AMA Timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

Dirt Track Number Plate History

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1903

1904

1908

1912

1914

1916

1919

1924

1925

1930

1931

1932

1933

►The "TT" is a new type of competition created within the Class C rules.
A "Miniature TT" is a "TT" event on a course less than one mile in length. From the 1933 Rules For Competition: "The term Tourist Trophy (or "TT") is derived from the famous Tourist Trophy races held each year in the Isle of Man. It represents, on a small scale, a road race, and consequently should embrace, to the closest possible extent, all the conditions that would be met in driving on the open road. The course should be irregular insofar as possible, so that both right and left hand turns have to be negotiated. It is advisable to include, if possible, a hill that will necessitate gear changing so that the entire motorcycle is made to perform its regular road functions."

►All divisions use black numbers on white number plates.
Note: Rider numbers are not assigned until late 1942.
District letters are not introduced until 1947.

1934

1935

1936

1937

1938

1939

1940

1941

►Frenchy Castonaguay sets a record fast qualifying time at the August 17, 1941 Springfield Mile, but the time is uncertain. The September 1941 The Motorcyclist lists Frenchy's time as 42.64, while other periodicals state 43.64. The issue comes to light when Jerry Callen sets a 42.900 second lap in 1950, but it is unclear whether that time is a new record or not. The editor of The Motorcyclist asks in Septmber 1950: "There must be an error somewhere. Can anyone set us straight?"

The Motorcyclist, September 1950

►The AMA issues "Permanent National Numbers" for the first time to the top riders in the nation. Numbers 1-14, 16-17, 21-27, 29, 32-33, 35, 38, 55, and 72 are issued. In the October 1941 issue of The Motorcyclist, competition director E.C. Smith writes: "Effective at once, expert riders in dirt track racing have been assigned a permanent riding number. We feel that this will add something to the show as spectators will get to know the riders better and most of all, the riders won't have to have different numbers made up for each race meet. They can now get their numbers and carry them throughout the year. They can have on on their trailer, their mechanic's coveralls, etc. We ask that they adopt a uniform number at least ten inches, black on white background and also have a number for their right rear wheel. If they wish they can have three numbers, one for the front and both sides of the rear wheel or on the front and right of rear wheel."

►Frenchie Castonaguay is the brother of 1935 & 1938 Class C National Champion Woodsie Castonaguay, marking the first (and, as of 2022, the only time) that brothers have each won the National title.

►Harley-Davidson introduces the race-only "WR", 750cc V-twin side-valve hand-shift racing model, for Class C competition. The WR replaces the WLDR as the primary race weapon.

1942

1943

1944

1945

1946

1947

►AMA Competition Committee meets in Daytona Beach, Florida on February 19-20, 1947.
►To address scoring issues with over 1,600 professional competitors, a new "permanent number" system is created.

►Three plates, at least 10" x 10" square, should be used. Numbers to be at least 8" tall.
►"Straight numbers" (what are now known as "National Numbers") are assigned to Experts, National Champions, and a few Amateurs in each class (Racing, Hill Climbing, and Tourist Trophy).
►The "letter system" divides the country up into alphabetical sections.
►Wheels: Contestents must use the standard wheels that come as a specificed part of the Class C motorcycle.
►New wording: "Class C equipment shall have no alteration in bore, stroke, frame, forks, or type of motor. Alteration means brazing, cutting, or fabricating and thus the rider can use different types of forks, etc, provided they are not altered to fit."

►Class C Hillclimb: New program will be four events: 45ci Novice, 80ci Novice, 45ci Expert, and 80ci Expert.

►Class A Hillclimb: The winner of the Class B event at the National Championship automatically advances to Class A the following year.

►Any rider under 21 years of age will not be accepted unless the written consent of parents or guardians accompanies the application.

►Any rider who plans to compete in dirt track racing, hill climbing, TT racing, road racing, speedway racing, or night speedway racing on and after April 1, 1947, must have his competition license.

►The applicant must be a member of the AMA and the license fee of $1.00 must accomplany the application.

►Age Limit: A 15-year age limit on motorcycle used in competition [will] start in 1948. (So no motorcycle built prior to 1933 is eligible to compete in 1948).

►Prize Money is standardized as follows:

TT Racing

►One-Star = $150 purse
►Two-Star = $300 purse
►Three-Star = $400 purse
►Four-Star = $500 purse
►Five-Star = $600 purse
►Each additional "star" is another $100 in the purse.

Dirt Track Racing (half mile)

►One-Star = $300 purse
►Two-Star = $600 purse
►Three-Star = $900 purse
►Four-Star = $1,200 purse
►Five-Star = $1,500 purse
►Each additional "star" is another $300 in the purse.

Dirt Track Racing (mile)

►One-Star = $1,000 purse
►Two-Star = $1,500 purse
►Three-Star = $2,000 purse
►Four-Star = $2,500 purse
►Five-Star = $3,000 purse
►Each additional "star" is another $500 in the purse.

Purse Breakdown

►All events above one-star: 45% for Expert, 35% for Amateur, 20% for Novice.
►All one-star events: 60% Amateur, 40% Novice. Experts will not compete at One-Star events.

General Rules

►The "hold position" flag is added. It is red and white diagonal. It is used in the event of an accident.

►AMA National Championship entry lists prior to 1947 do not show any district letters in use. Interestingly, the Number 1 followed by a district letter is assigned to several riders. This practice continues for several years.

►The American Motorcyclist magazine's May 1947 issue includes a two-page explanation of the new "permanent" numbering system. What we now know as "National Numbers" are listed as "Straight numbers". The "district letter" is merely referred to as a "letter", stating the country is divided up into alphabetical sections and the riders residing in the particular section will carry a certain letter on their number plates". It also recommends that all number plates be at least 10" square. (American Motorcyclist, May 1947).

►JAP wins its last dirt track National (Cordy Milne at Los Angeles, CA short track event).

"As of January 1 (1947), every AMA competition rider in dirt track racing, hill climb, TT racing, night speedway racing, road racing, and speedway racing will be covered by surgical and hospitalization insurance, and the cost for this insurance will be $1.00 per year!! Yes, that is right, just one dollar per year! Full details of this program will soon appear in all motorcycle publications."
(AM Magazine, Volume #1, Issue #1, Page 4, January 1947)

1948

►Class C equipment MUST be of stock design, as manufactured, catalogued and sold for general motorcycle use.
(Article III — Section 4)
Except as specifically noted - only such parts and accessories as are catalogued and sold by the manufacturer of the motorcycle in question may be fitted to any motorcycle used in Class C Competition.

►At all National Championship Contests, as well as Amateur or Novice events run in conjunction with National Championships, all motorcycles will be completely inspected by the National Technical Committee.

Motor
►Any motor parts catalogued and sold by the manufacturer of the motorcycle in question may be interchanged, provided:

►A: Bore and stroke is not altered.
►B: Type of motor is not altered.
►C: Compression ratio does not exceed 7.5:1.
►D: If cylinders have been rebored, they do not exceed 0.040" over the manufacturer's standard cylinder bore for the motor in question (Article VII — Section 5)(Article VII — Section 25A).

►No supercharger shall be fitted to any motorcycle used in competitive events.
(Article VII — Section 16).
Polishing or modification of flywheels, connecting rods, cams, combustion chamges, valves, and valve ports and timing is permitted, providing such modifications does no violate any of the paragrtaphs A, B, C, D as noted above.

