FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: During the riders meeting at Daytona, Miguel Duhamel made a sharp comment that just isn’t settling well with me even after days have past. So I figured I’ll send in my comment to RoadRacingWorld, and maybe they will post my comment somewhere in their mag or web so it has a chance to find him. Miguel you’ve always been a fierce respected competitor. You posses a lions heart along with amazing riding skills that only most can dream of. You’ve always been one of my hero’s; that is until collectively I’ve gotten to know you as a fellow Superbike Racer, not so much on a personal level, more less from afar as a fellow Superbike racer in the paddocks. During the riders meeting, you made reference that not all of us AMA-PRO licensed racers are here to race. Who exactly were you referring to when you the Superstar that you are made such reference? You see, that new guy sitting in the back, wondering if he’s worthy to sit next to a Factory racer is me. I will never forget what it’s like to be the new racer in the paddock. Just a few years previous in 2005, I was barley making the grid in Superstock and Supersport, and today I’m in the back row of the elite class, known as the Superbike Grid. Last year in “07” I think you gave me the idiot nod at least 5 times while I was trying to get up to speed so that hopefully i could make the cut finally allowing my life long child hood dreams could be realized too. Do you know what it feels like getting the idiot nod from one of your heroes? It’s pretty humiliating, at best. So I decided I would eject you from that hero spot located in my brain. Your not worthy of a hero spot in my mind. To me true hero’s put people first, not themselves. I now see you in an entirely different lime light. Who ever you were referring to in your comment, I will represent all the people who you are attempting to make them feel less. For the record I don’t believe that there is any AMA-PRO racer that doesn’t take racing seriously. Who are you to make such an egotistical comment? And on another final note, your an employee of Honda. You get told what to do, where to be, and where to sit and do autographs during your 50 minute promoted autograph session. I’m sure your pay is well. It’s your job to go fast on the race track. I suggest you stick to that, and maybe consider taking a 101 course, teaching you how to be humble. Nobody really gives a crap about how much you make, how many races you’ve won. It’s all meaningless unless you truly care at heart, starting with ALL fellow racers, slower, faster, female, male, etc. An organization is only as successful as his new licensed PRO racer. Go to: www.johnnyrockpage.com to follow up on comment. Johnny Rock Page AMA Pro #269 Phoenix, Arizona (Note to humor-impaired: Yes, the headline is satirical.)