Cycle News

Cycle News 2016 Issue 20 May 24

Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles

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CN III VOICES L E T T E R S T O T H E E D I T O R "I remember going down in Atlanta only to turn and look at a guy yelling to get up and go, 'you got this' and it was him!" Tough Times For James Stewart There is no doubt that James Stewart still has the speed. I was at Hangtown and watched him qualify eighth, less than a second off the lead four. He was riding aggressively and hitting the fastest lines. In the race though, he was midpack and did not look the same as in practice, he was following a group (ninth through 12th) and seemed content to stay there. We saw the crash and there was no one near him, basically an unforced error on an easy corner. He broke something and was in a lot of pain, and that was probably his last lap as a motocross racer. I think it is mental with the older riders, which is why most riders quit before 30. When I was 21 years old, I had no kids, no wife, and no worries to think about. I had 100 percent of my thoughts focused on riding faster, dialing in the bike and racing to win. Once you make some money, buy a house, get married, have kids, get audited by the IRS, and make a few trips to the orthope- dic surgeon, going faster is just one thing to think about, not the only thing. JS7 has not finished a race in almost three seasons now, so I think it is indeed time for him to retire, for his own safety. Chad Reed is still on the box and riding strong, Josh Grant came real close to winning the U.S.GP at Glen Helen, so older riders can still compete for wins, but the odds of a past champion beating Dungey or Roczen for a championship? Zero. Jay Suner Was hoping JS7 would keep it on two wheels. I hate to see his career going the way it is. Steve Billstrom Ken Roczen Ken Roczen is probably the only rider out there that can beat Ryan Dungey at his own game. He beat Dungey straight up for the outdoor champion- ship in 2014 when they were both on the same bike. He seems smoother, faster and makes unbelievable passing moves. Unreal talent. Great personality, too. I hope these guys go at it all summer long. You get those guys—Tomac, Barcia and Ca- nard—all off the gate in front of the pack and it should make for some exciting racing. Terry Heath Destry Abbott And Leukemia Destry Abbott is an awesome guy for sure. He cheered me on in the only two Enduro- Crosses I ever entered (Colo- rado and Atlanta) and gave me advice. I remember going down in Atlanta only to turn and look at a guy yelling to get up and go, "you got this" and it was him! I'm praying for you and your family buddy, and know just like anything else you will defeat this also. Eric Fondren Archives: AFM Six-Hour Really enjoyed this article! I at- tended the 1979 and '80 races at Ontario, and the '81 race at Riverside. Brought back some good memories! Robert Arance 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

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