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/126326
....... ,.. I ~ E 00 t" 0) ..... ..... ~ ~ ..... CI) ~ :s --( TRIPES AID ElUS 1-2 II SWEEP OF 250(( U.S.G.I 'learn Honda's Marty 'IHpes and Jimmy Ellis obliterated the ranks of world-contender Europeans and hot-riding Americans at the firstever 250 cc U.S.G.P. Held at the Unadilla Valley race track in New Berlin, New York, the Honda teammates put on a show that few in the partisan home crowd are~ ever likely to-forget. Marty 'IHpes, Honda's Supercrc;>ss sensation this year, gave notice as to what was brewing when he qualified his modified production Honda CR-250R Elsinore™ a full six seconds ahead of second place. But it was Jimmy Ellis who got the better start in the first moto. By lap seven he had taken over the lead with 'IHpes zapping riders left and right as he worked up through the pack from 15th at the start. By midpoint, Marty was in second place, and had his sights set on Ellis. But the flag fell as the two still battled for first, and Jimmy Ellis became the first American to ever win a moto in the 250 cc U.S.G.P. As the riders lined up for the second moto, the crowd knew that one of the two Hondamounted American riders was about to make history. But which one? Marty 'IHpes answered that question by pulling a picture-perfect holeshot to the thundering approval of the crowd. Ellis was second, just inches behind Marty's rear wheel. The two pulled out a comfortable lead over the rest of the pack and then settled back. After letting one rider slip past toward the end of the moto, the pair cruised in with a 2-3 moto ·finish that left them on top, tied in Grand Prix-points for the day. A check of elapsed tilIles for both motos found that 'IHpes had barely edged Ellis by an unbelievable 731100ths of a second and thus was declared the overall winne:r: Americans won the first 250 U. S.G. P., and . Honda won in its first-ever attempt at a 250 G.P. The abilities of the two 'learn Honda riders and the power and handling of their Honda Elsinores had made history. The scene in the winner's circle said it allHonda teammates, resplendent in their red, white and blue Hondaline™ riding gear, were enjoying the spraying of the victory champagne. If you want a shot at victory, you should check out ' the new Honda CR-250R Elsinore. Then go out and make a little history of your own. Alway-s wear a helmet and eye protection. Model availability may be limited. CR's are designed primarily Cor motocross use and are sold "as is" without warranty. For free brochure, write: American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Dept. CN88, Box 50, Gardena, CA 90247. See Yellow Pages for nearest dealer. ©I978 AHM. HONDA. '~ GOING STRONG! 11