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/653298
CN III VOICES L E T T E R S T O T H E E D I T O R "It is impossible to judge whether or not he still has the speed until he has recovered. So let's cut the dude a little slack." Daytona Supercross Excellent ride by Eli Tomac, a hint of what may be looming in the upcoming nationals. Ryan [Dungey] did what Ryan does. He pressured Eli, looking for a mistake which never came. But again, Ryan extended his points lead. The series is definitely his to win or lose now. Twenty-five straight podiums, 20 straight either first or second, enough said. And, look what a shot of confidence can do—Marvin Musquin is definitely stepping up. It looks like Ken Roczen may be continuing a trend—slump- ing as the season wears on. The guy is smoking fast, but there is a lot more to a champi- onship than pure speed. And then we have James Stewart. Now he has whiskey- throttled a whoop section, aka Ryan Villopoto. Sad to see, but is retirement now in sight? Jim Bunch Is It Time? While refreshed to see an editorial by someone other than Michael Scott for a change, I was a bit taken back that Cycle News devoted four columns to making a case why James Stewart should quit racing. Has this magazine become an ex- tension of the internet forums? Are we no longer content deciding the champion after the first few races that we feel the need to move onto decid- ing careers of riders after the same? Why even would we as fans have any say in the first place over who should stay or go, and for that matter, based on what justification, to want to see a champion end on a high? I guess next time you get a promotion at work you should consider quitting your job. James is in the midst of a comeback and was dealt an undeserving knock-out blow right out of the blocks. How about we give him a break and stop playing up to internet winds, and keep this space known for being a respected source for value-adding infor- mation and reporting? Stephen Hagberg Wow! Steve Bauer's Friendly Fire on JS7 was spot on. Watching James from day one this was a guy who, talent- wise, should have rewritten the record books. I could see him winning Red Bull Straight rhythm, though, for another five years. Bob Schumacher Now that everybody has taken a deep breath and looked at the blue-flag incident with fresh eyes, it looks like Stewart was justified in stating that, "he would do it again the same way," in regards to his line, etc., when shown the blue flag. He didn't get in Musquin's way. Instead of justified, he was vilified. Instead of calling for his retirement, perhaps we ought to remember that Dungey (acci- dentally) caused him a concus- sion that is currently hindering his racing ability. He isn't past his prime, he is injured. He was seriously fast this pre-season as well as at A1 qualifying. It is impossible to judge whether or not he still has the speed until he has recovered. So let's cut the dude a little slack. Howard Halterman Regarding Bubba's Daytona unfortunate and painful looking loop out, what a bummer that was….ouch…..grip rip to the spare ribs, WWE pile driver to the torso. I was really hoping he would hit the rear brake for a Superman save but it was not to be. Let's face it, the former fast- est man on the planet should probably hang up das boots and save some body parts from further damage. James "Bonecrusher" Smith 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 P6