P116
50
Years Ago
APRIL 15, 1969
LOOKING BACK
We were concerned about new laws that threaten to ban motorcycle use on
public land… Flat track racing fired back up for the new year at Ascot Park,
and Mert Lawwill was the winner of the Trophy main event… We reported
that U.S. motocross riders, Ron Nelson and John DeSoto, competed in
an international motocross race in Europe for their first time. They didn't
win in Belgium, but they did achieve the best placing ever for Americans on
foreign soil… We tested the 360cc Sportsman from Husqvarna.
We featured racing action from the Great Bear Grand Prix from Riverside
International Raceway on the cover of Cycle News 40 years ago. Larry
Roeseler and Bob Balentine were some of the big winners. Kenny
Roberts was also pictured on the front page. We interviewed the road
racing legend and talked all things motorcycles… The second round of
the AMA 125/250cc National Championship Motocross Series was held
at Saddleback Park, and Yamaha factory riders Broc Glover and Bob
Hannah came away with the wins.
40
Years Ago
APRIL 11, 1979
Mert Lawwill
enjoys the
spoils of
victory 50
years ago at
Ascot Park.
Broc Glover leads the 125cc National class down Saddleback's notorious
Banzai Hill in 1979.
