P124
50
Years Ago
OCTOBER 14, 1969
LOOKING BACK
We pictured Jack Penton on the cover of Cycle News 40 years ago
with Kawasaki's latest off-road bike, the KDX175, which featured Uni-Trak
rear suspension, a six-speed transmission and weighed just 218 pounds.
Penton joined Kawasaki after convincing them to start an enduro race
team that he would oversee and run, and not to mention, compete on…
The final round of the GNC/Winston Pro Series ran its course at Ascot
Park, where Randy Goss closed out '70s GNC racing with the win… Kent
Howerton won the Trans-USA round at RedBud.
40
Years Ago
OCTOBER 10, 1979
The charred remains of Steve McLaughlin's Yamaha 350 was all that
was left after it caught fire after McLaughlin crashed at Orange County
International Raceway 50 years ago… Belgium hosted the Trophy Des
Nations (for 250cc motorcycles) 50 years ago, and the home team
took the win for the first time in 19 years. The winning squad was made
up of Roger DeCoster, Joel Robert, Sylvan Geboers, and Marcel
Wiertz. The race featured three 50-minute motos… Mert Lawwill
topped TT racing at Ascot.
(Above) Mert Lawwill wonders
where the competition is en route
to victory during TT racing at
Ascot Park 50 years ago. (Right)
Duane Conner won the Buckeye
GNCC in Ohio 30 years ago.
