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/553925
CN III VOICES L E T T E R S T O T H E E D I T O R "[Ryan Dungey] doesn't have 12 weeks to grind the competition down at the Motocross of Nations." KTM Circling Gas Gas Like them [KTM] or not, I'm happy for any company that can withstand the ruthless tac- tics that the Japanese employ. Any small motorcycle company is taking a huge risk going up against the Japanese. Not every bike can be 100-percent trouble free, but I'm delighted to see KTM-Husky doing such a fine job in such a dog-eat-dog business. Polaris and Harley are the only companies making real money. I want to see the Europeans stay in business and continue to turn out some interesting bikes. Joe Wolfson How foolish to offer such a welcome when they—and we— don't know the reason for KTM visiting [Gas Gas], that's why Gas Gas is bankrupt, because some people there have blink- ers on and no real business sense. Maybe KTM wanted to con- sider a relationship with them, such as supplying or buying engines from them, such as Beta and Sherco have done in the past. KTM is a supplier of radiators, suspension and other components that could have assisted Gas Gas. Seems some Gas Gas employees made a choice without first listening to the offer, when they probably don't have any other good offers to choose from, their so called loyalty is mis- placed. Julian Stevens Hope it is not the end of the road for Gas Gas, but if it is, KTM is the best direction in the world to head! Dennis J. Potter Ryan Dungey And Team USA I for one am super pumped Ryan Dungey isn't on the team. Now this is going to sound stupid, but he's too consistent. He doesn't have 12 weeks to grind the competition down at the Motocross of Nations. It's about laying down some seri- ous raw speed, and that's not Dungey's strong suit. France is going to be damn tough to beat, but with a little luck on our side, the U.S. might get it done. Bonzai Billings USA will lose again. I like Justin Barcia, but he isn't Ryan Dungey, but there really isn't anybody that's healed up either. Earl Thigpen Lots of injuries to all teams. Go USA! Mike Carney Nicky Hayden His time is done in MotoGP. It cannot be that much fun for him being a backmarker at each and every race the last couple years. The sad part is we have absolutely no young AMA racer at the moment to climb the ranks of MotoGP and represent the great USA. Those racers from Italy, Spain, Britain, Ireland, etc., really set the bar high for us. Maybe one day we can be relevant again in MotoGP. Chris Rosenberger Nicky Hayden [deservs respect and] is a World Champion and Nicky won that championship during an especially difficult season. No one remains on top forever and if Hayden is still in MotoGP, it's more than likely because he wants to be, and far be it for any of us to think we know better how he should be conducting his career. Every one of those men who line up for the start of a Grand Prix are the best racers in the world. If riders of Hayden's cali- ber fill out the grid, the spec- tacle can only be that much better for it, and the spectacle is why there are spectators. Have the front-runners lapping the backmarkers inside 10 laps, and the spectators will begin to wander off. Patrick Bodden 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