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/125723
.. j .... Ol .... N ~ w z W ..J U >- U Ne. Track for Visalia Rallblers By Jack Light VISALIA, CALIF., April 4, 1971 - The Vjsalia Ramblers M.C. really put everything together for the first T.T. Scrambles race of the season on the Visalia Rodeo Grounds. More than 150 riders were on hand to "give it a go" on the newest track in District 35, a djstrict wbjch is already blessed with seven other fine facilities in the San Joaquin valley and coastal areas. This District is really a Scramblers paradise, with an event every week some place or another. In some areas this type 01 racing seems to be on the decline, but not here. At every race the rider and crowd turnout is larger, proving the popularity of tills Scrambles style of racing, for both the competition and spectator alike. An estimated 1500 spectators were on hand today to see a full program of ejghteen main even ts, and many prelinllnary races. Everyone had a great day of racing, and an opporturuty to start their summer sun tanning process. The 125 Experts had a newcomer to contend with, Don Andretta (17 B) on the "Kern-Kart Hodaka." He was right in between Kyle Lessley (Yam), and Curt Lange (Bul) at the Hnish. The three raced wheel to wheel the entire event and the winner never evident until the checkered flag fell. The 250 Experts once again put on a real "heart·stopper" with one of the three racmg Keener brothers taking first_ Jim Keener made his way through the traffic which is no easy task \vith the talen t in this class to win, but Joe Brown (13 F) didn't brffig his Yamaha all the way from Paso Robles to stand idly by. He was after leader Keener all the way. Almost overlooked was a new Expert who ran as leader for a few laps, Tommy Francisco. Tommy had bis Montesa off the Hne first with an excellent start, and he was out for the win°, but experience paved the way for Jim and Joe in the final laps. Mike Keener normally up front, had a Httle trouble and fmished back in the pack. The race of the day, if not for the year, had to be the Open Expert Main. These riders of this event are unbelievable. They must be seen to be believed. Tim Thomas (49) had his BSA out in front right at the start, with Jim ~lcCracken (3) Triumph·Rjckman, and Carroll Jackson (I) Triumph, following on his wheel. This is the way they raced throughout the event, the lead changing at least once every lap. Ljnus' security blanket would have covered them all. This is a lot of machinery to be that close for so long, but these Experts have bunches of skill and talent. To add to the thrills, Alan Haydon (6) and Darrell McCaulley (2) had their BSA bikes in contention, wajting for the breaks that often take place. Today was Jackson's By Kevin Hill MONROE, WASH! GTON, April 4, 1971 - What started as an April Fool's joke on the Bothell Stump·Jumpers turned out a blessing in disguise for those hundred or so riders who took part in the motocross. The club had not planned on putting on this race. But some prankster spread the word that a race was on and, rather than have a few hundred people show up to find they'd been tricked, the Stump·Jumpers decided, on Thursday, to go ahead. With the higher speeds attained on the dry (unlimited traction) surface, Rjek McCaffery ran completely away with the 125 class showing fine form on his fast DKW, winning every moto with apparent case. A multitude of 250's were divided by an elimination heat into A and B ilivisions. Dom;nating the B's was Richard Giboney on a very healthy sounding AJS. He led each moto by a wide margin to take the win. Perhaps the most exciting action was seen in the 250 A ilivision where a real battle developed between Greg Heitman (CZ) and Mike Weiland. These two were fighting for the lead in each moto at least part of the time. Greg pressed hard to pass Mike's Maico and take the win in the first mom while both were pursued by Gordy Ochs 011 a Bultaco. The second and third motos were more of the same as Greg showed excellent form to take the first place trophy. Mike lost his clear shot at a second place trinket when he tried some mid·ill gymnastics over the har, leaving the way clear for Gordy Ochs to slip by. Thjs gave Ochs TRIALS SCENE NORTH By Lyn Lyon The San Jose, Sacramento and Redwood City chapters of the Pacific International Trials Society have voted to require both mufflers and spark arresters at all of their events beginning with the Loon Lake Trial on the 4th of July weekend. The primary reason behind this move is simply poHtics. Noise does annoy and the pubHc does fear motorcycle·igruted fires. Although northern Califorllia riders have not yet suffered the massive land closures faced in the south and in fact have relatively good relations with most agencies controlling land use, the danger of closure ex;'ts due to increasing popUlation densities and the increasing mjlitancy of some conservation groups. The membership 0 f PITS feels that these closures can be avoided and new areas opened only through the collective and responsible actions of organized motorcyclists. Beginning Jan. I, 1972, the Sacramen to and San Jose chapters will also require trials tires for all competitors in the Expert, Amateur and