Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1970's

KERKER WAILS AT G.P. -- LITTERALLY ~ w Z W ....J U >- U Bill Manley, 19, and George Kerker, 90, lead at the slart of the Open Production race. By David Swift Photos by Marty McGillivray EL TORO, CAL., June 13, 1971 George Kerker, road racing's Clown Prince, arrived for the Norton GP looking for his first big win of the season. He even went to the trouble of equipping his Commando with a gen uine Los Angeles Police Department regulation siren. He figured that if he couldn't pass an opponent fair and square, a short blast would cause the hapless fellow to instinctively pull over and reach for his wallet. As it turned out, the electric-haired began to slow towards the end of the 24-miler. George passed him once more for good, and then lapped the fourth-runner, Ron Dayton. Simmons finished most of the race nursing a sick bike, but never ran more than five seconds behind the leaders. On the last lap, Manley broke a carburetor manifold and coasted across the line after being passed by Simmons. Kerker flashed across the line to end a race' that was, according to the official timekeeper, a full 20 seconds faster than Sinfmon's record-breaking run here last month. It was a bombastic perform'mce Kereker's on both straights and corners so Kerker settled back to save the bike and enjoy' his ride. Hammer pulled out with a lap to go. "1 just wanted the practice," he smiled. Mike Wosniak was second across the line and the only person besides Hammer to give Kerker any cause for concern. George once slowed down so much that Wosniak pulled up quite close, giving the leader a start. Moments before the start of the Open GP, Hammer had won the 350 GP by miles. Barry Roberts of Hollywood was the offical winner, however. It's not always easy to keep one's mind on the racing. Sidecar Ace Ozzie Auer and passenger Walt Garnett powering through turn 10 on their way to second place. Steve Froschauer on his way to winning the 125 GP. Norton Gang member didn't need the siren to win both Heavyweight Production and Open Grand Prix contests, but he sure kept the spectators entertained while he was doing it. Bill Manley snapped into Tum One the quickest at the start of the Production event, with Kerker tailgating_ Jack Simmons was caught in traffic so it took nearly a half-lap for him to set up third position and a potential sweep for the GanR. Simmo~ never did get close to Manley (Kerker; these two were griding metal at a record-breaking pace. It took George several tries before he could get around Manley, and each time he did, Bill would reciprocate accordingly. They passed each other at least once, sometimes twice, over each 2-mile circuit. George was getting psyched when Manley would _put bis machine in drifts and slides until he Holds" all threaded fasteners in vise-likeanti-vibration grip. • re-use fasteners over; and over without reapplying VC-3 • does not set • fUll, tight adjustment at all times • not a cement - does not set • adheres to most materials • temp. range -6S· to +SSO· F Trial bottles does hundreds of bolts...ONL Y $ 3.9S + sot Postage & handling. Calif. residents add S% tax. A & R Enterprises P.O. Box 7334 Long Bea

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