Interesting how the Yanks see NZ

**GD66** · 22nd December 2012, 20:18

Nothing to add, really Dean. That was then, this is now. I must say your perception of the situation in MotoGP comes across as very incisive, and your reporting of the Stoner v Rossi mental struggle this year has been good reading.

**GD66** · 29th December 2012, 20:38

Those wondering about my grumbling about the veracity of these events can make up their own mind, Superbike Planet have re-published the column as a "forty-years-on" feature on their front page.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2003-Dec/031229b.htm

**sugilite:Me** · 30th December 2012, 11:00

He has done another article now, find it at .... http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/...9rayborn39.htm

I wonder where this fan-dangled Wanaque track is, bet it kicks Wanganui circuits arse

For the record, I really enjoy Dean Adam's articles

**GD66** · 30th December 2012, 13:19

By and large, I don't mind them either, but he does himself no favours when writing based upon poor research.
He has come up short again here, giving the impression that Scott Brelsford's Harley may have been available for Rayborn to have ridden at Pukekohe, when in fact subsequently Gracefield and Timaru went by and it wasn't until the final round of the series at Ruapuna that the Harley finally cleared customs and could turn out on the track. Also I doubt it would be such a great surprise when Scott went for his ride to find sheep on the track at Wanague (sic), as apart from Boxing Day the circuit is just town streets, so cars, trucks and indeed rail wagons could also potentially be in the mix. Not bagging Scott, as he is a good guy and was a great ambassador for the sport during the series while patiently awaiting the arrival of the Harley, but again the article lacks balance.
The whole situation was exremely sad and unfortunate, so patchy reporting, even 39 years later, doesn't help.

**slowpoke** · 31st December 2012, 00:05

Originally Posted by GD66

Nothing to add, really Dean. That was then, this is now.

Originally Posted by GD66

By and large, I don't mind them either, but he does himself no favours when writing based upon poor research.
He has come up short again here, giving the impression that Scott Brelsford's Harley may have been available for Rayborn to have ridden at Pukekohe, when in fact subsequently Gracefield and Timaru went by and it wasn't until the final round of the series at Ruapuna that the Harley finally cleared customs and could turn out on the track. Also I doubt it would be such a great surprise when Scott went for his ride to find sheep on the track at Wanague (sic), as apart from Boxing Day the circuit is just town streets, so cars, trucks and indeed rail wagons could also potentially be in the mix. Not bagging Scott, as he is a good guy and was a great ambassador for the sport during the series while patiently awaiting the arrival of the Harley, but again the article lacks balance.
The whole situation was exremely sad and unfortunate, so patchy reporting, even 39 years later, doesn't help.

Sorry, but I'm going to respectfully disagree. From my reading Dean's article it made it plain that the bike was expected on the day of the race:

"Brelsford's Harley-Davidson racer sat on a boat between California and Auckland, due to be shipped to the track on the day of the race, or so they hoped."

Hence they discussed Rayborn riding it....but the article also makes it plain it didn't turn up:

"In the end, his bike did not make it to the track in time for either official practice or the race"

Balance? It was a personal interview, telling the terrible story from Brelsford's personal perspective. And you yourself declined to elaborate when the door was opened to further dialogue.

Sorry, terrible thing to have been involved with I know, I'm just trying to offer a lil' objectivity.