Transmission
►All motorcycles must be fitted with a clutch and transmission as calatogued and sold by the manufacturer of the motorcycle in question.
Gears may not be altered or removed from the gearbox.
Special fabricated clutch operating levers or pedals may be used.
Special sprockets may be fabricated, but they must be made and attached in a safe and workmanlike manner.
A kick starter must be used for all started and must remain a workable part of the motorcycle equipment.
(Article III — Section 5).

Wheels
►Only wheels as catalogued and sold by the manufacturer of the motorcycle in question will be permitted (Article III — Section 5).

Tires
►Motorcycle tires sizes shall be limited to not less than three (3) inches, and not more than five (5) inches cross section.
Only tires of approved tread pattern will be permitted. Approved tread must not be altered in any manner.
Recapped or retreaded tires are barred from dirt track races, road races, Tourist Trophy races, and Straightaway Races.
In the interests of safety, only motorcycle tread designs approved by the Competition Committee may be used.
(Article III — Section 5C).

►Approved tread designs at present are Avon Supreme, Dunlop Universal, Beck Superwear, Beck T.T. Special, Goodyear DeLuxe Allweather, Goodyear Eagle, Goodyear Sport Special, Firestone Champion, Firestone Sportsman, Firestone All Non-Skid, Firestone Chevron, Firestone Super Sportsman, Firestone Rib-Racing, U.S. Royal Master, Sears Roebuck Allstate, and Indian.


Brakes
►When brakes are used, such brakes must be as catalogued and sold by the manufacturer of the motorcycle in question.
Brakes need not be fitted for dirt track or speedway racing.
However, when brakes are not removed, they must be rendered inoperative by the removal of one or more brake rods.
(Article III — Section 5)(Article IX — Section 24).
Special brake operating levers or pedals may be used.

Frames and Forks
►Any frame and fork catalogued and sold by the manufacturer of the motorcycle in question is permitted, providing they are not altered in any way.
The addition of struts or braces to frames or forks, or the alteration of earlier type frames to fit later type motors is not permitted.
(Article III — Section 5)

Tanks
►Only such tanks as are catalogued and sold by the manufacturer of the motorcycle in question will be permitted.
Positively no alteration to frame or tank will be permitted to effect installation.
(Article III — Section 5)

Leaking gasoline tanks or fittings as well as temporary or make-shift repairs will be prohibited.

Fenders
►Front fenders and the rear portion of rear fenders may be removed or special rear fenders may be fitted.
(Article III — Section 5-A)
Such special fender must be made and attached in a safe and workmanlike manner.

Chain Guards
►All motorcycles must be fitted with a guard completely covering the front chain and sprockets (chainguard back cover not compulsory).
(Article III — Section 5).
The front portion (top run only) of the rear chain and the countershaft sprocket must be covered by a guard for a distance of not less than 6" (measured from the center of the countershaft sprocket).

In the interests of safety, in cases where the manufacturer of the motorcycle in question does not supply such guards, they may be fabricated.
Such guards must be sturdily made and securely attached with proper bolts and brackets.
Makeshift wired-on guards will not be permitted.

Exhaust System
►Mufflers maybe removed and special exhaust pipes fitted, provided such removal does not leave the exhaust pipe pointing in a downward direction so as to stir up dust, nor shall it be directed upward to as to interfere with other contestants.
(Article III — Section 5-B)(Article VII — Section 17)

Safety Precautions
►In the interests of safety, knee hooks, steering dampers, fork shock-absorbers, footrests, brake and clutch pedals or levers, handlebars, saddle, rear fender pad and chin rest of any type may be used.
Safety bars and all stands must be removed.
(Article III — Section 5-D).

Number Plates
►No single item of equipment has caused so much confusion and possible error in computing results in motorcycle competition of all kinds as the persistence of some contestants in the use of poorly designed and illegible number plates. In order to preclude to the greatest extent possible, this error recurring for the 1948 season, only such number plates as are herein outlined will be permitted to start in any race meet.

►All number plates used by all contestants must be of uniform size, shape, and thickness of material as follows:

►10" high 12" wide not less than 0.045" thick. The four corners must be cut off at a radius of 2-1/4".

►Numbers must be painted in black on a background of yellow or white and be eight inches in height and of standard type block lettering. It is strongly urged that this lettering be done by a professional sign painter. Polished or chromed plated numbers or background plates will not be permitted. Number plates must be attached to the motorcycle in a perfectly flat position. Curving the front plate for any reason will not be permitted.

►Novice and Amateur division riders begin using yellow number plates with black numbers and district letters (previously had used white number plates with black numbers and district letters since 1947).

►Class C 45 (TT): 500cc (30.50ci) overhead valve or 750cc (45.70ci) side-valve engines
►Class C 80 (TT): 1213cc (74ci) overhead valve or 1310cc (80ci) side-valve engines.

["Chet Dykgraaf: The First Number One" by Darya Mallard in Vintage Mounts, July 1987].

1949

Qualifying for the 1949 Langhorne 100 is held on Saturday September 3.
The race is held on Sunday September 4, 1949.

►1,688 AMA-sanctioned events were held in 1948. 345 race meets, 195 short track races, 38 Class A hill climbs, 94 Class C hill climbs, 331 TT races, 224 reliability trials, 69 endurance runs, 130 turkey runs, 204 field meets, 10 polo games, and 68 miscelleneous events (including hare and hound chases, treasure hunts, and secret destination runs).

►Spectator attendance reached the record total of 6,573,000

►Program Committee creates a standard program for the National Championship events.
Two Amateur heats and one Amateur final,
Two Expert heats one Expert final, and a series of consolation events for remainder of the Experts entered.

►Prize money at National Championships will be approportioned 80% to Experts, 20% to Amateurs.

►The Committee revoked the limitation of one-star race meets to Novices and Amateurs.
The original idea was to encourage more Novice and Amateur race meets.
It didn't do the job. It also created a hardship in sections where there were a few Experts.

Short Track Classified
►Short track or night speedway race meets were classified:

►CLASS A — One-star: $750; Two-star: $1,000, Three-star: $1,250, Four-star: $1,500
►CLASS C — One-star: $450; Two-star: $600, Three-star: $750, Four-star: $900
►Number of starters (in Class C short track) will be limited to six, and the number of laps limited to 10.
►In districts where there is an obvious lack of classified riders, the chairman of the Competition Committee has been empowered to grant sanctions for the progressive type of program. The applying club must make such request on the sanction application, and the approval must appear on the sanction and on the entry blank.
►In competitive events, the practice of riding in a prone position, with feel extended over the rear mudguard and wheel, shall be prohibited. Penalty: disqualification.
►Motorcycle equipment used in time trials must be used in heats and final event.
There has been a tendency to use small tanks in time trials and then change for the races.
This is not fair to all contestences and is therefore eliminated.
►A committee composed of H.M. Syvertson, Earle Robbins, and John Hostetter was appointed to investigate the possibility of a cut out control for track racing.

No Major Rule Changes

►There were no major rule changes in the general rules.
The Committee felt that the rules were definitely constituted to permit the greatest possible number of riders to compete, and that problems of enforcement and safety shold be given careful study.

►The AMA will send a 1949 rulebook to every licensed rider.

