Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/125544
~ SEATTLE'S e, 00 se .... '" SCRAMBLES OPENER FOR 1968 Above: It appears thai Gary Anderso n wants us 10 chee k his underca rrlap. Below: Dan Kirk sln e lne a s he eoes by, · You take the low road and I'll take tho hi ch road." YAMAHA DEALER SCRAMBLER MOTORCYCLES 1101 W. Ilurbank Blvd. Ilurbank, Calli. &.5907 or &45-1731 Ed. . 7 SAVE on USED p HONDA PARTS TE ~::58 Wi lm ington Discount Cy cle Center 1505 Avalon, Wilmington, Calif. ,[)td'~ MOTORCYCLE SALVAGE Obsolete Harley-Davidson P arts NEW· USED • CUSTOM We Buy Old Motorcycles 9061 E. Artes ia, Bel lf lower (213) 925-9054 StDry and Photos by Vic Ebbull The 1968 scrambles opener in ' the seattle, Washington area could be considered as a good omen If motorcycle riders were a superstitious lot. The weather was sunny and clear; the track was newly renovated and fast and the spectators were enthusiastic. One hundred and forty-two riders entered the !tve classes from 100cc to 650cc and it was obvious that these men had stored up m u c h 0 energy during the winter months because competition was !terce, Sponsored by the Jolly Rogers Motorcycle Club of seattle, the at!air on January 28 was much better organized and more etticiently run than previous ettorts by this organization. Young Bill Langley of Seattle on a new Hodaka literally ate up his opposition In the 100cc Main and came in ahead ' of Mark Nimick, who was on aKawasakl, by over 200 yards . In third place, right on Nimlck's rear wheel was Paul West of seattle who, this year, is riding a Moto Beta. The 200cc class was the smallest contingent, eight r iders, and Dan Kirk of Shelton was complete master on his Bridgestone 175. Jerry Grappe on a Bultacc took second and Bill Tibbetts, also on a Bultaco, was third. The 250cc class was by far the largest with a wide assortment of motorcycles and nearly as large an assortment of r iding styles. The winner, Jim Einarsson' of ShIeton, on his Kawasaki, had a style and grace that was beautitul to behold as he held off challengers, Hal Welsh, on his brand new Bulta co 25Occ, and Hal Welsh (14v) lea ds the pac k InID the IIrsl tum on his new TrJ u ~h. Dale Silvey, Washlnelon 's No. One NoYlce lor 1967, takes the Jump In li ne sty le. Kawasaki mounted, lIark Nlmlck sall s a lone In IIn l place durlne the 200ee "A" lIa ln. Dave Cllft, aboard a Kawasaki, by mere inches . A special word Is due Hal Welsh, who Is one of the fines t sc rambles r iders In the Northwes t and one of the most popular. Always will1ng to lend a helping hand to beginners , always chee rful, he Is a credit to the sport. The 500cc Main was won by s teadyr iding Larry Linde of Tacoma on a Triumph Tiger. Larry cannot be considered a spe ctacular r ider but Is always a top finisher . In second place was John Sweatt . on a new 360 Gr eeves Challenger and third was won by Dave Yost on his Honda. Ter r y Maupin of Hoquiam was fir s t In the 650cc Main on a Harley-Davidson. Veteran •Buz' Gellenbeck of Tac oma, r iding his BSA Spitfire captur ed second place n arrow ly nosing out Triumph mounted Dale Stive y of Auburn who was #1 Novice of Washington In 1967 and who promis es to be a tiger in the Ama teur ranks In 1968. The !lrst scrambles of the year was an unquallfled success and Ihough I r epeat myselt, If motorcycle riders wer e a superstitious group, the omen was good for the 1968 season. (Results on page 16)