Updated Post: Terrible Tony Answers His Detractors

Updated Post: Terrible Tony Answers His Detractors

© 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

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Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

This answer just in from Tony Bell, along with more comments from assorted readers:

In response to the replies regarding my comments on the wisdom of having a USGP in the further-most tip of the United States, I apologize if my comments were construed as bigoted, but have no idea how anyone could jump to such a conclusion.

There was no reference to race or color nor was it directed to any person or group of people. My comment as to the venue was to imply it was about as far away from the rest of the country as one could get and has little or no “feel” for a venue.

Tony Bell
San Clemente, California




So let me get this straight. Suppose Dorna suggested that a venue in Canada (relax people, I know it’ll never happen) would be ideal for hosting a GP, and Terrible Tony Bell says, “It looks like we will have to travel up to Iceland, oh sorry, I mean Canada,” does this mean that I, too, can whine about racist statements? Give me a break, will ya? Obviously, some people’s lives are so empty that they are constantly on the lookout for an opportunity to cry about their unfortunate place on this planet. Life’s unfair. Get over it. If you actually read the whole article you probably got the gist of what he was trying to say unless, of course, your inferiority complex fuels your need to be heard today. So if a guy from Soviet Canuckistan gets the geography spin, then surely you can, too.

Jeff Wuirch
Calgary, Alberta, Canada




I never got to the Cuba reference. I stopped reading at the words “I’m a NASCAR fan” in the first paragraph.

James Gaal
Ashburn, Virginia




I cannot believe the reaction to the letter I wrote. If possible, I would like to briefly clarify a few points. If you have had enough of all of this, and don’t post this, I understand.

First of all, Mr. Granados, I never said “as a Cuban-American I am offended.” I stated my heritage to make it clear where I come from, and to let readers know of my background – I was being honest. Some people said they do not understand why the comment is offensive, so I will explain why it is offensive to me: In the statement, Mr. Bell excludes South Florida from the rest of the USA, presumably because of the dominantly hispanic population. That is offensive to me.

Antonio F. Garcia
San Luis Obispo, California




I’m not going to try and judge Mr. Bell because of one comment. In this day of Political Correctness, his very public comment was more then anything a bad judgment with his use of words. Especially for someone in his position. To take it any further than that, given what was contained in the comment, is my opinion over-reacting in a lot of ways. For sure we are ALL probably guilty of making comments that could easily be considered racist or sexist.

Regarding Dennis Presiloski’s attempted defense of Mr. Bell’s “Cuba” statement. I don’t understand your references at all. How is a city like Miami considered remote? There is huge deference between his comment and your “desert, Willow Springs” example. Desert would be seen as describing the area around Willow, just as I consider Phoenix, Arizona a city in the middle of a desert. Of all the things that could have been used to reference Miami, why Cuba? Last time I checked the city wasn’t under a dictator or communist party. Most of us are very aware of the ethnic makeup of Miami, and the unfortunate way the Cuban culture/population there is usually portrayed by the media. Calling Miami, Cuba was obviously an attempt to put that city on a lower level than “Glamorous” Vegas.

I wasn’t offended by Mr. Bell’s comments but I was more than a little amused by Mr. Presiloski’s attempt to clean up the content.

Travis Poole
Chicago, Illinois




Homestead?! What a nowhere type of place with nothing to do! If it weren’t for the fact that I’ve driven through Homestead, I’d ask where the heck is it. But I have. That place is a 10+ hour drive from NORTH Florida. Add that time to driving from anywhere else in the country. Another issue is of lodging; is there any? Sure it was a while ago that I was there, but even 15 years couldn’t have turned a backwater town into a suitable host for a GP.

Tony Bell’s Cuba remark sure was a faux pas and took the wind right out of his sails. With a credibility buster like that, who cares what he thinks about Vegas? Vegas?! wow, give all the visitors to the US a dream resort destination! I think that alone would draw more visitors. Some good old fashioned sin to fill their leisure time: gambling, booze, and sex.

Chris Kelley
San Diego, California





I have to admit I cringed when I read the Cuba comment. I don’t buy the theory that it referred to Homestead as being remote. I don’t see how Miami could be considered remote. I think Mr. Presiloski uses a poor analogy in his letter. The desert does not invoke an image of people, where Cuba does. I don’t see the comparison.

Tony Bell seems to be a bit of a whiner and he even admitted that he didn’t check the layout of the Homestead track. I found it on the web in about 2 minutes and it doesn’t seem to me that they will need to use the banking, but of course I could be wrong. In the end, I don’t think he meant to offend anyone, but I don’t know how he could think he wouldn’t. It was a dumb comment to make. Period.

Justin Temme
Chicago, Illinois






I am sure I am at great risk of alienating myself with these comments but I think it’s time someone come to the rescue of Tony Bell and set some of the record straight with regard to some of his commentary in his recent letter to Roadracingworld.com.

Tony Bell is without question –NOT– a racist or a bigot. What Tony Bell is, without much argument, a fine, well intentioned, extremely knowledgeable, well respected member of the GP community. He is regarded as one of the finest GP125 tuners in the US, is well connected with numerous people in the international WGP community and above all husband to one of the finest 125GP riders (and former National Champion), Vicki Bell. He has extended his knowledge and advice to numerous riders who have pursued racing careers or Wild Card entries in Europe and has always done so without hesitation or concern for the time or effort required on his part. His advice, connections and expertise has proven an invaluable asset to many of these riders. Both American and Canadian.

