Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1990's

Cycle News 1993 03 31

Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles

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eM0TOCROSS m GFI North/South Showdown Series: Final round • • • am er aln azz In a errlS By Tony Alessi PERRJS,CA,MAR 13-14 ike Chamberlain found himself holding a pot of gold after posting a double moto sweep of the 250cc Pro class and a close second behind Craig Decker in the 125cc Pro division at the GFI North/South Showdown MX at Perris Raceway. Mounted aboard his Team Splitfire/Hot Wheel/Pro' Circuit Kawasaki, Chamberlain earned over $4500 in purse monies and manufacturer's contingencies. A large turnout in the 125 and 250cc Pro classes required a set of qualifiers to thin the field down to 24 riders per class. Two heats and a last chance qualifier were run, with 10 riders transferring directly from each heat, and only the top four making the cut in the LCQ. Riders making the program would compete in two 12-lap motos. The first 250cc heat saw Enzo Racing's Craig Decker chase down Perris local Donald Upton for the win. In one of his first Pro races, Larry Linkogle ran up front early on, but dropped to sixth behind Cory Keeney, Billy Joe Mercier and Chris Young at the finish. Chamberlain set the tone for the main in the second heat by grabbing the holeshot and romping away with an easy win over Australian Peter Melton, Brian Manley, Tommy Clowers and Erik Hilton. The last chance qualifier saw Michael Brandes lead the way in the early laps before succumbing to the pressure of eventual winner Joel Albrecht. Mark Easley and Jason Frenette rounded out the top four that would make the cut. When the gate dropped for the start of the first moto, Tony Amaradio rocketed into the lead with Buddy Antunez, Brandes, Manley and Melton in tow. Amaradio rode fast for the first three laps and enjoyed the lead while the rest of the field sorted itself out. Antunez slipped past Amaradio and into the lead when the early leader began to slow. "I could barely pull the clutch lever in," said Amaradio. "I'm riding with a broken finger." One lap later, Amaradio dropped another position when Manley worked past. Once into second, Manley set out after Antunez and began to reel him in. After suffering poor starts, Chamberlain and Decker struggled to work through the field and entered the top five at the halfway point of the race, behind Antunez, Manley and Amaradio. In the remaining laps, Chamberlain and Decker turned up the wick and motored past their rivals to earn first and second, respectively. Decker tried every trick in the book to take over the lead, but Chamberlain rode a smart race to hold on for the win. Antunez finished third ahead of Manley and Amaradio. Melton had the fastest reactions at the start of moto two and 'led Brandes, Chamberlain and Antunez. Melton quickly dropped off the pace and faded into the pack. "I'm trying to get ready for the Australian season," said Melton. "I have the speed, but I need to get in shape:' Brandes led for a few turns, but Chamberlain would not be denied and M Mike Chamberlain (60) and Craig Decker (141) were the 250 and UScc Pro class winners, respectively. Mike Alessi (8) pulled the holeshot in the First Timer Pee Wee class, but Scott Haddad (9) went on to score the overall win. 16

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