Tony Bell Obviously Struck A Nerve With Cuba Comment

Tony Bell Obviously Struck A Nerve With Cuba Comment

© 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

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Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

More reader comments:

OK, it is obvious that Tony Bell is a bigot and a child crying because he did not get his cookie. I agree the comment was wrong but, come on “As a Cuban-American I was offended.” Give me a break, be a big boy. I was offended as a fellow racer that someone in Bell’s position would say something so stupid! He is an embarrassment to us all.

The comment just shows how immature Bell is and how he should never be a spokesman for anything. I was more offended when the AMA decided to get rid of the 250GP class than this stupid comment. The motorcycle community is killing itself and comments like Bell’s don’t help.

Craig Granados
Glendale California



I just read the complaints about the Cuba comment and then went and reread the ‘offending’ article, and have a comment to make.

I don’t see anything offensive in the comment. As far as I can tell Mr. Bell refers to Homestead as Cuba to emphasize its remoteness, there is nothing in the article to suggest otherwise. What I do find offensive is the personal assault on Mr. Bell labeling him as a racist with little foundation. I don’t see anything racist in the comment at all! It makes no negative stereotype against Cubans or Cuba, such vehement reactions are oversensitive political correctness.

If I said let’s have the GP in the middle of the desert, oops I mean Willow Springs is that racist against people who live in the desert! NOT! I think the respondees owe Mr Bell an apology, not the other way around.

Dennis Presiloski
Mountain View, California




In response to all the banter about a possible USGP return I have to agree with other readers on Mr. Bell’s final line comment. It was possibly meant in jest but best, in hindsight, left out. Too late now and just goes to show his character.

Mr. Wilson was much more accurate and direct to the point and anyone who has reviewed the FIM’s SRRC manual (Standards for Road Racing Circuits –
http://www.fim.ch/en/) knows that the track is only half of what needs to be in place at a facility to host a GP.

As a long-time hardcore motorcycle race fan I always believed that a GP in central or eastern United States would bring in a much larger attendance than Laguna Seca ever did. For us on the west coast (I am from B.C.) it was an attractive and easy trip, but a large number of registered (in one state) motorcycles does not always equate to race attendance. There are a some great road courses in the U.S. that are capable of holding a GP, provided that the facility owners and promoters are willing to invest in the long term, and a lot more race fans (Correct me if I am wrong but didn’t Loudon consistently pull 30-40,000 race day spectators to an AMA National).

And finally, I was saddened to read that ISC did not want to spend to improve Watkins Glen. As a road race fan I find that races at oval tracks are a temporary solution. Yes, Dorna and a US promoter need to look at the financial package, but let us not forget the esoteric part of racing and why we love it. A great race at a great facility will draw great support.

Andii Adamick
Events Coordinator
MotoEvents Inc.
British Columbia, Canada



Let me start out by saying awsome magazine. Now on to Mr. Bell and Mr. Garcia. Although I do not agree with Mr. Bell’s comments, this is America and he has every right to say what he feels. Which also gives Roadracing World the right to print his views. I am suprised that an educated person such as yourself, Mr. Garcia, do not recognize this. Just because they printed this does not mean they agree. You showed just as much bigotry by expressing your displeasure. If you would not be so bitter you would have noticed that they gave him a rope from which to swing.

James Beard
West Palm Beach, Florida



Tony Bell’s point re Las Vegas is valid and his position understandable…and he had me on his side right up to his final comment. I’d be interested in a little further explanation from him as to the relevancy of the Cuban issue.

Reg Kittrelle
Scotts Valley, California

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