Cycle Round Up
CYCLE ROUND UP
JOE PARKHURST
SCOOTER IN MOTO-CROSS
A Lambretta 175/TV, Series LLI motor scooter, ridden by a 34-year-old English rider, Mr. Alan Kimbler, was the only Italian machine and the only motor scooter to compete against 133 motorcycles in the classic Welsh 3-day Trial recently in Llandrindod, Welles, England. On the most rugged 600-mile course, full of puddles and all kinds of natural obstacles, specially selected to give a rough test to the more powerful cycles, the Lambretta showed it could perform like its bigger wheeled and more powerful sisters. The same Lambretta was seventh in the Special Tests Class with 466.37 points; the winner was G. Blakeley who took home the Welsh Dragon Trophy on his Triumph 350 twin with 478.09 points.
HONDA ADVERTISING MANAGER
Jack McCormack, Sales Manager of American Honda Motor Co., Los Angeles, has announced the appointment of Gerald Bruce as Advertising Manager. Bruce joins William “Nick” Nichols, who continues as Honda’s Advertising Production Manager, a position he has held for the past two years. Bruce comes to Honda from a position as Account Executive and Production Manager with R. H. Buss & Assoc., a Los Angeles advertising agency. Prior to that he was assistant Ad Manager of Republic Appliance Co., of Los Angeles. Gumpertz, Bentley & Dolan is the advertising agency for American Honda.
COAST TO COAST, ON A MINI-BIKE
Wm. Glen Davis, for those who might not know, earned a dubious degree of fame a year or so ago by setting out for around the world on a kart. He made a considerable amount of the distance but came a cropper with another four-wheeled vehicle in Spain and had to abandon his adventure. Undaunted, he returned to the United States a few weeks ago, only to set out for home on the West ' Coast, astride a mini-bike. The photograph shows him in Indianapolis leaving Monument Circle.
When last heard from he was “somewhere” west of Dallas and going strong. His mount, a Go-Kart Scrambler, is holding up fine but the same cannot be said for its rider. Bill has broken the existing mini-bike distance record (see CYCLE WORLD, July issue) and has covered 2,160 miles as of the last communique. The old record, 285 miles in 24 hours, was shattered when he covered 324 miles in the same length of time.
Gathering friends is not much of a problem either; the incredulous Harley-Davidson rider in the second photograph (taken in Dallas), could hardly believe it. That goes for us, too!
INDIANAPOLIS ROAD RACE
Official announcement has been made of the forthcoming first annual AMA road races to be held at the fabulous new Indianapolis Raceway Park road race course this coming September 22nd and 23rd. Four events are scheduled; a 120mile race for Experts, a 70-mile event for Amateurs, a 3 7 Vi-mile race for Novices, and a 25-mile event for Sportsmen. Also indoor Class A short track events are planned to run rain or shine at the Coliseum. A $6,000 guaranteed purse should assure participation by the nation’s leading riders. This beautiful new racing plant features such luxury items as 300 acres of picnic and camping grounds, shade trees, refreshment and sanitary facilities. The raceway is located five miles west of Indianapolis on Highway 136 between Brownsburg and Clermont, Indiana.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA'S OUTSTANDING RIDER
The gentlemen in the photograph demonstrating the “wheelie” is Mr. June Jewitt, BSA dealer in Modesto, California, and their candidate for the rider of the year. Mr. Jewitt has brought home brass from every event he has entered this season in the 250 class. He recently decided that for laughs he would try a 50cc machine against the 250 class and entered the Gustine MC Red Arrow Enduro riding a 50cc Tohatsu. He placed 8th in the 100 mile event in the lightweight class much
to the surprise of everyone, especially considering that the bike was “as equipped” for the road — lights, gearing and all. Events he has won include: 1st B Lightweight in the 225 mile Lake County, Calif. National; 1st Lightweight, 1 of 9 out of 93 starters that finished, 148 mile Belmont Enduro; 2nd Lightweight at Fresno snow run; 2nd A Lightweight (behind Dick Mann), Blue Ridge Enduro; 1st A Lightweight, Gustine Enduro; 1st A Lightweight, Annual Shotgun Enduro, and 1st B Lightweight in his first hare scrambles at San Luis Obispo, Calif.
NEW TRACK OPENS IN THE NW
The dream of a good flat track in the Tacoma, Washington, area came true a short time ago when the first races were held on the new oval dirt track. Paul Allen, Secretary Treasurer of the Blue Barons MC of Tacoma, sparked the project and through his efforts the club obtained the land. All of the members pitched in to clear the land and other clubs and citizens joined them once the project was under way. According to the club the track is a motorcyclist’s dream; it has a scrambles course as well and lies in a densely wooded area.
The track is solid pack with over 9000 gallons of oil poured on it and spectators are protected by a solid fence made of railroad ties and timber. Fast racing is in the offing since club members have already turned 18.6 seconds on it. It should also be a safe course as well, since the track has a 50 foot lead on the straight to 75 and 80 feet in the corners.
