Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1970's

Eventual runner-up Mike Kidd is pursued by Garth Brow (15), Jay Springsteen (1) and Billy Labrie early in the National. ~traightest line to the first turn, and I Intend to 'be there first," said Poovey, True to his word, "Pooh Bear" was gone on the green although Keener was sticking like glue as the traffic worked its way clear of turn two. Labrie, Kidd, Springsteen, Brow and. the rest followed. Labrie was the flTSt to find the problems of slipping off the groove as he dropped to fifth while trying for second. Brow got by Springsteen, and Kidd took over third on the next lap. By lap three, it was follow-theleader time with those vent~ring off the narrow blue groove paying dearly. Steve Eklund and Scott Parker eventually made more progress backward than forward. Keener caught a drive off turn two on lap four that carried him past Poovey and into the lead as Kidd, Brow, Springsteen, Labrie, Morehead, Eklund, Schaeffer, Scott, Parker, Campbell and Goss, McDonald trailed, each hoping his soft compound tires would last the 20 laps and that the riders in front would make a mistake. Eklund made a move on lap six and was rClWarded with the loss of two places, dropping behind Schaeffer and Scott. Poovey hounded Keener while Kidd played it safe and Springsteen was getting all over Brow trying to force a mistake. While the crowd was cheering Keener on, Poovey was looking for an opening. He found it with a drive off tum two that carried him into the inside line in .tuljD thr,ee, shutting !he door on Keener. Corky went down easy, but was out of action for the day. Kidd continued Ilis effortless and uneventful riding - now in second while Labrie moved in on the B.row/Springsteen battle. Springer shpped off the groove and Labrie was past. Labrie then went after Brow, but Brow did himself in and slid out in turn three, joining recent victim Scott Parker and Keener on the haybales, The winner's circle cast was now set. Eklund continued trying to make headway, but ended up roth after Mc~n.ald dropped !lut with two laps remammg. "This wasn't as much fun as my first win 'cause my brotller Teddy isn't here," drawled Texan Poovey afterward. ''I'm going to call him right away and set up a celebration." "If I had to follow somebody," said Kidd, ''I'~ .glad it was Terry., I've watched him grow and turn into a darn good racer." • IAbove left) Billy Labrie pours champagne on winner Terry Poovey. IAbove) Poovey became the ninth'winner on the 79 Winston Pro Series. IBelow) Springer chases Brow in the National. Brow slid out; Springer was fourth. . . Results NATIONAl: 1. Terry Poovey IH-Dt; 2. Mike Kidd (HOI; 3. Billy llIb

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