Racing Review

RACING REVIEW

CAROL SIMS

FOR THE PAST SEVERAL years, the AMA's annual Competition and Technical Committee meeting has been preceded by an Open Forum discussion, where manufacturers, distributors, riders, members of the press and other interested parties can air their views. This year we journeyed south to San Diego for the Open Forum, and found it a most enlightening experience.

AMA Secretary Lin Kuchler informed the group of proposed rule changes to be discussed at the actual meetings, gave facts and figures about increased rider participation in professional events, and covered a myriad of subjects including safety programs, combating adverse legislation and publicity, better relations with promoters, and the AMA's new 40-page book of statistics. First of its kind, the book will deal with accident statistics in racing, reasons for their occurrence, the patterns they seem to follow, and insurance costs per rider involved. A lively group discussion followed Kuchler's statements.

When the Competition Committee minutes arrived, soon after the meeting, there were few surprises, and fewer changes. Most important ruling, of course, was the decision to stick with 5()0cc overhead valve (or 750cc side valve) engine displacement for Class "C" racing through 1969, instead of switching to the proposed 45 cubic inch size. This was a great relief to thousands of riders and bike owners whose highly-developed racing equipment would have been rendered obsolete by the advent of 45-inchers. Tentative plans now call for a switch to 350cc machines in 1969.

Most significant of the new machine approvals for Class "C" was that of the Honda 450, since its endorsement meant changing the basic rules to accept double overhead camshaft engine designs.

Another ruling of interest to professional riders was the decision to exclude holders of Amateur or Expert licenses from all sportsman scrambles, short track and hillclimb events. Sporting scrambles riders, however, may now be awarded cash prizes in lieu of trophies, at races where admission is charged. Conversely, a bid to raise the minimum guaranteed purses for Class "C" events, and gain 40% of the gate nationally, was defeated — 16-8.

Several changes were made regarding the Rider Point Fund. This money, comprised of Expert entry fees. Amateur "noshows" and post entries at Nationals, was previously divided among the top 20 National finishers; now the top ten will share it. And, to discourage last-minute cancellation of Nationals by promoters (which happened twice this past season), $1,000 "earnest" money is now required along with the application for sanction. Should the race be cancelled for any reason other than weather conditions, the $1,000 will be added to that year's Rider Point Fund.

Spectators were taken into consideration, too. No longer will fans be subjected to time-consuming individual qualification runs on long road race courses. Feature event starting positions will be determined by a series of heat races, as in other forms of Class "C" competition.

And no longer will sponsored riders be wholly responsible for the legality of their engines. Previously, if a machine were protested and its engine found to be oversize, the rider was subject to a oneyear suspension from the AMA. Now the bike owner assumes most of the responsibility. An illegal engine means automatic one-year suspension for the owner, plus banishment from the pits for that period of time, while the rider may return to action in one month.

Additional rule highlights include the discontinuation of all types of championships — state, district and sectional — for scrambles, sportsman short track and sportsman hillclimb events. One traditional Class "C" National, the Peoria lightweight Tourist Trophy race, has been dropped, and a conventional Championship program of heavyweight TT events adopted in its stead.

Although 70 less professional races were held in 1965 than in 1964, the total number of sanctions issued — 3,856 — showed an increase of 205 events over the previous year. This accelerated sporting activity has been graphically reflected in the number of riders moving up to professional status after serving their sportsman apprenticeship.

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Since nearly 25% of the 2,338 professional licenses issued in 1965 went to Southern California riders, the novice situation has become particularly critical at Ascot Park in Gardena, California. A test program, inaugurated in the interests of safety by District 37 AMA Referee Bert Brundage, now requires that new novice riders have an Amateur or Expert sporting competition card, in addition to their Class "C" license, before taking to the rapid half-mile oval.