►The Technical Commitee made the following recommendations, which were approved by the Commitee:

►Any release relative to any technical equipment must be cleared through the technical committee first.

►All motorcycles must be fitted with a guard completely enclosing the front chain, etc.

►Add to approved tires: Rally and Kelley Springfield.

"The analysis of the mutual contributions and the accident experience shows that the increase in the cost of the license fee in 1949 was the saving factor of the program. Without that, the fund would have operated at a loss. The accumulated surplus permits an added benefit for the year 1950, and rather than reduce the contributions by one or two per cent, the limit of liability has been increased from $300 to $400."
(AM Magazine, Volume #4, Issue #3, Page 41, March 1950)
[Comment: the article indicates 3,537 licenses were sold, for revenue of $17,685. This is $5 per license. The program was unveiled in 1947 at $1 per license.]

1950

►Amateur Jerry Callen sets the fastest qualifying lap at the Springfield Mile on August 18, 1950 at 42.900. Paul Goldsmith is the fastest Expert at 43.09. It is unclear whether this sets a new track record or not, as there is confusion as to what Frenchy Castonaguay's fast time really was. The September 1941 The Motorcyclist lists Frenchy's time as 42.64, while other periodicals state 43.64. The editor of The Motorcyclist asks in Septmber 1950: "There must be an error somewhere. Can anyone set us straight?"

The Motorcyclist, September 1950

The manufacturer of the motorcycle must have sold or available for sale to the general public in the U.S.A. 25 or more of the motorcycle of the model in question, before it can be entered in any Class C Competition event.
(1950 AMA Rules For Competition, Article III, Section 4(b), Page 7).

1950 is the first time that the formal approval process for Class C equipment is in the rule book, including a minimum quantity for sale.

►A DOHC version of the 1949 Norton Manx appears in early 1950, without going through the formal approval process.
Norton owners argue that the DOHC Manx engine is still "basically" the same as the the SOHC International engine.

►The AMA rulebook adds claiming for the first time.
(a) All sanctioned Class C dirt track race meets, speedway races, road races, T.T. races, short track races and hill climbs shall be considered claiming events and the claiming price shall be set at $1,000.00.
(1950 AMA Rules for Competeition, Article III, Section 4, Page 7).

►Harley-Davidson first offers a steel 10"x12" number plate with beaded edges in its 1950 catalog.

1951

►Triumph wins its first dirt track National (Jimmy Phillips at Peoria, IL TT event).


► The AMA Rulebook, Article I, Section 1, removes the statement that "Membership (in the AMA) is limited to white persons only."

1952

►The AMA approves the Harley-Davidson "KR", twin-cylinder, side-valve, foot-shift racing model, for Class C competition.

►1952 AMA Rules for Competition, Article II, Section 1 (Page 6) and Article III, Secton 1 (Page 7) both refer to Class D riders and Class D equipment. It does not state anything else.
►The January 1997 edition of American Motorcyclist mentions that the AMA experimented with "Class D" racing for Novice racers on small-displacement street machines.
References to Class D do not appear in the 1953 AMA Rules for Competition.

►BSA wins its first AMA dirt track National (Al Gunter at Shreveport, LA half mile event).


►The 15-mile Mile National at Milwaukee, WI on August 24, 1952 runs 19 laps. After 10 laps, Billy Huber crashed. The red & white "hold position" flag was displayed. It took 4 "hold position" laps to clear an uninjured Huber and his machine from the track. Once clear, they continued the 15-lap race from there. Hence the 15-mile National that ran for 19 laps.

1953

►Novice division riders begin using green number plates with white numbers and district letters (previously had used yellow number plates with black numbers and district letters since 1948).

►Indian wins its last AMA dirt track National (Ernie Beckman at Williams Grove, PA half mile event) until 2017.


►Santa Fe Speedway opens in Willow Springs, IL on May 31, 1953, with a sprint car race. It would run motorcycle races until 1988.

►Indian Motorcycle Company goes out of business in 1953.

1954

Meets January 6-8, 1954 in Columbus, Ohio.

►AMA creates the Grand National Championship series to award the Class C National Championship to the rider who earns the most points in a series of events involving four racing disciplines: half mile, mile, "TT", and road racing. This "series" replaces the one-race championship system that dates back to 1935.

►41 racers earn Grand National points, and 10 racers score wins, in eighteen events in 1954.
►Points are awarded in the final only: 9-7-5-3-2-1.

1955

►41 racers earn Grand National points, and 7 score wins, in seventeen events in 1955.
►9-7-5-3-2-1 (same as 1954).

►Andres led after round 1.
►Brashear & Andres tied after round 2.
►Brashear led after round 3.
►Andres led after rounds 4-7.
►Brashear led after round 8.
►Brashear & Andres tied after round 9.
►Brashear led after rounds 10-13.
►Andres led after rounds 14-17.
►Brashear only scored points in 6 of the 17 rounds, and none after winning round 12.

►Ohio Amateur George Roeder (#95F) convinces Ohio Expert Frank Gayoski (#60) to claim the winning KR at the Richmond, VA HM National on May 29, 1955. George had been running a WR unsuccessfully against the more modern KR's. George's tuner had suggested that claiming a National-winning KR would be better than buying a brand new motorcycle. Everett Brashear wins the race and then loses his KR, which had a very special set of Tom Sifton cams in it. Roeder, unaware of the special cams, soon blows the engine up. Brashear immediately implements a new policy whereby he quickly remove the cams from the engine anytime that he wins a race.

Steel Shoes

►Flat steel shoes are barred as these caused several major accidents.
Riders must now use a steel shoe that curves over the toe of the boot or shoe.

Sportsman Class

►The Sportsman class is created for the benefit of the average road rider to compete in most every type of competition. A committee has been formed to formulate the rules for this new class of competition.

Frames

►Spring frames can be converted to rigid frames by the use of struts.

Exhaust Systems:

►There must not be less than six inches of exhaust pipe running parallel to the ground or with the rear end elevated previous to the point of discharge, but not to extend beyond the rear edge of the rear rim.

►In all National Championship dirt track race meets, the elimination heats shall be 5 miles on half mile tracks and 10 miles on mile tracks.

►On all Speedway events on tracks of one mile or over, and when Novice events are scheduled, the Novice must have at least 20 points before they can compete.

►When the Central Office has a spot check on motor measurement, instead of measuring the three place winners, three names from the 12 qualifying riders be drawn from a hat and those selected, have their motors measured.

►In the event of a rain and 50% of the program has been completed with not any refund to spectators, the balance of the purse will be paid to qualified contestants.

►Article VI: Change to read — where an entry fee is charged, the maximum shall be $2.00.

►Article VII — Section 21 - Add — All closed circuit courses must be run counter clockwise.

►40 points to advance from Novice to Amateur. (Had been 25 points since 1949)
►60 points to advance from Amateur to Expert. (Had been 40 points since 1949)
(1955 AMA Rules For Competition, Article II, Section 5, Page 6).

The 1955 Competition Committee increased these - retroactive to 1954 - as they felt that Novice and Amateur racers are not gaining enough experience.
(January 1956 issue of American Motorcycling)

►No rider under 21 years of age may compete without written consent of parents or legal guardian.
Minimum age for competition license is 18 years old.
(1955 AMA Rules For Competition, Article VII, Section 8, Pages 15-16).
(18 year age limit was added by the 1955 Competition Committee)

►The Triumph T-100R 500cc overhead valve twin is approved by the Technical Committee


►The 1955 BSA Gold Star 500cc overhead valve single is approved by the Technical Committee with the understanding that the bore and stroke be 85mm by 88mm and limited to 8:1 compression.


