Ups And Downs

UPS AND DOWNS

UP: To Racers Editions, for celebrating American motorcycle racing’s rich history when it released the first in a series of museum-quality lithographs. The three premier prints are exact reproductions of 1950s Indian victory posters featuring factory riders Bobby Hill, Bill Tuman and Ernie Beckman—the famed “Indian Wrecking Crew.” Each print is autographed by the rider and costs $65, with the complete set of three going for $175. For more information, contact Racers Editions at P.0. Box 11166, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, or phone 714/645-4498.

UP: To Suffolk County BMW, in Huntington, New York, for raising more than $7000 for the Suffolk County chapter of the Association for the Help of Retarded Children (AHRC). The money was raised through various raffles and promotions and will be used to furnish a new community residence in Yaphank, on New York’s Long Island. “Upon completion of the new home, an additional eight men and women will have the opportunity to live in comfort, and with safety and dignity,” said Joseph Mammolito, the AHRC’s executive director.

DOWN: To sportswriter Bill Goodykoontz, for comparing grand prix motorcycle racing to MTV’s derelict cartoon characters “Beavis and Butt-Head.” Goodykoontz, who authors the Arizona Republic’s weekend superfan’s television guide, wrote, “Ah motorcycle racing. It’s this or Beavis and Butt-Head on MTV at the same time. Is there a difference?” Goodykoontz’s comments are typical of stick-and-ball-fixated daily-paper sportswriters, many of whom seem unable to understand the color and excitement of professional roadracing, and they are inappropriate to anyone carrying a label like “superfan.” □