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/125793
.... i' ... B-ball Star Bill Russell Tries MotIEmss By Randy Dietzel ORANGE, CAL., July 22, 1972 - With the exception of the Inter-AMA held at SaddIeback Park in the fall, it's not often you see the Wide World of Sports camera crew complete with helicopter at weekly motocross races. This was a day of exceptions, since not only was the WW of S on hand, but also a man by the name of Bill Russell, all 6'11" of him. For those of you that migh t not know who Bill Russell is, think of a game that involves a big round ball and a hoop with a net (I hope that gives you a hint). Yes, one of the former Boston Celtics is on a new kick. For the week prior to this event Bill had been tu tored by Gary Bailey, a man who makes his living teaching kids how to ride motocross. He was equpped with one of those new Yamaha 250 MX models, a pair of green leathers (that would have made a nice suit for the average guy considering all the leather that was used), and a 10 t of courage. :Who would have thought that behind that big, tall, mild·mannered gian t could be the makings of a star? Well, I wouldn't have, at least not until after his first moto, when he came blasting off the line dead first! Yep, that's right, first. The men he was racing with weren't beginners either. They were all in a class called "Old-Timers". So there had to be some experience somewhere in that group. Bill dropped to fifth near the end of the first lap but then he fell. Determined, he jumped back on and finished the mo to in grand style. Dead last and very pooped. As far as results, Bill wasn't in the Jimeligh t. He finished last in moto number two also. But what was amazing, is how he wasn't afraid to tum on that throttle. He came over the jumps completely airborne, landed backwheel-first, and screwed it on. Gary Bailey should be commended for his instruction. It was evident that Bill was aware of what to do (even though he may have forgotten once or twice). The greatest spectacle was when he went down the hill, feet-up on the pegs. That sight cannot be forgotten when you consider that in those cases he was over eight feet tall. As far as the tumou t for the day, it was tremendous. Over 300 riders were present with twelve classes in each heat. '" ~ ~- Co :J « ~ w Z W ...J U >- U Winning a 250 Novice Division. Dave Torbett (CZ) is followed by Ernie Hendricks (AJS) and Tim Fox lCZI. The mini bikes were included with the 100 Beginners with Jeff Wilson winning overall on his 70cc Honda. Greg Weston and Lance Bryson took the two 100 Beginners classes with ease, both mounted on Yamahas. Tom Burmeister (Ric) came out on top of the lOP Novices. The 125 Beginners were surprisingly quick and smooth with Bill Smith (Bul) and Norm Bigalow (Bul) finishing first overall in the two classes of Beginners. Ceaser Rodil (Pen) outlasted the 125 Novices for first overall as did Robert Williams (Suz) in the 125 Juniors. There were three divisions of 250 Beginners. Mike Riley on his CZ took overall in the first division. The second division was won by Bill Conroy on a Maico. Greg Heisler won the third division on a motorcycle (Next time give AMC your brand of bike, Greg). CZ's dominated the 250 Novice and Junior events with Dave Torbett winning .the Novice class and John Holth doing the same in V1e 250 Juniors. Mark Sullivan (Suz) took the 500 Beginner class with Ramon Bruner and Ray Boal, both on Huskys, finishing second and third respecttively. The 500 Novice 'class was won by Yamaha-mounted Scott Still. monty Mahan on a CZ earned a first overall in the 500 Junior class. In all, the day was a huge success for Bob Hunter and his AMC. Any of you readers who haven't yet tried it, better get on the stick. Next Saturday will be another good one; it's AMC's Family Day at Indian Dunes and should be good fun for all. More Motocross on P. 26 Here they are again down through the cut. N ....