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Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/126948
.. Kenny Peiper. who finished second behind winner Gary Ford in the main. rode exhibition laps on his newly imported long spike ice racer. Referee John Hughes presented a silver plate to Ford after the Canadian won the opening round of the '87 Ice Speedway Series at Salem. (Left to right) Peiper. Ford and Mike Cortese ~alt off at the start of the main event. Ford won. Peiper was second. and Cortese fourth. World Cup Ice Speedway Series: Round 1 Fordhoton Salem ice By L. Spector SALEM, VA, JAN. 24 Defending series champ Gary' 'The Ice Man" Ford conquered both the elements and the competition at the opening round of the '87 I.e.E. Series. ' 6 What had been scheduled as a doubleheader turned into one night of racing due to one of the heaviest snowfalls and some of the coldest temperatures ever recorded in the area Friday night. Friday's temperature dropped to five degrees with a wind chill factor of _20°. The Salem Highway Depart- mem declared the roadways too hazardous for non-emergency travel and for the first time in the IO-year history of the series a night of racing was canceled, ironically, because of icel Saturday's conditions looked much better. Although it remained very cold, most of the primary roads had been salted and were passable. The decision was made to go for it and two days of racing were jammed into one on Sunday, much to the delight of the fans and racers who braved the elements to be on hand in the Salem Civic Center. Heading the lineup of racers entered in the 21-even t program were defending World Cup Champion and I.C.E. National Champion Ford, previous Salem winner Bruce Nelson, '86 I.C.E. Most Improved Rider Brian Daily, and Kenny Peiper who had just attended a special three-week long spike training camp in Sweden. Peiper, from Colorado, and Patrick Goldsmith, from Michigan, participated in the first I.C.E.-sponsored training session in Sweden to learn the riding and technical skills required to compete in world class events. The Russian and Swedish ice racing teams provided expert instruction to the Yanks. Goldsmith and Peiper are the first Americans to ever ride a spiked world class ice racer and are scheduled to enter competitions in the \988 season. The night's 20, four-man, four-lap heat races were scored by points. Three to win, two for second, one for third and no points for finishing last. It was clear from the start to the other 15 riders that Ford was the man to beat. The "Ice Man" rolled off victory after victory on his way to a perfect score of 15 points after his five heat races. Only three other riders qualified to the main event. Daily made it with 13 points, as did Peiper and Mike Cortese, both scoring 12 poin ts. There were many close and exciting races during the course of the evening with the main being no exception. With the top four pointscoring riders on the line, Ford had to be the favorite. But when the tapes went up it was a different story. Peiper surprised everybody in the building, including Ford, when he blasted out of the gate to a substantial early lead. Ford, known for his holeshots, found himself in the rare position of chasing down the hard charging Peiper. After two laps, with everyone in the place on their feet screaming, Ford was able to reel Peiper in and eventually get by with a clean pass for the win. Once again the tough Canadian proved why he is considered to be the best indoor speedway ice racer. Finishing right behind Ford in the main was Peiper, followed by Daily and Cortese. Although Cortese finished last, he had a commendable night. This was the first time in his career he had earned his way into a starting position in an I.C.E. main event. • Results MAIN: 1. Gary Ford; 2. Kenny PIliper: 3. Brian Deily; 4. Mike Cortese. POINT STANDINGS: 1. Gary Ford (191; 2. (TIEl Kenny PIliper/Brian Dailey (15); 4. Mike Cortese (131; 5. Bruce Nelaon(lll: I. John Lewis (9); 7. (TIEl George LewiS/Pa. Cliff (BI: 9. Greg Didas (71; 10. Eric_(III.