The Scene

THE SCENE

BY IVAN J. WAGAR

THE Sears Point National was, for press people accustomed to the average AMA National, a sheer delight. The course management personnel, “Craig” Murray and dynamic Bill McCormick, treated the working press like human beings with a job to do, and helped us to feel that we were there for the good of the race and the speedway.

Almost every motorcycle magazine, including this column, has at one time or another complained of bad treatment towards reporters and photographers at AMA races. But this column will be the first also to give praise where it is due. Unlike some track or circuit personnel, the Sears Point people feel that a good press will bring more spectators to the next event. And that is why this newest race venue will be a very successful motorcycle racing facility.

The good treatment was apparent upon arrival at press sign-in. For some reason, there were no press passes for CYCLE WORLD. All of the usual hassles ran through my mind. On the contrary. A pleasant attendant said, “Do you have a business card, sir?” Then he proceeded to hand out the necessary credentials.

On both race days a buffet lunch was provided within the press enclosure. This might be considered “no big thing” for the automotive press, but believe me it doesn’t happen very often at motorcycle races.

The only hassle came when an AMA official erroneously informed the pit gate attendant that those with No. 54 passes (reporter’s passes) could not be permitted into the pits. After forcing the official to correctly notify the gate attendants, things were fine.

If Sears Point management thinks they will get good press from this sort of treatment, they are dead right. Boy, does it work! Even if the hospitality had been substandard, we would have to admit that this circuit really has something to offer. There are excellent grandstands, plenty of toilets, a superb public address system, fairly easy access to all of the 12 turns and plenty of action everywhere.

The riders complained about the bumpy surface and being unable to relax for more than one or two seconds at a time. For much of the lap the rider is braking or banking one way or the other. At first there were complaints

about the patching at various points, necessary to repair damage from the pounding of Can-Am and Trans-Am cars, but, when it was learned that these spots created no traction hazard, confidence piled up and lap times shrunk.

The somewhat generous layer of rubber in the rather high traction compound results in some pretty fantastic riding on the part of the aces. Sears Point, in fact, is a circuit that really sorts the men from the boys. The good riders were outstanding, and the lesser riders were discreet. The ride put in by Art Baumann, on his Suzuki, was a heart-warming sight for the people who have watched this combination grow. Art, a shy, modest bachelor, who gave up a career in baseball to race motorcycles, and Suzuki, who wanted to be the first brand to win an AMA National with a two-stroke. Suzuki brought former Isle of Man winner Mitsuo Itoh to Daytona to ride and see for himself just what AMA racing is all about. Besides being a very competent rider, Mitsuo is development engineer for the racing machines which come to this country and, since Mitsuo’s 8th place at Daytona last year, the racing Suzukis have been getting better and better.

While Art made the win, he is the first to admit that it could not have been done without Ron Grant. Not only has Ron tutored Art for the past four years, he is the man responsible for the Suzuki’s improvement. Itoh knows that both Grant and Baumann are excellent riders and when Ron suggests a change to the equipment there is no hassle; the

change is made and almost always produces lower lap times.

Art’s win was the first victory by a 500-cc machine since Gary Nixon won Daytona two years ago. It is the first time that Art has won in the Expert class, and the first big one for Suzuki since Walt Fulton won the Daytona Novice race three years ago. Grant was out of luck at Sears Point because he used the Bonneville record breaking engine, which hadn’t been serviced for lack of time. Unfortunately, this cost Suzuki an almost certain 1-2 victory.

WHILE on the subject of racing, I must say something about our own Jimmy Wilson, who completely ran off and hid from the opposition at a recent motocross at Hadleigh, Essex, in England. Jim is better known as the best trials rider in the Southern California Trials Association. Last year he decided to “take it easy” and motocross, and went on to become one of California’s best young stars. Jim and Gary Bailey are riding a pair of Greeves Griffons in England until our Inter-Am motocross series.

Both riders are being helped by the American Motocross Team, founded by Kim Kimball. The organization is desperately in need of funds to continue supporting American motocross riders to Europe. If you, or a friend, would care to see an American world champion, you can help the cause by sending a minimum of $5 to: American Motocross Team, P.O. Box 3276, Hollywood, CA 90028. ß>]