Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Mladin’s comments about the playing of, or lack thereof, of Australia’s National Anthem seemed to bring into focus more AMA inconsistencies in how they run their game. I was there in 1994 at the L.A. Superbike race in Pomona, California. I was shocked when the Canadian National Anthem was played during the opening ceremonies on Saturday…before our very own Anthem played. I couldn’t believe my ears. The performance was repeated on Sunday. Ironically, the front runner at the time, and winner of the Superbike race on Sunday, was an Australian, Troy Corser, on a Ducati.

Craig Erion
Anaheim, California



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

As an Australian who’s been living in the U.S. for ten years, I would like to apologize for my countryman’s behaviour. I find it appalling that he would not stand for the national anthem of the country he has been living in for years. The U.S. and in particular AMA racing has afforded him a very comfortable and finacially rewarding lifestyle. To sit on his ass during the anthem shows more disrespect, on his part, towards this country than any amount of respect that he is lacking form the AMA or any of its riders.

I am normally sympathetic to a lot of his complaining to the AMA as I feel he has a lot of valid points, but this one has gone too far. Mat, if you were that pissed off about not hearing our country’s anthem, then maybe you should have voiced your concern to the powers that be, instead of sitting there sulking about it and making a complete ass of yourself!

Frank Nolan
Los Angeles, California



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

OK, I’ve had a chance to ponder Mat Mladin’s comments regarding the AMA not showing him or his country of birth due respect by playing his national anthem. And I’ve also had a chance to ponder the follow-up comments from visitors to this site. I’d like to offer my own pointedly dissenting opinion to Mr. 66.

What the hell is Mat Mladin talking about? The AMA doesn’t play national anthems for any of the riders! At the beginning of the featured event, yes, but not on the podium. That’s an FIM deal.

If the AMA played the Star Spangled Banner on the podium to honor a U.S.-born race-winner’s home country then, yes, they should play the national anthems for non-U.S.-born race winners, as well. But they don’t. So, the point is moot.

This is the AMA, not the FIM. AMA Pro Racing is a National series, not an international one like World Superbike or MotoGP.

Mat Mladin puts way, WAY too much effort into creating controversies.

We get it, Mat. You hate America. You hate American tracks. You hate Americans. We figured that out during your first year of racing in America.

Oh wait, there IS one thing that’s American that you don’t hate. American money. Or is that more of a love-hate thing?

Sean Bice
Columbus, Ohio



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Mr. Stewart could not have said it any better. Personally I find the notion that Mr. Mladin was slighted intentionally insulting, how ridiculous.

Echoing Mr. Stewart’s statement, the “Star Spangled Banner” is played at sporting and entertainment events out of tradition more than anything else. The tradition dates back before the 1920s when it was first believed to be played at the 1918 World Series, almost twelve years before it was officially declared the National Anthem.

I have served overseas and never been offended by not hearing the “Star Spangled Banner” at special events hosted by those nations I visited, even though some of those events hosted American groups, sporting and entertainment alike.

I think Mat Mladin is one exceptionally talented rider and road racing in America is the better for his presence as well all the other riders of non-American origin. I think he is a little off base in his comments, though, and perhaps doesn’t understand the meaning and the why behind some of our most valued traditions. That being said, I personally am not offended by his reaction nor do I expect him to show the due respect that I believe our Flag, National Anthem and Country deserve as they are displayed at these events. They are however AMERICAN Motorcycle Association sponsored events and that’s just fine with me, one national anthem is enough, let’s keep it that way.

Rube L. Jennings III
Ridgecrest, California



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

These comments were in response to him getting an award, correct? Whatever happened to gracious acceptance and gratitude? This was neither the time nor the place to air his petty views regarding national anthems. He should have done so in a separate press release at a better selected time or addressed it with the governing body privately.

I’ve had enough of these “athletes” using every little event as some kind of platform to air their petty grievances. In the real world nobody cares. Don’t ride at Daytona, it won’t affect my day one bit.

Between Duhamel’s rock-throwing incident and Mladin’s whining, I have decided to take a year off of attending motorsport events. How about that? I’ll stage my own protest by keeping my money to myself.