On opening day 115 riders showed up, and a minimum of 80 riders are anticipated for an average event. Twilight racing is planned for the rest of this season and the club hopes soon to have lights installed. The Blue Barons are going to make the track a family affair; Mr. Allen stated, “if adults arrive with a carload of youngsters, only the adults will pay.”
(Continued on Page 42)
An investment of $3,000 to $4,000 has been spent, with the help of a local bank, for the making of the new permanent track.
ILIANA LUCKY WHEELS SET AN EXAMPLE
The Illiana Lucky Wheels MC in Gary, Indiana, a “club on the go,” is setting an example of public relations and activities that to us is just about unsurpassed in the nation. Not content with the usual type activities, the club participates in Memorial and Loyalty Day parades, dances, enduros, reliability runs, and most recently, in promoting Little League in their area. When the season opened the Lucky Wheels joined in a parade with 1,100 Little Leaguers in Lansing, 111., to the field where they lined up at first base to acknowledge the pitch of the first ball of the season.
An unusual Lucky Wheels event staged was an enduro with the lady members of the club accompanying their husbands. Most of the girls were happy to get back to housekeeping and the like (see photograph) afterwards, but it was a successful and happily received event nonetheless. Our compliments to the Lucky Wheels for their thoughtful approach to motorcycling as a sport and as a public relations instrument.
EUROPEAN TOUR
Ken Williams, formerly Sales Manager of Cycles Inc. in Madison, Wisconsin, is touring Europe's scooter and motorcycle factories. Presently Mr. Williams is working in the Service Dept, of BSA Motorcycles in Birmingham, England. Ken is well known for his interest in touring on a cycle. Shortly he will leave for an extensive tour of North Africa and the Near East on a new factory test model.
Mr. Williams helped on the development of the X-15 rocket ship being built by North American Aviation, and he also worked as a power plant engineer in the Milwaukee area. When he returns to Europe this fall he will help in the Earls Court Preview of the new 1963 motorcycle models.
Anyone interested in joining him on his tours should contact Rodney W. Kreunen, Box 2002, Madison, Wisconsin.
NORTHWEST RALLY AND GYPSY TOUR
Nearly 1,500 motorcyclists, from as far away as Arizona and Wisconsin, took part in the 28th annual Northwest Rally and Gypsy Tour held at Long Beach, Washington. The three-day meet encompassed a wide variety of amusements, including a parade, 9-event field meet, sand scrambles, clam chowder feed, and trophy presentations for best appearing club and individual cyclists.
Races were run at low tide on the hard packed beach, with field meet honors going to Gene Evans of Tacoma. Highlight of the week-end was Sunday’s Junior Daytona Beach race over a one-mile course, and Tacoma's Darrell Triber came out on top. Civic officials extended high praise to all concerned for their exemplary conduct throughout the weekend.
MINI-BIKE TT HELD
The first mini-bike TT was held recently, sponsored by the newly formed National Mini-Bike Association. Held near Disneyland in Southern California, the event proved quite successful. The winner, Dave Warnock on a Savage, is fast becoming a local champion in the mini-cycle world. The course featured many turns and included a long (for mini-bikes) 200 foot straight. Like we have been saying, we expect to see this lilliputian form of cycling grow steadily in popularity, and look forward to the first National event.
JAWA'S CERNY TOURS U.S.
Jawa Factory Engineer, Stan Cerny, is in the United States on an assignment helping to train dealers in the most effective servicing methods for Jawa motorcycles. Mr. Cerny will be in this country for about six months, touring, visiting dealers and holding dealer clinics on servicing. He will also be assisting the U. S. Distributors in setting up a service headquarters to factory specifications on the East Coast.
MOTORCYCLE RECORDS
Stanley Schofield Productions Ltd., in London, England, recently sent me a copy of their newest motorcycling record, this one a collection of the most interesting sounds from the Isle Of Man TT races held in 1957 through 1961. To those who might possibly not know about Stanley Schofield Ltd., they make a huge line of recordings of motorcycle and automobile racing in England. Their selection includes the sounds of the Isle Of Man from 1958 onwards with an interesting commentary by Murray and Graham Walker, plus a selection of Grand Prix automobile races and such unusual sounds as the pre-war Mercedes Benz cars.
The new 45 rpm disc records the fabulous sounds of the MV, Güera, Guzzi, Norton, BMW, Honda, BSA, MZ, Bianchi and Jawa, all taken at various Isle Of Man events. I can personally state that you won’t believe the sounds that the MV, Güera and V-8 Guzzi make; they alone are worth the price of the record. Agents in the U.S. and Canada are E. J. Piggott Ent. Ltd., 40-42 Lombard St., Toronto 1, Ontario, Canada.
