Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1980's

Northern California-Northern Neveda-oregon-Weshington·ldaho-Utah·Aleske-t moved into second but then developed bike problems, dropping him to 11th, Cropper, after scarring in seventh, worked his Gresham Suzuki-sponsored scoot to second at the end of the moto. Gary Kuest rode his Airway Heights Yamaha to third. Mark Gregson was on hand to ride, but after only a couple of laps fell, hurting his side and putting him Out for the day. In the second moto, Eugene Suzuki rider Joe Spangler grabbed the lead, but could only hold off the super hard charging Joyce for one lap. Joyce was then in the lead, never to be bothered again. Spangler was later dropped to third by Kuesl. With 32 250s, there were again too many for the gate, 50 the same qualifying system was used as in the 125cc class. Mark Gregson was asked to pre· diet a winner in the first qualifier, and he stated that Phil Oveland was going to be the man the others would have to beat, and on the first lap that looked to be true, But Oveland stalled his Yamaha letting Kevin Jansen by for first. Oveland dropped to seventh before he could get underway, but once underway he made an astonishing comeback, taking the win, In the second qualifier, Ron Sun led every lap with Arne Hettman holding second from start to finish. The semi saw Tim Michlitseh get the early lead, but by halfway Rick Benek went around Tim. Karl Landrus and Lance Lollos argued over the last advancement p<)Sitinn with Landrus getting the magic fifth place spot at the flag. The first 250cc moto ran on a slick track and Kawasaki USA rider Kevin Jansen pulled into lirst. Oveland started out in second but after two laps went around Jansen on the giant downhill. No one was faster down the downhilll Meanwhile, Sun was moving up from a sixth place start and by lap three was pressuring Jansen. Sun was soon around tbe Kawasaki rider and after Oveland. Oveland and Sun battled on every corner and straight but no matter what he tried, Sun could not budge Oveland from his first place position. Sun placed second with Jansen getting third. By the second 250cc moto, the track was drying out, becoming very fast with lots of traction, and the spectators were all set for another rematch between Sun and Oveland. Oveland held his part of the bargain taking the holeshot and pulling his Yamaha away from the pack. Jansen pulled his Kawasaki into second while Sun was fifth. On the second lap, Sun pulled in bebind Jansen just like in the first moto. But Sun went down, dropping to 13th. Oveland aod Jansen held their positions with Warren Hickman placing tbird aboard his Yamaha. Oveland put his hand in the air as he received the checkered flag, very happy with his performance and rightfully so. The Open Pros were spared the qualifying motos because there were only 18 riders. Monte Mitchell jumped his Northwest Maico-sponsored Mega 2 into the lead ahead of Oveland who was aboard his open Yamaha. DMG/ Maico West rider Larry Hooper was third; Ron Sun's American Honda could be seen in fourth. Mitchell dropped to third when Oveland and Hooper freight trained by. But then, while trying to go around Oveland for first, Hooper got crossed up on a sandy berm and highsided. He found himself on all fours looking straight at Sun's front wheel and tire. Sun and Hooper both did some evasive maneuvering, sparing Hooper's Bell helmet. Sun pulled into second, and the now famous Oveland-Sun battle raged. Oveland led until the halfway flag when Sun pulled past on a small uphill section. At the flag, the order was Sun, Oveland, Rob Manning, Mitchell and Hooper. There was much speculation by the spectators as to who would win the second moto. Many felt Sun could do it, and others desperately wanted Oveland to win, some because he was the underdog. No one was even thinking that anyone else had a chance. Everyone forgot about Hooper. Hooper quietly told a friend that he thought he had the start figured out, and when he came out of the gate, he proved it. Larry shot his Maico out in first place with Mitchell in second and Oveland third. Sun was again in fourth. Sun immediately pulled around Oveland, who had admitted that Sun would "probab!y be a little stronger in the later motos," and then pulled in behind "the Hoop." The two riders diced for three laps, neither making a mistake, Finally, a mistake was made, and it was Sun who made it. It hap· pened on a tricky off-camber turn and Ron explained later, "My front brake was really touchy, and I had just been thinking about it, but I grabbed just a little too much and I went down." Hooper easily rode on to victory with Oveland placing second and Sun picking up third. Tbis first round of the Yamaha Gold Cup series was a great success and with II more rounds to go, it is definitely going to pick up steam. There were about 300 riders at Clarks Branch and the largest spectator turnout ever. The series now turns to Ml. View, OR on May 3. 00 ~ Results 125 PRo: 1. William Joyce (Suz) 1·1; 2. Gary Kuest (yom) 3-2; 3. Jeff CroPper ISuz) 2-5; 4. Robby Watilo (Ylm) 5-4; 5. Joe Spongier (Suzl 9-3. 250 PRO: 1. PIlil Oveland !Ylm) 1·1 ; 2. Kevin Jonsen IKaw) 3-2; 3. Wllnen Hicltman !Yom) 4-3; 4. Bob Bufflioe (Ylm) fHl; 5. Ron Sun (Hon) 2-11. OPEN PRO: 1. Phil Oveland !Ylm) 2-2; 2. Ron Sun IHon) 1·3; 3. l.afry Hooper IMli) 5-1; 4. Robb Mlnning ISulI3-4; 5. Monte Mitchell (Mlil4-5. PEE WEE A: 1. Jeff Dlily (Vom); 2. Monty Spalding lYaml. PEE WEE B: 1. Andy Byrd !Yoml; 2. Joson Jansen (Suli. MINI A: 1. Sloven Oster (Vim); 2. Eric Tico (Kawl. MINI B: 1. Don Church IYlm); 2. Grog Holmberg (Vim): 3. Courtney ShofferlYlml. MINI C: 1. Tommy Seidel IKlw); 2. Anthony VolanzolaIVlm); 3. Mlthow Romey IYaml. 100 A: 1. Billlhbik lYam}; 2. David FrMnkling ISul); 3. Wide Jlnsen (Ylml. 100 fi: 1. Bob Korock (Suzl; 2. Rick ~go ISuz); 3. Dave Carlill !Ylm). 125 A EX: 1. Kyle Foot; 2. Bryon Brikestol !Ylm); 3. Brian L-.d IYom). 125 A IIIIT: 1. Vince Eijert IHon); 2. Ron ~go (SUl); 3. MIrty GaInor IHon}. 125 B DIV 1: 1. 5 _ ISuzl; 2. Stove Comolioon IYom); 3. DaviCl_kling ISuzl. 125 B DlV 2: 1. Dexter Hayhurst ISuzl; 2 Mikl Booth ISuzl; 3. Gone AncllnonISuzl. 250 A EX: ,. Tim CIaon 1Husl; 2. Brian Lako IVom). 250 A: 1. Rod Huffman ISuz); 2. Stan Lund (Kawl: 3. Ben Gr_IHon). 250 B: 1. Dennis Mlndonholl IHon); 2. Rondy Drual !Yom); 3. Jeff Haroho ISuzI. OPEN A EX: 1. Ron Butkett IMoi). OPEN A INT: 1. Jeff Jorden IYom); 2. Clark Gordner IKTM); 3. Grog WtIfrv ISuzl. OPEN B: 1. Jim Sergent !Yom): 2. Som Bars !Yom); 3. Roclty Jawed !Yom). »-40: 1. BiN Row IYom); 2. Jim Spalding !Yom); 3. Richa-d Byrd !Yom). aT: _ R_lSuzI. PP: ,. Becky Roberta (Suzl.

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