Ken Viscardi
Sacramento, California



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Has anyone else noticed that the article written by Bruce Wilkins only really mentions the National Anthem “thing” in passing? In fact, he even offers up several distinct defenses for Mladin in his article and makes it clear that he respects and supports Mladin’s decision in this matter.

Why then did Mladin hit out on this point? And why is everyone so up in arms about it? What about Mr. Wilkins’ point that Mladin has stumbled in his rise to a series higher than that of AMA Superbike? Seems like that would raise more hairs on Mat’s neck than anything else.

Just seems like everyone is expressing (arguing for) the same opinion about the same thing, when it doesn’t even really warrant being expressed. There are far more interesting things we could all be talking about besides this…

Greg Sampson
Lewisville, Texas



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

For the past 2 years during the LRRS/CCS club races in Loudon, NH, (NHIS) the Canadian and American National anthems have often been sung by a pretty young lady with an amazing vocal range. (Kind of a requirement to singing our anthem well, if you ask me.)

It was a tradition apparently started many years back when there was an active CAN-AM series, done to respect the riders who were coming south to race. When I was a rookie 7 years ago, the singing of ANY anthem at the races was kind of hit-or-miss … maybe once a year. After 9/11, however, our national anthem has been sung for pretty much every event.

I’ve stood in when the other girl has been unavailable, and occasionally other racers or crewmembers request permission to sing. It brings a interesting bit of variety to the weekend … and, inevitably, some wonderfully, err, human comments about comparative vocal abilities. (One man’s Pavarotti is another’s Public Enemy, it seems.)

Disregarding the catty chatter, it’s more interesting how people who are fearless enough to get out on a racetrack — with all its inherent dangers — are terrified at the prospect of singing publicly. Trying to get others to even sing as a quartet has been like pulling teeth.

Still, whether I’m singing or listening, that brief period at the track is one of my most favorite: The announcer telling everyone to turn towards the hill where the flagpoles are, mechanics putting down their tools, groggy racers stepping out of their vans to stand and pay their respects, … the hush … and then the song …

It is a crystalline, precious moment.

In the end there’s always a cheer, and the sound of clapping rising up over the paddock. Then the mechanics pick up their tools, the sleepy racers climb back into their vans to finish their naps, and the announcer calls the first race.

You are missing out if your club doesn’t have this tradition.

B.J. Worsham
LRRS #31
Old Westbury, New York

From a press release issued by Hyperclub:

Hyperclub Track Days releases 2004 Dates

Streets Of Willow (Willow Springs)
January 19th-2004 (MLK)
February 16th-2004 (Washingtons B-Day)
April 12th-2004 (following CCS races)
October 11th-2004 (Columbus Day)
December 13th-2004 (following CCS races)

Willow Springs 2.5 Mile Road Course
March 22nd-2004
May 31st-2004 (Memorial Day)
June 28th-2004
September 6th-2004 (Labor Day)
November 1st-2004

For more info please visit www.Hypercycle.com, e-mail [email protected], or call (818)
988-8860.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Racers and former racers attending and riding streetbikes with journalists during the worldwide press intro for a new Michelin DOT-labeled tire at Las Vegas Motor Speedway include Max Biaggi, Eric Bostrom, Vincent Haskovec, Nicky Hayden, Jeff Haney, Nick Ienatsch, Steve Rapp, Kevin Schwantz and Freddie Spencer.

Kenny Noyes, an American who won a Spanish Championship in 2003, is attending the event representing Solo Moto, a Spanish magazine.

The Las Vegas event had international journalists riding on the racetrack Tuesday; today, the Americans are on the racetrack.

The Ducati Austin and Valvoline EMGO Suzuki semi-trucks are set up at the racetrack, along with two Michelin semi-trucks and a Michelin product display.

Nicolas Goubert, who is in charge of Michelin’s two-wheeled racing worldwide and is often seen overseeing the company’s efforts at MotoGP races, is also at the event.

