Racing Review
RACING REVIEW
MOTO-CROSS COMES TO OHIO
Dayton, Ohio, is the newest area to be hit by the moto-cross fever, a form of scrambles, European in style. Members of the Dayton Motorcycle Club grubbed, sawed and hacked a one-and-one-eighth-mile course which has everything; jumps, rights, lefts, sand, rocks, corduroy, two creek crossings and a straight-up hill.
First event was held in January on four inches of snow, but 53 riders showed up, and 300 spectators. In February another event was run. Eighty-one riders showed up from all over Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. A mass start, with dead engines, 30 seconds between classes, and 400 spectators were highlights of the second meeting, run in sub-zero temperatures. Most are ready for next winter and more cold weather racing.
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PENTON WINS STONE MOUNTAIN
Some 119 entries from 17 States competed for the 12th Annual Stone Mountain Enduro, held near Atlanta, Georgia, for the Southeast Enduro Championships. A 115-mile backwoods course of sand, rocks, mud and considerable water caused over 60% retirement. Old master, John Penton, riding a Honda 160, repeated his 1964 victory with a sparkling performance, losing only two points. Southeastern champion Burl Canter from Bristol, Tennessee, rode his Triumph to a loss of 11 points, taking the “Resident Trophy” for locals.
A particular feature that drew much approval was the furnishing of maps for the spectators, showing where to go in order to see some of the action. Three hundred maps were printed, but more could have been used.
TROPHY WINNERS OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL STONE MOUNTAIN ENDURO ATLANTA, GEORGIA
AFM TRIALS
The St. Louis Two Stroke Club, an American Federation of Motorcyclist affiliate, held a trials recently, the driest event of the year, according to local experts. Scores ran higher because of the dry conditions, not to detract from the victory of 1964 Champion Larry Thomas. Thomas rode a Triumph to his first victory of the season, followed by Lee Cowie on a Dot, and Bob Childers on a DMW.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST CHAMPIONS
Tacoma, Washington is typical of the areas in the country that is justifiably proud of its record as a producer of topflight motorcycle competitors. Emil Ahola, AMA Expert high point winner, Bob Smith, AMA Amateur high point winner and Don McLeod, AMA Novice TT high point man, all claim Tacoma as their home town. Their high-point championships are worthy of note for several reasons, one of the most important, the shortness of their racing season; only 15 weeks, due to Washington State’s preponderance of rainy weather. Professional racing is relatively new in the area, but it is receiving enthusiastic support and participation.
Coverage of racing activity in the local news media is improving. The area’s three stars have received excellent coverage for their accomplishments.
PIKES PEAK TOUR SLATED
One of the most scenic areas in the U.S., Pikes Peak area in Colorado, will be the scene of a motorcycle tour July 16th, 17th and 18th. Sponsored by Pikes Peak Motorcycle Tours, Box 6364, Cherry Creek PO, 245 Columbine St., Denver, Colorado 80206, the first event centers around the Flying W Ranch near Colorado Springs, site of the United States Air Force Academy and the famous Garden of the Gods State Park.
Among the fantastic scenic grandeur of Colorado and the handsome 2,000 acre ranch, nestled in the Rocky Mountains, motorcyclists are scheduled for a 350 mile tour that should go down as one of the more attractive of such road riding events. It will be a three-day affair, with stops for sight seeing and picnicking.
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Camping facilities are abundant, but entrants are advised to write early for motels. A $15.00 registration fee is required; it covers most of the attractions, but does not include meals and motels. Reservation deadline is July 10th.
An added attraction will be the Old West melodramas at the ranch, with a chuckwagon and audience participation programs, singing around open camp fires and the like. Sounds like good, clean fun.
INTERNATIONAL ROAD RACE
The American Cycle Association will hold races for all classes, including production, on May 22nd. Invitations have been sent to riders in Canada and Mexico.
The event is FIM sanctioned, and Major David Goode, Geneva, Switzerland, will observe the races with the possibility of approving Riverside as a site for a World’s Championship Grand Prix to be held later this year.
ROAD RACING SCHOOL
Do you want to learn to be a road racer? Now you can, and without spending a lot of time and money. A new school has opened up and the aim is to acquaint the fledgling racer with the principles involved. Road racing is a lot of fun, once you’re aware of what the do’s and don’ts are. The new rider will be able to get as much out of a few hour’s instruction as he would by racing for 6 months (and have a lot more fun in the bargain).
The school is open to any rider old enough to qualify for a competition license, and who has a machine 50cc or over. The classes are designed for the average rider with little or no racing experience. The riders will be expected to bring their own helmet, boots, goggles and leathers.
There is no direct affiliation with any club, but this has full approval of all the Southern California road racing organizations and publications. Members of these associations will partake in the activities of this school, so that each student will receive the best personal instruction possible. Both verbal and track instruction will be given. A new track in the heart of the San Fernando Valley will be used and is ideal for beginning racers.
The first class will take place on April 23rd at 10:00 a.m. This will be an all day session, so all riders will get plenty of practice. The track is located at 12930 Pierce Street, in Pacoima (Whiteman Airpark). The cost? Ten dollars per student covers everything — Track, insurance, instructors, etc. For further information call or write Road Racing, 6906 Colbath, Van Nuys, California. Phone: 785-2421.
WINNEBAGO RACES CONTINUED
Jim Kidd has signed for the return of motorcycle night races at the Winnebago County Fairgrounds on the half-mile dirt track. This year’s event is scheduled for August 18th, and the purse has been increased to $1,200. We are told that fans were so pleased with the 1965 event, they suggested the purse increase for this year. Pretty hard to believe, but the important part is that the purse is larger. ■
