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/128174
AMAIProgressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championships Round 1 S: Scioto Dow could see it. If I could have got off the line with them, I think I could have run with them, but you have to get off with the leaders and keep it on the rubber. Early in the race, I couldn't see going into three, and I hit those pylons with my foot a couple of times and ran over one once. I knew I was going into three, but I wasn't sure where it was. After the dust cleared and I let everybody go, then I took off and started racing. Next year, if we come back and race at night, it'll be a whole different story. The cushion will last longer, and it'll be a lot more racy." Springsteen's teammate Shaun Russell brought his Bartels' HarleyDavidson/Custom Chrome-backed Harley right behind in 11 tho Dodge Brothers/Saddlemen/National Cycle's Kevin Atherton held fifth early in the race, but after several off-groove trips, ended up 12th, in front of Varnes. Rounding out the field were Terry Poovey [USC Racing/1 stlegal.com], Shawn Clark [Paul Seliscar/Cayuga Tool £, Die], Willie McCoy [Dallas Harley-Davidson/KK Motorcycle Supply] and Bryan Smith [Bryan Smith Racing/Paul Lasko]. Dominic Beaulac could not get his Mike Lynch/ Shoei/IM Leathers-backed Harley to the starting line for the main. Atherton broke out on top of heat one over Carr and Beattie. Beattie had the cushion working and took the lead at the halfway point. Carr followed into second and stayed all over Beattie till the end. Atherton was a safe third over Jake Johnson. start, mired in the dust, out worked his way up to 10th. "I couldn't see again," Springsteen said "I had my hand up and everything down the front straight. I just couldn't see. Once everybody got strung out, we were able to start racing again. I had my bike working really good and didn't have any problems staying on the groove, once I 24 OCTOBER 2, 2002' cue • Geo Roeder II led the second heat all the way, while Shawn Clark and Bryan Bigelow battled over second. Bigelow broke free and ran Roeder down, but ran out of laps. The third heat was a barnburner as Hart, Springsteen, Chris Evans, Sam Lowe and Paul Lynch battled early. Springsteen and Hart pulled a small lead as Evans, Lynch, KC Knodel and Lowe fought over the last transfer. Then Hart and Springsteen were joined by Lynch and Evans. Lynch stuck to the bottom and squirted into the lead, leaving Evans, Hart and Springsteen to battle over second. Springsteen ended up with the spot over Hart. The last heat was all Kenny Coolbeth's, as he ran away with the fastest heat of the day. Terry Poovey, Kevin Varnes and Joe Kopp battled over second. Kopp grabbed it on the last lap over Varnes, with Poovey forced into a semi. Semi wins went to Shaun Russell, Jake Johnson and Bryan Smith. (Above) The day, however, belonged to Coolbeth - the man previously known as the fastest motorcycle racer never to win a Grand National. (Right) Chris Carr rode well and finished second. (Below) Earty leader Kopp held on to finish fourth. II! n • _ s HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPDRTSTER PERFORMANCE MAIN Lima Harley-Davidson/Las Vegas Harley -Davidson/roederha rley .com's Jess Roeder looked to have the 12lap main under control when second· place rider Coziahr Harley-Davidson/Kiesow Racing's James Hart fell in turn three. On the restart Roeder and newly crowned series Champion Jared Mees (Moroney's Harley-Davidson/Michael's Harley-Davidson) were locked in a war over the lead. They were locked