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/126452
them because you see a lot more PE's on the starting line than you used to." Smith did not hesitate when asked if he had been approached by other companies for his services. "It's not likely that I'll be riding for anyone el5e next season. I don't know that anyone else wanu me. (Smith was /meT appr-oached by Jack Penton for his Kawasaki effOTt ... Editor) I don't think I'm wonh that much yet. I'm only number two which doesn't give me leverage to demand a lot of money from anyone. Maybe next year, when I'm on top, I'll be able to set my price. Besides, I'm not sure any other manufacturer really is as committed to the enduro effon as Suzuki." Inevitably, the talk turned to Burleson and Drew's chances of wresting the title from him in 1980. "I've beaten Dick several times this year," said Smith. "Three of my overall wins were over him. There's no doubt he has the mental edge that goes with being the present champion, but other than that we're pretty even. I may even be a little faster now. "Dick's still the best around. If he weren't, he wouldn't be champion. Don't forget, I've only been nding seriously for two years and I've learned so much in that time that I may be ready to go ahead next year. My scores for the last half of the season have been better than his. "This year's evenu have been a lot better than last year's. Everyone feels that way. However, there still is a lot of difference between enduros in the East and Central Regions and those in the West. "Out there, the top guys like Munyon, Sanford and the others really only have each exher for competition. Around here there are many good riders who only concentrate on local runs and Nationals close to home that could just as easily win overall as those riding for manufacturers. "Jerry Schuler . the organizer of the Black Coal National . needs to go out there and teach a course on check placement for clubs sponsoring en· duros because that's their weakest area. "You know, the people you meet on the enduro scene are just super. We have made so many friends that each weekend is like a family reunion. That's probably the pan I'll miss most the next few months even though I'll be awfully glad to get away from motorcycles for a little while. "We've even acquired a couple of extra sets of parenu and super friends in Dick and Joyce France and Bunny and Dick Lenover. They run gas and always have coolers full of food which is a big thing for a bunch of hungry bacbelors. They came to Six Days and really did a job for us. " Smith, with an eye on the ponion of Lake Barkley visible from the table, went on about what he does in the off season. "If it weren't so cold ri~ht n~, I'd love to do some water skiing on that lake:' he said. "But there hasn't been any time all. season to think about much else besides motorcycles. "Right about now all I want to do is not think about or ride motorcycles, so I don't have any plans for anything. I'll be glad to get back to New Jersey and spend some time with my family. After January 111 stan thinking about next year." By all indications 1980 should prove to be a very exciting year on the National enduro scene. With only 12 evenu to ride for the 10 best scores, there will not be many "throwaway" runs. There is no doubt that Smith will be out there nipping at Burleson's heels or maybe setting the pace. He goes into 1980 at age 2!l, the age Burleson was when he first lOOk up en· duro riding. • o QO .... 0') ~~@rn 0 ! ~-l.-J OVER 100,000 SQ. FT. OF EDIBT AREA •BENEW· BMW·CCM· •DUCAn· HONDA ·tRJSQVARNA· •KAWASAKI-KTM -MAICO ·MONTESA· •MOJO GUZZI ·SUZUKl· SWM/YANKEE· ·TRIUMPH ·YAMAHA· ANAHEIM CONYENT1ON CENTER . NOR1H EXHIBIT HAL!. -.-u._ --_.-----=CfCU_r-. =--===-.--------------.,.a. 'Iln.·_" -.ell =~ ==~ --~. Need CASH? CYCLE NEWS want ads will work for you. -------------------------------_ Cycle News Vest ..: Order yours today : Only $27.95 Husqvarna CALLUS FOR CLOSE OUT PRICES Cycle News Produe:u Dept. 6W1 P.O. Box 498. long Beach. Ca. 90801 Deeleralnq. . . . lnvlted N Nol bulletproof but lightweighl & _m. Brighl red with red & whit. embroidered Cycle News petch. ON '79250'. .... ;; ~ ~ We have one of the most complete lines of Husky parts and accessories in the country Pl.... fill in your compl_te .ccount ~- nd . t' "'-t num....r. exp.,. Card expi,.. T& 0 Yamaha 24020 Narbonne Ave. !Torrance/Redondo area) Lomita, CA 90717 213-534-2311 t L I I Signetur. I tit 10"'"1 Itt h State _ _ Zip_ _ ;1 0fl'" :::.:.': : =.:==~..:.:-;::.::: =--~ ~ Itt I I I ~I n. ...... of ... C8nl",-_ _ e. _I ~ ~I Address City II u ame _ J: Siz Small • 0 Medium 0 -_~--_.!MlI" 0 ~C:-"""""'-- Ex-Large 0 ClIIif. resldents edd I'll> ..... t.... .U .D ~ I 1