Moran upsets-favorites in Ascot's
Long Track Speedway
Championship
By Dennis Greene
GARDENA. CA. NOV. 9
All season long 17 -year-old Shawn Moran has
been the rider to beat at Ascot. In Handicap
racing, he's had one of the best win records
around despite starting on the 60 yard line. In
Scratch racing, Moran more
than carried his own weight,
giving way only to Mike Bast.
Two weeks ago when the
18
qualifying rounds were held for the
AMA National Long Track Speedway
Championship. it was Moran leading
the field. But even with all the
previously earned glory to his credit
Moran was not picked as the favorite
to win the title.
Several top riders were home from
England. and with all their long track
experience. they were expected to run
away with the show. Bobby Schwartz.
Bruce Penhall. Scott Autrey and Tony
Briggs all rode well. but only Shawn
Moran went the whole night without
losing a point.
Out-shining them all with a perfect
score of fifteen. Moran rode the twovalve Jawa
owned
by Collins
Automotive against all the new fourvalve factory equipment and left them
eating his dust.
At the halfway point in the show.
Shawn and John Cook were tied in
points; both riding the old two-valves.
They met against each other in the
12th event. but as they started their
bikes. Shawn 'lost something in the
gear box. John gave him his back-up
bike. a nice gesture. and Shawn went
out and beat him on itl The night saw
a lot of equipment go south.
Mike Bast and Gene Woods earned
the last two spots in points. Larry
Kosta. who finished third in the U.S.
National, ended up in 14th place in a
three-way tie with Bast and Keith
Chrisco. Wayne Ishii took 11t1fih a tie
with Jack Kee at five points. Jim
Lawson earned 10th place with six
points. Scott Autrey and Dave Sims
tied at seven points for eighth. and
Dave DeTemple landed seventh with
eight points. Denny Pyeatt and Tony
Briggs totaled nine points each to hold
down fifth spot.
Bobby Schwartz was fourth with II
points and John Cook. the good guy.
got beat in his last race to end up third
for the night with 12 points, riding the
George Wenn two-valve.
Bruce
Penhall racked up 13 points to capture
second place but the gold. the title and
the girls went to Shawn Moran_
•
Results
1. Shawn M",an 1151; 2. Bruce Penhall 1131; 3. John
Cook 1121; 4. Bobby Schwartz 1111; 5. Tony Briggs 191;
6. Denny Pyea" 191; 7. 00"" OeTempla (8); B. Oave
Sims (7); 9. Scott AUI10V 17); 10. Jim Lawson 161; 11.
Wayne Ishii 151; 12. Jack Kee151; 13. Keith Ctvisco 131;
14. Lwrv KOSIa 13., 15. Mike Bast 131; 16. Gene Woods
ilL
.