Referee Brundage, who does a magnificent but unheralded job of keeping the Ascot shows running smoothly, would be the obvious choice if ever a decision is made to establish a National Referee. There is a definite need in some sections for more coordination between track owners, promoters and the AMA. With one capable man to oversee all National Championship events, from pre-race track preparation to payoff, this lack of communication could be circumvented. And Brundage, a former top-flight competition rider who has guided the Ascot destinies for eight successful years, is certainly more than well qualified for the job.

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JAMESTOWN 100-MILE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

To finish out the Eastern enduro season and clinch the National Championship point race, the Chataqua Lake Motorcycle Club of Jamestown, New York threw a real hooker with a 15 mph average. Rough was not a term used to describe the entire run, but it certainly did apply to more than half of Sunday's excursion.

Jumping off into the woods within a few miles, the riders covered a few miles of open lands between difficult sections. After lunching in the Keystone state, they encountered some really rugged terrain as they plowed through the Northern Pennsylvania hills.

Riding a Triumph, Robert Fusan of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania came home with a mere two-point loss to win the event. Not far behind was Walter Lohrer who won the lightweight class on a Greeves with a 997 score. Bill Baird (Triumph) won the medium-weight class with 995 points while Ronald Bohn took the heavyweight department on the same brand and with a 993 score. Gerald Pacholke put 995 points on the scoreboard to win the little bike class on a Honda.

At the start of the fall season, Bill Baird was leading the National point race, but after Bill Decker's Jack Pine win, he moved to second place. Cayuta put the two close together again, and following Jamestown, Baird was clearly in the driver's seat. Although there is one more 30-point enduro on the West Coast, there is no contender in that area who could gain enough points to beat Baird; thus he wins his fifth National Championship.

ROAD RACING DEBUTS IN KENTUCKY

Motorcycle road racing joined forces with the Camp Breckenridge Job Corps Corps personnel were most helpful in setting up a course over the winding roads of Camp Breckenridge and in directing spectator traffic.

Held under sunny skies, the lightweight events drew contestants from several nearby states, and plenty of enthusiasts turned out to watch the competition over the 1 Vè-mile asphalt course.

In the opening 0-125cc race, the other machines were no match for a 124cc Gilera ridden by Steve Fore of Evansville, Indiana. Commenting on his victory in this, his first road race, Steve said he had a lot of fun, but when he got so far out in front of all his competition, "It got a little lonely out there."

The second event was a 20-lapper combining 175cc and 200cc machines. Charley Southgate, who ventured all the way from Nashville, Tennessee for this race, won easily on a borrowed 200cc Bultaco. Charlie smilingly disclaimed any credit for winning, blaming a stuck carburetor that left him no choice but to run full bore all the way. (!) The 175cc champ was Bob Smith on a 160 Honda.

Main event of the day was the 30-lap 250cc race. Don Bilderback took a quick lead on his 250 Ducati and managed to hold it against the stiff opposition of Tommy Rothrock (H-D) and R. G. Wakefield (Yamaha TD-1B). Wakefield's third place was well deserved as he had to fight his way through the entire pack after a poor start.

Thanks to careful planning and competent referees, this pleasant day of racing was unmarred by any mishaps. Enthusiasm generated by the event has whetted the appetites of Kentucky race enthusiasts, and further road races are now being planned.

ACA PROGRESS REPORT

Good races and good organization were the order of the day at American Cycle Association events throughout 1965, and an increased California road racing schedule is anticipated for the coming season. Both Willow Springs and the new Carlsbad course will see action in '66, with training classes planned for novice riders, and production-machine races at all events.

In addition to their road racing activities, the ACA pioneered weekly short track races at Orange County Speedway and South Gate Raceway which drew steadily increasing crowds and rider participation as the season progressed. If interested in competing or working with the organizational end of things, contact ACA, 145-B Whiting, Fullerton, Calif.