From a press release issued by Clear Channel Entertainment – Motor Sports:

Nestlé Butterfinger Signs on as Sponsor of THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series

AURORA, Ill. (January 7, 2004) – Clear Channel Entertainment’s Motor Sports division announced today that Nestlé® Butterfinger® will be the official sponsor of the holeshot award for the 125cc and 250cc classes at THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series.

“We are absolutely thrilled to bring Nestlé Butterfinger aboard as our holeshot award sponsor,” said Tim Murray, vice president, Sales, Clear Channel Entertainment – Motor Sports. “Nestlé Butterfinger’s world-wide brand recognition and commitment to breaking out of the ordinary is a welcome addition in what will prove to be another great season.”

“This sponsorship is a perfect fit since Nestlé Butterfinger and Supercross are both known to break out of the ordinary,” said Lisa Barrios, marketing manager, Nestlé Butterfinger. “Butterfinger is thrilled to support Supercross, its athletes and millions of fans that follow this exciting sport.”

The agreement grants Butterfinger as the exclusive candy bar of THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series. Butterfinger will also serve as the official sponsor of the pre-race webcast, which gives fans a behind-the-scenes looks at the week’s racing news.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I usually agree with most of what Mat Mladin says, especially when he talks about circuit safety, but the implication that he and his fellow Ozzies are being dissed because nobody is playing their song is much ado about nothing, and Mat knows it. Mat reminds me a lot of Mick Doohan…always has an edge and is always looking for ways to keep the tension up and thereby motivate himself.

But when he says that “other racers and the organization, to name a few, (have) no respect for us (the Australians) and the country we are from,” just because the AMA don’t play the Australian National Anthem when Mat wins, he is forgetting that he is racing in a NATIONAL championship which is open to riders of other nationalities. There is no National road racing championship in the whole world, as far as I know (and I have covered a lot of Nationals in a lot of counties over the last thirty years), that plays the winner’s National Anthem after races. If you want to hear your own National Anthem after races, you need to race at World Championship level where the FIM protocol applies. If you want to hear your country’s National Anthem at the beginning of the day’s racing, then you need to race in your own country.

I did most of my racing in England and Spain and I remember on one occasion I complained to an ACU official that something or other was not being done the way we do it in the USA and I still recall the reply: “You might want to go down to the Post Office, Yank, and look up the flag pole and see what bloody country you are in.” When I raced in Spain I finally got some good bikes and I managed to win a few Nationals but it never occurred to me to suggest that the Spaniards were being disrespectful of me or the USA when they didn’t play the National Anthem of the United States of America at Jarama, Jerez, Albacete or Montjuic.

I was racing a NATIONAL…in somebody else’s country.

It is not a slight to Mat not to play the Australian National Anthem after one of his wins. It would be a nice gesture to do so, but it would be a voluntary one. It is not common in National Championships in any country in the world for any anthem to be played after each race and most countries don’t play any anthems at all. In fact, of all the countries hosting GPs and World Superbike races I believe the only countries that actually play the National Anthem BEFORE a race are the USA, Canada and Australia, (maybe Malaysia, too, I’m not sure) and this is not in reference to any rider, but simply a tradition by patriotic and united peoples.

There are a lot of countries, like Spain, where there is so much political and regional tension that playing the National Anthem will bring about jeers and catcalls from a significant portion of the crowd. (On one occasion at the Circuit of Barcelona the day Carlos Checa won, ultra-Catalan members of the organization hi-jacked the Spanish National Anthem and put in the tape of the Catalan Anthem, causing a national incident that was made worse when it was seen that the same folks had flown a Catalan flag alongside the Spanish flag. Flags and Anthems are a big deal in World Championship racing … because it is a WORLD championship.)

The AMA simply plays the National Anthem before the program begins and that is completely correct and any foreign rider present should show the proper respect, but he doesn’t have to. And if he doesn’t, he should expect that some fans won’t like it. In World Superbike and in Formula 1 they play not only the rider/driver’s Anthem, but also that of the manufacturer of the winning motorcycle. Pierfrancesco Chili was the only Italian to win a WSBK race all year (and that happened at Laguna where the bouncy little ditties of both Italy and Spain (for Ruben Xaus) were played along with the Italian again (twice) for Ducati.

