From Linda Hopkins, John Hopkins’ mother, who sent us this five times between 11:16 p.m. EDT September 2 and 1:00 a.m. EDT September 3, with copies sent to the Suzuki Racing website:



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

I regret to be writing this e-mail, it really shouldn’t be necessary!

I feel a great sadness that Suzuki is not fulfilling its obligations to its MotoGp efforts.

I have heard a lot of negative statements that Kenny Roberts Jr. needs to stop whining and leave MotoGp racing. What a sad thing to say! Kenny has earned his right of passage and Suzuki needs to supply him with a bike that is performing!

My son, John Hopkins, did not sign with Suzuki to be a last place finisher either.

Suzuki, you have money, ability and riders. Please get your act together.

I was at Jerez and saw John 3rd off the line, only to suffer mechanical problems. Other riders would have parked the thing, he finished 7th. Please show him the respect he shows you!

I have met all his mechanics and crew chief, they are wonderful and would do anything for John but they can’t work miracles! Help them out, you will benefit!

Respectfully Yours,

Linda Hopkins
Ramona, California



Reaction, from a reader:

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Regarding Mrs. Hopkins’ e-mail, she’s right! Suzuki has two great riders, but they’ve saddled them with piss-poor MotoGP motorcycles. They do need to get their act together. Same goes for the Aprilia machine. In the words of another mother (mine), “Shape up or ship out!”

Of course, in AMA, we have a situation with my (I hate to say it) favorite rider who’s got a great machine. Ben Bostrom has shown that he can ride around in fourth in just about any series. Unlike Hoppy, KRJ, and Colin, he’s got nowhere to point but at himself. Suzuki and Aprilia, give these guys the equipment to be competitive. Don’t give them the chance to point at the bike as their excuse!

Best Regards,

Mike Wolf
Folsom, California


More reaction, from another reader:

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

First, I am a HUGE Suzuki fan. I would LOVE to see Hopper and Roberts kicking butt. Sadly it’s just not happening this year.

The people complaining to Suzuki about the MotoGP bike, including Hopkins’ Mommy need to get a clue. Do you really think Suzuki enjoys looking bad? Do you think they can simply say “Ok, that’s enough losing, let’s win now,” flip a switch and do it? Do you think the Suzuki engineers say “Nah, let’s not build that, it might work.” Come on!

Think about this. The GSVR is one of the trickest motorcycles designs on the planet. It is typically 1-2 seconds off the pole pace. ONE to TWO seconds! And that makes it a sled? Gimme a break. Sure, that’s a lifetime in a racing situation, but getting that last 2 seconds has only been done by a couple manufacturers, with a few bikes and a few riders.

As for Momma Hopper, Desi and everyone else complaining about something Suzuki already knows, can you do better? If not, be quiet and let them work on it.

David Leatham
Mesa, Arizona

P.S. I really feel sorry for John now. His Mom’s letter has got to be the most embarrasing moment in his life.