TT-SCRAMBLES AT EL CENTRO

For the first time, race fans in California's Imperial Valley were treated to AMA sportsman-type motorcycle racing at the Mid-Winter Fairgrounds in El Centro. Parts of the half-mile oval (used for annual big car and horse racing events) combined with infield turns to form an interesting TT-scrambles course, directly in front of the main covered grandstands. The events, presented by the Imperial Valley Motorcycle Club and contested by a field of top-flight riders, were cheered to their conclusion by an enthusiastic crowd.

Results:

FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL STANDINGS

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to produce the first road race ever held in Kentucky. Under the capable supervision of race organizer Russ Whittinghill, Job Corps personnel were most helpful in setting up a course over the winding roads of Camp Breckenridge and in directing spectator traffic.

Held under sunny skies, the lightweight events drew contestants from several nearby states, and plenty of enthusiasts turned out to watch the competition over the 1 '/8mile asphalt course.

In the opening 0-125cc race, the other machines were no match for a 124cc Gilera ridden by Steve Fore of Evansville, Indiana. Commenting on his victory in this, his first road race, Steve said he had a lot of fun, but when he got so far out in front of all his competition, "It got a little lonely out there."

The second event was a 20-lapper combining 175cc and 200cc machines. Charley Southgate, who ventured all the way from Nashville, Tennessee for this race, won easily on a borrowed 200cc Bultaco. Charlie smilingly disclaimed any credit for winning, blaming a stuck carburetor that left him no choice but to run full bore all the way. (!) The 175cc champ was Bob Smith on a 160 Honda.

Main event of the day was the 30-lap 250cc race. Don Bilderback took a quick lead on his 250 Ducati and managed to hold it against the stiff opposition of Tommy Rothrock (H-D) and R. G. Wakefield (Yamaha TD-1B). Wakefield's third place was well deserved as he had to fight his way through the entire pack after a poor start.

Thanks to careful planning and competent referees, this pleasant day of racing was unmarred by any mishaps. Enthusiasm generated by the event has whetted the appetites of Kentucky race enthusiasts, and further road races are now being planned.

CALIF. INDOOR SHORT TRACK

A new type of action awaits sports fans at the huge Long Beach (Calif.) Arena on Saturday night, February 5 and again on February 12. AM A-sanctioned indoor short track racing is making its first appearance in the area, and a full complement of leading riders will compete on 250cc machines.

Heading the list of entrants is the nation's leading flattrack exponent, Sammy Tanner, who wants to add an indoor win to his staggering total of 297 dirt track victories in ten years. Class "C" Expert riders expected to challenge Tanner's skills are Ralph White and Dan Haaby, among others.

The arena floor, concrete and about 1/10-mile in circumference, will host over fifty roaring, sliding lightweights at each event. The promoters, Trojan Enterprises (who guarantee 40% of the gate to riders), also offer booth space and program advertising to dealers, accessory manufacturers and distributors; contact them at 1540 West 9th St., Long Beach, California for further information. Set for 8:30 p.m. each night, the closely-contested races promise to be a real ball for spectators and riders alike.

OHIO STATE TT-SCRAMBLES

Beneath a warm and cloudless sky, 133 riders battled over the Dayton Motorcycle Club's half-mile TT-scrambles course through 16 heats, 6 finals and three State Championship races to determine Ohio's bantamweight, lightweight and heavyweight champions.

Dominated by Bultaco-mounted riders, the 0-175cc (bantamweight) class was won by Paul Madden, who coasted home ahead of Ward King and Vincent Lattur. Next, the 176-250cc (lightweight) event kept over 2000 spectators on their feet for the entire five miles. Jerry Spitler (Ducati) rode the finest race of the meet as he and John Payne (Ducati) charged through straights and corners, dips and esses, in close contention. Spitler received starter Duke Pennell's checkered flag a scant two feet ahead of a frustrated, but gallant Mr. Payne. Parilla-mounted Larry Sherman finished third.

