Letter Of The Month
Dear ATV Rider,
I just want to say that I read your "Factory Invasion" article, and it's one of the best articles I've ever read in an ATV magazine. Why? Because it gives credit to those who really fought for factory rights and those who spent millions to push the sport, mainly Cannondale. Other magazines just so happen to "forget" the most influential company in ATV history. You make your point to recognize what it did. It spent every penny it had and then some to create the sickest, wildest creation it could make to compete in the industry. In 2001, there were still carbureted cars in production; there were no high-tech frames and no "super" suspension. We'd just be leaving the ATV Stone Age and still be riding steel-framed and balloon-tired quads if Cannondale had not stepped up. I happen to live not far from the Nac's Racing shop, and I took notice to what they did and where they took these machines. Not only to the podium, but to the desks of the "big four."
Nac's/Cannondale was a monster wake-up for the whole off-road industry, now with all of the major companies doing exactly what Cannondale did over seven years ago. I know, it's hard to think it has been that long. Most manufacturers have gone to aluminum frames, advanced suspension, powerful motors and fuel injection. I see that the new 2009 Yamaha YFZ450 has EFI as well. I'd assume that Honda will follow. Being an avid Cannondale enthusiast, I love every heart-pounding second I'm riding my Moto, as do the other thousands of Cannondale riders out there. Another thing to note: It's a nice feeling that ATK stepped up when they saw an opportunity to purchase the remaining Cannondales after the company's bankruptcy; it takes a lot of guts to do what they did and I praise them for that. For keeping a legend alive and to help keep pushing the industry just as Cannondale did, thanks ATV Rider Magazine.
Joe Sanguinetti (Bansheeboy11)
Pearl River, New York
Wow Joe,
I remember those days as if it were just yesterday. ATV Rider's own Jorge Cuartas actually experienced the Nac's/Cannondale movement first-hand as he was in fact a member of the team. There is no doubt that we should thank Nac's and Cannondale's efforts at building a race-ready quad which helped in kicking off an age of ATV technological advancements. Oh, by the way, this story continues in this very issue of ATVR as Cuartas fills us in on what happened after the Nac's/Cannondale days came to an end and the creation of Team Media Allstars. And because you submitted such an intriguing letter, we're awarding you a trick new Muzzys pipe for a Suzuki LT-R450. To check it out, visit www.muzzys.com.
Next Month's Prize!
In case you've not figured it out by now, the best part about our job is reading your letters. We love hearing what you have to say. If it's good, we know we're doing what you want; if not, then let us know what you want to see that'll keep you informed and entertained. This is your magazine and we're only here to give you what you want. If your letter is selected as the best for next month, you'll win a Mojave Forest Camo helmet from Vega Helmets. To check it out, visit www.vegahelmet.com.