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/625324
CN III VOICES L E T T E R S T O T H E E D I T O R P6 Alexander Smith Interview That's a great interview, get- ting a good perspective from someone who's going to race in the Dakar for the first time. It shows the mental part of it can be a deciding factor, the fear of not being where you think you are, possibly lost and find- ing your way back to the route. I went through so many challenges to be able to ride a motorcycle again, but those large rallies or the hard endu- ros? I can't fathom those chal- lenges and the monumental physical and mental abilities they require and how they can take their toll on the rider. I hope we get some Dakar cov- erage again. NBC Sports had it in 2015, I'll keep a watch on the TV Listings so I can follow Alexander's progress. John A. Stockman Davey Durelle I had the pleasure of meet- ing Davey Durelle at our local Christmas flat track here in Phoenix (Queen Creek). As a customer, I wanted to meet him and thank him for all his help when I was buying prod- uct from him. After a couple of minutes he had my bike up on his stand adjusting my suspen- sion properly. I know he was at the race for the same reason I was, but he found time to make sure that my bike was work- ing properly. I wasn't the only racer he helped over the weekend. Thanks, Davey Tom Howes Ryan Dungey Interview I think his positive attitude is why we seldom see him hav- ing a bad day on the track. If there's ever been a rider that has a well-oiled plan it's Dungey. I'm sure it was a humbling experience to go from a quick- turning bike to a slower-turning bike like the older KTMs were and not be able to make passes on the inside that he could on his Suzuki. He used to look like Herman Munster on the inside line when he first made the switch. Now he's one of the best on the inside. Still, this season is going to be very difficult to defend. In my mind, there's never been a season as suspenseful as this one. There are plenty of riders with the speed, if one of them gets a jump on points and gets supercharged with confidence they will be hard to stop. If that guy is Dungey I don't think anyone will stop him. Gregory Eddinger If kids today want to be suc- cessful in motocross, they need look no further than the Dungey/[Aldon] Baker model. Jim Bunch Ryan is a great role model for our sport. This is how you act if you are humble! Bill Reiss Cameron Beaubier Interview I just think it is a shame that Cameron's name was never in play for the Yamaha WorldSBK factory or support seat(s), or at least a World Supersport "learn the tracks" ride. But I'll admit, I'm just hungry for more American riders moving into the world scene. Not that he had a choice in the end, but has Yamaha "promised" him this opportunity for 2017 (if he wins AMA Superbike again)? Bob Close More Balance As a long time reader of CN, and avid life long off- and on-road motorcycle rider and consumer of all things related, I have to say that I am very disappointed what I am seeing as a diminished coverage of road-racing con- tent, especially on the world stage. It appears U.S. off- road racing, which I follow as well, and dirt bikes are taking precedence over the other disciplines. "I don't think Jason Anderson's win surprised anyone in the know." cont. on p8