►The 1955 Norton 30 Manx, a 500cc DOHC race-only single-cylinder, is rejected by the AMA Technical Committee. See 1956 for explanation.

►Gasoline shall not exceed 100 octane rating. Additives of any type over and above that contained in regular commercial gasoline of 100 octane rating is prohibitive [sic].
(1955 AMA Rules For Competition, Article III, Section 5(g), Page 10).
(Had been 85 octane since 1948).

►At the July 4, 1955 Dodge City, Kansas 75-mile Road Race National and the October 9, 1955 Torrey Pines, California 125-mile Road Race National, riders use their "dirt track" numbers (with district letters).
Brad Andres wins both events wearing #11R.

1956

►19 racers earn Grand National points, four four score wins, in seven events in 1956.
►9-7-5-3-2-1 (same since 1954).

►The Daytona 200 does not award championship points.
►The Springfield Mile is rained out on Sunday August 19, and runs instead on Monday August 20.
The AMA decides not to award championship points for the rain date.

►The Class C 45 Road Race and CLass C 80 Road Race classes are replaced by Formula C Road Race class.
Up to 45ci (750cc) side valve or 30.50ci (500cc) overhead valve engines.
(1956 AMA rulebook; page # TBD)

►Compression Ratios and Displacements. A lengthy discussion concerning compression ratios and displacements took place. Rod Coates and John Esler opined that compression ratios should be increased. Bill Harley presented performance data and race results which indicated that the current system is balanced.

►A motion (Aub LeBard MM / Earl Flanders SM) to delete maximum compression of 8:1 from the rulebook, allow overhead valve engines an increase from 30.50ci (500cc) to 40.0ci (655cc), and limit any overhead valve engine above 30.50ci to 8.5:1 compression, was defeated 16 to 11.

►A motion (Aub Lebard MM / John Esler SM) to allow 30.50ci engines be allowed unlimited compression was defeated 16 to 11.

►A motion (Aub LeBard MM / Earl Flanders SM) to place 30.50ci engines in a separate class was defeated 17 to 9.

►A motion (Horace Fritz MM / John Ciccarelli SM) to raise allowable compression on 30.50ci engines from 8:1 to 9.5:1 was defeated 14 to 13.
Note: Committee member Gerald Givens, a dealer of British engines, resigned his appointment and left the meetings earlier in the day. Had he remained, the 9.5:1 ratio may have passed.

►A motion (Horace Fritz MM / John Esler SM) to raise allowable compression on 30.50ci engines from 8:1 to 9:1 was passed 15 to 12.

►Aub LeBard requested an explanation as to why the 1955-56 model 30 Manx-Norton was not approved by the Technical Committee for Class C competition. Rod Coates of the Technical Commission provided a lengthy response.

Per Rod Coates of TriCor, and a member of the AMA Technical Committee: The new model has undergone considerable changes from the original 1949 model, including new bore and stroke (86mm x 85.62mm = 497cc). Also, the cylinder barrel and cylinder head castings differ greatly from the early Manx or International parts.
The Committee felt that the new Manx model could not be approved as there had never been a standard production model regularly sold for everyday use which utulized these basic parts and new bore/stroke".

A motion to accept the response was passed by unanimous vote.

►A motion (Walter Davidson MM / Bill Harley SM) made to reject the Norton Manx as submitted for approval was passed 20 to 5.

►A motion (Bill Harley MM / Horace Fritz SM) made to deny a 50-mile road race National Championship sanction to Windber, Pennsylvania was passed 16 to 10.

►A motion (Aub LeBard MM/ Walter Davidson SM) to limit all National Championship events to one each of each type of motorcycle competition was passed 14 to 11.

►The 10-mile HM National at Columbus, Ohio was accepted with a $3,750 purse.
A 5-mile HM National at Richmond, Virginia, an 8-mile HM National at Schererville, Indiana, a 6-mile HM National at Sturgis, South Dakota, a 7-mile HM National at Minneapolis, Minnesota, a 5 or 6-mile HM National at Kansas City, Kansas, a 9-mile HM National at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and an "any distance" HM National at Heidelberg, Pennsylvania were rejected.
►A 20-mile M National at Bay Meadows, California was accepted with a $6,500 purse.
►A 100-mile Road Race National at Laconia New Hampshire was accepted, with provisions, with a $5,000 purse.
►A 200-mile Road Race National at Daytona Beach, Florida was accepted.
►A 45ci TT and 80ci TT National at Peoria, Illinois was accepted with a $3,000 purse.

►A motion (Walter Davidson MM / Trevor Deeley SM) to deny a 100-mile speedway National Championship sanction to Langhorne Speedway due to speed concerns was passed 23 to 2.

►A motion (Dud Perkins MM / Bruce Walters SM) made to approve recapped tires for use in short track racing was defeated 23 to 2.

►A motion (Trevor Deeley MM / Reggie Pink SM) made to accept a proposal from AMA Chairman E.C. Smith to replace the present Novice-Amateur-Expert classes with two classes: Class A and Class B, passes 22 to 3.

►Class B to be comprised of present Novice and Amateur classes, Class A to replace the present Expert class.
►Prize money would be 60% for Class A and 40% for Class B.
►The purpose is to eliminate the least represented class of riders and to increase the amount of prize money for the individual.

Advancement Points.

►All points earned before January 1, 1956 to be retained and future points to become accumulative from one year to the next, until a total of one hundred points have been acquired to advance from Class B to Class A.

Approval Process:

►For all 80ci classes, no motorcycles earlier than 1930 can be used. (1956 AMA Rule book)

1957

►25 racers earn Grand National points, and four score wins, in eight events in 1957.
►9-7-5-3-2-1 (same since 1954).

►A motion that KR and WR cylinders be interchanged on crank cases was defeated unanimously.

►The Continental LB, RB, and TT sample treads are approved.

►For all dirt track events where brakes are removed, a self-closing throttle or automatic ignition cutout must be fitted to the motorcycle.

►A motion (William Harley MM / Frank Cooper SM) made that all competition license applications include a physical examination was carried.

►A motion (Reggie Pink MM / Al Arnold SM) made that if reported accidents occurring in any one meet indicate the track to be unsafe, the promoter shall be immediately notified that no any further sanctions will be granted until the track is inspected and approved by a member of members of the Competition Committee and the District Refere was carried 27 to 0.

►A motion (Dud Perkins MM / Frank Cooper SM) made that in the interest of safety, HM and M tracks shall be conditioned to provide for a double groove was carried 27 to 0.

►A motion (Dud Perkins MM / Bruce Walters SM) made that the number of National Championships for dirt track, road racing, and TT racing be increased to two was carried 26 to 1.

►A motion (Dud Perkins MM / Jim Tagaris SM) made to deny a 100-mile Speedway National Championship sanction to Langhorne Speedway, on the grounds that the promoter stipulated that no other events or sanctions be issued on the requested date, carried 20 to 7.

►A motion (Reggie Pink MM) to revert rider classifications back to Novice-Amateur-Expert failed due to lack of a second.

►A motion (Len Andres MM / Aub LeBard SM) that prize money change to 70% for Class A and 30% for Class B, and pay four places in the heats and finals, was defeated 22 to 5.

