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Chuck Palmgren (left), winner of the Sacto Mile last' year, assists this year's victor, Gene Romero.
SACRAMENTO, CALIF., Sept. 13, 1970 - Gene Romero, the not-too-flashy but
consistent Expert made his come-from-behind charge for the Grand National
Championship complete today by totally crushing the rest of the field on hand for
the AMA National Dirt Track Mile Championship in all respects.
By winning, combined with the 15th place finish of Jim Rice, Romero has now
clinched the coveted Number One plate for 1971 and made off with an estimated
$5000 in prize money to boot.
Romero grabbed prize money with the fastest qualifying time, a victory in the
first heat race, and a wire-to-wire victory in the 50-lap Main.
With only two remaining nationals on tap, Romero holds a 57 point lead over
second place Rice and only 52 total points are available. '
The San Luis Obispo resident began following the National circuit in 1965 as an
Amateur and turned Expert the next year. In 1968, th.,. 22-year-old Romero won his
first National and waited until late this season to garner his ,next win.
Last year, Gene was second place in the National Points Stadnings behind Mert
Lawwill's 672 total. In 1969, Romero had 579 as compared to his current 622 total.
F or a complete report on the Sacramento Mile, please turn to pages 16 and 17.
This was the story of the season at Sacramento. Gene Romero (3) passes Jim Rice'
(24) in both the race and the Point Standings. When it was over, Gene had won the
race and the Grand National Championship.
•
Romero taking second checkered of year and third of his career in Nationals.
