Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:


Re: No U.S. GP for 2004

It is interesting to note that the Dorna has inked deals for events in both Qatar and China for GPs in 2004-2005; yet, neither have built a racetrack. Hell, let’s put this in perspective, neither has run a world-class series that I know of!

China hasn’t even begun construction of their course, which is to be built near the Great Wall.

A full year of experience running race operations? Aren’t most of the officials that run these races part of the traveling circus that is MotoGP? They seem to do pretty good. I mean, they have a timing system that works as well as those that know how to ID a pair of numbers on a white bike!

Maybe this is part of the price we pay as Americans for ensuring the security of all free peoples on Earth, who knows. What I do know however, is that this is a lot like that guy who buys a liter bike his first time out, signs up in the advanced class at a public track day and proceeds to pork it around the corners while motoring past you on the straights juicing the nitrous! Mugello 2004, here I come!

Thomas Rubin
Rochester Hills, Michigan


More On AHRMA Track-oiling At Mid-Ohio

There was more than one error in the news flash than the bike, that was a 750 Yamaha. The third rider was not Tim Joyce, I had crashed in oil going into turn five just one red flag before the Swartout crash. This oil brought down Bruce Brown and myself–reported earlier to be Gary Nixon’s oil but not so, it was the Superbike of Billy Addington.

The smoking gun–or should I say Exxon Valdeez–was sitting just off track through turn five.

Tim Joyce
AHRMA #309
Fort Walton Beach, Florida




RE: AHRMA oiling at Mid-Ohio

The thought of AHRMA considering any form of oil containment sounds terrific; however, the tech inspectors actually performing a thorough and meaningful inspection would help as well. I have vowed never to race with AHRMA after experiencing their lackadaisical attitude towards tech. Considering how ancient and prone to failure the majority of the Vintage race vehicles are, it is a travesty to see someone get injured due to AHRMA’s lack of anticipation. It isn’t a matter of IF a Vintage vehicle will spill its guts but WHEN will it …hopefully not right in front of you!

Robert W. Gresens
CCS SW, Amateur #203
Clarkdale, Arizona


RE: AMA Race Team Disrespect For Our National Anthem.

I was just watching the pre-race TV interviews with the Superbike riders at Mid-Ohio. During those interviews the national anthem was playing.

I don’t understand why Greg White chose to interview the riders during the playing of the national anthem. That time should be reserved for everyone who is present to render their respect to our flag.

If you play attention to NASCAR, all the race teams stand, remove their headgear and pay respect to the flag during the national anthem.

People who are employed by race teams are afforded that opportunity because of the men and women who have died defending this country. The very least that they can do is show some respect during the playing of the national anthem.

Scott Cortese
Harrison Township, Michigan


And now some reader reaction to one of the above missives:

I just read a posting from one of your readers maligning the tech inspection provided by AHRMA, in comparison to CCS. As a holder of a CCS license for 11 years, and AHRMA for 7, my opinion is that AHRMA is MORE thorough in their inspection procedure than CCS is.

That’s my opinion, but at any rate I find the reader’s accusation that they are less than proficient to be completely unfounded in my experience.

Carl Anderson
Cocoa, Florida