An Open Response to RC’s Open Letter

[see RC's original letter over at Racer X Online]

Rick, you are The Man. What you have done for the sport of motocross in America will never be forgotten. The mental images of you that were burned in my memory by your blinding speed on the track will be cherished forever. I personally thank you for all you have done.

Now you know, after all of that, I’m about to say something you probably won’t like… and you’re right. With regards to this bum deal you got due to your team getting caught with illegal fuel, I would like to politely suggest, using a term made popular on the internet, that you STFU. With all due respect, of course.

The reason I say this is because I truly believe there is nothing left to be said. We can argue about the rule itself, its history, and whether the penalty is fair, even though it’s the very same penalty used for the last two years. None of that changes the fact that your gas was indeed illegal. You complain that you have not been allowed to appeal; on what basis would you appeal? This is about as open-and-shut as it gets.

Rick, no one in the entire world believes that you need special gas to kick anyone’s ass. I personally believe that you could probably win the outdoor championship on a 250F against the others’ 450s… but that’s just me. It is very clear to me that a mistake was made on Suzuki’s part, not in attempting to cheat, but in not being diligent enough to prevent this awful mess from starting in the first place. Accept it and move on. It doesn’t change the fans’ acceptance of and love for you.

At the very least, Rick, leave all the political squabbling to the other Man, Roger DeCoster. He’s very good at his job, as you surely know. You definitely don’t want to get caught up in the flying crap if this whole deal comes down to spurious allegations about tampering samples and points manipulation. Stay above the fray by keeping your mouth shut (publicly).

The real truth may come out someday, if it hasn’t already. And when that day comes, you’ll either be vindicated or proven wrong, but never scorned. Sure, some very fickle (and probably drunk) fans boo you here in Southern California, but you can rest assured that you have the respect and admiration of the vast majority of true motocross fans. We’ll never scorn you… unless you start toying with our emotions. Hinting that you might pull out of the supercross championship is definitely toying with us. We’re used to you being a straight shooter, RC. Playing coy is not your style. If you’re fed up, we’ll understand. If you suddenly no longer want to race supercross, that’s your prerogative and we’ll just have to accept it. Most of us will follow you to wherever your new adventures take you. To steal another pop culture phrase, “Just Do It!”

But dang man, don’t kid around about it!