Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1960's

well to look into throwing some more runs there. The two scrambles tracks are good. So there you are. If you have a favorite track and wonder why you don't get to rtde it more often on a point run, remember host clubs makes the decision where they're going to run. To track owners, for what it's worth, we suggest contacting the scrambles clubs if you fee1.you're hurting and make an effort to get with them and coax them into using your facilities. And riders, remember this. When a club rents a track for a run, it is their baby for the day. We've seen a few times when a track owner bas been jumped all over for things out of his control, in other words, club business. The rental fee on a track only makes him responsible for certain things, so don't always yell at him first! Scramblin' Around By Maureen Lee We have had some comments recently from riders at races about the lack of support for certain District 37 tracks, and a couple of them had gotten almost to the point of being hostile. WhY wasn't so-and-so track supported more? How come certain tracks get publicity whlle so-and-so gets noth1ng? We explain-ed to them and once they got to thinking about it, they simmered down but we th1nk it's food for a column, especially since some of the comments have been personal. Firstly, neither I or any District 37 ottlc1al bas anything against any of the tracks now running. We might have personal riding preferences but as for trying to make it bad for any track owner, that's ridiculous. Some of us drove miles and were instrumental in getting two of the current tracks going when the local authorities weren't too sure about having motorcycle races in their bailiwicks. We attended county and city supervisors meetings and proved that scrambles riders aren't barbarians. As for my writing about various tracks one of my jobs at Cycle News Is to cover the point runs, so if there are three tracks throwing races on a Sunday and only one is a point run, that is where I will be and that is the race that will get the biggest coverage because policy is to support District 37 and the sanctioned events. So, If people want to get nasty, I can even get nastier and quote Chap.IX, Sec. B of that jolly good old rule book (cruse the durn thing) under the offenses section where a rider can lose his license and A.M.A. card. It states "Knowingly entering or taking part in competition not sanctioned by the A.M.A." That's a no no according to the A.M.A. but should it ever be enforced it would wipe out over threequarters of the riders in the District (including me) but we hope you see the point we're trying to put over. The only reason anyone runs or owns a motorcycle track is to make money, right? Owners have to pay for grading, equipment, water, land taxes etc.Sothey have to make some bread or go under. Most of them now, If there is no point run scheduled, throw their own non-sanctioned races where they make all the prof1t, not sharing anyth1ng with a host club and it's the only way they can make out. But for years If a track didn't have a point run it lay vacant for that Sunday or had a "practice" session. It was the popularity of the night races at Perris that made all the track owners realize they were missing an opportunity and now all the tracks throw their own races when there is not a point run. As to wbat tracks are supported, that is purely up to the clubs throwing the races. They don't want to pick a track and get such a lousy turn-out they can't afford to pay for the rent and the trohies or at best break even. They want a bit in the treasury too. So we'll put on our skid lid, dodge the flying rocks and make a few comments on all of the current District tracks runnIng. Adelanto. Fast and smooth and it makes the big bike riders grin happily. But it doesn't get as much support in point runs as they should because of the location. This time of the year clubs are afraid to throw one there because of the beat and then a lot of riders don't want to drive that far. "If we drive that tar, we'll ride the desert, not a lousy five lap race." Good point but another pointls that every track is along drive for somebody. We're all strun-g out over this huge Districtand what's far for you one week can be close the next. Right? Bay Mare. Really being whipped into shape under the new management and is receiving support for point runs because it not only has a TT course, it has motocross land too so benefits doubly. Huntington Beach. Had two good point runs when it first opened but clubs now shy away from it because there was too much controversy with: a. police in the pits checking for stolen bikes and b., management keeping women and cb1ldren out of the pits and the arguing that all this causes. There will be point runs there though now the "TT M.C." bas formed with track connected people belonging to the club. They have joined District 37 and petitioned for open scrambles dates. Now we'll have to see if the riders will support the races with the rigid track rules. Perris. The most used one in the District yet there was a time when they almost went under because clubs flocked to throw their races at Prado Park and ... ownership was having troubles paying their operating expenses. But with the closing of Prado and the start of their night races, Perris has boomed and now they have a rough scrambles track laid out as well. Elsinore. Supported for District night races and day ones when the weather is cool but some riders shy away from it because they feel it is dangerous or not because they feel it is dangerous or not set up for anything bigger than a 250 but it's still the best spectator track in the District and clubs do well when they throw a run there. Saddleback Park. Used very infrequently and we won't make any comments on it other than Park management is under~oing changes and clubs might do OUT-OF-TOWNERS DOMINATE SACTO POINTS SACRAMENTO, CAL. - Local riders will be riding bard to improve their season standings during Sat. night's motorcycle short track races at sacramento Racetwo localities lead their classes in points. Rick Smith of Sacramento leads the 15 Amateur points division and Paul Minor Jr. is out in front in the 250 Amateur class. way August 23. Only TRAGEDY HITS LUCKY SPOKES TRACK By N.A. Wil1lams BRUSH PRAIRIE, WASH. August 10 Daryl Heller, 20, of Vancouver, Washington was killed in a one rider accident on the track at Brush Prairie, Washington. Daryl has been pit man for Bill Elder (Am. #42v) for the last two summer racing seasons. It was his first time on a track as a racer. Daryl was well liked by the riders and club officials in this area. He always bad a smile and a good word for everyone even if his own rider (Blll Elder) was having a bad day. He will be missed by the racers and fans. BEST WEEK Mai' to: CYCLE NEWS, Box 498, Long Beach, Calif 90801 SUBSCRIBE (VIA 2nd CLASS MAIL) o o o o $7.50 1 year D $12 for 2 years D NAME _ AOORESS Via 1st class mail lor one year 518. Via Air Mail [or one Year 526. Tbis is a new subscription Tbis is a renewal I enclose check or money order 0 please bill me later 0 Don" miss lllese special issues, coming Illis year- or _ CITY. _ STATE (due to postal r.,cuI<1tlons _ w. ZIP must have zip codlS on .11 subscrIptions) .. ... 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