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►Like Torsten Hallman used to, American Chuck
Sun rides for Husqvarna. Iron-man Hallman often said that hard work, not talent,
is the secret to success. Chuck Sun believes it.
Four years ago, Sun was simply an Oregon rider with a stubborn allegiance to
Husqvarna and a habit of placing in the top 15 on the Trans-AMA circuit. His
consistency eventually netted him a little help from the factory for his winning
ride in the 1977 Trans-AMA Support class. When former Husky star Kent Howerton
failed to reach terms with the factory, Sun was hired—many thought as a stopgap
measure while Husky rebuilt its American motocross operation. But in 1978 Sun
proved himself one of the fastest riders on the National 250cc circuit and one
of the few able to race with Bob Hannah without becoming demoralized.
As part of Sun's American
contract, the factory flew him to Europe for the Swedish GP. In the first moto,
Sun started badly, but finished fifth. In the second moto, he finished third.
Husky representatives were staggered that an American unknown could put the
motor on established GP stars. The factory entered Sun in the Finland and
Russian GPs and he even led the Russian event for a few laps. When Sun finally
returned to America, he had a factory commitment to a 250cc GP contract. Later
that was changed to the 500cc class because of Sun's experience on the big bikes
and Kent Ohlin's (of Ohlins shocks) confidence in Sun's riding ability.
But while Sun relied on results
to capture the attention of big-time racers, he also impressed Husky
representatives with his professional attitude. "They were kind of pleased that
I didn't bitch about the bike all the time. They liked it that I knew when to
just accept the setup and get ready to race," he recalls.
Even more important may have
been Sun's willingness to adapt to a new environment. In the past, the
unhappiness of American riders at their unfamiliar European environment has
undermined their performance. But after knocking around the U.S. towing his race
bike for five years, Sun is used to eating strange foods and living out of an
equipment bag.
Sun's factory Husky ride
demonstrates that a willingness to endure low pay, second-hand parts and long
months on the road, without becoming discouraged, is part of wanting to win.
Apparently, Torsten Hallman was right, at least where Husqvarna riders are
concerned. It's hard work—not big money, airplane tickets, exotic motorcycles
and factory mechanics—that makes a winner.■ |
