1986 Motocross Preview

1986 Motocross Preview

RACE WATCH

SO YOU THINK THE NEW YEAR STARTS in January, do you? Well, for most people it does. But for motocrossers, 1986 started early in August, in the unlikely location of Ponca City. Oklahoma. That's where the National Motosport Association holds its grand national championship every year. And that's also where motorcycle manufacturers traditionally offer the first glimpses of their new motocrossers.

This year. the `86s were in force at Ponca, with new-model displays from Suzuki and KTM, and full blown race efforts from Yamaha and Kawasaki. Honda's presence wasn't as evident, but new CRs have been showing up incognito in various parts of the country.

So 1 986 has officially arrived in Oklahoma. And with most man ufac turers predicting October release dates, it looks like the new year will be arriving early in the rest of the country, too. Here's a brief look at what the season will bring.