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/126467
Roundone I Everts starts title defense with Dutch E ~ 0 ..... ot') 1-0 0.. < NORG, HOLLAND, MAR. 30 Reigning 125cc MX World Champion Harry Everts opened up his title defense with a hard fought 1-2 tally in the deep sand of the circuit at Norg. Suzuki-mounted Everts was beaten in the second moto by his devastating young compatriot Marc Velkeneers. The 18-year·old Velkeneers was only prevented from taking an astonishing double win when his works Yamaha lost all the water from its cool· ing system and seized two laps from the end of a gripping first moto. Second place overall, to the obvious delight of the crowd, was taken by the brilliant little Dutch sand ace Dinat Zijlstra with a second and fifth. Offi· cially third, though fourth in the table, was former champion Gaston Rahier, riding a single cylinder water-cooled Gilera rather than the prototype twin which, in the hands of Franco Perfini, retired from downfield positions in both matos. Sadly missing from the line·up, pos. sibly for the whole season, was 1978 champ Akira Watanabe following a serious training crash in Japan. His dashing compatriot and reigning Japa· nese National 125cc titleholder Tetsumi Mitsyuasu was enjoying his first taste of Grand Prix competition. The track was a classic Dutch affair, winding through tall trees at break· neck speed in deep, cloying sand, ex· cept for a spectacular burst into the main arena and round a football field. In turbulent weather, which varied from sunshine to hailstorms through· out the day, Zijlstra led the first lap charge into the woods from Rahier, Everts and Velkeneers. Velkeneers took Everts as Rahier slipped back into the pack and became involved in a fierce 'scrap with Torao Suzuki on the Aprilla. The first three were setting a sizzling early pace, clear of Matti Autio's Mugen Honda, who was destined for a lonely ride after teammate Peter Groeneveld had crash· ed in the opening laps. Everts sliced past Velkeneers on lap two, but was retaken three hectic tours later and the youngster hit the front the next time around. Suzuki, who had been pressing Rahier for several tense laps, was himself ousted by TGM rider Michele Rinaldi, the 21·year-old showing once again his form of two years ago before he lost part of the 1979 season on National service. Suzuki subsequently crashed and was passed by another TGM, this time in tbe hands of Belgian Jean·Marie Milissen. All eyes were on the exhilarating struggle for the lead. Everts snatched second from Zijlstra in heavy traffic on lap 10, but could not nail the ice cool Velkeneers until the Yamaha's engine began to tighten up and he had to pull out as the 40·minute board came up. Zijlstra, fastest on timed practice, stayed with Everts all the way to the flag, with Autio a distant third from Rahier, who was pressed hard by Rinaldi during the closing laps. POWERJET Las Vegas 400 Desert Race April 12 & 13 . Over 30 winners John "Smokebomb" Gaetz and Rick Shirey riding a YZ465 Yamaha and POWERJET equipped. M~ 013185-7575 • C.lilom'. ~ ~7' LEemoN 1l1li ~ l1igI'!W-r. ~ ~ 0') By Jack Burnicle c~ , 0 00 • win " .• ; World Championship 125cc MX Series: ,l '1 l I 19 1 (ContinuedI toI Ae1 .. () \ Mge \' I ."..J n .. II oJ ;UEL SYSTEMS. INC Troy. M.CflIQal'I ..... 11.