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
Ol Q> '" rf. o .... Ol Never far down on the lap standings and briefly in the lead in the first heat, the Czech rider achieved by perseverance and constency that others failed to achieve by ultimate effort. Ceboers' works Suzuki was nowhere apparent for three laps of the first moto of the 500cc International event. so, . despite his second place finish in the second and his win in the third moto, he could finish no better than second overall behind Toman. Arne Kring was a non·finisher in the first heat and, therefore, was eliminated from the overall scoresheet. Be made a superb showing in the final two heats, winning the second and losing the third to Geboers by seconds, after being passed by the Belgium rider midway through the heat while in the lead. Hammargren's win in the first heat placed him 4th overall behind Miroslav Halm (CZ). First American overall was John DeSoto (CZ) in fifth place ahead of sixth place Jacques Vernier (CZ) of France. Steve Mobbs (CZ) was seventh followed by Mike Runyard (Mon) and Mark Moore (Cll. the first local rider. The 250cc Senior national was run concurrently with the International, and the three offical finishers were Greg Graham (CZ), Wayne Jones (Hus) and Rocky Timmons (CZ) in that order. Open class Junior National place winners were Guy Odom (Hus), Bob Howard (Mai) and Curt Brennon (Hus). The 250cc Junior winners were Joe DiLorenzo (CZ), Fred Kalmick (CZ) and Mark York (Oss)' The I25cc winners were Bob Graham (Mat), Jack Hicks (pen) and Fred Hanna (CZ). John DeSoto lodged a protest over his Kored fmish in one of the motos. The correction he requested would not have changed his overall finish, but he is shoQting for the accumulated Inter·Am points, and he does not want to drop even one point. The protest was disallowed owing to the condition of his number plates which had become covered with mud from the recent rains in the Houston bayou tountry. (Results on page 26) ~ w Z W ..J U > U Ottakar Toman failed to win a single moto yet still took overall title for Houston's Inter·Am. ACES OUT AKE JONSSON Bengt' Aberg (left), Dave Bickers (center) and Roger DeCoster pass the time. Aberg won, but just barely ahead of Jonsson. the first turn slowing much of the field and giving Jonsson the lead on Aberg. Aberg turned on his fantastic speed capabiltiy on lap six and went under Jonsson for the lead. Jonsson was caught in traffic and dropped back from the leader. Again, Willie Bauer stayed in third, within range of the leaders, awaiting a mistake that never came. With the crowd roaring approval, Aberg took the checkered flag followed closely by Jonsson, and Bauer. In the final 500 International moto, Aberg "anticipated" the starter's flag and jumped ahead of the pack,.Jonsson turned on all his reserve and nearly bought a section of chain·link fence for his efforts. After all. he iust missed Scabs to contend with in the final moto. Bryson held a lead till the last lap, when Penton flew by him. After crossing the ,finish line, Penton rode to the pit area to visit an ambulance. He was splattered with blood from a facial cut received during the moto when he fell onto the chain-link fence. The injury was not severe, but he Was taken to a Phoenix hospital for treatmen t. Forrner state TT.chamf' Byron Boaz diced with Roger Gosh (Hus) for the lead in the 500 National event. Boaz was unable to overcome the Husky's power advantage and had to settle for third in the moto, behind Ross and Bill Payne. In the final 500 National, another passing Aberg at the finish by half a second. Roger De Coster restarted for the final moto and took a third behind Aberg, Jonsson. Bob Grossi was the highest finishing American rider when the final results were posted. He placed fifth behind Aberg, Jonsson, WnIie Bauer and Rob Taylor. In the minor events, Tom Zahneter on a Super Rat, pulled an early lead in the 125 Senior class moto. He held his position through lap five, when Jeff Penton on a Penton drove by easily for the finish. Penton had Gordon Bryson on a Ross - Brian on an Ajay, took the lead from Boaz on the second lap and held it to the finish, but first overaJl was given to Boaz followed by Payne and Steve Hammer on an AJS. After the race, an exhausted Dave Grove was astounded at the success of the race and said that he plans to promote a professional motocross at the location each month. He also promised to improve the track beyond its present state. But none of the European riders were disappointed in the course - Jonsson said, "It's not as good as Bay Mare, but it's excellent for a flatland track." (Results on pa/[e 26)