Cycle Round Up
CYCLE ROUND UP
JOSEPH C. PARKHURST
AMONG THE MANY benefits to be gained from fronting a winner include such flattering items as Triumph's newest color brochure illustrating their 1964 models. Lo and behold on the second page is a picture of CYCLE WORLD'S class-winning Triumph Bonneville TT Special. The inclusion of our comparatively simple efforts in their sales literature is highly flattering, but it has created a monster; Gordon H. Jennings, our Technical Editor, is even harder to get along with than before his prowess as a tuner was so thoroughly vindicated.
MOTORCYCLING AND THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
Motorcycling received one of the nicest boosts it has had in some time in the November 4th edition of the Wall Street Journal, a most unlikely place. In a short feature titled "Motorcycle Boomlet, Spurred by Smaller, Less Costly Vehicles," staff reporter Michael Creedman explores the motorcycle resurgence in the United States. A sub-title goes on to say, "Japanese models helping sales nearly double this year; changing image of cyclists."
Our thanks to the Journal; despite the fact we received not one whit of credit for furnishing some of the information, it is encouraging indeed to see the spokesman of the business world looking into, and lending their support to, the exciting and growing motorcycle industry.
As Editors are wont to do, I am going to give vent to yet another irritant in the cycle world; that of funeral escorts dressing like motorcycle police. Many is the instance, far too many, that I have glanced in my automobile, or motorcycle rear view mirror and spotted what was to all intents and purposes, a motorcycle mounted police officer. Slowing down, as even the most innocent of us will do, it is infuriating to discover that it is only a funeral escort, wearing black leather jacket, black riding pants, white police type helmet, saddle bags, and an entire Harley load of junk that much too closely resembles the gear police must carry.
This masquerade is often carried even to the extent of mounting several ( ! ) colored lights that from a distance could be red, though they are usually yellow. I am certain the riders of these phony machines are enjoying the effect, but until the day comes that we are all allowed to go around impersonating police officers I object to these characters being allowed to do so. Besides, it takes some of the fun out of it.
NEW RACEWAY PROPOSED
John Hugenholtz of Holland and his partner, Michael Parker of Portland, Oregon, have recently completed detailed plans for a new international raceway to be built at Lakeside, San Diego, California. Hugenholtz and Parker, who are recognized leaders of the world in the field of race course design, have incorporated into the facility the fine points and safety features of a combined total of 30 years experience in this field.
Hugenholtz is currently director of the Zandvoort grand prix circuit in Holland, a course he designed, and was the master hand behind the fantastic Suzuka G? circuit in Japan, scene of the Grand Prix of Japan. Parker, a landscape architect, and Hugenholtz operate under the title of Motor Racing Circuit Advisory Office which participated in the Suzuka design, as well as the Zolder circuit in Belgium and the Eugene, Oregon, course. Engineering work began in April 1961; Parker and Hugenholtz were assigned the designers in April of 1963. A group of businessmen began the development of the raceway in 1961. Bill Oehler, developer of the project and chairman of the board of Lakeside Raceway had this to say; "The selection of the site alone was a time consuming project, because we wanted to be certain that we had the best possible site for a truly international raceway. Weather conditions were a major factor as well as was accessibility."
Site of the course is a natural valley, 22 miles from San Diego, and when completed it is expected to be the only one of its kind in the world. Bill Sullivan, general manager of the raceway, was quoted as saying; "Motor racing in the U.S. has grown in stature throughout the years, and is still growing. It is the intent of Lakeside Raceway to stage events for all types of racing in an atmosphere that will bring the sport to its proper place and dignity among the professions."
Construction is scheduled to begin in the near future and more detailed information will be available at that time. Plans at present indicate a XA mile and Vi mile dirt oval, a 1 Vèth mile asphalt oval, and a full road racing course.
MOTORCYCLES AT SEBRING
Sebring, racing oasis in the wasteland of central Florida, scene of the famous 12 hour sports car race in March of each year, will this year also host a most interesting motorcycle race. Scheduled for a 250 kilometer (155 mile) distance, the event will be sanctioned by the United States Motorcycle Club (USMC).
The 5.2 mile course, which consists of aircraft landing strips plus paved access roads, has played host to all of the champion auto racing drivers of the world. Invitations have been issued for this March's event, to both automobile and motorcycle prospects, in the hopes that a complete package of racing will be presented. The motorcycle event is scheduled for March 20th, and the 12-hour automobile race will be run March 22nd.
In the rather grey photograph above, from left to right are; Bill Tuthill, United States Motorcycle Club official; Reg Smith, ARCF Race Secretary; Bill Spear, Federation Internationale Motorcycliste representative (and sports car driver of a few years back who earned an impressive reputation in Ferraris); Tom Galen, USMC head, and a pair of Norton mounted riders who had just completed tests of the course.
