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RACE WATCH
Cagiva enters the (money) pits
It now appears likely that 1994 was Cagiva’s final year as a player in GP racing’s color, pageantry and politics. Beset by financial problems and answering to bankers who insist that the company race something it sells, Cagiva apparently has pulled the plug. But the home-office so far has refused to confirm that to the American motoring press, leaving Cagiva North America spokesman Bruce Fairey to say, “From everything I can gather, they’re definitely out, but who knows, they could jump back in.”
What seems clear is that development of last year's V594 GP bike has ceased, and the GP race shop’s space within the Varese factory, north of Milan in Italy’s Lake District, given over to development of the Cagiva Superbike. That machine tentatively is slated to debut, in 750 race form and also perhaps as a very different 920cc streetbike, at this fall’s Milan Motor Show.
All of this of course raises the question, what about Doug Chandler and John Kocinski, who last year piloted Cagiva V594s?
Chandler confirmed to Cycle World in mid-February that he’s signed a oneyear deal to team with Chris Carr in AMA Superbike racing Harley-Davidson VR 1000s. Kocinski, a private man who remains in favor with the Castiglioni brothers, who own Cagiva, is keeping his own counsel, but may race a Ducati 916 in World Superbikes until the Cagiva 750 Superbike is ready for him. European pundits say former GPstar Pierfrancesco Chili could be his Cagiva teammate.
Superbike war over?
The AMA appears to have won a major skirmish in its bid to retain its hold on professional motorcycle roadracing in America. According to sources close to the AMA, sanctioning packages have been sent to representatives of Mid-Ohio, Brainerd and Road America, all of whom have requested a return to the AMA fold after deserting the AMA in favor of Roger Edmondson’s North American Superbike series.
An AMA source said, “I can’t confirm anything, not until we have something signed.” But the source added that if those three tracks return to AMA Superbike schedule, currently planned for 10 races, the schedule likely will remain at 10 races because that’s the maximum to which the manufacturersupported teams will commit.
Michelle Truman-Gajoch, of MidOhio, was only willing to say of the rumored return, “It’s out of our hands at the moment.”
But Merrill Vanderslice, the AMA’s director of professional competition, confirmed that sanctioning paperwork was sent to operators of the three tracks. “Provided all the contracts get signed,” he said, “they’ll all be back in the schedule.” And he added, “There’s no hatred or vengeance in our hearts. We're glad to have these tracks back.”
Edmondson, meanwhile, appeared resigned to the idea that his NASB series will lose three important tracks to the AMA. He said of the prodigal promoters, “We thought we had some people who shared our vision of where this sport could go. You take out those three big promoters, and we’ll have to cut back dramatically. I got knocked on my butt a few days ago when all this came out. I'm back standing up again now, and we’ll continue to move forward. But it’s a very troubling time.”
Edmondson pledged to fill the now-empty gaps in his NASB schedule, which at press time consisted of Daytona Beach, March 5; Road Atlanta, September 17; and a second event at Daytona Beach, October 22.
If the reunions all go as planned, look for smaller tracks to be dropped from the AM As schedule. Look also for Mid-Ohio to retain its original June 4 date at the expense of Indianapolis Raceway Park, which was awarded the date when Mid-Ohio signaled its intent to run a NASB event. Road America and Brainerd, meanwhile, were slotted into open dates on the AMA’s Superbike calender. At presstime, the presumed calender looked like this: Daytona Beach, March 12; Pomona, April 2; Laguna Seca, April 30; MidOhio, June 4; Loudon, June IX; Memphis, July 2; Brainerd, July 16; Firebird September 24.
All in all, it’s a schedule that makes it look as though AMA didn’t just win a skirmish. It may have won the war.
World Superbike schedule announced
Those of you who are fans of World Superbike racing, listen up: the FIM and the Flaminini Group recently announced the 1995 WSB schedule. You'll want to check it out before you make your summer travel plans.
The schedule goes like this: Germany May 7; Italy, May 21; Britain, May 28; San Marino, at Monza, June 18; Spain, June 25; Austria, July 9; France, July 16; USA at Laguna Seca, July 23; Europe, at Brands Hatch, August 6; Japan, August 27; Netherlands, September 3; Indonesia, October 15; Australia, October 29.
Since racing schedules tend to be fluid, be sure you check and doublecheck before organizing any travel activities involving nonrefundable deposits.
McGra.thAgain.
“Jeremy McGrath Rules,” the graffito might read. But would it be talking about last year, or about his 1995 season? It wouldn’t matter. Same deal, whichever season you’re talking about.
McGrath, who smoked his competition last year to win the Supercross Championship, is spanking all comers again this year with his unbeatable combination of confidence and courage.
With five races of the 15-race super> gross series done at presstime, McGrath had won all five. That’s right. All five. Even better, since he won the final event of the 1994 season, his win at the San Diego supercross meant he’d won six supercross events in a row, matching the record shared by Bob Hannah and Rick Johnson.
Can anyone catch this guy?
Maybe Larry Ward can. Riding for Team Noleen Yamaha, Ward, considered by some to be past his prime, was second in Anaheim and in San Diego. Other than McGrath, lie's the only rider to have top-three finishes at every race so far this season. That kind of consistency has rewarded him with 104 points, 21 behind McGrath.
Or maybe Mike LaRocco can. LaRocco, who finished third in San Diego, is third in the points standings, with 95, a third of the way through the season. His problem is his Kawasaki, revised for San Diego but still off the pace.
Or maybe Greg Albcrtyn can. San Diego was just the fourth supercross in the U.S. for the three-time world champion (once on a 125, twice on 250s) from South Africa. Given time and experience, he might learn to match, and eventually exceed, the pace set by the flying McGrath.
Or maybe not. Maybe McGrath is a younger, gnarlier version of Hannah. Time, and the fortunes of racing, will tell. " □
