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/127192
on to his preferred fast tracks. "I've always had my worst results here," he said; "And I've never understood why. I've also had engine. trouble in practice ... one seizure and also a crankshaft failure." He was again using the Brembo carbon brake, which he said improved in feel since Spain, where he'd slowed in the race with cramp from the increased lever pressure. He'd managed to push Mackenzie down to row two; the Scotsman also had an engine seize in practice, a continuing Marlboro-Yamaha hugbear. iall was the last qualifier faster than Mamola's old lap record, and the last inside I: 19 seconds. N ex t to him came bauered teammate Freddie Spencer, who'd only moved upin the closing minutes of the final session. Ron Haslam was alongside, frustrated after fixing gearbox problems not to have managed a clear run in the final session to improve his earlier time. He was one of many riders caught out by the "one-line" nature of the track, where passing is very difficult, although typically he did not complain about it so voraciously as the American riders. Michael Doohan completed row two, looking smooth on the Honda and digging into his leaming year without the expectation of sueh good results as he had at the first two races. "I just want to finish this one and get some points," he said. His injured hand looked a lot better, but was still trembling when he tried to straighten his fingers. "Luckily I don't have to when I'm holding the handlebar," he said. Row three was led by GP debutante Fred Merkel, World Superbike Champion, on a 1988 SR Honda in HG-Gallina colours. "Roberto (Gallina) and I seem to have different ideas on how to set up a bike," he said. "After his adjustments, I'm going slower now than when I started testing here. " Randy Mamola was alongside, his "home GP" on the Cagiva not bringing him any improving fortunes, and leaving him unwilling to talk to anyone after his bruising third-session crash. Cagiva crew chief George Vukmanovich admitted that the team had switched back to the original chassis after the new one used at Jerez had proven worse still. "At least we're learning," he said. Next to Randy, returnee Rob McElnea gradually improved through practice, delighted to be back at the GPs, and finding the 1988 Cabin Honda a different proposition from the Yamahas and Suzukis he had ridden before. "It's just raw power," he said. "Now I understand Gardner's antics on it. The bike doesn't want to tum into the bends, then you have to be really careful feeding the power in on the exit." He started using Bubba's suspension seuings, but "we kept putting in heavier springs. ow, I think we're using one we took off the truck," he quipped. A slowly improving Dominique Sarron was next, ahead of Tadahiko Taira replacement Norihiko Fujiwara. Row four was led by crasher Alessandro Valesi, then Cagiva parttimer Massimo Broccoli, top Honda triple rider Simon Buckmaster and Raymond Roche, having a rare Cagiva outing, and another to crash. 500 Grand Prix The race was already late when the riders came in from the sighting lap amid spots of rain, and was delayed still further as mechanics frantically swapped tires and in some cases replaced carbon brake discs with cast iron. High Sierra Sports Inc. Presents 22nd ANNUAL MAMMOTH MOTOCROSS $20,000 Cash $5,000 Overall Champion Bonus $10,000 Contingencies June 22, 23, 24 & 25 ************************************************* Practice $10 per Rider THURSDAY Minis 80cc Only 12 years old and over Mini Junior Mini Intermediate Mini Expert Vet Junior Vet Intermediate Vet Expert Seniors (I class only) FRIDAY Open Bikes Only SUNDAY 250 Expert 250 Intermediate 250 Junior Women (I Class) o 25O's Open Expert Open Intermediate Open Junior SATURDAY 125 Expert 125 Intermediate 125 Junior Entries Still Available in All Classes YAMAHA FEES: Expert (' En.,. P" 0." 60 50 Inter. 50 Junior Vets $50 Mini $50 Women 50 Seniors $50 NO REFUNDS .--c Kat.·*i GALE WEBB Mail Entries and Fees to: HIGH SIERRA SPORTS, Box 482 Mammoth La es, CA. 93546 (619)934-2571 ext. 3242 Do not send return envelopes * $20 Charge for N.S.F. checks * Transferees under 18 must have parent consent CUT AND RETURN BOTIOM HALF >C*********************************************** NAME _ ADDRESS City _ -"'State ..LZip, _ CIRCLE CLASS 125 250 Open Vet· Jr. Int. Exp. Mini Women DO DIV. Make Machine CC. JPhone-'(_--l.) _ NO. ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT hereby acknowledge that I am aware of the dangers incident to this event and voluntarily and knowingly enter the event with said knowledge. I further acknowledge that I am aware of the fact that any injuries or damages sustained by me due to my participation in this event may be of a permanent and grave nature and I, nevertheless, voluntarily and knowingly enter said event. I further acknowledge that during the course of said events there '1'ay be times at which though not actively participating in said event, 1 may be a spectator and I, nevertheless, voluntarily and knowingly assume such risk. I further acknowledge that 1 may suswn premanent or grave injuries as either a paYticipant or spectalor atlhis event due to the negligence of other persons including partiepants, Mammoth MC, the referee, or other officials, the owners of the premises, or any of the lease holders and that with this in mind, I, nevertheless, voluntarily and knowingly assume such risk. I FURTHER FULLY UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS NO RIDER MEDICAL INSURANCE PROVIDED FOR THIS EVENT. RIDERS MUST CARRY THEIR OWN ACCIDENT INSURANCE. I NAME OF RIDER'S INSURANCE CO. I have read this entry blank and agree to the above conditions. 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