Racing Review
RACING REVIEW
CAROL A. SIMS
THE BIG “IF”
During the lengthy bench racing sessions that invariably follow an event as important as the 8-Mile National at Ascot Park, there are always a lot of “ifs”. What would have happened if fastest qualifier Stuart Morley hadn’t unloaded, if Ronnie Rall had made the final, if Elliott Schultz’ Enfield hadn’t stuck a piston while he was leading his heat race, if Bart Markel had run . . . and on into the night.
Biggest question of the entire meet, however, concerned Markel and why he didn’t ride. Speculative guesses, ranging from mechanical problems to recurrent pain from recent injuries, were put forth as reasons for the non-appearance of National Number One. But the real reason was this: Markel’s machine, to have been airfreighted from the east, didn’t arrive on time, so he used George Roeder’s spare machine in practice, pulling off after three-quarters of a lap, apparently with mechanical difficulty. Soon after, Tony Murguia went out for practice and, instead of returning to the infield after his laps, rolled through the gate and toward the pit area parking lot. Some time later, a “Number One” machine headed back to the pits and lined up for practice.
These actions had not gone unnoticed, however, and quick inspection revealed that only a hasty paint job on the number plates had transformed Murguia’s No. 50 Harley-Davidson into a counterfeit No. 1. Naturally, this serious rule infraction could not go unpunished, even for the Grand National Champion (General Rules for Competition in the AMA Rule Book state: “Under penaltyof disqualification of all concerned, not any motorcycle shall be L 'ed by more than one contestant in any specified day’s racing.”) So Bart sat it out, he and Murguia were fined $100 each with $50 suspended, and 10,000 fans were deprived of seeing the champ in action.
THERE REALLY IS A MICKEY MOUSE
No rider in the country presents a more colorful appearance than Jeff Sperry, clad in white leathers and sporting large Mickey Mouse ears atop his helmet. What started as a gag, at the suggestion of CW’s ace photographer, Walt Mahony, has turned into a crowd-pleasing gimmick for the young Bakersfield, California expert. Though admitting that his get-up engenders an occasional pointed remark in the pits, he feels it's worth it, because "the kids love it."
While on his way to a race in Pennsylvania recently, Sperry had the misfortune to roll his pickup truck down a steep embankment, some 300 miles from Reading, where he was due to arrive at 8:00 A.M. Discovering no serious damage to himself or his motorcycle, he hastily summoned a tow truck, directed the difficult recovery of his vehicle, pounded the non-rolling wheels into action with a sledge hammer, paid the truck operator $75 for his services and rattled off to the race track. Happy ending? Oh yes, he finished 9th in the main event for a total payoff of $20, less than a third of what it cost him to get there. But with his typically optimistic attitude, Jeff commented, “At least I made the main.”
NORTONS SNORTIN' AGAIN
Fourth big victory for the Norton marque in recent weeks was a resounding win by Jim Hayes, Jr. of Johnson City, Tenn, in the 4th Annual “Southern 500” race held at Fayetteville Speedway, Fayetteville, S.C. Finishing nine full laps ahead of his nearest competitor, Triumph mounted Ray Durham from Greenville, S.C.^ Hayes took home 2,000 silver dollars as his reward (a collection reputedly worth nearer $5000 to a coin fancier).
Average speed for the grind, halted by AMA officials at the 281-mile mark due to a treacherous downpour, was 62.38 mph, and only 21 of the 40 entered riders went the distance. Following Hayes and Durham to the checker were, Ed Moran (BSA), Ben Bootle (Triumph), Kenneth Hayes (Norton), E. Stokes (HD), L. Guthrie (Triumph), Red Nabors (Norton), Jimmy Nicks (Norton) and Max Corn (Triumph). Other recent wins by Norton 750cc Atlas riders include both
the 40and 50-Mile road races at Laconia, N.H., and the 100-Mile International Grand Prix at Mosport, Canada.
DORRESTEYN INJURED AT HAYWARD
Innocent victim of a freak accident at the Hayward, California T.T. track, former National T.T. Champion Dick Dorresteyn has been sidelined for the remainder of the season with a double fracture of the leg, bringing to an abrupt halt his plans to compete in the T.T. Nationals at Peoria.
Another rider, running far behind the pack, crashed going over the jump and the handlebars were torn from his machine, winding up in the middle of the track. Dorresteyn, unaware of the accident (Warning signals to oncoming riders were conspicuous by their absence), sailed over the jump and hit the handlebars, which flew up and snapped his leg. Unfortunate indeed, and another direct reminder of the importance of alert flagmen, in sufficient numbers, and conscientious officiating in general.
AMATEURS VERSUS EXPERTS?
Many opinions can be put forth, both pro and con, regarding the desirability of running Amateur class riders against the Experts, and in numerous instances it is not only advisable, but necessary to make up a full program of races.
However, a classic example of what can happen, did happen at Ascot Park recently. It was decided that the four fastest heat race winners, regardless of class, would compete in the Trophy Dash, not the four fastest qualifiers, as is usually the case. Young Mel Lacher of San Diego, a hot Amateur, thus rolled to the line along with AMA National point leader Ralph White, Neil Keen and Elliott Schultz. Lacher got a good start and roared into the lead . . . for one lap. Going into the first turn of the second lap he lost control, fell, was hit by White, and they both were knocked unconscious and hospitalized, though released the next day. Aside from the physical damage to both riders and their equipment, it strikes us that all concerned were subjected to too much pressure. Lacher found himself in the lead and was determined to stay there; the Experts behind him were determined that this could not happen. Therefore, they all ended up riding over their heads, and a needless spill occurred. Perhaps the answer is an Amateur Trophy Dash each week, as well as an Expert.
At any rate, it seems obvious that unless there aren’t enough Experts on hand to fill out the program, Amateur riders should ride against each other. By virtue of having worked their way through the ranks, one privilege of the Experts should be their right to compete with other riders of similar experience and ability.
AFM ACTIVITY INCREASING
AFM road racers, findipg the idea of more and more races most agreeable, journeyed to Vacaville, California twice — July 7th and July 21st — for a couple of all-motorcycle meets. Things went smoothly both times. AFM races are getting a European-type look to them, with riders improving steadily.
Results, July 7: Open Class, AÍ Whitney (BSA); 500cc, Buddy Parriott (Norton Manx); 350cc, Tony Murphy (Honda); 250cc, Norris Rancourt (Parilia); 175cc, Peter Schweirzke (Ducati); 50cc, Sherman Gray (Tohatsu).
Results, July 21: Open Class, John McLaughlin (Norton); 500cc, Lance Weil (Norton Manx); 350cc, Ron Grant (Norton Manx); 250cc, Norris Rancourt (Parilia); 175cc, John Woodner (Ducati); 125c,c, Mike Hunt (Honda); 50cc, Tony Murphy (Honda).
