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/127948
DIRT TRACK i; WEST COAST FLAT TRACK SERIES By Fred Windum Photos by Mitch Friedman PERRIS, CA, JUNE 6 ~ err is Auto Speedway's banked clay oval played host to Gene Romero's West Coast Flat Track Series in the return of regular Pro dirt track racing to CaliIonua. A number of National-number riders showed up at the PAS, making the evening's finals seem more like mini Nationals. Billy Martin was big dog of the night, winning two of the three classes he raced, but Lonnie Pauley took top spot.in the premier 600 Expert Pro race. Not since Agajanian's legendary Ascot raceway closed its gates on Thanksgiving night in 1990 have fans been treated to this kind of professional half mile dirt track motorcycle racing. 40 HEf'rS Tony Souza was the first of many riders during the night to be sent to the rear of the field when he anticipated. the light in the first Pro Sport heat, but he took the top spot despite the handicap and the first direct transfer to the main, with speedway riders Rick Pearce and Eddie Castro going along with him. Kenny Noyes took the next choice in a decisive win in heat two, with Brent Vollbrecht and Ronny Kemp in tow. The last four spaces were filled from the semi. Tex Mitchell charged from back in the pack in his second pro race .' :' Round 2. Pems Auto Speedway ~"-----------------------------' to take the win from Norm Francis while Steve Gorby dived under Wayne Warrington for third. Iron man Wayne Warrington led the field of riders in the 883 heat, soon to be passed by aggressive A.J. Herrera and Billy Martin. Eventually he was dropped to sixth by Norm Francis, Eric Wood and Reuben Malaguarnero. Gary Davis and Rick Reed led the large field of 750cc Triumphs and Yamahas into turn one until Billy Martin decided he wanted to be in front on the lone Harley, swooping under both in turn three. Eddie Mulder dropped Reed to fourth, ahead of Art Fredenburch. Heat two looked like a Tom Horton benefit after Jeff Russell jumped the start and lost his clutch, riding in circles waiting for the green light. Horton was chased by Marvin Moore, Mickey Alzola and Chris Wakula. Johnson was soon up to speed, catclting and passing Horton to take the win. Three riders left the heat-three start line early and were shown to the back rojN', leaving Brian Kokely a straight shot at turn one. Jolm Lundgren took over on lap three as Kokely, Rick Rockhold and Brett Bemis followed. A.J. Herrera and John Grant led the charge of the 600cc Experts into the first heat, but Lonnie Pauley rode aroud the outside to take the lead on the back straight, with Herrera on his tail. Justin Ownbey took over third, almost nosing up to Herrera in the last turn, with (Top) Lonnie Pauley was the fast man in the 6ooc& Expert race at round two of the West Coast Flat Tra.ck Series. (Above) Billy Martin won the 833 class, and has a huge lead in the point standings. (Right) Kenny Noyes (19), shown here running with Eddie Castro during practice earlier in the day, topped the 600cc Pro-Sport main.