Grafton International
GRAFTON INTERNATIONAL
Hawaiian Punch...
HIGHLIGHT of the seventh annual Canada vs. United States scrambles at Grafton, Vt., was the appearance of spectacular Montesa rider John De Soto. John has had a few bashes in California, but showed more zest than skill, losing precious time extracting himself from tough situations he shouldn’t have ridden into in the first place. At Grafton, however, he showed a cool head as he treated 11,000 fans to eight victories out of as many starts. Unfortunately the young Hawaiian’s wins did not count in the contest because only riders who have earned points in the regular series, and who have been nominated to the team, are eligible to figure in the final results.
De Soto’s wins, in an area where motocross racing is a properly done, regular sport, mean he most certainly will be one of the leading American challengers to the European riders in the fall motocross series. Not only was his on-the-pegs riding outstanding, but his 250 and 360 Montesas were most competitive, as De Soto made a clean sweep in all of the events in both classes.
In the 250 class, Bruce Maguire, despite his weight disadvantage, turned up best scorer for the U.S., while Seppo Makkenin did the deed for Canada. In the big bore category, Grafton regulars witnessed a real upset when Rod Jeckel beat the perennial Joe Bolger for top U.S. honors. Dave Sehl, on a spanking new Triumph Metisse, turned in three heat wins and took the title of top Canadian.
Unfortunately the Grafton enthusiasts know and love has changed considerably. Gone are the long, rolling, grassy hills and valleys, and in their place the devastating results of a bulld ozer’s blade. This year, spectators and competitors alike fought to hide from clouds of dust, now that the beautiful turf has been removed.
American riders scored sufficient points in the 250 class to offset the Canadians’ better tally in the 500 category, but it was only a one-point victory, with 128 points to the U.S., and 129 for Canada. In the Grafton scoring system, low points win.
