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RACE WATCH

Wrist Watching

Racers will be racers. David Schultz, the man currently on top of the drag-racing world, looked to be out of the running at the recent NHRA Southern Nationals held near Atlanta, Georgia. Just before the race, Schultz had fallen off a ladder and broken both wrists. But in true press-on-regardless form, he raced anyway with a cast on each arm—and won the event. At a later race in Memphis, Tennessee,

Schultz had trouble releasing the clutch and accidentally redlighted in an early round. Terry Vance went on to take the win. And contrary to popular rumor, Vance had not been holding the ladder.

Ascot Tragedy

When Chris Carr crossed the finish line to win the May 7th half-mile National at Ascot Raceway, the celebration was subdued. His victory was overshadowed by the death of 29-year-old veteran dirt-tracker Ted Boody. While exiting the last turn of the last lap, Boody hit the retaining wall and crashed. He was pronounced dead due to massive head injuries upon arrival at the hospital.

Boody’s career spanned 1 5 years and saw him collect eight AMA Grand National wins. He displayed rare longevity in racing, his two best seasons coming eight years apart. In 1977 he was second in the Camel Pro Series to Jay Springsteen, and in 1985, he was second to Bubba Shobert. A fund has been started to help Boody’s wife and two daughters. Anyone wishing to contribute should contact: Boody Trust Fund, Account 01 5-2605, Security National Bank, PO. Box 1290, Sapulpa. OK 74067. Ted Boody will long be missed and remembered.

GP Notes

It was a battle of Americans in the Portuguese GP, the fourth round of the 500cc world roadracing championship. Eddie Lawson, riding the Agostini-Marlboro Yamaha, squeaked out his second win of the season, barely ahead of Wayne Rainey. It was the second GP in a row in which Lawson was tormented by one of the Team Roberts/Lucky Strike riders. In the previous round at Jarama in Spain, Lawson was able to catch, but unable to pass, Kevin Magee for the lead. But in the Portuguese GP, a race actually held on Spanish soil, Lawson managed to pass Rainey on the very last lap. World Champion Wayne Gardner struggled with tire problems to finish fifth, but fell 12 championship points behind series leader Lawson.