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Freddie Spencer Retires

"I have been racing hard for the better part of 20 years. It's time I gave my body a rest." With those words, Freddie Spencer, probably the most talented motorcycle racer of our time, retired. The primary reason behind his surprise decision was the reoccurrence of severe tendonitis in his right wrist.

Spencer’s long career was highlighted in 1983 when he defeated roadracing legend Kenny Roberts after an incredible, season-long

duel, becoming the youngest 500 world champion in the process. In 1985, he accomplished another firstever: He won the 250 and 500 championships in the same season.

“This has been the toughest decision of my life, especially with the United States Grand Prix scheduled

for this year,” Spencer said after the announcement. Earlier in his career, he had said, “The day I can’t consistently perform to my full capabilities will be the day I retire.” Apparently, that day has come.

Ready Randy

IVinning a world championship is tough enough already. But contesting the championship on an unproven motorcycle and on unproven tires is really doing things the hard way. Nonetheless, Randy Mamola, currently ranked second in the world, will be riding a Cagiva GP bike on Pirelli tires this year. “My decision to go with Cagiva is a challenge, and I like a challenge,” Mamola said.

Mamola had been dropped from Kenny Roberts’ Team Lucky Strike last year. “I’d have to say that Kenny Roberts is the best rider I’ve ever raced against, but as far as running a team ... I think his choice of a team this year was a mistake. He'll have to learn to live with it.”

On the tire issue, Mamola said, “We still have work to do, but the tires aren’t as bad as we thought. We have a good front right now, but we need a radial. We’re running a 17inch radial in the rear and and 17inch bias-ply in the front.” Mamola crashed during a Laguna Seca tiretest session, but was ready for an early practice at Suzuka for the Japanese GP.

Mickey Thompson Lives On

A fter the tragic death of racerturned-promoter Mickey Thompson and his wife Trudy, many people wondered about the future of Mickey Thompson Entertainment Group. MTEG not only has its OffRoad World Championship Grand Prix series for four-wheelers, but a motorcycle “Ultracross” series, as well as a three-race Supercross series to complete. But according to MTEG spokeman Doug Stokes, all the events will happen as scheduled, many of them to be carried on TV by ESPN sports network. And in upcoming years, MTEG will continue to promote races. As Stokes says, “We’re trying to make it a better show than ever, in honor of two friends who won’t be there.” That assures that the Mickey Thompson name will continue to be a part of racing.