Motorcycling's Nascar Connection

MOTORCYCLING'S NASCAR CONNECTION

ENTHUSIASTIC, BRAND-LOYAL and almost fanatically dedicated to their sport. Sound familiar? It should. These words are often used to describe motorcyclists. But-big pause here-they’re also indicative of many NASCAR fans.

And why shouldn’t motorcycles and stock-car racing go hand-in-hand? After all, a gearhead is a gearhead is a gearhead. Is it any wonder that at the end of a long, 200-mph day, an increasing number of four-wheeled types turn to two wheels for relaxation?

“The main reason I like motorcycling is the same as when I was a kid,” says Winston Cup veteran Kyle Petty, who recently inked a sponsorship deal with Victory motorcycles. “I rode dirtbikes to get away, to just ride and have a good time.

It’s the same now. I can get away from the hustle and bustle-and things

get pretty hectic!”

Like Petty, Winston Cup team owner Michael Kranefuss and his driver Jeremy Mayfield are involved with a bike manufacturer, namely Arizona-based clone-maker Titan. So is two-time Craftsman Truck Series Champion Ron Hornaday.

The NASCAR garage, however, isn’t the only place where motorcycles are visible. Several manufacturers have displays at roundy-round races, the AMA via MBNA had a one-race sponsorship of Ward Burton’s Pontiac, and at last year’s Daytona Firecracker 400, Ted Musgrave’s Ford wore a Victory paint scheme in place of its usual Polaris ATV livery.

cross-over, though. There’s a mutual respect between the car and bike racers. Winston Cup Director Gary Nelson, himself a motorcyclist, says, “Among the drivers, there’s a sense of how

Ties between cars

hard it is to race motorcycles. Racers understand and respect other racers.” Anyone for a Daytona 200/500 combo? Food for thought... Wendy F. Black