, don't see it as an issue, because they know no one is being coerced or forced to do it. It's a career for many. The old adage that if she's beautiful she's not very smart is as outdated as some of these mind-sets about attractive women at the races, and they need to get rid of them. Gee, Melissa Paris or Elena Myers don't have any issues. John A. Stockman Via the Internet Obviously, female racers should have umbrella boys on the grid. Vic Plichota Via the Internet Impressed With Cycle News Excellent, as always (issue 14, April 6, 2015). I was particu- larly impressed with the "In the Wind" article concerning the passing of Sharon Clayton, and the "Archives" article, "Be- dazzled By Barn Luck." Both of these brought to life the early formation of our passions for two-wheeled adventures, and have shown a light on two who were intimately involved with it. My thanks to Larry Lawrence for the excellent writing (as always). Also appreciated was the "Trackside" article written by Andrea Wilson. I know I need not say: "Keep up the good work." Cycle News sets a standard like none other with each issue. Dave Brumley 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 P16