The FIM has a protocol for this sort of thing and so do National Federations. Because the AMA Superbike Championship is a National series, it would be unusual for other National Anthems to be played. That’s just the way it is worldwide. No offense is meant and none should be taken.

And, speaking as an American, it has never been my experience that there is any lack of respect for Australians…and much less in any form of motorcycle racing where the Ozzies usually kick butt. If there is any place on the planet where Australian riders and crews are respected…and feared…it is in the AMA Superbike paddock where Mat and the pirate ship of a pitcrew that he runs with have been terrorizing everybody for years!

Mat mentions Supercross: In the AMA Supercross series, the situation is different because the races also form part of the FIM Supercross World Championship (which is still much less important that the AMA series) and that means that when Ernesto Fonseca wins his first big one we should be hearing the Costa Rican Anthem…but the best bet for a foreign winner would be Chad Reed, for sure.

The AMA gets its share of criticism, and they usually deserve it, but this matter is a non issue. But Mat’s idea is not a bad one. The AMA might actually want to consider changing their protocol to include the anthems of foreign riders in order to emphasize the international nature of their series. That might be a good idea, a good marketing tool and also a way to show the respect that was never deliberately withheld from Mat or any other foreign rider racing our Nationals.

Americans respect the best in anything and Mat’s the best rider over here right now. That’s why he gets the big Number 1 plate.

Mat is going to get pushed and pushed hard this year and he knows it and getting himself riled up, motivated and ornery…just like Doohan used to do…that’s all that is really happening. This is going to be a great AMA season, but unless Suzuki finds a little extra power, the only foreign National Anthem that would be needed even if the AMA were to decide to introduce a new protocol, would be the one that starts “Oh, Canada.”

Dennis Noyes
Borrego Springs, California



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

In response to Mat Mladin’s comments about not getting the respect he and his countrymen deserve on the AMA circuit I’d like to let him know the American fans and especially the American amateur racers have a ton of respect for him. We know he could probably lap us in a two-lap race!

Wouldn’t it be easy enough to solve the problem if the AMA adopted the same podium ceremony as F1 and played the national anthem of the top three finishers? With Mat’s results we would hear the Australian National Anthem at every event!

Scott Dobson
Kalamazoo, Michigan



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

G’day…

I’ve been reading, with some amusement, the latest Mladin stoush about national anthems and flags. Why? Does it have something to do with me being an Aussie? Possibly. Does it have something to do with the well-meaning Lloyd Magruder mistaking “Waltzing Matilda” for the Australian national anthem (most Aussies would like a romantic lullaby praising the exploits of a sheep rustler who tops himself as the Anthem but the “adults” in power wouldn’t allow it). Maybe. Is it the warm glow of surprise prompted by the sensitively pro-Australian editorial in the “Carolina Breeze.” Not at all.

What makes me laugh is Mat Mladin posing as the model Aussie.

Please tell Mat that flying the flag, Aussie or Yank, is very un-Australian. Being “pissed” (an aussie would say “pissed off” by-the-way, Mat) by the AMA for not showing respect to the Aussies in the paddock is just daft. What’s next? Play the Swedish anthem for all the Ohlins techs, Dutch for the Koni guys, Japanese (or is it the English today) anthem for the Dunlop techs…need I go on?

Mat, a real Aussie would object to all the distastefully jingoistic flag-waving and and anthem playing common at American domestic sporting events, including the AMA Superbikes, not and try to add to the problem. Maybe you should spend more time at home to become re-aquatinted with the traditional Australian suspicion of all those who wear their nationality on their sleeve.

Cheers,

Andrew Horton
Sydney, NSW, Australia



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I think that Mladin may have an interesting point here, as respect is to whom deserves it, BUT this is a “Domestic Championship” and not an international event, so I believe there is no need to play a different anthem. An event like the Paris Supercross where they invite riders to compete, they have to play the anthem of the rider’s nation as it is an international event, but not because they are polite. It’s the nature of the event that dictates what’s to be done.

