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/792390
CN III VOICES W H A T Y O U A R E S A Y I N G "…you've inspired me to get my hand surgery that I've been putting off, then I can continue to thrash my body and teach my grandkids to love a sport I'm passionate about." Open Letter To Roczen Ken, I know it's a tough time for you now, and I know you're dealing with a lot of pain and disappointment, but us un- knowns are here silently pulling for you. Just so you know, you're a hell of an inspiration to all of us. We all knew, hands down, you were the fastest moto- crosser on the planet this year. That's not taking anything from your competitors, it is just your time and you earned it. In the '70s, I came to Cali- fornia from the Midwest with dreams of racing on the tracks I'd seen on TV or in Cycle News West. Now at 60 years young, you've inspired me to get my hand surgery that I've been putting off, then I can continue to thrash my body and teach my grandkids to love a sport I'm passionate about. Just like I was inspired by Marty Smith and Brad Lackey, you are doing the same for the next generation. All I want to say is you're going to touch more people than you can imagine. Thanks for inspiring us all. Dwight Hill P.S. Shit, I'm tearing up! Love this kid! Atlanta Supercross As has been said before: There is a lot more to a champion than just speed. Jim Bunch AMA Awards Congrats to John Ulrich [AMA Dud Perkins Award recipient] and all winners of such presti- gious awards! John's foresight has saved numerous racing friends of mine and made the sport much safer than in the past! Curt Russell H-D & Flat Track I think they [Harley-Davidson] got caught with their pants down. If they were really con- cerned about the development of the XG, they would have had a multi-rider team last year, not just Davis Fisher. Fisher is a good racer, but face it, more racers equal more racer input on development. Wes Holzinger Empire Of Dirt – The Bike Of Eli Eli Tomac's problem is in- consistency, as is Marvin Musquin's. At Oakland, where Tomac chased down and passed Ryan Dungey, he was impressive, but what we missed was Musquin coming through the pack. If you watch the race, the announcers were focused on Tomac, but right behind him and closing was Musquin. Unfortunately, he fell and hurt his hand. Now there was a race brewing; not saying Tomac would not have won, but it would have been much closer. Tomac's biggest competition will come from Marvin, while Dungey will be right there as always. The [champion] will be the one who can put it all together week after week. Of course, if Ken was still racing it would be another story altogether. Brian Philippsen WorldSBK Opener That last lap [World Supersport] was drama filled but could have been very ugly. The way Cari- casulo took out Jules [Cluzel] was irresponsible and reckless. I hope Jules is okay. The attempted block by Rolfo was pretty benign, but the way Mahias came back at him was only saved by the grass runoff at PI. At most tracks, that move would have been disastrous. I hope the FIM had a discussion with him and perhaps docked some points. Safety issues aside, a great season opener. Michael Mcline 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