Let’s show our support for Laverty
I’m sure I’m not the only one to be hugely impressed by Michael Laverty. He has become a very adept and succinct pundit and commentator, but has now shown that he is not one to rest on his laurels. Firstly, by announcing his Academy for developing new British talent, and now the plans to run a new team in next season’s Moto3 championship, which will nurture British rookies. Fans now have a lot to get excited about, as Michael and his backers have created a pathway for Brits to reach the pinnacle of the sport. I think every fan should show support and buy a T-shirt or cap. This could be the start of something very special. Good on you, Michael. Stephen Robinson, email
Guess the baby’s name
Who wants a guess on the name of the Doctor’s new baby? I’m going with Valentina Rossi. Andrew Smithers, email
Ed: Anyone else got a suggestion?
Guzzi’s step too far
Having seen and read the articles on the upcoming Guzzi V100 Mandello (MCN, September 22) I was surprised to see water-cooling and as a Guzzi fan was disappointed to see the direction taken. Gone are the traditional exhaust headers sticking out front, to be replaced with the head and barrels rotated by 45 degrees just like a bloody BMW! This must be the biggest change and perhaps most controversial for us Guzzi diehards. Love the looks, but if chasing more power means changing tradition then I’d rather see them continue as they are.
Nigel Brown, email
Make a date for 2022
I know you can’t cover every biking event but was disappointed not to see mention of VMXDN at Farleigh Castle on September 11-12. Having spent weekends at hugely exciting events at Silverstone for the MotoGP and then Peterborough for the MCN Festival I went to Farleigh Castle and had a day that topped both! The smell and sound of motocross bikes, together with riders from the glory days taking part or just milling around, was amazing. Be sure to set a date in your calendar next year.
Mya Floyd, email
Left-handers rule?
I was interested in the article “Ride an anti-clockwise circuit” (MCN, September 15). My own racing experience, seven years on short circuits (all anti-clockwise); followed by five years on ‘proper’ circuits (all clockwise), was that on four wheels the direction doesn’t seem to make much difference. So I was interested when watching The Switch, in which Hamilton and Rossi swap places, to hear Lewis say he was more comfortable on left-handers than right. Valentino’s response? “That’s because you’re right-handed, it’s the opposite for me because I am left-handed.” Am I to suppose since most circuits are right-handed, that the very best riders are all left-handed?
Tony Norton, email
Multilingual approach
It is hoped that Michael Laverty’s Vison Track team leads to some competitive British riders at all levels of Grand Prix racing. While his team is formed by British engineers, technicians etc, which is fine, but in order to progress and become a successful and truly professional at international level it is essential that these riders learn at least one foreign language. Those who do not will be limiting their chances because many squads will not readily choose someone that all their team members cannot fully and clearly communicate with. Best of luck Michael.
David Bagshall, Devon
Ed: Especially Italian or Spanish!
You can keep your modes
I am getting frustrated at the lack of choice if one doesn’t want all the ‘rider aids’ but does want a large capacity machine. My idea of a bike doesn’t first require you to figure out the electronics before setting off. I had a GS years ago on which the only aid was ABS but when I had a test on a new one it took as long to explain the functions as it did to ride it. It’s just more to go wrong.
John White, email
Going the extra mile(s)
Just to clarify the headline on the feature “Take part in an Iron Butt Rally” (MCN, September 22). The Iron Butt Rally is a biennial event in the USA (not the UK) limited to around 100★ riders who attempt to ride 11,000 miles in 11 days. Long-distance riding can be addictive and riding a Saddlesore 1000 in the UK can be the start of a long road to being an entrant in the Iron Butt Rally. It was good to see that Ali and Justin safely completed their Saddlesore 1000 and it even looks as though they enjoyed what is an extreme ride in anyone’s book.