►A motion (Trevor Deeley MM / Al Arnold SM) that prize money remain 60% for Class A and 40% for Class B, and pay four places in the heats and finals, was carried 15 to 12.

►40 points to advance from Class B to Class A.
(1957 AMA Rules For Competition, Article II, Section 6, Page 6).
(Points were not specified in 1956).

1958

►32 racers earn Grand National points, and seven score wins, in ten events in 1958.
►9-7-5-3-2-1 (same since 1954).

►Entering the finale doubleheader at Peoria, Resweber leads the championship 36-28-28-25 over Dick Klamfoth, Everett Brashear, and Joe Leonard.
Resweber finished 9th in the 45ci final, but missed the 80ci final.
Klamfoth and Brashear scored 0 points at Peoria.
Leonard finished 4th in the 45ci final and a close second in the 80ci final (Dick Dorresteyn passed Leonard in the final corner!).
Final points: Resweber (36), Leonard (35), Klamfoth & Brashear (28).

Meets in Columbus, Ohio December 14-16, 1957

1959

►25 racers earn Grand National points, and 6 score wins, in ten events in 1959.
►9-7-5-3-2-1 (same since 1954).

►Short Track races are redesignated as "Class A".

►Class A short tracks are now less than one-half mile in length (had been one-third mile in length in the 1958 rulebook). (Article X, 1959 rule book).
►Class A short tracks are limited to 250cc displacement (had been 500cc OHV / 750c flat head in 1958 rule book). (Article X, Section 2, 1959 Rule book).

►License fee is $20
►Minimum age is 18; appliants under 21 must have notarized written approval of parents or guardians
►AMA eliminates the Class A and Class B designations and returns to the Novice, Amateur and Expert divisions as they existed in 1955.

Probationary Novice:

►The AMA introduces the Probationary Novice division - a subdivision within the Novice division, for first-year professional racers. Probationary Novices (i.e. first-year Novices) use red number plates with white numbers and district letters, while other Novices continue to use green number plates with white numbers and district letters.

►Class A Short Track:
The piston displacement shall be 250cc - limited to 0.040" oversize.
(1959 AMA Rules For Competition, Article X, Section 2(a), Page 37).
(This is a new rule. Previously, Short Track engines were 750cc flat head/500cc overhead valve).

1960

►30 racers earn Grand National points, and 8 score wins, in twelve events in 1960.
►9-7-5-3-2-1 (same since 1954).

►Harley-Davidson first offers an aluminum 10"x12" number plate with beaded edges in its 1960 catalog.

1961

►28 racers earn Grand National points, and 6 score wins, in twelve events in 1961.
►9-7-5-3-2-1 (same since 1954).

►The AMA approves the BSA A65 - 650cc overhead valve twin - for Class C competition.


►The AMA approves the Harley-Davidson CRS-Sprint, a 250cc four-stroke single-cylinder, overhead-valve dirt tracker, for Class C competition.

►Compression is now unlimited but gasoline must be used.
Jules Horky, Competition Director
(December 1960 Competition Bulletin)

►Midway through the season, Ascot Park and AMA District 37 (Southern California) put all Novices on 250cc machines for safety.

►Gasoline must be used, not over 100 octane and must be furnished by all promoting groups. All motors must be drained before riding the finals.
Jules Horky, Competition Director
(December 1960 Competition Bulletin)
(Gasoline did not have an octane limit in 1958 & 1959).

►The Grand National Championship expands as Santa Fe Speedway (Hinsdale, IL) hosts the first-ever AMA short track Grand National. No Grand National points would be awarded for Short Track Nationals until 1964, however, as short tracks are run as Class A - not Class C - events.

►The Daytona 200 moves from the beach course to a 2-mile "short course" at the new Daytona International Speedway. Neither NASCAR banks are used.

►John Miller presents the first ever Badger Racing event at Sun Prairie, Wisconsin on Saturday June 24, 1961.

1962

►32 racers earn Grand National points, and 8 score wins, in fifteen events in 1962.
►9-7-5-3-2-1 (same since 1954).

►Point leader Dick Mann fractures his left hand during the August 19 Springfield Mile event (Round 8 of 15), which ended his season.
Dick had taken the point lead after round 3, held it through round 8 (despite a DNF in round 7).
Dick finished the season 3rd place in points, with 31.
Bart Markel would take the title with 58 points.

►Defending Grand National Champion Carroll Resweber is involved in a five-rider crash in practice for the Lincoln, IL HM National.
Resweber suffers career-ending injuries.
Entering Lincoln (Round 12 of 15), Resweber held a 44-40 point lead over Markel.

1963

►98 racers earn Grand National points, and 9 score wins, in fourteen events in 1963.
►Points are awarded based on the number of positions paid in the final.

►10-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 (9 positions) (new)
►13-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 (12 position) (new)
►21-19-18-17-16-15-14-13-12-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 (20 positions) (new)
►31-29-28-27-26-25-24-23-22-21-20-19-18-17-16-15-14-13-12-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 (30 positions) (new)

►Ronnie Rall lead the National Championship after Round 4 (Columbus HM), Round 6 (Windber RR), and Round 7 (Meadowdale RR). Ronnie lead the points, 72-62, entering the Springfield Mile (Round 8). A broken collarbone at the Springfield Short Track AMA Pro race the night before The Mile ended his championship hopes. Ronnie returned four weeks later at the Freeport HM, but ended the season sixth in points.
►George Roeder won the Springfield Mile (Round 8), with Dick Mann third, to take the point lead.
No points were paid at the Santa Fe 'Class A' Short Track National (Round 9).
Mann finished 4th & 2nd at Peoria (Rounds 10 & 11) while Roeder missed both mains to give Mann a 89-79 point lead over Roeder.
Roeder won Freeport (Round 12) while Dick Mann missed the race due to a devastaing injury suffered at the same track before the National, giving Roeder a 92-89 point lead.
A still-recovering Mann won the 50-lap Ascot TT (Round 13) while Roeder missed the main, giving Mann the title, 114-92 over Roeder.
Mann skipped the Sacramento Mile (Round 14) season finale, while Roeder won the race. Final point tally: 114-113, Mann over Roeder.

►For the first time ever, non Committee members are allowed to attend and speak at the meeting in San Francisco.
Neil Keen, Al Gunter, and Dick Mann represent the racers; others represent OEMs and industry people who, up to this point, have been unable to gain access to the Committee.
None have voting powers.

►Manufacturers are no longer required to submit 25 complete motorcycles to the AMA for approval.
(Had required manufacturers to submit 25 complete motorcycles for approval since 1950).

►The Formula 45ci TT and Formula 80ci TT classes are replaced by Lightweight TT (0-250cc) and Heavyweight TT (251cc-900cc).
(1963 AMA Rules For Competition, Article XI, Page 39-41)

►Defending champion Bart Markel misses several rounds after breaking his shoulder, foot, and rupturing his spleen at a non-National race in Ionia, Michigan early in the season. Bart's first National points are earned at Round 7 (of 14) at the Carpentersville, IL Road Race.


►Ascot TT held on Sept 21, 1963 was the first-ever GNC TT event run at night.

►Matchless wins its first dirt track National (Dick Mann at Gardena, CA TT event, on a G50).


