Ups And Downs
UPS AND DOWNS
ROUNDUP
DOWN: To comedian Rick Ducommun, whose one-hour comedy special recently aired on the cable-TV network Home Box Office. During his monologue, Ducommun expressed his opinion of California’s lane-splitting motorcyclists, who ease between traffic lanes on congested freeways, a maneuver that is legal in the Golden State. Ducommun said that he’d like to open his car door as a motorcycle approached, causing a “thud” as the bike and rider tumbled to the ground. Then, he’d gloat over the injured rider, saying, “Wow, that’s either a very good Gary Busey impression or a very bad head wound,” referring to the actor who was almost killed several months ago in a motorcycle accident.
As evidenced by a dearth of laughter from the studio audience, Ducommun’s joke was both unfunny and in poor taste, and thereby wins CWs Cheap Shot of the Month award by a wide margin.
UP: To Bob “Hurricane” Hannah, for going out in style. The 32-yearold, who won seven national championships and the hearts of motocross fans everywhere during his 13-year career, called it quits after July’s U.S. Grand Prix, where he finished ninth. After the race, Hannah took one last lap to the applause of the 15,000 fans on hand, and then was presented with a limited-edition, John Wayne-replica rifle. Hannah, a devoted fan of The Duke, was given the gun by Wayne’s son, Ethan.
Though Hannah has bowed out of motocross, he’ll still be competing. Currently he’s training to pilot a 300-horsepower raceboat. An avid aviator, he plans to enter aerobatic contests in his Pitts Special biplane, as well as pylon races in a scaleddown replica of a WWII fighter plane. In addition, Hannah will still be working with Suzuki, doing public relations and helping to develop the RM motocross line. Sounds like a very busy retirement.
UP: To Y von du Hamel, roadracing star of the 1970s who can’t seem to stay retired. Du Hamel, winner of five AMA nationals plus the Canadian number-one plates in roadracing, flat-track and motocross (he could only manage number two in trials), has hung up his leathers several times over the years, but always comes back for more. His last outing was at the 1988 Bol d'Or endurance race, where he teamed with sons Miguel and Mario (see “North Star Rising,” CW August, 1989). Now, the elder du Hamel plans to race at Daytona in 1990.
“Next year I’m going to be 50,” he says. “I want to ride as many classes as I can at Daytona, to celebrate my 50th birthday.”
He’s already got several rides lined up, but he’s looking for more. Any takers for an enthusiastic, 50year-old youngster, with lots of experience?
If you come across a motorcycle-related item that you think should be singled out for an UP or DOWN, send the information to CW Roundup, 853 W. 17th St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
