Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1970's

-America's #1 weekly motorcycle newspaper. You'll always see it FIRST in Cycle News'" POINTS TO PONDER Allow me to be one of the first to congratulate the Inter-Ams on an excellent job of promoting the recent Motocross event at the Saddleback Park facility. The large crowd turn-out must have been a result of the publJcity through both your own motorcycle news media and your commercial spots on the radio, I personally was made aware of the July 4th event through the iatter. Admittedly, I am a new-comer to cycle racing. in any case, the majority came, saw and enjoyed most of the day's activities. From what I saw, I feel that the followers and promoters alike are on the threshold of a family sporting activity that is comparable to boating, skiing and some segments of automobile competition. However, I feel some constructive Publisher••••••• Charles Clayton Business Manager•••Sharon Clayton General Manager••••.•• Tom Culp Advertising Manager••• Tom Walsh Editor•••..••.•••. Bob Sanford Assistant Editor.•••• John Bethea Circulation Manager••• Rheba Smith Production Manager•..• Uli Lakich Lab Technician. Greg Westmoreland Editorial & Prod. Asst. Bruce Braly Bookkeeper.•••••. Edna Williams Bookkeeper..•••... Eleaoor Duke Want Ads.••••.. Jan McCullough Delivery• . • • • . . • . • . . Bob Hill Russ also informed the publlc in 1969, through the medium of "Cycle News," that he was not at that time financed only so far as the motorcycle and spare parts were concerned. But, - he 15 being financed this year by A.M.X.T. and has been given the incomprehensible title of "Captain" I May 1 inquire of what? AlsO, does A.M.X.T. intend to finance Russ for his apparent rema1n1ng 2-4 years in Europe? It seems to me, too much like putting all your eggs in one basket. Perhaps A.M.X.T. is unaware there are other (and in my op1n1on), far more prom15ing young riders that should have an opportunity to gain experience in Europe. Another point I would like to mention 15, 1 think everyone that has and 15 donating to A.M.X.T. should be entitled, periodically to an itemized account of where their money 15 going, and for what. ROBERT FLAUSTON Bakersfield, Calif. • YOIC• • critic15m 15 in order. As a constituent and one who has enjoyed motor-sport activities for many years, I have come to know, some hazards are inevitable, not only for the contestants but also- for the spectator, For sake of spectator safety, I feel that upon adm15sion to the race area, all persons should be given a brief memo, advising that any area around the course can be dangerous and other spots, i.e. turns, jumps, etc. are quite IJkely to allow the riders to lose control, and persons should provide the contestants with as much a safety margin as possible and not crowd into these potentially unsafe places. Hopefully, from the aforementioned, you consider that 1 realize legitimate racing, as all of ille, 15 a risk. But, as a father, who elec15 to expose h15 cbUdren and their friends to competitive/ spectator sports, I was apalled with your lack of adequate ambulance fac1lJties. It seem s as though with a Meet of this magnitude, with the throngs of paid attendance, at least two ambulances could have been on stand-bY, thereby not requiring the use of a pick- up truck to aid the injured, as happened in the multiple victim incident of the first race, Also, as it happened later on with the singular m15haps, we either waited for the one ambulance to return or ran the race without a unit on location. In conclusion, if sanctioned Motocross racing 15 to receive the support of my friends and relatives, promoters bad best review the safety operations of their events, not only from the responsib1lJty aspect, but also from the promotional angle. BURKE LeSAGE Pico Rivera, Calif. QUESTIONS ABOUT DARNELL I read with a great deal of fnterest, Russ Darnell's account of his tour in Europe, which I understand is financed by A.M. X. T., ostensibly to gain riding experience! I also under stand from earlJer letters of Russ's written in 1969, that he intends to stay in Europe for a period of from 3-5 years, fina1ly arriv1ng back in the U.S. to be the firstAmerican to defeat the European riders. AMXT EXPLAINS GOALS In answer to the letter mailed from Bakersfield concerning AMXT, Russ Darnell was selected Captain of the American Moto Cross Team by the founders of AMXT as Russ has shown through the years that he 15 a dedicated racer and a gentleman which are two important assets as the eventual goal 15 to have an American World Champion. Russ's selection as Captain was an important part of this long range plan because it has already been proven that many would-be American Motocross racers who have journeyed forth to Europe promptly become disillusioned, even though a few have done fairly well, but none have shown the stick-to-it1veness that Russ has demonstrated. This 15 his second year and he has constantly been improving. He now has a vast knowledge of the Motocross circut, knows people, and 15 liked both bY the people and by the press. In 1971, it w1ll be possible to send one or two young chargers over to travel with Russ, IF the AMXT membership continues to grow. He will be abIe to guide them correctly so that they w1ll not become d15illusioned and run home. Russ at the present time 15 not totally financed by the AMXT because not enough motorcycl1sts have joined the AMXT as yet. It's not hard to figure out that if every patriotic American donated their $5.00, we could have an American World Champion within two to three years and as money is what makes most plans succeed, all our eggs are in one basket because the AMXT can't afford to be offering l money, trucks and other assitance to a bunch of would-be European heroes who don't stick it out. Russ was and 15 our choice and weare pleased with the results so far. He just won his first Molx>, beating some lx>ugh Europeans. Any member of the AMXT15 entitled to look at the books at any time. Also, CYCLE NEWS, CYCLE WORLD, and other publlcations have seen the financial position on at least two or more occasions. And as this 15 a non-profit organization, no salaries, etc., all efforts and time are also donated freely. KIM KIMBALL AMXT President Cycle News East, Dixie Cycle News, and National Advertising information: Tom Gulp. National Advertising Dir. Cycle News (West), P.O. Box 49B, Long Beach, california 90801 (213) 427-7433 - L.A. 636-8844 Northern Representati ve: Bin Spencer Subscription: One year 2nd class mail ••.