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INTERVIEW WITH BILL WERNER Flat Track Champion - in his own words The Highs and Lows of the 2006 Flat Track Season - An Interview With Bill Werner Q. Bill, what are your thoughts on the 2006 restructured season with two series, including AMA Grand National Twins and AMA Singles? Does this restructuring serve all riders equally? A. I think there are advantages for all in the split series. There were multiple winners in the little bike class; it was a close competition. Honestly, I’d like to see three classes with the addition of a combination championship. I think that would really offer advantages to most people. Q. There’s no doubt that among the lows of the season was Terry Poovey’s serious accident at Springfield. Yet, despite his personal injuries at the track, Jay Springsteen spearheaded fundraising for Terry and his family. It shows how the entire team pulls together. How is Terry doing now? And Jay? A. Most fans know that Terry was seriously injured in May at the Springfield race. He had several broken ribs, broken bones in his neck and severe head trauma. He was in an induced coma for a few days after the accident. Now, Terry’s in rehab, doing well, and on his way to recovery. He’s regaining his memory, getting stronger, and focusing on getting better. I recently spoke with Springsteen. He’s almost fully recovered, and you can bet this Motorcycle Hall of Fame legend will be racing in 2007. Q. Any other highs or lows of the 2006 season? A. Definite high – Mike Hacker winning the National at Mineral Wells. Hacker also struggled with injuries, but nothing’s going to stop him. Another high was seeing such a large turnout at Springfield. The interest in the competition at Springfield grows every year. A personal high at Springfield for me was working with longtime friends – and Springer coming in second! A low this season was seeing the poor shape of some of the tracks, like Greenville. I think poor conditions on some of the tracks resulted in unnecessary crashes and injuries. Q. Your comment about the poor shape of some tracks leads to our next question. Any tips you can give Pipeline readers to make sure their bikes are safe under poor riding conditions? A. The easiest safety tip I can offer riders is to check their vehicle’s tire pressure. A weekly check at least. Make sure tires are properly inflated. And when road conditions are slick make sure to go slow! In rain conditions, a rider’s vision is impaired and trucks are spewing spray everywhere. If possible, I’d recommend pulling of the road until conditions improve, or take a side road and slow down. Sometimes riders forget that most bikes don’t have anti-lock brakes. If your front brakes lock up in the rain and you’re going fast, you’re headed for a fall. One final tip: Ride Safe. Remember: Spring will soon be here!
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