Firecracker

FIRECRACKER

ACKER

IVAN J. WAGAR

IN A COMPLETE no-nonsense fashion, Finland's Heikki Mikkola dominated the Firecracker Grand Prix in a most devastating manner. The event, held again at Saddleback Park, Calif., is part of the midsummer Viking motocross series that draws several of Europe’s very best riders during the three-week lull in the world championship rounds.

Like Inter-Am, the Viking series is organized by Husqvarna importer Edison Dye and the rider that started the current motocross rage, the tall, lean, several times world champion, Torsten Hallman. This year’s Firecracker eclipsed last year’s by a wide margin for displays of sheer speed and skill on the part of several unexpected rising stars. Our own John DeSoto had no trouble holding off big-time names like Stodulka, Koneeny, Browning and Clough, as he pursued bigger game in the form of current third-place winner in the world championships, Miroslav Halm.

Halm, in fact, is the only man in Europe to make a dent in the Suzuki domination of 250-cc motocross. At one point he even managed to force his CZ ahead of Joel Robert’s seemingly firm hold on 2nd place when the Suzuki ace had a spat of trouble with flat tires. At this point, however, Geboers and Robert had already won the manufacturer’s championship, and Robert was well ahead of Halm.

The Firecracker was not an easy ride for Halm. On the opening lap of the first leg he was involved in a crash that put him almost at the back of the pack, and caused him to lose a footpeg. For the remainder of the race, in almost unbearable heat, the youthful Halm rode with such determination that he forced his way into 3rd place, but not without a scrap from DeSoto.

The whole scene was a fabulous prelude to Inter-Am, which is due to start in a month. At that time it is hoped we can see the incredible stars that missed the Viking series. 0