Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1970's

motu views:-- •• ..John DeSoto By Ron Szilagyi John DeSoto, native Hawai ian, is currently competing in the Viking Series against top European motocross riders. His goal is to be the top MX American racer. The past three performan'ces sho'!" he may just make it. - Torlief Hansen pulled into the pits first followed by He1kld Mikkola. They are, of course, Europeans and two of the best motocross riders in the world. The third man to fin1sh would be unident1f1able if tt were not for the 799 screwed to his CZ. He pulled into the pits, covered with heavy ash, and barely breathing after - 30 minutes out on the exceptionally dusty course at Graham Speedway in PuYalluP, Washington. His father dampened a rag and pulled off the rider's helmet and goggles. The rider began wiping the black dirt from his face. Soon he was cleaned uP to a respectable degree and relaxing on a lounge cha1r. A small crowd of people peered at him in somewhat of an awe but kept their distance of 15 to 20 feet. They had heard of John DeSoto, and now they saw him after f1n1shing third against Europeans. "I'd like to become the No. 1 motocross rider in America," the native Hawa11an says wh11e siPping a cold drink to clear his. dry throat. "I think I can; I've been top American f1n1sher in the first three of the Vtking series." Two young boys each nudge the other to go first to ask for an autograph from the man who also does stunt riding for the tv series "Then Came Bronson" and a movie, "C.C. Ryder". "I first started riding at 7 on a Harley 61," he rem1n1scences. "That's when Dad (John Cobra DeSoto Sr.) was the Champion rider in HawaU for 10 years." "John told mehe wanted to ride motorcycles," his father adds. "We didn't know what to say, but 1 guess we've been lucky - John's done so well." The DeSotos are a closely knit famUy which has helped the young racer greatly. They attempt to see as many races as they can and Mama DeSoto, the perfect stereotype of the large Hawaiian mothers, Is a big hit with the other riders. The oldest of three ch1ldren, John Jr. first started riding "for the fun of tt, but now it's a full time job." This job is earning a good living for his family. He is presently organizing motorcross schools, two of which are scheduled to begin in the very near future at Bay Mare and in Phoenix. But, first he Is out to complete the Viking Series. "Can we have your autograph, sir?" says one of the two boys. John smlIes and obliges; it's now part of the routine ... the routine of John DeSoto. INSURANCE & FINANCING SALES: All Honas (except Mini s) delivered 'with two mirrors, tool kit, & touchup paint - NO SET UP CHARGE. SERVICE: Our ·Blue Checkservice includes tree lube & oi I change every 1000 miles as long as you own the bike. ********** Ride Wit" Us. JULY 25th SANTA BARBARA Picnic - Fish Fry 8:00 AM ********** free Movies Motorcycle Action Films Every Month August 28," 8:00 p.IR. Peck Park Auditorium 560 North Western San Pedro Parking Refreshments ********** • • .(any ''!/ atkins Larry Watkins Is a somewhat unique teenager. But to see him wailing down the street or seated in a classroom you wouldn't believe it. He's not exceptionally tall for his age, nor is he the rare genius with an IQ above 200. But, he Is unique in that he is a 13-year-old AMAmotocross"Expert. On weekends when boys of his age are usually on the ball field, Watkins Is on a racing track: somewhere in DIstrict 37. Here, he ts gain1ng the respect of adults other boys will not receive for another 10 years. He is small and not very strong, which Is a difficult thing to contend with in motocross. But Larry makes UP for it in abillty, and, he admits, he's had a good teacher in John DeSoto. • "John has taught me a lot," he explains, "but, there are lots of fast riders like at Bay Mare. There Is Terry (2) Bmon who can't lose because he knows the track." But, he still sticks in with "the big boys". Watkins started on a Honda 50 before moving uP to a Moto Beta and, later, to a Sachs 100. On the latter bike, he won his first MX. Soon, he moved uP to a 360cc Malco and went- after AMA motocross points. In AprlI of this year, he turned Amateur and began learning from DeSoto. The lessons paid dividends and in months Larry turned Expert. At such an early age when most boys haven't really begun to think about a career, Larry Watkins has already made uP his mind regarding his future. It's not surprising that he wants to be a professional motorcycle racer. "I'd like to be like Preston Petty and John DeSoto," he visions. "You know, to ride motorcycles and get paid for tt." In addition to his daily riding schedule, he runs and swims to bu1Id UP his endurance and strength, much of which will grow on his small frame in the next few years. Larry Watkins is indeed a unique boy of .13. He's already tasted the flavor of victory, something a great deal of people never experience. What makes him tick Is that thrill, the thrill of one moment "when you come off a jump••• winning." Pacific Coast Honda . San Ol_co F'Mway • > c E ~ l Hwy. o .. of :z: SAN PEDRO Open. 7 Days~. 9-6 SAT.,10-4 SUN., 9-8 MON-FRI. Pacific Coast Honda I 2u/3 Pacific Coast Hwy. Lomita, Calif. ~ It's difficult for a boy of 13 to compete as an Expert, but Larry Watkins is doing just that...and winning. (213) 326- 3810 •

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