Miguel Dudley
Panama



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Just my 2 cents from the Great White North. Make sure the AMA has a copy of O Canada as well (notice no “h” on the “O”!)… Miguel has a few wins left in him… missed hearing it at Brainerd a few years back when he won…

James Sheppard
Brandon, Manitoba, Canada



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Mat, show respect for our country. You are here because the U.S. provides a better opportunity for you. Just because the AMA does not respect your country, please don’t disrespect mine.

Stan Bates
Riverside, California



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Just have a few things to get off my chest about Mat.

Mat has nothing good to say, ever; he’s a very negative guy. No matter what, he’s pissed off about something and always the first one to scream, “I’m not getting the proper respect.” My example is receiving athlete of the year from a newspaper/website and all he can mention is the things he views badly and frankly I’m tired of it. His whole attitude sucks!

Taking an instance of someone playing the Star-Spangled Banner for our boys in Australia (Thank You!) and saying because we don’t play his anthem at every event we don’t respect him is stupid. I don’t recall anyone’s anthem being played at the AMA during a podium for anyone!

Matt’s words: (“I told my wife that I was pissed at the AMA for not showing myself, my crew and all other Australians in the paddock the respect they deserve for leaving home to have a go.”)

This comment takes the cake; this is something that should have been brought to the AMA. Not standing during our national anthem is unacceptable and unforgivable! By sitting on your holier-than-thou-ass all you did was shit on my country, one I fought for! If you want to come over here and take our money and win our races, feel free, this is America, the greatest country in the world and if you don’t like it take your ass back to Australia and stay there.

In 2002 in Virginia Eric Bostrom nipped Mat at the line for the win and Mat stormed off to his trailer–not going to the podium–to sulk about it. Now I ask, is that respect for the AMA, the riders, or more importantly, the fans? No, it’s not! So practice what you preach for a change, and maybe you’ll gain some of the respect you so desperately seek. Sometimes being the best just isn’t enough.

I do recognize Mat’s talent as one of the best in the world; my hat’s off to you, Mat.

I also do like Australia I believe they have some great riders and people and I’m not opposed to the playing of other countries’ anthems at events but, I would never go to one and sit on my ass while they played their anthem, it’s disrespectful.

And to all the people at the races when Old Glory’s swinging high, have some pride in yourselves and your country and stand still, face the flag, hats off.

Sincerely,

Michael D. Cox
Phoenix, Arizona



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

First off, I would like to say that I definitely believe we should play the national anthem from the country of anybody racing on a given day. It shows respect and the fact that we appreciate you coming over from your country to give us a show and race your heart out for us.

With that said, you have to realize that you are racing in The United States of America, you can race in the United States of America, and you are getting rich by doing that. It sounds like Mat is saying he wouldn’t be here at all except for the fact that America is the place where he can make the most money. So Mat, show us a little respect or stay home.

Erik Putzier
St. Paul, Minnesota

From a press release issued by the California Superbike School:

MOTORCYCLES ON DISCOVERY CHANNEL

JANUARY 11 at 10:00 PM EST, 7:00 PM PST!

The first airing of the show “Macho Monuments” is set for Discovery Channel, Sunday, 11 January, 2004. Check your local listings of course.

The show was shot by ABC for Discovery and will be one hour in length. The California Superbike School will be one of four “macho” activities
covered in the show.

ABC shot the Superbike School session following the AMA superbike races at Mid Ohio last July and I’m assured by the show’s producer and its director that some very good footage will make it to viewers nationwide.

Keith Code
www.superbikeschool.com

From a press release issued by the AMA:

AMA OUTRAGED OVER MANDATORY MOTORCYCLIST ORGAN-DONOR BILL

The American Motorcyclist Association has expressed its outrage over a proposed law in California that could force some motorcyclists to be organ donors against their wishes.

The proposal is an amendment to Assembly Bill 1200. The original proposal would allow adults 18 and older to decide whether to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. The amended version states that those who chose not to wear a helmet “is deemed to have consented to the making of an anatomical gift under this act.”