• $7.50 Single copy price•..••••••• 25¢ Published weekly except the first and last week of the calendar year by Cycle News, Inc., Post Office Box 498, Long Beach, California, also publishers of Cycle News East; and Di xie Cycl e News. Second Class Postage paid at Long Beach, Calif. Edi tori al stories, cartoons, photos, etc. are welcome. Write for information. Addressed. stamped envelope assures return of ad itori al matter. Reprinting in whole or in part only by permission of the publishers. Advertising rates and circulation information wi II be sent upon request. Berry Replaced PASADENA, CALIF. July 13, 1970 - Bill Bagnall, AMA Presldent, announced today that the organization has selected a replacement for ousted Executive Director Bill Berry. ' Bagnall would not release the name at this time, as the nominee still must pass a "personality test" before he can be-offic1a1ly confirmed. The AMA president said the name should be made publlc later this week. Bagnall said that the new Executive Director is a "well known figure in the motorcycle industry," currently working for one of the larger manufacturers. Ascot's Big Weekend GARDENA, CALIF., July 8, 1970 - With the entries now closed, next weekend at Ascot Park takes on the appearance of being the best and biggest two nights of racing this year with Yamaha night Friday and the Steeplechase Nationals Saturday. In Friday'S competition, $4000 in prize money 15 offered to the riders while free gifts will be 15sued to the spectators. Time trials begin at 7:30 and the first race 15 an hour later. Most of the National riders w1ll be competing, since the Nationals occur one night later • The nation's richest steeplechase race, $7500, w1ll be a 50-lap affair beg1nn1ng at 8: 30 p.m. Saturday. The race 15 also the longest, and perhaps the toughest, of the entire year for the chasers. This competition alone has drawn an entry l1st of 40 EJqlerts and 43 Amateurs. Included 15 a virtual who's who of the cycle racing sport in the nation. Jim Rice, Mert Laww111, Dick Mann, Gene Romero, Gary Nixon, Chuck Palmgren, Eddie Mulder, defending champion Mark Brelsford, SkiP Van Leeuwen, Dusty Coppage, David Aldana and Jim Odom w1ll be in the llneuP. Rated as the man to beat 15 the local favorite, Van Leeuwen. The Sherman Oaks veteran won in 1968 and 1969 and he has been the dominant force in the steeplechase events at the track over the past several years. But, in a racing card packed with great talent as this one 15, anybody can win, as Brelsford did in surprising fashion last year. Tours Expanded WORTHINGTON, OHIO, Julle 29, 1970 - AMA's Executive Committee has voted to expand the number of AMA tour sanctions avaUable to chartered clubs during the 1971 season. The AMA staff bas been authorized to 15sue sanctions IJmited to one tour each year to each state or district when the district 15 a part of a state. The appllcation for these tours 15 to be made at the annual sanction meetings when held in each of the AMA districts across the United States. The tour dates are not to be in conflict with a professional race date, nor w1ll the tours be granted to be held in conjunction with a professional race meet. In further action the Executive Committee auth~ the statf to 15sue tour awards to all participants of AMA sanctioned tours to start during the 1971 season. ISDT Team. Selected NORWALK, CALIF. July 6, 1970 - Bud Ekins, Mike Patrick, Malcolm Smith, Jeff Penton, Ron Bond and Bob Fusan w1ll represent the U.S. in its first attempt to wrest the International 6- Days Trta1 trophy from the European teams, it was decided at a meeting here Monday night. The American Trophy team w1ll be Husky mounted on special $3000 machines now being constructed by the Swedish factory. Alternates are Dave Mungenast and Whitey Martino. Formerly, Trophy Teams had to ride machines manufactured in their own country. A rule change th15 year gives us a chance with something other than a Harley 74. Two teams w1ll also compete in Madrid, Spain, to bring the coveted Silver Vase home to the U,S. Penton mounted w1ll be John, Jack and Tom Penton and Doug Wilford, with alternate Leroy Winters. On Puch motorcycles Preston Petty, Dave Ekins, Bill UbI and Paul Hunt will do or die for Old Glory. The selection meeting, attended by AMA and Micus top brass altogether approved 40 (forty) riders to represent the U.S. effort this year. A Bultaco sponsored Manufacturers Team cons15ting of Jerry Pacbolke, Bob Maus, Larry Bergquist and alternate Bill Osterkamp will vie for the Manufacturers Trophy. \ Named to various club teams were Bob Hicks, David Eames, Charlle Hock1e, Gene Cannady, Herb Ubl, Dale Richardson, Bob Rogstat, George Johnson, Lewis MWigan, Hugh Standrider, Charlle Whitten, Bob Ewing, Rich Smith, Tom Canning, Pete Sulllvan, Mike Lewis, Bob Armstrong, Al Rogers and Al Baker, if he can recover from a recent injury in time. Husky Distributor Edison Dye, in a bid for support of his brand for the Trophy Team, offered to pay Bergquist's fare to Spain. Dye announced that one 250, two 350's and five 405cc Huskies are being supplied for the U.S.'s first effort. If successful, American wins the right to host the 6-Days next year. Referee Jack Krizman announced that team managers would be needed to assist U.S. riders at checkpoints. Anyone plano1ng on attending the 6-Days as a spectator this year 15 re

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