Ups & Down

Ups & Down

ROUNDUP

DOWN: To the Italian feds, for sticking it to the country’s favorite motorcycle superhero. Seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi is being hounded by the country’s IRS equivalent for back taxes, to the tune of at least $60 million and perhaps as much as $150 million including fines and interest, according to one report. Rossi said his tax consultants were looking into the matter. The 28-year-old has been a British resident since 2000 and allegedly has not declared revenues from sponsorship or his team to British or Italian authorities since that time, the tax agency said.

UP: To Visa, for recognizing one of life’s great pleasures. In a recent ad campaign, the credit-card company listed “Ride a motorcycle across the U.S.” on a list of “Things to do while you’re alive.” We agree wholeheartedly, but it’s better not to do it on credit...

UP: To everyone who participated in the Riders for Health Day this past July at the USGP at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, for making the inaugural event a smashing success. Those who purchased tickets received VIP treatment at the circuit, an exclusive tour of the paddock and lunch with American racing legends Wayne Rainey and Randy Mamola. There was also a motorcycle tour of the backroads of Monterey County, which culminated in three laps of the track and a photo opportunity at the top of the famous Corkscrew. Finale was an auction of MotoGP memorabilia. Between ticket sales and the auction, $35,000 was raised. For more than 15 years, RfH (www.riders.org) has worked to bring basic healthcare to millions of people across Africa by supplying practical, reliable transportation— often of the two-wheel kind.