JAMIE JAMES SETS AN EXCELLENT TABLE.
OH YES, AND THE RAGIN' CAJUN WOULD REALLY LIKE TO RACE AGAIN.

(Black Mountain,  North Carolina) Well folks, I had an excellent dinner last night, with excellent company in an excellent establishment. It's the first time I've dined in a restaurant owned and operated by an AMA racing legend; a fellow that happens to be one of the nicest people you'll ever meet, period.

The restaurant is the French Quarter Cafe, and the proprietors are none other than Jamie and Ramona James. It was the last day of the Honda Hoot, and various Honda personnel decided to have their final dinner in North Carolina at Jamie's place. Also present were fellow Louisiana native son and racer, Freddie Spencer along with his wife and daughter, and Diane and Mike Traynor, who were celebrating an extremely successful Ride For Kids at the Hoot which generated a superb $121,000 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation of the United States.

First things first: the food was excellent. French/Cajun is the best way of describing the fare, which includes something for just about every palate. There is also substantial wine list and the prices are quite reasonable. The atmosphere is relaxed yet classy, and the foyer you enter when you arrive is a roadracing fan's dream. Jamie's trophies and helmets are everywhere, and photos from his career (and many of his buddies such as Colin Edwards, Freddie Spencer. . . you name it) adorn the walls.

As for Jamie himself, he looks great. He fits into the role of host well, as he is a naturally friendly and considerate person that likes to see his guest go home full and happy. But he is clearly not quite ready to settle down and do this for good. This former AMA Champion wants to race motorcycles next year. Bad. He's fit, the spirit is willing, and he has a hankering to try some of the new machinery that's out there.

I don't think he's too awfully interested in a similar gig like he had last time out as a privateer Harley pilot. He wants a serious ride with a factory team, and the name Yamaha did indeed come up in our conversation. When I pointed out the uncanny resemblance that another Jamie who is currently riding the blue bikes has to his rising style, he agreed.

"Yeah, Hacking really gives it everything he has when he's on the bike. We're a lot alike that way."

James has been watching the development of the new R-7 closely too, and likes what he sees:

"I think it would suit my riding style really well," he says with a smile.

So, will we see two Jamies racing Superbikes next year? We shall see. I just hope James gets a shot at a ride, though, as he misses sliding bikes around at speed and the paddock misses his presence as well.

Of course, I hope the French Quarter Cafe thrives too, because friends, them's good eats.

For directions, reservations, etc. give 'em a call at (828) 669-1989. -- Bill Heald on special assignment for AMASuperbike.com