►The Peoria TT offers the first-ever Grand National event for 250cc motorcycles. Bart Markel win on a Harley-Davidson Sprint.


►Larry Williamson finishes fifth at the Peoria TT National on a Yamaha TD1B, marking the first finish for a Japanese motorcycle in AMA Grand National competition.
Tom Clark and Jack Simmons also entered Peoria that year on Yamahas.

1964

►75 racers earn Grand National points, and 9 score wins, in seventeen events in 1964.
►Points are awarded based on type and distance of event.

►26-19-13-8-4-1 (short track) (new)
►53-43-34-26-19-13-8-4-1 (1-19 mile TT or DT) (new)
►62-52-42-35-28-22-17-13-10-7-4-1 (20-49 mile TT or DT) (new)
►71-61-52-44-37-31-26-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 (50-99 mile TT, DT, or RR) (new)
►86-76-67-59-52-46-41-37-34-31-28-25-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 (100-176 mile RR) (new)
►101-91-82-74-67-61-56-52-49-46-43-40-37-34-31-28-25-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 (200 mile RR) (new)

►The Competition Committee considers a motion to continue present rule covering use of brakes in dirt track events, but continue test use of brakes on Novice equipment at Ascot Park.
Al Arnold MM; Earl Flanders SM
Motion carries 23-3.
(January 1964, Cycle magazine).

►All sanctioned Formula C and Sportsman dirt track race meets, speedway races, road races, TT races, and hillclimbs shall be considered Claiming Events, and the claiming prices shall be set at:
Up to and including 250cc: $1500
251cc and up: $2500
Less fairing
(1964 AMA Rules For Competition, Article III, Section 6, Page 13).
(Prices had been $1,000 and $1,500 since 1963)

►Motion to limit all Novice class riders to 250cc displacement in all events in 1964.
Rabun Chambless MM; William Harley SM.
Motion carried 24-1.

►Motion to limit Amateur class displacement to 250cc in all events in 1964.
William Harley MM; Pete Zepka SM.
Motion defeated 17-9.

►Motion to consider reduction in the maximum displacement of equipment used by Amateurs & Experts, effective in 1965.
Aub LeBard MM; Leonard Andres SM.
Motion carried 16-10.

►A subcommittee is appointed (John Elser, Aub LeBard, Dick O'Brien, and Len Kuchler) to study the question of reduced displacement and report to Competition Committee prior to Aug. 1, 1964.
(January 1964 Cycle magazine)

►The Competition Committee considers a motion to eliminate the use of the Hold Position flag in all competition.
Rod Coates MM / Pete Zepka SM.
Motion carried 18-7.
(January 1964 Cycle magazine)

►Jules Horky (AMA Competition Director) reminds everyone that "home-made frames are illegal. Rule now states that frame must be manufactured for the machine in question by the manufacturer."
(March 1964 competition bulletin)

►"Not all national numbers are assigned to winners of nationals or high point riders. Appearance of rider, his equipment, his attitude, and cooperation with officials and promoters are all taken in consideration. There are experts today who have NEVER won a major event but they are a credit to the sport of motorcycles" - Jules Horky, Competition Director.
(July 1964 Competition Bulletin)

►AMA establishes a National Championship point fund for the first time, financed by three primary sources: $5 is added to all entry fees, a new $25 late entry fee in introduced, and each promoter donates 1% of their purse.
The point fund is distributed to the top 20, with the winner receiving 25%, second place 13%, third place 8%.

►The "ownership rule", which required a rider to show ownership papers of the motorcycle prior to entering a race, is removed from the rulebook.

►The Competition Committee considers redesignating short track racing from Class A to Class C.
Dudley Perkins MM / Walter Fulton SM
Motion carried 20-6.
(January 1964 Cycle magazine)

►The Competition Committee considers a motion to award National Championship points to the Sante Fe Short Track National, limited to Experts.
Dudley Perkins MM / Rod Coates SM.
Motion carried 24-1.
(January 1964 Cycle magazine)

►The Daytona 200 moves from the 2.0-mile "short course" at the Daytona International Speedway to a 3.81-mile course which uses nearly the full tri-oval plus the infield section.

►Nelson Ledges Road Race offers the first-ever Grand National Road Race for 250cc machines.
Larry Schaefer wins on a Harley-Davidson Sprint.

1965

►89 racers earn Grand National points, and 11 score wins, in eighteen events in 1965.
►Points are awarded based on type and distance of event.

►26-19-13-8-4-1 (short track) (same since 1964).
►53-43-34-26-19-13-8-4-1 (1-19 mile TT or DT) (same since 1964).
►62-52-42-35-28-22-17-13-10-7-4-1 (20-49 mile TT or DT) (same since 1964).
►71-61-52-44-37-31-26-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 (50-99 mile TT, DT, or RR) (same since 1964).
►86-76-67-59-52-46-41-37-34-31-28-25-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 (100-176 mile RR) (same since 1964).
►101-91-82-74-67-61-56-52-49-46-43-40-37-34-31-28-25-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 (200 mile RR) (same since 1964).

►Dick Mann lead the points from Round 3 to Round 15 (of 18).
He DNF'd rounds 16 and 17.
He finished the season second in points behind Bart Markel, 620-597.

►A motion made that the Competition Committee members recommend to the AMA trustees that the licensed rider group be given some type of representation in all business of the AMA Competition Committee.
William Harley MM / Al Arnold SM
Motion carries 22-3.

►The Probationary Novice division is eliminated after the 1964 season.

►The competition motorcycle to be approved, must be a standard, catalogued, production model and at least 100 models with identical engines and transmissions must be available for sale within the boundaries of the USA.
(1965 AMA Rules for Competition, Article II, Section 4c., page 11)
(No quantity of complete motorcycles were required for approval since 1962).

At the 1965 Competition Committee, William Harley MM, Rod Coates SM.
Motion carried 24-3.
(February 1965 Cycle Magazine)

►The 1965 Competition Committee considers a motion that all motorcycles used in dirt track races must be equipped with an operating rear wheel brake.
Trevor Deeley MM; Horace Fritz SM
Motion defeated 23-4.
(February 1965 Cycle Magazine)

►The 1965 Competition Committee considered a motion that, beginning in 1965, all 250cc motorcycles ridden by Novice riders, except in Short Track events, must be equipped with an approved operating rear wheel brake. Beginning in 1966, the Amateur and Expert machines shall be so equipped.
Earl Flanders MM; Jim Tagaris SM
Motion defeated 14-13.
(February 1965 Cycle Magazine)

►Expert Tom Warden (#16F, Dayton, Ohio) claims George Roeder's KR at an Ohio race. George surrenders KR to Tom. Ralph Berndt, who owns the bike, sues Tom to have the bike returned, on the grounds that George had no authority to surrender a motorcycle he did not own. Ralph wins the lawsuit, and also received damages since Tom had already disassembled the engine.
[Note: this incident may have occurred in 1965, 1966, or 1967, as those were the 3 years that Tom Warden was an Expert].

►The Competition Committee subcommittee (Esler, LeBard, O'Brien, Kuchler) that was tasked at the 1964 Competition Committee meeting to consider reduced displacement for 1965 recommends to continue with the current displacements. They also recommended considering increased maximum displacement in dirt track and road race heavyweight class equipment in the future.

