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RACE WATCH

Storms rage at Italian GP

Thunderstorms and controversy marred the running of the Italian 500 Grand Prix held on the Misano circuit. The fifth GP of the 1989 season started with a full field, but when the skies darkened and a spring downpour wetted the infamously slippery Misano track, the top GP riders refused to join the race’s restart, citing safety reasons. Said defending World Champion Eddie Lawson: “None of us are scared to race in the rain. It’s just that this track is unridable in the wet.”

The race was restarted anyway, with only one works rider, Italian Pier Francesco Chili, making the starting grid. With just 13 riders remaining in the race—none of them approaching Chili’s talent—Chili won easily, but appeared none-toohappy on the victory podium, aware his fist-ever GP win, which vaulted him into fourth place in the season standings, would incur the wrath of the boycotting racers. Still, commenting on the situation. Chili said, “It’s a disgrace for motorcycle racing. If people come here and practice, they should race.”

American riders, however, were quick to defend their position. Said Randy Mamola, “Safety is the most important thing, and in the wet, this track isn’t safe for racing.”

Lawson then added, “Do we need a tragedy before we can stop a race?”

Trouble in Baja

Haja has long been a haven for offroad racing. Few restrictions were placed on where race courses could go—even the paved roads in towns like Ensenada were okay.

But Baja has been in a state of rapid growth; its formally deserted forests and deserts are quickly becoming farms and ranches. Now comes the news that this year’s Baja 500 off-road race has been moved from Ensenada to the little town of San Felipe to appease the cries of ranchers. More important, motorcycles and ATVs will not be allowed to enter because of safety reasons, according to a SCORE/HDRA press release.

SCORE President Sal Fish couldn’t be reached for comment because he was in Baja preparing for the race. But Kawasaki’s race-team manager, Mark Johnson, gave us his view on SCORE’S decision. “Kawasaki is, of course, disappointed that we won’t be able to compete and defend our previous wins, but we have to agree with SCORE: The course is so fast that it would be dangerous to mix cars and bikes,” he said.