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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qualifier Rick Buntin$, who was running an engine borrowed from the Franco camp. Bunting left little room for the competition, running all sixes in eliminations, including a 6.938/201 to take the event win against first-time finalist Ray Schemer, who turned in a 7.183. Star Performance Parts rider Angelle Seeling held the pole in the Lectron Pro Stock Series with a 7.353 but lost to ammate John Myers with a red light in the semifinals. The other semi was as close as they come, with both Dave Schultz and Paul Gast running identical 7.400 e.t.'s, Schultz's near-perfect .402 reaction time making the difference. Schultz red-lighted in the final, giving the win to Myers, who put down. his best lap of the event at 7.406. Rickey Gadson was the clear favorite in the 750cc Pro Superbike class, resetting the class e. t. record to a 9.407 to lead the field by nearly half a second. Brian Lambert brought his Yamaha to the final for the second time in three races, but Ice pushed the tree red as Gadson took the win with a 9.51 charge. While Gadson held a large performance edge in the 750cc class, he could only produce a 10.646 in the Kerker 600cc SuperSport class, which placed him 10th in the qualifying order. The SuperSport field was led by 1995 champion Keith Dennis, who hit a 10.292 at a new record 135.14 mph on Joe Marasco's MSP Kawasaki. Dennis cruised to the final while Gadson proved his mettle by advancing past quicker qualified riders. After nearly identical reaction times in the final, Dennis pulled away and raised his fist midtrack, taking an easy win, 10.380 to Gadson's 10.603. Other sportsman action saw both first-time winners and previous champions making their way to the winner's circle. Reigning Super Gas Champion Doug Emge took the win in the Pingel Pro ET series, getting by Jim Carroll, who was looking for his third straight win. Former two-time champion Bruce Sauer scored the RC Components Super Gas crown with a final-round victory over C&B teammate Rob Schenz. Both Scott Hall and Ron Tornow scored first·ever wins, with Hall taking out Steve Gordon i1\ the Star Performance Parts Top Gas Series and Tornow ating Rick Stillwell in the APE Super Comp Series. Ronnie Reece took home the Street ET trophy with a win over David Young. Atlanta saw the debut of the new 1200cc Pro Street cia s designep for 1988and-newer ·1200cc OEM bikes. James Lauer came from the number-two qualifying position to take the first-ever title for the class. Lauer recorded the quickest elapsed time for the class, a 9.146 at 153 cr . mph, in the final over Lee Shierts. Atlanta Dragway Commerce, Georgia Results: March 27·29, 1998 (Round 1 of 8) TIF: 1. Chris Hand (MCU); 2. Larry McBride (Suz). FUNNY/BK: 1. Cary Clark (Kaw); 2. Tom Perry (5uz). PRO MOD: ,. Rick BUllting (5uz); 2. Ray Scheffer (Kaw). PRO STK: 1. John Myers (5uz); 2. Dave Schultz (5uz). PRO S/BK: 1. Rickey Gadson (Kaw); 2. Brian Lambert (Yam). TIC: 1. Scott Wall (Suz); 2. Steve Gordon (Kaw), S/COMP: 1. Ron Tornow (Kaw); 2. Rick Stillwell (Suz) S/G: 1. Bruce Sauer (Kaw); 2. Rob Schenz (Kaw). 600 S/SPT: 'I. Keith Dennis (Kaw); 2. Rickey Gadson (Kaw). 1200 PRO ST: '1. James Lauer (Suz); 2. Lee Shierts (Suz). PRO IT: 1. Doug Emg. (Suz); 2. Jim Carroll (Kaw). ST ET: 1. Ronnie Reece (Yam); 2. David Young (Suz). Upcoming Rounds: Round 2 - Columbus, Ohio, May 2·3 Round 3· Richmond, Virginia, May 30·31