►The Competition Committee considers a motion that effective in 1967, the engine size for Amateur and Expert competition shall be maximum 750cc (45ci) in all competition except Short track.
Engines shall be limited to SOHC, two cylinders max, two-valve max, four-speed transmissions.
Rod Coates MM; Earl Flanders SM.
Motion carries 23-3.
(February 1965 Cycle Magazine)

►Maximum capacity of gas tanks to be limited to six (6) gallons...
(1965 AMA Rules For Competition, Article XIV, Page 49).

This rule is created for safety - to limit the oversized fuel tanks that some riders were using.
See also Pit Stops (Road Race).

►"How do Expert riders receive National numbers? Several ways, sometimes winners of Nationals, sometimes the clean and co-operative Expert, the high point flat track Amateur, last year several high point Amateurs in different sections of the U.S.A. were assigned National numbers who have thus far been very active and we also try to place National numbers in all sections or States, so don't write and tell AMA, I intend to be active next year, please assign a National number" - Jules Horky, Competition Director
(September 1965 Competition Bulletin).

►...in all road races of more than 100 miles distance a pit stop must be made and gasoline added.
(1965 AMA Rules For Competition, Article XIV, Page 49).

This rule is created for safety - to limit the oversized fuel tanks that some riders were using.

►The 1965 Competition Committee votes to remove the rule about remaining in high gear.
Bruce Walters MM; Pete Zepka SM;
Motion carries 22-4.
(February 1965 Cycle Magazine)

►Yamaha scores its first Grand National win (Dick Mann at Nelson Ledges, OH road race event, on a TD1-B). This event is the last Grand National road race event in history to run with 250cc machinery.


►Matchless scores its last Grand National win (Dick Mann in Carpentersville, IL road race event, on a G50).

►Clemmie 'Stonewall' Jackson scores eight Novice class wins at Ascot Park, possibly the first AMA Pro flat track wins for a black individual in history.


►The September 19, 1965 Sacramento Mile is filmed for television. The race is shown on ABC's Wide World of Sports on January 15, 1966.

1966

►70 racers earn Grand National points, and 8 score wins, in fourteen events in 1966.
►Points are awarded based on type and distance of event.

►26-19-13-8-4-1 (short track) (same since 1964).
►53-43-34-26-19-13-8-4-1 (1-19 mile TT or DT) (same since 1964).
►62-52-42-35-28-22-17-13-10-7-4-1 (20-49 mile TT or DT) (same since 1964).
►71-61-52-44-37-31-26-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 (50-99 mile TT, DT, or RR) (same since 1964).
►86-76-67-59-52-46-41-37-34-31-28-25-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 (100-176 mile RR) (same since 1964).
►101-91-82-74-67-61-56-52-49-46-43-40-37-34-31-28-25-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 (200 mile RR) (same since 1964).

►The competition motorcycle to be approved, must be a standard, catalogued, production model and at least 100 models with identical engines and transmissions must be available for sale within the boundaries of the USA.
(1966 AMA Rules for Competition, Article II, Section 4c., page 11)

►It was moved, and seconded to continue with present...(approval requirements)...until 1969, at which time... at least 200 of the Standard production model must be available for sale in the USA.
Motion carries 22-2.
(March 1966 Cycle magazine, page 64)
(Note: see also Displacement Debate)

►It was moved and seconded that no action shall be taken to change the basic concept of equipment approval, as acted upon and approved at this meeting, prior to 1971.
Motion carries 22-2.
(March 1966 Cycle magazine, page 64)

►In dirt track and speedway races, brake shoes and operating cams MUST be removed.
(1966 AMA Rules For Competition, Article X, Page 33).

►All motorcycles used in TT and Road Race competition must be fitted with adequate and operating front and rear wheel brakes.
(1966 AMA Rules For Competition, Article IX, Sec 29, Page 30).
(New rule for 1966).

►The 1966 Competition Committee considers a motion to add brakes to all dirt track equipment.
The motion is defeated 15-8.
(March 1966 Cycle Magazine, Page 65)

►The 1966 Competition Committee reviews the information gained by the "Ascot Brake Research Program".
Since there were differing opinions concerning the results, it is decided that the results are inconclusive.
Motion is made to discontinue the program, effective with the 1966 season.
The motion carries 21-3.
(March 1966 Cycle Magazine, Page 65)

►Dick Mann first learns of a device that his friend had developed for slowing two-stroke bikes down on steep downhill sections of a desert race or enduro. He shows it to Neil Keen and John Lund (Keen's sponsor). The device eventually becomes known as a compression release.

►Dirt Track: The maximum piston displacement allowed is 45.70 cu in (750cc) side pocket valve design.
(Overhead valve motors up to 30.50 cu in (500cc) piston displacement may be used in this event).
Limited to expert and amateur riders.
►Novice riders limited to equipment with maximum displacement of 250cc.
(1966 AMA Rules For Competition, Article XI, Section 2, Page 47).

►Dirt Track, Short Track & TT Engines shall be limited to:
(1) Side valve, or
(2) Two stroke, or
(3) Overhead valve, or
(4) Maximum of two cylinders
(5) One intake and one exhaust valve per cylinder.
(1966 AMA Rules For Competition, Article X, Page 31).

►Formula C Short Track:
The piston displacement shall not exceed 250cc
(1966 AMA Rules For Competition, Article XII, Section 2(a), Page 41).

►Lightweight TT - Formula "C" 0-250cc:
For Expert, Amateur, and Novice riders on motors up to and including 250cc. Engine design shall be limited to:
(1) Side valve
(2) Two stroke
(3) Overhead valve
(4) Maximum of two cylinders
(1966 AMA Rules For Competition, Article XIII, Section 6, Page 43).

►Heavyweight TT - Formula "C" 251cc-900cc:
For Expert and Amateur riders using motors with 251cc up to 900cc piston displacement.
(1966 AMA Rules For Competition, Article XIII, Section 6, Page 45).

►Formula C Lightweight Road Race:
Limited to motorcycles with maximum displacement of 250cc for Expert, Amateur, and Novice riders.
(1966 AMA Rules For Competition, Article XV, Section 4, Page 53).

►Formula C Heavyweight Road Race:
For Expert and Amateur riders on motors limited to 45.70 cu in (750cc) piston displacement of side valve or flat head type, and overhead valve motors of 30.50 cu in (500cc) piston displacement.
(1966 AMA Rules For Competition, Article XV, Section 4, Page 53).

►Formula C Road Race Engine design shall be limited to:
(1) Side valve, or
(2) Two stroke, or
(3) Overhead valve
(4) Maximum of two cylinders
(5) One intake and one exhaust valve per cylinder.
(1966 AMA Rules For Competition, Article XIV, Page 47).

►It was moved, and seconded, to continue with present displacement classifications until 1969, at which time maximum allowable displacement for Amateur and Expert class riders in Dirt Track and Road Racing will be 350cc with no design restrictions except there shall be no supercharging, and limited to air-cooled engines, maximum five-speed transmissions, subject to 'intent' as covered in Article II Section 3 and the competition motorcycle must be the exact counterpart of a Standard production catalogued model and at least 200 of the Standard production model must be available for sale in the USA.
Motion carries 22-2.
(March 1966 Cycle magazine, page 64)

►It was moved and seconded that no action shall be taken to change the basic concept of equipment approval, as acted upon and approved at this meeting, prior to 1971.
Motion carries 22-2.
(March 1966 Cycle magazine, page 64)

►Editorial comment: reportedly, Triumph and BSA, which both lack a competitive 350cc engine, are unhappy with these decisions. Harley-Davidson reportedly begins plans to ship 350cc Sprint (ERS) engines from Italy to arrive in time for the 1969 season.

