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Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/125829
Page 41 October 9, 1973 Junior:· Eyans Illakes it two Ontarios in a row ONTARIO, CAL., SEPT. 30 The most exciting race of the weekend was the Junior event, won by Pat Evans who opened up a large lead, lost it, was passed two laps from the checkers, then re·took the lead for the win. Eighteen·year-old Evans has ridden two other road races this season, but this was the tITst time, he said, that he had competitive equipment. His last win was the Novice race here last year. Evans shared the heat wins with Don Vesco sponsored teammate Mike Devlin who led Bob Endicott-to the flag in the heat. The opening lap of the main was led by Scott Brelsford on the factory Harley who surrendered the lead to Pat Hennen (Ron Grailt Suzuki 750). On lap three Evans took the lead by driving outside of Hennen in the 11-12-14 series of turns only to be out-horsepowered on the straight. For a moment Devlin came up to challenge before Evans began to pull away. In the process of pulling away Evans turned a 2 :08, the fastest lap ever recorded by a Junior. By lap 18, Evans had an 18 second lead and began to cool it as Hennen pulled away from' Devlin. In the meantime, Brelsford, lying fourth was black flagged for an oil leak and pulled out. About this time the track began to get slippery and a whole assortment of riders came off in various turns. No one hurt. Ralph Hudson on a Suzuki 500 took over fourth place. By now, Evans, who has been getting "plus 20" (seconds) signals from his pit crew, had dropped 10 seconds off his fastest lap. "Don told me not to crash," he said later. But the pit signals are inaccurate, Hennen is quickly catching Evans and he finally passes him on the straigh t. Evans thought that Hennen had crashed earlier in the race and was simply unJapping himself. He waves as he passes his pit crew "I'll let him go". Then Evans sees Hennen's pit signal "Place: 1" and realizes what has happened. With two laps to go Evans goes back to work, passing the Suzuki on the last infield turns, but losing the lead again on the straight. On the last lap Evans' expansion chamber comes loose as he stuffs the 350 into a comer and rides around on it. Even this isn't enough to slow him down and he builds a lead in the infield, a lead that there isn't enough straightaway to the start/finish line for Hennen to overcome. Behind Hennen, Mike Devlin brought the second Vesco Yamaha in for third after a fast, consistent ride. For a while Ralph Hudson seemed to be threatened by Alan Barbie, but he pulled away for a solid fourth. .. Pat Evans built a commanding lead, lost it with two laps to go, then regained it for the win. Pat Hennen led briefly but finished second. Results Official Finish 80~mile Junior Race Sun., Sept. 30: 1. Pat Evans (Yam). 2. Pat Hen nen (SUZ). 3. Mike Devlin (Yam). 4. Ralph Hudson (Suz). S. Alln Barbie (Vam). 6. Bob Endicott (Hon). 1. Cave Burchards (Yam). 8. Bruce Lmd (Kaw). 9. Wade Killen vam>. 10. Dave Watkins (Vam).!!. Ed Uninl Hon). 12. Allan Engel (Yam). 13. Steve chaefer (Yam). 14. Bruce Shoemaker (Yam). 15. Art Bernhelsel (H-O). 16. Frankie Juhan (Yam). 17. Dennis Pegefow (Kaw). 18. Mike Libby (Yam). 19. Scott Brelsford (H-O). 20. Tim Rockwood (Yam). Time of Race: 55.:20. Average speed 86.794 mph. f Evans teHs Ron Grant. Hennen's sponsor. that it _ the pit sign that Grant held out for Hennen that made Evans realize that he had lost the lead. Mike Devlin was cool and consistent for third.