Op/ed

OP/ED

HOTSHOTS

Very rarely does one get to observe the absolute best working their craft. I just returned from the U.S. MotoGP round at Laguna Seca, where I witnessed the ultimate expression of man/machine/team effort. But as MotoGP works to extract maximum performance within allowable parameters, American sportbike racing struggles just to find an identity, causing teams to chase elusive rules white fearing the inevitable pressure to become a two-

wheel NASCAR program. Is it possible for the U.S. governing body to pull their collective heads from their arses, adopt World Superbike rules, usher in the new world-class rules for 600s, so America can be competitive internation ally? My fear is that motorcycle racing in America will get dumbed down to carbure tors, left turns, four speeds and cases of Natty Lite beer. Is there any hope? 0. Mansfield Posted on www.cycleworld.com