250cc National To A Southern Gentleman

250cc NATIONAL TO A SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN

JERRY WEST

WHO SAYS GOOD GUYS don't win races? Larry Schafer, an exceptionally fine fellow from Washington, D. C. did just that at the 250cc National Championship Road Race held at Nelson Ledges, Ohio, and a more popular first-time National winner would be hard to imagine. Known as the "Southern Gentleman". Schafer is a quiet, unassuming individual, always ready to give a helping hand and without any fanfare about it. As an example. Tony Murguia took a nasty spill in practice and due to traffic on the course, flagmen were unable to reach him. Rider after rider zoomed by until Schafer came along. He immediately screeched to a halt, ran over to assist his fallen foe. gave what aid he could and then summoned the ambulance before continuing on about his business.

The start of the 100-Mile National saw Gary Nixon (Yamaha) first into the turn and out. followed by Roger Reiman (H-D), silver helmeted Dick Hammer (H-D) and Jody Nicholas, riding a bright orange Bultaco. Schafer (H-D) lay fifth. In the 4th lap, Reiman took a wing-ding and ruined a perfectly good Sprint: a few more laps and Hammer retired. Nixon was slipping off the pace and both Nicholas and Schäfer soon inched by him for first «nd second. These two then proceeded to put on a real show, swapping the lead and drafting each other for many laps.

Ninety-two tours around the 1.10-mile twist and turn track took their toll. George Roeder went out early, as did AÍ Gunter. Ronnie Rail spilled, broke his thumb, rode into the pits, received a splint and returned to action, trying to gain a few National points.

By the 50th lap it was still Nicholas and Schäfer. Larry had a little more engine and was able to gain the lead in the straights, but Nicholas, taking advantage of an exceptionally fine new twin disc brake setup, could hold the throttle on longer into the corners and make up the distance. Nixon was hanging onto third until he crashed — heavily. He got back on the track but it certainly took the starch out of him. Neil Keen and his Yamaha hummed along smoothly, lap after lap, and ended up fourth.

Schäfer, drafting Jody closely on the 70th lap, almost piled up both machines when Nicholas' bike broke a chain and was forced to retire. Seemingly a cinch winner at that point. Schäfer began to have his doubts about seven laps later when his machine started to spit and sputter. Lucky for him no pit stop was needed; he coolly removed the top of the carburetor, flung it on to the side and continued on unchallenged until starter AÍ Garrett waved the checkered flag. Following Schäfer home were Buddy Elmore (Yamaha) and Don Twigg (Ducati).

Lennie Waldo set the pace in the amateur class event until forced out on lap ten. Then Dick Gariepy (Ducati) broke clear of the crowd and took a comfortable lead over Cliff Guild (Triumph) and Charles Andrews. The lead wasn't so comfortable, however, after Gariepy went into the south curve a little too hot, missed the turn and headed for pasture land. He still retained first place after returning to the track, though. Andrews moved up, passed Guild and tried hard to catch Gariepy, but just couldn't do it

Novices put on an exceptionally good show, with AI Hollingsworth and George Adamec, both from Florida and both riding Sprints. Another Florida rider caught the fancy of the fans, too. Dexter Campbell pulled into the pits after one lap to get his rear wheel tightened and was two laps behind when rejoining the others. In a desperate bid to make up time he really turned it on. and was only half a lap behind at the finish. •

I. Larry Schäfer, Washington, D C. 2. Buddy Elmore, El Paso, Texas 3. Donald Twigg, Hagerstown, Md. 4. Neil Keen, Pasadena, Calif. 5. George Montgomery, New Rochelle, N.Y. 6. Anson Holley, Baton Rouge. La. 7. Gary Nixon, Hyattsville, Md. 8. Ted Davis, Ponca City, Okla. 9. Joe Haas, Fountaintown, Ind. 10. Ronnie Rail, Mansfield, Ohio II. Jody Nicholas, Nashville, Tenn. 12. Elmer Morra, Pittsburgh, Pa. 13. Earl Widman. St. Louis, Mo. 14. AI Gunter, Alhambra, Calif. 15. Bart Market, Flint. Mich. 16. Dick Mann. Pinole, Calif. 17. Dick Hammer. Lakewood, Calif. 18. Curt Maupin, Kansas City, Kan. 19. Don Shiflett, North Kansas City, Mo. 20. George Roeder, Monroeville, Ohio TIME: 1:41.00