AMA Western States Representative Nick Haris said that while the AMA supported the bill in its original form, it can’t support the measure with the new amendment.

“Riders who wish to donate their organs should be under no undue pressure to do so,” Haris said. “This provision makes a mockery of the spirit and kindness of voluntary organ donation.”

Assemblyman John Longville (D-San Bernardino), amended the bill to require motorcyclists who wish to ride without a helmet to be organ donors. To express your opposition to the amendment, go to the California section of StateWatch at the Rapid Response Center at www.AMADirectlink.com to send an e-mail. Or you can send a letter to: Assemblyman John Longville, State Capitol, P.O. Box 942849, Sacramento, CA 94249-0062.

A New Mexico lawmaker introduced similar legislation last year and quickly withdrew the proposal after the AMA mustered opposition to the bill from motorcyclists around the nation.

From a press release issued by AHRMA:

AHRMA welcomes 250 GP machines to compete at Daytona

Former AMA 250 Grand Prix motorcycles are welcome to compete at Daytona International Speedway on March 1 and 2 with the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association. AHRMA expanded its Battle of Twins Two-Stroke class for 2004 to include the modern 250 GP machines.

AHRMA will run a complete round of its program both days at Daytona, giving riders two chances to compete.

In addition, a warmup round will take place on Feb. 26 at Jennings GP in Jennings, Fla. The track will offer open practice for AHRMA and WERA Vintage competitors on Feb. 24 and 25.

Pre-entries are due for Daytona and Jennings by Jan. 31, but post-entry will be accepted.

For complete information, click the “AHRMA Florida Bike Week Planner” link on the main page at www.ahrma.org. AHRMA rules can be found on-line at www.ahrma.org/rulebook, or contact the organization at P.O. Box 1725, Goodlettsville, TN 37070; telephone 615-851-3674; fax 615-851-3678.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

It is with great sadness I read about Mike Harth passing away. For me, knowing Mike Harth was like knowing one of my heroes. When I started racing in the 1980s, I had posters of Mike Harth hanging in my garage. I still vividly remember the Dutchman Suzuki poster of Mike.

I followed his career and was greatly saddened in the early 1990s when he was seriously injured at a tire test at Charlotte. The fact he recovered was amazing.

In the late 1990s Mike started working with some riders and you could see his competitiveness just bursting out. You could tell it was tough for Mike to not jump on the bikes himself.

It was at this time I began to talk to him at the track, and for me it was nothing less of dream come true to talk to one of my early idols. I enjoyed the fact that I got to talk racing with Mike on the weekends. As anyone who knew Mike, it wouldn’t be long before Mike was back to racing motorcycles. In the late 1990s Mike was racing again! To watch his competitive fire again was something I was very glad to witness first hand. It was my good fortune to be able to see Mike Harth and Ottis Lance rolling up to the track every weekend and share the camaraderie that is a great aspect of this sport and be on the same track racing with him. I felt honored, to say the least.

Mike was without a doubt one of the purest competitors I have ever witnessed. His focus and determination was something to admire not only as a racer, but also as a person. I am glad I got to know one of my heroes. I am very sad that he has been taken away from us so soon. My prayers go out to his family.

Godspeed, Mike. We will miss you.

Marcus McBain
Houston, Texas



See related post:

1/5/2004 Mike Harth, R.I.P.

From a press release issued by New York Sportbike Club, Inc.:

April 3, 2004, Summit Point Raceway Jefferson Circuit

May 13, 2004, Pocono Raceway East Course

May 25, 2004, Pocono Raceway North Course

June 19, 2004, Summit Point Raceway Jefferson Circuit

July 15, 2004, Pocono Raceway East Course

August 7, 2004, Corse-Moto(Valley Motorsports Park) 1.5 Mile Course

August 12, 2004, Pocono Raceway 2.5 Mile Course

September 18, 2004, Corse-Moto(Valley Motorsports Park) 1.5 Mile Course

October 1, 2004, Pocono Raceway East Course

New York Sportbike Club, Inc.
Tel: (516) 921-5934
Fax: (516) 921-5935
www.nysportbikeclub.com
[email protected]