CMC-MX at Saddleback Park
CMC
at
Saddleback Park
Sunday January 19, 1975
By: Mike Molletta
Dusty was the only word that could describe the track today but that couldn't stop the close racing before the large crowd. Despite the efforts of the Saddleback track preparation crew, the track was as hard, dry, and dusty as I have ever seen it. The super hot weather and dry wind just wasn't willing to cooperate with the racers today. Because of the dusty condition of the track there were many slide-outs and spills.
Brian Myerscough completely dominated the Mini and 100 motos as he ran away with both moto overall wins. Following Brian and his YZ Mini for second overall in the Mini Expert class was Mike Musson on his Honda. Brett Bell took the Mini Junior class and the 100 Junior class was won by Ray Robinson and his Penton.
The second race of the day was the 500 Pro's and it looked like a Maico battle between Rex Staten and Jim West. When everything settled down after the start West, Jon Derhammer, Wayne Boyer, and Rex Staten were all in the hunt. Rex's bike stalled putting him down to 13th place, West began to stretch a lead and the race was on. Rex was really on the gas as he charged his way from the back of the pack to second. By the time Rex passed Wayne Boyer for second, West had such a lead built up that there was no time for a chase and Rex had to settle for a position behind West. Wayne Boyer, back on a CZ took third ahead of Jon Derhammer on a Maico.
Rex needed a win in the second moto and that is what he got. At the start be and West circled the track at a staggering pace. Then West got by Rex for a few seconds and Rex decided to quit fooling around and zapped West, stretching out a comfortable lead. Meanwhile Doug Sherman, who had bike troubles and could only manage 7th in Moto one, worked his way into third and started the chase after West. Jon Derhammer was running in fourth until his chain came off on the dosing laps, letting Bill Rubly into fourth. Rex won the tie for first due to a better last moto finish. Following him and West was Doug Sherman, who must have the world's fastest pit bike, and Jim Wilson who had a steady 6-5 tally.
The 250 Pro's brought the spectators back to the infield with an expected battle between Honda teamates Tommy Croft and Marty Smith. They weren't denied either as these two battled the first and second motos the whole way. Each got a win and a second with Marty coming out on top due to his last moto win. Gary Jones brought his Can-Am out and rode to a smooth third in the first moto but had trouble in the second. John DeSoto took third overall on his Ossa with a 5th and a third. Fourth overall went to Bruce McDougal on his Yamaha.
Other riders that were looking good but didn't make it into the results were Gaylon Mosier who had bike problems and Richard Grafton who only got a 17th in the first moto but charged to a fourth in the second. Both of these riders were on Maicos today. The Marty Smith-Tommy Croft battle was carried into the 125 class too, as both riders were also entered in the lineup. At the start it was Dave Miller on his Penda for F.M.F. taking the lead along with teammate Tim Lunde, Croft, LaPorte, Bell, Smith, and the rest Tommy took over and was then passed by Marty who held on for the win. Croft was second, Danny LaPorte, on one of his best rides of late, moved up to third at the finish ahead of Mark Tyer, Mike Bell, and Tim Lunde.
In the second moto, Miller again swooped the start with Croft and the gang not far behind. Marty Smith, though, was dead last and working at a frantic pace to catch up. As Tommy got the lead and started stretching it. Smith fell losing almost all the ground he had made up and had to start re-passing riders for the second time. While this was going on there was a terrific battle going on for second between Danny LaPorte, Mike Bell, and Tim Lunde. Mary blew up his clutch, literally, and retired, leaving the win to Croft Mike Bell held off LaPorte for second and Lunde followed both of them in.
Tommy won this round giving both of the Honda riders a win for the day. LaPorte with two consistent third place finishes, earned second overall followed by Mike Bell, Tim Lunde, and Mark Tyer. Bell rides for Long Beach Honda, Tim and Mark for Uncle Denny's and the F.M.F. bunch. The 250 Intermediate One class was won by Joe Bonnello and his Bultaco with two seconds. Jonas Gaaf on an Anaheim Sportcycle Husky totally dominated the Intermediate second division, beating out the usual winner, Aaron Bassett Jonas really likes his new bike.
Other grand slam wins were Luc Deley in the 250 Junior, division one, Alan Smith in the 125 Intermediate One, and Darrell Hutchins in the 125 Junior One race. No two same brands won the 250 classes while every bike in the top three of all the 125 classes was a Honda. That might not be the case when the Yamaha's hit the floors. McDougal says they are at least as fast as the Hondas and lead the way in the handling department They are also six speeds.