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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this place because it's a cushion, and it reminds me so much of other places where I spent a lot of my days riding, places like the Monterrey Short Track, and Oakdale." Spencer has emerged as the series points leader, a mere two marks ahead of Harrell after scoring one bonus point for setting fast time in the Open Vintage class at each of the first two rounds. Third place went to Yamahamounted Paul Herman of Paso Robles for the second round in a row. The tie dye-clad Herman is also establishing himself as a title contender. Yet another Spencer claimed victory in the Suzuki 250cc Novice class, as Bradley Spencer, the nephew of Rod Spencer and son of West Coast Flat Track regular Brad Spencer, earned his first career 250cc Novice win at Paso Robles. The 17-year-old, who was one of the most consistent riders on the circuit in 2001, nabbed the holeshot and pulled clear of a heated battle between Paso Robles rider David Brown and reigning 250cc Champion Chris "The Cruiser" Canepa to earn the win in eight-lap main event. The 17-year-old Spencer, who posted several podium finishes last season, battled briefly with Manuel Jimenez in the early going, attacking the outside while Jimenez ran down low on the groove. After Spencer pulled clear of Jimenez, he rode a flawless race aboard his AV Kawasaki- Yamaha/Hlebo Brothers/Mom, Dad and Uncle Rod-backed Yamaha YZ250. No one ever got close. "Winning one of these was better than I thought it would be," Spencer said. "I was starting to feel like Dale Earnhardt at Daytona out there. Finally. I just got a good start, and that was my biggest problem last year - terrible starts. Out of turn four, I was running higher than I would have liked to." Local rider Brown held on for second, with Canepa of Hollister finishing third, the two title rivals battling each other for the entire distance after passing Jimenez, who held on for fourth place. eN California Mid-State Fairgrounds Pasa Rabies, California Results: May 4, 2002 [Round 2 af 11) OPEN PRO A MAIN (16 lops; 15 dders): 1. Lonnie Pauley (W-R); 2. John Hlebo 111 (Yam); 3. Tony SoUZll (CCM); 4. Kevin Bricker (Rtx); 5. Rod Spencer (Yem); 6. Donnie Harrell (W·R); 7. Ronnie Brown (Rlx); 8. Don Howard (W-R); 9. Jeff Johnson (Hon); 10. Danny Ritchie (Yam); 11. Shllwn Raggio (CCM); 12. Randy Bereman (Rlx); 13. Ken Netto (CA); 14. Anthony Giammanco (Rtx); 15. Brad Spencer (Yom). OPEN VINTAGE A MAIN (8 lops; 15 riders): I. Rod Spencer (Yom); 2. Donnie Harrell (Tri); 3. Paul Herman (Vern); 4. Brad Spencer (Yam): 5. Joe Clmera (Vern): 6. Rick Hocking (Yam): 7. Robert Bacosa (Hon); 8. Ken Thieb8ud (Yam); 9. Steve Hall (Yam); 10. Gary Ritchie (Yam); 11. Bob Cobb (Yom); 12. Bill Kolkman (Vern): 13. Ricky Crernooe (Yam); 14. Dove Johnson (YlIm). SuzaKI NOVICE 250 MAIN (8 lops; 9 riders): I. Bredley Spencer (YlIm); 2. Devid Brown (Yem): 3 Chris Canepa (Yem): 4. fv\anuel Jimenez (Yam); 5 Josh Ritchie (Yern): 6. DelOlel Brown (yem): 7. Joe McCoy (TM); 8. Brett Butterfield (Yom); 9. Bill Kolkman (Yam). GENE ROMERO'S WEST COAST FLAT TRACK SERIES POINTS STANDINGS (Alter 2 or 11 rounds): OPEN PRO: 1. Kevin Bricker (34): 2. (TIE) Rod Spencer/John Hlebo III (31); 4. (TIE) Don Howard/Donnie Harrell/Tony Souza (26); 7. (TIE) Mark Corsetti (23/1 win)jLonnie Peuley (23/1 Win); 9. BUly Martin (14); 10. Ken Netto (13): 11. Ronnie Brown (12); 12. Jeremy Hannah (11): 13. Jeff Johnson (10); 14. (TIE) Rick Warmbo Jr.jDanny Ritchie (9). OPEN VINTAGE: 1. Rod Spencer (44/1 win): 2. Donnie Harrell (42/1 win); 3. Paul Hermlln (32); 4. Brad Spencer (29); 5. (TIE) Rick Hocking/Joe Carrera (26); 7. Robert Becosa (22); 8. Gary Ritchie (17); 9. Jimmy Sanchez (15); 10. Steve Hall (14)' I I. (TIE) Greg Wilburn/Ken Thiebaud (I I); 13. Jeff S. Johnson (9); 14. Bob Cobb (8); 15. Rod McCollough (7)/Jeff Gonzalez (7). SUZUKI NOVICE 250: 1. (TIE) Chris Canepa Bradley Spencer (73) did his father and his Uncle Rod proud by scoring a clean win In the Suzuki 250cc Novice main event after battling with Manuel Jimenez Jr" (61 V) In the earty going" (39/1 win)/Bredley Spencer (39/1 win); 3. David Brown (38); 4. Josh Ritchie (29); 5. Deniel Brown (27): 6. Manuel Jimenez Jr. (22); 7. Evan Myklebust (13); 8. (TIE) Aaron Beaubien/Joe McCoy (12); 10. (TIE) Brad Rudy/Brett Butterfield (11); 12. Matt Pinheiro (IO)JBiII Kolkman (10); 14. Scott Shoup (9); IS. Joe Brown (8). Upcoming Rounds: Round 3 - Visalia, Cal~omia, May 1B Round 4 - Watsonville, Califomla, June 1 IF ITALIAN PASSION, PERFORMANCE, AND TECHNOLOGY AREN'T REASON ENOUGH ... HOW ABOUT 751 MORE REASONS? Stop by your local Aprilia dealer today and check out the Aprilia Spring Sale. For a limited time, get $750 OFF any new 2001 Mille, Mille R, Falco or Futura. Or take advantage of 5.99%*APR FINANCING. aprilia RSV Mille R RST Futura SL Falco RSV Mille "Short term financin9 available at participating Aprilia dealers. Financing subject to credij approval; not all applicants wUl qualify. Financing rates and terms will vary and are subject to change without notice. May not be combined with any other offer; void where prohIbited; offer may be discontinued or extended without prior notice. US dealers only. cue' • n e _. • MAY 22. 2002 47