Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Good day. I was reading Mladin’s comments this morning and realized he has a valid point. His country’s anthem is not played when he wins a race. With as many Australians as there are racing in AMA, I’m wondering why we don’t play, “Waltzing Matilda” when an Aussie wins a race. It’s not uncommon for us to play other countries’ anthems at other sporting events. We do it all the time in Baseball and Hockey when the Canadians play here.

Although Mladin has a tendency to rub people the wrong way, I believe he has a good point here. Maybe the AMA can grow a bit by putting an international flavor into the racing, and at the very least give the respect to the racers who win.

Cheers.

Lloyd Magruder
Birmingham, Alabama



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I am 55 years old and an avid road racing fan. I try to make as many Superbike races as I can each year on my SV650 and usually attend 4 or 5 east coast races. I am also a Vietnam vet and have some amateur and professional short track, motocross and hare scrambles in my history. I am an all American kind of guy but I also appreciate the other countries and men/women throughout the world that uphold the same values as we do.

That said, I also want to say that in my world travels (I have been on 5 continents) there have been times that I have been embarrassed by the conduct of my fellow Americans (including myself – in my youth). America is filled with just thinking and right doing people but we also have our share of people that think the world should always revere us because of our past accomplishments.

Mat Mladin is one of the top riders on planet earth and is man enough to stand for his convictions in the face of a lot of adverse circumstances and I say Good On Ya Mate!

Mat, please tell your countrymen that pretty much all of America is very proud to have Australia as a friend and ally. I am looking forward to this years races and I pray that all “combatants” will have a safe, hard fought year that we all can enjoy.

Larry Gilbert
Orlando, Florida


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

The Australian national anthem page:
http://www.pm.gov.au/aus_in_focus/nat_symbols/anthem.html

And the official vocal version:
http://www.pm.gov.au/audio/anthem_vocal.mp3

I would love for the fans at the first race Matt shows up to (if not Daytona) to play it at the track. I for one would play it through my iPod and my car stereo (I would leave my bike at home just to do it). It should be the case for the AMA to play the anthem of the race winner. It would raise the level of the AMA series by the respect it showed to its talent and its champions. LET’S GET IT DONE!

Michael Lenz
Fort Vancouver, Washington


See related post:

1/5/2004 Mladin Comments On Receiving Athlete Of The Year Award From Local Newspaper, Website