A Novice classes. This rule will be in effect only in events sponsored by these two chapters and is being imposed for both ecological reasons and to bring the rules of the sport in Hne with those in England. To quote from Sammy Miller "International trials tire treads should he made compulsory in America as soon as possible to come in line with Europe. This will help riders com;ng to th'e Scottish Six Day Trial or any European event and they will have less of a hanilicap." Two events of special interest are being held in the coming month. A two-day Trial will be held the weekend of April 24/25 in the Knoxville area near Lake Beriessa, Calif. and the East Coast Trials champion will challenge west coast riders on May 9 at the Harris Ranch ncar Hollister, Calif. day at the finish, with Tim Thomas and Jim McCracken following. These three crossed the line laughing, the race was a real fun thing for them, they gave their all, going all out. McCracken was heard to say "Th-at was some race!" and it most certaIDly was.... (Results on page 22) WHY PAY MO HERE'S THE ANSWER Now you're wondering how a machine costing 'almost $800.00 can answer that question. Here's how... You purchase your other less expensive brand at about $500.00, then buy the right tires, air cleaner, shocks, fenders, bars, levers, ancj expansion chamber. You still aren't as fast. You buy the "Super Kit" and modify the forks. You're still running behind in the rough stuff. Handling, that calls for a new frame. Now you're smart enough to know the cost of all these changes, so the answer is..• PUCH 125cc WHY PAY MORE? Puch Dist. Co. 9825 Mason Chatsworth, Ca. 91311 (2131 882·8860 Dealer Inquiries Invited second overall. Fred Sessions, on a brand new Suzuki, demonstrated the awesome potential of his new 400cc machine by roaring in to the first tum near the head of the pack of Open machines in each moto. Fred is 42 years old and the leader of a clan of racing Sessions. However, in spite of the tremendous power of his new bike he only managed a fifth overall. The real tiger in this class was Larry Wescott on a big Maico. Larry pulled off a clean sweep, leailing every moto most of the way. Doug Munson brought his 400 Husky home in second place over Larry Chadwick, CZ mounted. All things considered, this was an excellent motocross and the Bothell Stump Jumpers deserve a round of applause for their efforts at putting it all together in such short notice. (Results on page 22) APRIL FOOLER FOOLED TRACY HARE SCRAMBLES LIVERMORE, CALIF., April 4, 1971 Hare Scrambles were held today by Tracy M.C. and they had 125 riders sign up to ride the Carnegie Cycle Park course. It was a good one with an elevation change of 700 feet and 5 m;les to a lap. The first half of the course was very fast with long uphill climbs and long downhill descents. It finally leveled out on top of Carnegie Ridge at the half-lap point and then turned back down the canyon and was a mhture of narrow trajls and fire roads back to the Start· Fmish area. The race was scheduled for 10 laps but Novice rider Bob Wall frpm Stockton crashed heavily up by the mjne shaft one mile from Start· Finish and had to be carried out. The race was stopped on lap No.8 so the ambulance could get to the injured rider. After the race was over Bob Wall was seen walking around talkIDg to the other riders, hurting some and glad that he ilidn't have to ride far in the ambulance. (Results on page 22) HOOD NIPS TRIALS. LEAVITT IN By Lyn Lyon YOU BET AREA, COLFAX, CAL., April 4, 1971 - Beautiful weather and rugged rock sections set the stage for a fan tastic duel between Richard Hood and Lane Leavitt at the second annual You Bet Trial held by the Sacramento chapter of PITS. Hood and Leavitt were tied with only 15 poin ts and Leavitt was ahead on . cleans at the end of 3 laps of the IO-section course. But the contest was decided on the extra Amateur-Expert sections. The first Amateur·Expert section was a ride up a rock creek bed with a turn up a 2·foot bank, a tum around a fallen log, a cross-camber cHmb around the other end of the log and a cross-camber drop back into the rocks of the creek. It was a very diffjcult and changeable section but Hood had a one, two and clean while Leavitt lost rune points and the trial. The Trial was held on private p~operty and thanks should go to the property owners for allowing their land to be used and to the 66 riders and their families and friends who showed that motorcyclists can and will leave an area as clean or cleaner than they found it. RES ULTS: Expert: 1. Rjchard Hood, 2. Lane Leavitt, 3. D. Belvoir. Amateur: 1. B. Bertucci, 2. D. Qualls, 3. R. Proc tor. A Novice: 1. M. Yarborough, 2. B. Savarino, 3. J. Karr, 4. K. Wilson. B Novice: 1. C. Roles. C. Novice: 1. J. Stadel. r:---------------------.,I I""~ " RACING I Ol CASTOR I I THE Prore. facfs WINNERS CHOICE I I I I I I I I L "Blendzall" Castor Mixes Easily, Perfectly And Permanently With Gas Or Methanol. Does Not Stick Piston Rings. Does Perform Perfectly In Injectors, By Setting Pump To Minimum Output. Want Your Engine To Last Longer, Be Safe At Top R.P.M.?' AddzipAdditives P.O. Box 461 Escalon, Calif. 93320 I" ~tUet,aLt. " '() , --------------------- : I I I I I I I I J