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/125701
ai By Kevin Hill PUYALLUP, WASH., Nov. 29, 1970 Joel Robert and the new Suzuki literally crushed the opposition in winning the heavyweight feature class at the fmal race of the Trans-AMA Series. The incredible Belgium did it the hardest way possible when, in the fIrst moto he got off to a terrible start, and was bumped off the _ course in the first turn. He then came up from dead last to ~ As far as the crowd was concerned, Robert was the hands down winner and Banks second and they just couldn't understand how these technicalities could deprive them of their win. Frankly neither could 1. The final round wasn't quite so dr-ama tic as th e flfst since Robert got a decent start, fIfth or sixth, and had little difficulty getting past all those BSA's, which with their tremendous horse power had won the drag race to the flfst o ~ w Z W ...J () >- () Joel Robert was overall winner, again (Ho-Hum). The course was icy and fast. pass the'entire field. John Banks and company were out in front, making it look like a runaway for BSA until the fantastic Suzuki factory rider came up from out of the blue. Robert went so fast through the pack that it was obvious to all that he would win even when he was still back in lOth place. It was the kind of all out razor's edge riding that is usually only seen on the European Grand Prix circuit and not in this country where these champions are on semi-vacation. And, it only lasted until just before he took over the lead from the formidable Mr. Banks who does not yield very radily. Once into the lead it was an easy ride to the finish followed by Banks, and Husqvarna rider Gurmar Lindstrom and a row of BSA's. However, it seems Joel was seen "digging out" prior to the start, presumably to improve his traction, and was to be peanlized one position for this infraction which had been specifically forbidden at the rider's meeting. This was really kind of a nit-picking item since it didn't effect his start. Robert was understandably upset and, when informed of this by AMA referee Dave Welch, he let lose with a most unpleasant ear-scorching tirade that was directed at the official individually and the AMA, generally. Then it was discovered that John Banks also pulled a "no-no" when he pushed against a rubber band starter. Isn't that just awful! And, he too was bounced back one position. This development left Gunnar Lindstrom as the winner of the moto with Robert in second and John Banks third. turn. Jeff Smith was fairly close to Robert throughout the race and it appeared to most of the fans to be a good battle, -although many others could see that the Belgium ace was not turning it on full-bore and was simply running a smart race to be sure of the win. Ole Pettersson overcame a mechanical problem on his Suzuki that knocked him out of a good position in the llfst mo to and ran a strong third in this one. Banks was relegated to fourth this time with teammate Nicoll and Hickman sixth and seventh behind Gurmar Lindstrom, fifth. They ran that way most of the race and that's how fREE 400(( C1 CONVERSION with purchase of a nevv 360cc CZ. Also available: Transistorized ignition 34mm Carburetor. folding foot pegs, down,wept pipe & ,kid plate_ Sout" Bay.otorcycles (213) 319-3344 ~~!~~CI!~a':! CS'!v~C~ I & Specializing in Yamaha and off road equipment 7872 Ora-ngethorpe Buena Park (714) 522-1041 a division of A.V. Carnicello Inc. G I • ALTA WORLD'S FINEST Ultra-Lightweight Trials Bike $ 575.00 (714) 286-1001 Available Now SAN DIEGO ALTA SUZUKI 4825 EI Caon Blvd. San Di. 0 Gordy Williams AlIIIIarlzetl D..... SUZUKI CYCLE CITY .=:. ~:aJ:I. (415)939·4911 they finished. Overall it was Joel Robert winning, Lindstrom second, wi th Jeff Smith, Banks, Nicoll and Hickman bringing in third through fifth for the Birmingham Small Arms factory. Chuck "Feets" Minert and Dave Aldana were 17th and 15th overall on their soon-to-be-re1eased-to-the-public BSA's. Dick Burleson from Toledo, Ohio, won frrst American for the series with his 14th place today. Sonny Defeo on a CZ from New York state showed real style and speed in earning a seventh overall and first American for the day. The support class was won going away by Easterner Barry Higgins. His Ossa didn't miss a beat as he rode brilliantly to capture both motos from the hard charging Californian Tom Rapp on a Bultaco. The next three places were Maico-Country, as local heroes Bill Cook, Rick Poulin, and Mike Weiland were all mounted. In for sixth was Jim Pomeroy on a Yamaha who had his ups and downs with a fabulous llfSt moto third place, winning a terrific dice with Poulin, and a miserable eighth in the second heat. Poulin who was fourth in each moto, was handicapped somewhat by riding a borrowed machine but still made a fme show, especially in the frrst moto, which he lead for a time. Despite freezing temperatures, the biggest crowd of the series, over 6000, was on hand to see this final round of the Trans-AMA Series. Th: O!le mile course was in excellen t shape for the race and several of the Europeans thought it was the best on the circuit, and comparable to the best of the European courses. Plans for next year's series which are already underway will defmitely include this very fme motocross facitlity. (Results on page 20) Houston Again first National For the fourth year, the 1971 American Motorcycle Association's Grand National Championship series will open with a double bill at Houston, Texas' mammoth Astrodome. 'I)le two nights of indoor motorcycle racing begin Friday evening January 29th with a $10,000 TT race over a steeplechase track laid out in the Dome. Saturday evening, January 30th, the AMA professionals return for an indoor short track National Championship paying $10,000 in prize money. Over the track's short history a Triumph, a Harley-Davidson, and a Bultaco have won on the Astrodome's oval, and 1971's favorites are former Grand National Champion Mert Lawwill and new Grand National Champion Gene Romero. The Astrodome events, proving very popular as openers of the AMA's half million dollar Championship series in past years, are expected to draw a capacity crowd this January.