Round Up

ROUND UP

JOE PARKHURST

REVELL, INC., manufacturer of probably the largest line of models in the country, has announced its second annual motorcycle modeling contest. I just recently spent a very long day as one of the judges for the 1971 contest. It was one of the most difficult jobs I have ever done.

Reveil received almost 10,000, that’s ten thousand, entries for the 1971 contest. It managed to whittle that number down to under 300 models we actually had to examine and evaluate. But even that was no small task.

By next month I will probably have photographs and details on the winners’ entries. I was completely astounded at the number, quality, ingenuity, craftsmanship and variety of the entries. Most were assembled from kits generally available, many with wild customizing, some with interesting technical innovations. Several were entirely hand built, or “scratch” built as model buffs call them. It was a fascinating experience.

Winners of the 1971 contest will receive Kawasaki motorcycles, Bell helmets, Kawasaki racing jackets, and a few other prizes for participating. The 1972 contest winner will receive a Kawasaki Mach IV. Twelve other Kawasakis will be given away, plus an array of Bell helmets, jackets and subscriptions to one of several model car magazines. As in 1971, the contest will be divided into age divisions and types of machines represented. Full details will appear in future Reveil advertising, but if you are interested and really want to know now, write Reveil Inc., 4223 Glencoe, Venice, CA 90291. They will send you entry forms and details.

NIXON AND THE MOTORCYCLE

Many of the more sensitive types in the motorcycle industry and press have expressed views that lean toward the absurd regarding the spectre of antimotorcycle legislation they see...or often think they see, looming in the future. For sure, much more control than now exists is coming. The sheer numbers of people who will touch motorcycling, some 12 million by current estimates, makes a certain amount of federal, state and local control inevitable. In many cases it is needed; in others, not only is it not needed but also often unfair and restrictive to an extreme.

If my readers can disregard the fact that this is an election year, I must mention that motorcycling is getting a big boost from the current administrar tion, and in particular, Richard Nixon. The first boost was his precedent setting appointment of Ivan Wagar, CW’s illustrious editor, to the National Motor Vehicle Safety Advisory Council (having Ivan in Washington has given great strength to the motorcyclist’s position in government).

And, Nixon’s Presidential Order 11644, which deals with the use of Federal lands for public recreation (an act met with dismay by many but one that was long overdue and certainly shouldn’t have been a surprise), included use of these lands by motorcycles and treated them as the significant sport they are and would provide a fair and equitable share for bikes.

I am not suggesting that motorcycle riders not continue to organize to fight unfair legislation or not to support the efforts of any one of the motorcycle lobbying groups. Much existing legislation pending is unfair or unconstitutional and should be fought.

Ivan’s position places him in a body of strong and influential men whose backgrounds are anything but engineering or sporting. Yet they must deal with a tender subject that is dear to every legislative do-gooder and one that is fast becoming a national disaster—highway safety.

Many proposals at this level are more politically motivated than anything else. It is understandable that men in such positions who rely on support of their constituencies would react at times in ways which often must be regarded as unwise. We are fortunate indeed that Doug Toms, Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a motorcyclist himself, chose Ivan for the spot on the President’s Council and that Nixon appointed him.

Ivan’s presence in Washington, the impact of his quiet, determined and extremely likable personality, coupled with his almost unparalleled knowledge of all facets of motorcycling, has effected an awareness in Washington that is invaluable.

President Nixon went so far as to write the American Motorcycle Association that his administration recognized motorcycling and that because of its size and rapid growth, particularly off the road, its needs must be accommodated.

Several industry leaders recently got together in Washington and became part of a Presidential campaign group called Motorcyclists To Re-Elect the President. Bill Bagnall, a prominent figure in motorcycle publishing and past president of the AMA, is the national chairman. The group is made up of over 100 important men in the motorcycle sport and is growing fast. Of course, due to the long time lapse in publishing, I am writing this in September and the election will be upon you by the time this is read. So you really can’t say that I am showing partisanship in politics. I know who I’m voting for! 0