Many of us the US who actively race and promote Grand Prix racing in the United States, including those of us like Tony who have worked diligently to create race series’ and events that continue to promote development of Grand Prix racing in the US, were shocked (and to some extent horrified) by the recent USGP announcement. The fact that two of the premiere classes are excluded from this event (at Homestead) raises additional questions as to the value of hosting a World Grand Prix event here in the US.

Don’t get me wrong, I would like nothing more than to see the US host a World GP event, however, what does it say about America and the state of racing in the US when promoters and DORNA both agree that excluding 2/3rds of the top riders in the world from an event is what is necessary to have a successful WGP event here in the US?

Many of us would have been far happier to see DORNA pursue an event and a venue (like the new FIM Specification track Skip Barber developed in Alabama for one) that would have been capable of hosting the entire WGP field, 125 and 250 included as well as met the FIM’s complex and detailed Circuit Standards.

As someone with some very specific knowledge of these circuit Standards I cannot for one second understand how Homestead meets most of these requirements without undergoing major renovations.

It seems even stranger that, in a US event, the two classes most represented by American Grand Prix racing have been so summarily dismissed by race organizers and DORNA.

The hopes of American Wild Card hopefuls were smashed that day, just when the level of riding and competition in America is poised to raise itself to a level where Wild Card entries are a reality for many American riders.

Am I disappointed in the decision reached by promoters and DORNA? Yes; but more so, I am ashamed that the AMA has not made this most obvious argument more of an issue with race promoters and DORNA when an event of this type has such a historic opportunity to benefit riders here in the US.

As a final word in defense of Tony Bell, I would hope that more people would spend more time trying to understand the intent of Tony’s comments and focus on the true issues with a Homestead GP than questioning the character of someone who has so selfishly worked to benefit riders and GP racing in general here in the US.

Best regards,

Jonathan Flack
Director, USGPRU 125 Road Racing Grand Prix National Championship
Seattle, Washington




Having another South American GP in Homestead would be great! Can’t wait to see what kind of deals on “Slightly used MotoGP” equipment will be available at the local pawn shops on Monday.

At least there is a tunnel under the track to get in and out of, unless it fills with water again.

Wouldn’t it be better to have a GP at a real racetrack?

John France
West Melbourne, Florida





Who cares what the hell he said. It is like Little Cuba down there. Is that so bad to say? Too many PC police in this world today.

Also, correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t there a place in New York where there is a large concentration of Italians called Little Italy? I hope I’m not a racist for saying that. Is Miami close to Cuba? Last time I checked it was. About 90 or so miles. Is there a large concentration of Cubans in Miami? You people jumping on this man’s back make me laugh. To call him a bigot and a racist, from that comment, HAH! Mr. Bell, don’t sweat it.

Lance Sudano
Charleston, South Carolina





I have been waiting for several years for a US GP. I read Tony Bell’s statement with great interest. I myself took his meaning about having the GP in Cuba as to refer to its location. I really do not care if Mr. Bell is a racist or not. As far as I know, his right to be a racist (if he currently is one or wants to be one) is guaranteed and protected by the Constitution of the United States. Just like the people’s right to think that he is a racist.

Kevin Fegan
Franklin, Massachusetts




I have to say that the past posts regarding the USGP and especially the not-so-savvy racial remarks and feedback are quite amusing. However, I fail to see how everyone is missing the boat on DORNA and their decision making process for a USGP? Homestead, like others have mentioned, is too far removed from the normal motorcycle racing community. Sports Cars are the mainstay in Miami. IRL cannot even sell the place out. Last I checked the largest motorcycle dealer wasn’t from southern Florida. And Vegas is absolutely the most ridiculous track I have heard, besides Homestead, to hold a GP event. If anyone has ever checked into Lose Vegas and their inability to hold professional sports, you would agree that it is all about Boxing in the Big Casinos on the Strip and NASCAR one time a year. AMA, AMLS, IRL, you name the series, it equals very low attendance and do not return next year unless you want to Lose Money. Name me another professional team from Vegas in the NBA, NFL, NHL or Baseball. Nobody cares about sports in Vegas except the bookies, regardless of the amount of sin and glamour. They cannot even keep an Arena Football team or Double A Hockey franchise afloat in Vegas.

So my long-winded point is what ever happened to the only FIM sanctioned track in the US – Indianapolis Motor Speedway. What happened to Tony George and his negotiations with DORNA. If any place was more appropriate, it would be Indy! They would host every major racing series. The tight twisty infield would be more suited for bikes than cars. And the long straight would surely please all of the people who think a bike is best evaluated by top end speed, and drafting, need I say more! Plus there is a local favorite in Nicky Hayden and his whole family and friends that would alone would fill up the front straightway! Maybe I missed the post as to why Indy didn’t materialize, but if anyone can think of a reason this wouldn’t work, well, let them go back and respond to the so-called racist or PC remarks on the previous post!

Regards,

Alexander Martin
Galt, California

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