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/125655
ar Photo and Story by John Shedd FONTANA, CAL . Jan. 18, 1970 - Tim Hart, who seemingly found the fast Fontana course to his llking, had possible wins snatched from his grasp bY mechanical problems in two expert classes, but he was not to be denied the win in the third. For the second week In a rowtheCMC pulled over 300 enirles. For th1s, the second race In the Hallman Trophy series, Fontana Raceway saw Its largest motocross crowd. The temperature was in the low sixties, and though overcast all day, no rain fell. Previous rain made the track conditions excellent except for rocks, and the CM C's efficient running of events provided a great day of racing. Larry Pfutzenreuter won the 100cc Jr. class for the second week In a row and tied for the lead In the series with Dave Rodgers, winner of the 125cc Jr. Dlv, II. With four more races to go 11 looks llke Larry or Dave stand a good chance of winning the grand prize, a new ' Penton. The f1rst Expert class up was the 125cc, and Bill Urban powered his Bultaco out front with Sachs mounted Ttm art its Fast Fontana- C C Mark Blackwell finished second on the same Husky' that Chrlster Hammargren used In the Inter-Am. It appeared that Tim Hart had things going his way in the 125cc class, but the final leg was his undoing. For the second time he was forced out with mechanical trouble - this time with the transmission. Bill Urban, who was leading at the time, had no trouble keeping the lead with Hart out and he went on to w1n the final leg. Bill's two seconds and a first totaled up all the points he needed to take the class win. Tom Rapp knew that all he needed to win the 250cc class was a third, so when Wilson roared Into the lead in the final mota of the 250cc class, Tom was content to follow him and f1nish second and still take the class cash. Wilson again roared Into the lead in the f1nal 500cc moto and it appeared that he had things under control, but with less than half a lap to go, he crashed and Mike Runyard moved ahead to take the final leg. Wilson had remounted and f1n1shed third but Hart, who finished fifth, still had enough points with his two wins In the first two legs to win the class. (Results on page 17) 250 Juniors bank up the ridge. ,a ley races his Maleo side by side with high flying Jim West.pn an AJS. Hart in hot pursuit. Urban held on for two laps but Hart outmaneuvered to take the f1rst leg. Jim West had his AJS in the lead around the f1rst turn of the f1rst leg of the 250cc action, but hard charging Hart took over on the first lap with Tom Rapp following him by.' Jim Wilson worked his Greeves UP past Rapp and I nto second. Hart still had a good lead but his engine seized putting him outfor the day. Wilson went on to win, and Bultaco Bomber Rapp took second. WUson grabbed the lead in the 500cc class only to lose 11 to Hart and his Montesa on the second lap. Hart went on to win the moto with WUson nipping at his knobby all the way. The pair set such a tremendous pace that third place was a half lap behind at the finish. When the 125cc action resumed, the race was again between Hart and Urban, and again 11 was Hart that came out on toP. It appeared Tim had this class sewed up as he only needed a third to win 11. Jim WUson had problems through out the day and his first one came in a crash with Jim West on lap one of the second 250 moto, Tom Rapp pulled his Mitco sponsored Bultaco Into the lead and kept the 200cc machine there until he passed the flag. Tom never told his mount that 11.was 50cc smaller than the others and since Fontana was a fast track 11 didn't know the d1fference. Wilson dropped to last when he crashed but somehow managed to go faster than fast and f1n1sh fourth. Hart and Wilson rounded the first turn .I n the second leg of the 500cc class side by side and Wilson took the lead as they came to the f1rst jump. It looked llke 11 would be a nip and tuck battle all the way but Wilson developed a pam in his chest, perhaps from his crash In the previous 250 moto, and he had to pull over and 125 Juniors line up for a shot around one of the wide Fontana lIwns. stop. Hart went on to win the moto while