NEW MOTOR SPORTS FILM
The Kendall Refining Co. of Bradford, Mass., has just released a new 27 minute sound and color film titled “The Amazing Adventures of Auntie Kay.” Don’t let the title throw you, the film is a unique approach to the subject of speed and motor sports. It covers a variety of racing events as seen through the eyes of a picturesque racing fan, “Auntie Kay.” Included in the story are coverage of the International Formula Automobile Grand Prix of the U.S., National Sports Car Championships, National Motorcycle Races and Championship Hydroplane races with driver interviews and a partial narration by England’s Stirling Moss.
On-the-spot sound effects and brilliant color photography from land, water and airborne cameras, help make this film an exciting and fast-paced piece of entertainment. The film was produced by Holland Wegman Productions of Buffalo, New York, and is available for showing free on request. For bookings contact: Mr. Jack Eastman, Kendall Refining Co., Bradford, Penna. We recommend it highly for your next Club meeting or social, civic or educational meetings.
DEALER MAKES RACING DEBUT
Honda of Santa Monica (California) dealer Alan Fordney, donned leathers recently to make his motorcycle debut at the running of the AFM road races at Santa Barbara, California. Usually he handles the announcing chores at the sports car and cycle races, but this time he left the pagoda to compete in the 50cc event aboard one of his own Hondas.
A huge field of six machines lined up on the grid and as the starter’s flag fell all of the bikes roared off, except one. By the time the other five had reached the fourth turn of the mile and one half course, Fordney was away and setting a fine line for turn one. Calling motorcycle races was new to Jim Matthews and by the third lap he had the trailing Fordney leading the race. In spite of it all, he continued on around the course, smiling to cheering and jeering friends, to secure a firm sixth place!
SHORT TRACK NATIONAL AT SANTA FE
Enthusiasts in the Midwest will shortly be treated to the AMA Short Track National Championships running August 24th at the Santa Fe Speedway, 91st and Wolf Road in Willow Springs, Illinois.
Rider applications are beginning to come in, said Howard Tiedt, Santa Fe Speedway President, and top riders expected to challenge Grand National Champion Carroll Resweber’s Harley are Dick Mann, Darrel Dovel, Gary Nixon, Bart Markel, AÍ Gunter, Neil Keen, Jim Koplinski, Pat McHenry, Art Barda and Joe Leonard.
(Continued on Page 44)
Santa Fe Speedway is the only Midwestern track offering cycle races on a regular weekly basis featuring the bikes every Wednesday night.
BUFFALO FEED A SUCCESS
600 Southern California riders participated in the 3rd Annual Frontier Day event staged for cycles which included a barbecued buffalo and wild burro feed and was held at Calico Ghost Town on the California desert. The event is one of two put on by Southern California motorcycle dealers Ed Kretz of Monterey Park, Dave Mason of Pasadena, and Skip Fordyce of Riverside. The other is a twice yearly trout fry.
At both of these events, which have been held over the past three years, rider behavior has been exemplary. As a result, both Calico and the Whitewater Trout Hatchery (where the other event is held) have the welcome mat out for cyclists the year around.
We received a copy of a letter from Mel Huber, Manager of the Calico Ghost Town, thanking Mssrs. Kretz, Mason and Fordyce for the wonderful turnout at the most recent Buffalo Feed, and to thank the group “for the generous cooperation and for the high calibre of mannerisms displayed by every one of the group.” The letter also stated that “it is of great pleasure to have groups such as this visit our historic town, and come back again.”
May we here at CYCLE WORLD add our thanks to the gentlemen for contributing so well to the furthering and betterment of cycling, while having a good time as well.
CYCLE RESTRICTION IN COLORADO
Jerry Manka of the Steel City Ramblers MC in Pueblo, Colorado, sent us a copy of an appeal to the sovereigns of the State of Colorado to lift a recently applied ban on motorcycles and trail bikes in the two mountain passes and trails into the Great Sand Dunes National Monument in the San Luis Valley of Colorado.
The Superintendent of the National Monument has stated that anyone using a motor vehicle on Mosco or Medino Pass is breaking the law and will be arrested and treated as a common criminal and his equipment impounded. Rather harsh and uncivilized methods, I would say, for someone in his position.
Medino Pass has been open since the early 1800's and this is the first man to claim people like us who use off the road vehicles to enjoy mountain scenery are maliciously destroying the natural beauty of the area. Mr. Manka urgently requests assistance in the form of letters, either to your Congressman or Senator or to the Secretary of the Interior, Stewart Udall; United States Attorney, Lawrence P. Henry; James Croll, Charles L. Thompson, Manager of Pueblo Chamber of Commerce and to the Park Director himself, Mr. Harold F. Schaafsma. Further information may be obtained by writing to Jerry Manka, c/o the Steel City Ramblers MC, PO Box 1253, Pueblo, Colorado.