Without a doubt the most hair-raising event on the program was the 251-900cc (heavyweight) final. Charles Sheppard rocketed into an early lead on his 650cc Triumph ahead of Bob Hinkle (Triumph 500) and Jerry Chadima (BSA). For two laps, Hinkle and Chadima rode elbow to elbow; on the third time around Chadima was solidly in second and overtaking Sheppard. Pulling even down the main straightaway at about 80 mph, Chadima roared into the half-mile turn alongside the leader, then went into a spectacular high-speed spin and unloaded. He wound up uninjured, but out of the running. Sheppard then took the last five laps in a breeze to win over Hinkle and Joe Ostrander.

CAPEWAY ROVERS MEET SUCCESSFUL

The Capeway Rovers Motorcycle Club sponsored a scrambles at their Middleboro, Massachusetts track which will go down in the club's history as their most successful endeavor to date. Rain had soaked the area the day before, but efficient track maintenance and a bright winter sun soon had the course in good shape.

A grand total of 187 competition riders signed up, many of them from out of state, including BSA ace Ed Varnes of Cochranville, Pennsylvania. Considering that Varnes had never ridden the course before, he gave a fantastic performance in winning the 500cc Expert event, though he couldn't quite catch Joe Bolger's Bultaco in the 250cc Expert race.

The Open Expert events were the most spectacular of all, and crowd-pleasing Don Gore (Triumph) led from the start to win every race he entered. In the final, he wound up well ahead of Charlie Vincent's Triumph and the BSA of Smiley Hulbert.

Unless requesting trophies, all winners were awarded huge dressed turkeys as prizes, and bench-racing at day's end was accompanied by free refreshments for riders and pit crews.

AMA ROAD RACING RETURNS TO CALIF.

Road racing under the AMA banner hits the comeback trail with the announcement from Carlsbad Raceway that two sportsman road races will be held on the 1.4-mile course on Sunday, January 16 and Sunday, February 20. Carlsbad, \khich is located between Los Angeles and San Diego just outside the city of Oceanside, will also run two Class "C" professional events later in the 1966 season.

Both sportsman events are open to all AMA, ACA and AFM riders and classes will be run on an inch-for-inch basis, all the way from 50ccs to an Open Class for machines over 500ccs. Pit gates open for both events at 8:00 a.m. on race days, with practice running until noon, when sign-ins close. Actual racing begins promptly at 1:00 p.m.

Track owner Sandy Belond has already received word that many new machines and models on the market for the first time this year, will be entered. They include: the new Suzuki X-6, Yamaha 100, Ossa 175 and 250, the new H-D Sprint, and the Honda 450, to name a few. Prerace contacts also indicate a%strong entry of Manx Nortons, Triumphs, G-50 Matchlesses and BSAs.

Leading California riders such as Ralph White, Mert Lawwill and Buddv Parriott have already indicated they will be on hand for pre-Daytona warm-ups. The events promise to be exciting ones for spectators as well as competitors, since the track is 100% visible from the grandstands.

REPEAT PERFORMANCE?

A quick scan of the tentative AMA National Championship schedule reveals that the 7-Mile National is set for June 19 at Lincoln, Illinois, promoted by the Lincoln Motorcycle Club. It is the hope of all that track conditions will be vastly improved over the last time a National was run there, in 1962.

At that meet, the 5-Mile National, blinding dust conditions were the prime cause of a tragic seven-man pileup in practice that took the life of popular Jack Gholson, severely injured veteran rider Dick Klamfoth, and forced the permanent retirement of Grand National Champion Carroll Resweber. Only after the accident was the track watered, and by then the irreparable damage had been done.

Members of the Lincoln Motorcycle Club have undertaken a grave responsibility to themselves and to all riders who will be competing on the Lincoln half-mile this year. With proper track preparation, the 1966 7-Mile can be a fast, exciting event; without it . . . well, take a look at the accompanying photo, shot at the 1962 running of the 5-Mile National at Lincoln. ■