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/125699
r'T S HOLCOMB'S DA Y Cll iAT SEA BREEZE PARK ;@ By David Swift w ~ SAN CLEMENTE, CALIF., Nov. 15, ..J 1970 Bryan Holcomb won the 250 ~ Expert event and took second in the u 500 class, 1:0pping the day off with a dazzling display of speed and skill. The event was the first motocross to be sponsored by the Off Cambers M.C., and perhaps the last motorcycle race,to be held at Sea Breeze Park in San Clemente. The 16-year-old Holcomb snapped the chain on his 500cc mount moments before his first race and was therefore forced to use his 250 for six motos. Although he suffered another broken chain in his second 500 moto, he still earned enough points to give him a second overall. Holcomb really shined in the 250 race, however. He came from behind to win his first one with a grand margin. The next time, he found himself behind Marty Tripes. The ensuing race would remind the European champs that their time is drawing to a close. Holcomb could match nearly all that Tripes would pour on, but this time Tripes took it. Tne f"mal go-'round was different. Holcomb is seldom strong on his starts, but this time he took a lead and then some. Never letting up, the Sunland youth beat a hasty path that no rider had all day. The spectators were amazecl at the superb performance, undoubtedly the best in his career. F our1:een-year-old Tripes took second place overall. Rob Norgaard took top honors in the 500 Expert class. Lady luck was with him as his strong second-place positions were magically transformed as Pat DeBenedetti's bikes became disabled in both th e f"mt and second races. DeBenedetti's stood out front again on the third go-'round, and this time his borrowed Maico lasted. Mike Cram, No.1 for 1971, had lent his Maico to friend Bob Messer for Friday's Ascot affair, and it came back a bit off. Cram still took third, despite a disagreeable machine that. he, too, borrowed. A 125 Expert, Don Emler, put his Rickman through its paces in fine style, sweeping his event. The whole pack, like in many of the races, stayed together and Emler never had a chance to let up. In recent weeks, the hordes of Juniors that descend on the CMC events competed in laborious fashion, looking tired after one lap. One man rnigh t dominate his division and the rest would struggle about, unsure of themselves. However, there were no less than 13 divisions of Juniors present and the competition was furious - a pleasant change. Riders were abound with enthusiasm, only occasionally hampered by the dust problem. The sponsoring club, 12 members WANTED .oton,efe .eella.ie .iii , . LOOKING FOR A HARD . TO FIND PART? TRY US... Steve's BUL TACO 7627 Van Nuys Blvd. 780·6300 experienced only. 40 hr. week. Insurance, profit sharing and other benefits. Call Bill Ir. 467-2141 CYClf CITY 34198 COAST HIGHWAY DANA POINT, CALIF, 92629 (714) 496-1001 • South Orange County TriumpfJ Headquarters The fast SUlukis and the fast Kawasakis use •.• " It makes Yamahas go better tool "'/1"1/'/ ~Jet~' ~ power booster really works "'E~~'~UPfR fILM. Hodan IIontesa Grw.. s Motorcycles W.st.i.st.r Sport C,cle Guy R. Louis Rlekmlft Metlsse (114) 893-1051 7574 Westminster Ave.. Westmlnslw, Ca. Motorcycle , Dynamometers • ENABlES ACCURATE DETERMINATION OF TORQUE & HORSEPOWER CURVES • ACCOMPlISH ENGINE FINE TUNING • CONTROtlED ENGINE BREAK-IN • PERFORMANCE fESTlNG OF ENGINE MODIFICAfiONS INCLUDES: HYDRAULIC WATER BRAKE & FRAME, • UNIVERSAL MOTORCYCLE SUPPORT STAND • GAUGING • INSTRUMENTATION A COMPlETE SYSTEM S485.~ HANSON ENGINEERING CO. P.O. Box 2354, Canoga Park,Cal. 91306 (213) 883-4570 strong, came into existence only a few months ago. This being their first event, they were beset by misfortune but high spirits prevailed. By far the worst setback was the dust. The Off Cambers had three water trucks secured days before the race, only to have two of them break. Still, some members worked without sleep, and while the resultant course layout was excellent, the track surface was not. The surface consisted of loose topsoil with hard, dry stuff underneath. If the dust was bad, wa tering was worse because it created virtually unwalkable, much less rideable, slick spots. Fortunately, a healthy breeze quickly dissipated the dust, keeping it at a tolerable level. When the breeze died, some people thought they would too. Other than that, the club handled the rest of the ma tters in good stride, being only slightly flipped out when twice as many riders showed up as was anticipated. Off Cambers president Don Martin sums it up: "We learned a lot." Sea Breeze Park is a huge parcel of land suitable for any type of motorcycle activity. Under the right leadership, the park could become a top motocross course in the county with all its hills, valleys, gulley, etc. This is unlikely, for the (lark is rumored to be sold. It seems to be the case, no doubt some very ugly politics will arise from th~ situation. (Results on page 26)