►Maximum capacity of gas tanks to be limited to six (6) gallons...
(1966 AMA Rules For Competition, Article XIV, Page 49).

►At all D.T., S.T., and TT races a double starting line, 2 feet apart, must be used and a rider must be penalized if his front tire touches the front line before the race is started.
(1966 AMA Rules For Competition, Article IX, Section 11, Page 29).

►Peoria, IL drops its "twin" TT Nationals, in favor of a single "heavyweight" (900cc) TT National.

►"In past years, only rider was suspended when equipment was found illegal, now owner will also be suspended for one (1) year and restricted from pit area during his suspension" - Jules Horky (December 1965 Competition Bulletin).

►Swede Savage places sixth in the Daytona short track final (non-National) on a two-stroke Montesa; possibly the first success of a short tracking two-stroke.

►The March 6, 1966 Ascot 100-lap TT is filmed for television. The race is shown on ABC's Wide World of Sports on April 12, 1966.

►Keith Kruser of Burbank, California, wins the Novice final at Ascot Part on May 13, 1966 and again on May 27, 1966. This is the largest plate number to ever win any AMA Pro flat track event.

1967

►84 racers earn Grand National points, and 9 score wins, in seventeen events in 1967.
►Points are awarded based on type and distance of event.

►26-19-13-8-4-1 (short track) (same since 1964).
►53-43-34-26-19-13-8-4-1 (1-19 mile TT or DT) (same since 1964).
►62-52-42-35-28-22-17-13-10-7-4-1 (20-49 mile TT or DT) (same since 1964).
►71-61-52-44-37-31-26-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 (50-99 mile TT, DT, or RR) (same since 1964).
►86-76-67-59-52-46-41-37-34-31-28-25-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 (100-176 mile RR) (same since 1964).
►101-91-82-74-67-61-56-52-49-46-43-40-37-34-31-28-25-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 (200 mile RR) (same since 1964).

►Chris Draayer crashes at the August 25, 1967 Sedalia non-National mile. He was close behind definding champion Bart Markel when Markel's engine let go. Draayer avoided Markel, but hit an unprotected fence in the process. Draayer lost his right arm in the crash, and never raced again. Draayer was fifth in Grand National points at the time, and had just missed winning the Santa Fe ST National the week before. Markel was so distraught by the incident that he didn't race again for the rest of the year.

Approval Process:

►The competition motorcycle to be approved, must be a standard, catalogued, production model and at least 100 models with identical engines and transmissions must be available for sale within the boundaries of the USA.
(1967 AMA Rules for Competition, Article II, Section 4c., page 11)

►The AMA approves the first-ever aftermarket racing frame for Class C competition - the Sonicweld rigid frame.

►In dirt track and speedway races, brake shoes and operating cams MUST be removed.
(1967 AMA Rules For Competition, Article X, Page 33).

►All motorcycles used in TT and Road Race competition must be fitted with adequate and operating front and rear wheel brakes.
(1967 AMA Rules For Competition, Article IX, Sec 29, Page 30).

►Webco offers a compression release kit for sale. The complete assembly including lever, cable, and compression release body, sells for $12.95. The Webco part number is 1631.
(Cycle Sport Magazine, June 1967 issue).

►Dick Mann and Neil Keen begin using compression releases on their 250cc two-stroke short track bikes. Their Bultaco short trackers for the Daytona short track race are equipped with the compression releases. Dick Mann wins the race.

►Dirt Track: The maximum piston displacement allowed is 45.70 cu in (750cc) side pocket valve design.
(Overhead valve motors up to 30.50 cu in (500cc) piston displacement may be used in this event).
Limited to expert and amateur riders.
►Novice riders limited to equipment with maximum displacement of 250cc.
(1967 AMA Rules For Competition, Article XI, Section 2, Page 47).

►Dirt Track, Short Track & TT Engines shall be limited to:
(1) Side valve, or
(2) Two stroke, or
(3) Overhead valve, or
(4) Maximum of two cylinders
(5) One intake and one exhaust valve per cylinder.
(1967 AMA Rules For Competition, Article X, Page 31).

►Formula C Short Track:
The piston displacement shall not exceed 250cc
(1967 AMA Rules For Competition, Article XII, Section 2(a), Page 41).

►Lightweight TT - Formula "C" 0-250cc:
For Expert, Amateur, and Novice riders on motors up to and including 250cc. Engine design shall be limited to:
(1) Side valve
(2) Two stroke
(3) Overhead valve
(4) Maximum of two cylinders
(1967 AMA Rules For Competition, Article XIII, Section 6, Page 43).

►Heavyweight TT - Formula "C" 251cc-900cc:
For Expert and Amateur riders using motors with 251cc up to 900cc piston displacement.
(1967 AMA Rules For Competition, Article XIII, Section 6, Page 45).

►Formula C Lightweight Road Race:
Limited to motorcycles with maximum displacement of 250cc for Expert, Amateur, and Novice riders.
(1967 AMA Rules For Competition, Article XV, Section 4, Page 53).

►Formula C Heavyweight Road Race:
For Expert and Amateur riders on motors limited to 45.70 cu in (750cc) piston displacement of side valve or flat head type, and overhead valve motors of 30.50 cu in (500cc) piston displacement.
(1967 AMA Rules For Competition, Article XV, Section 4, Page 53).

►Formula C Road Race Engine design shall be limited to:
(1) Side valve, or
(2) Two stroke, or
(3) Overhead valve
(4) Maximum of two cylinders
(5) One intake and one exhaust valve per cylinder.
(1967 AMA Rules For Competition, Article XIV, Page 47).

►Maximum capacity of gas tanks to be limited to six (6) gallons...
(1967 AMA Rules For Competition, Article XIV, Page 49).

►Mario Edison Dye promotes the first motorcross event on American soil at Pepperell, Massachusetts, on October 29, 1967. (Mann of His Time).

►At all D.T., S.T., and TT races a double starting line, 2 feet apart, must be used and a rider must be penalized if his front tire touches the front line before the race is started.
(1967 AMA Rules For Competition, Article IX, Section 11, Page 29).

►There were 2,361 Competition licenses issued in 1967.
(American Motorcyclist, March 1968, page 22).

1968

►70 racers earn Grand National points, and 9 score wins, in twenty-three events in 1968.
►Points are awarded based on type and distance of event.

►26-19-13-8-4-1 (short track) (same since 1964).
►53-43-34-26-19-13-8-4-1 (1-19 mile TT or DT) (same since 1964).
►62-52-42-35-28-22-17-13-10-7-4-1 (20-49 mile TT or DT) (same since 1964).
►71-61-52-44-37-31-26-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 (50-99 mile TT, DT, or RR) (same since 1964).
►86-76-67-59-52-46-41-37-34-31-28-25-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 (100-176 mile RR) (same since 1964).
►101-91-82-74-67-61-56-52-49-46-43-40-37-34-31-28-25-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 (200 mile RR) (same since 1964).

►The Friday, August 16, 1968 Santa Fe Short Track National rains out and runs the following Wednesday, August 21.

►The AMA Competition Congress replaces the AMA Competition Committee.
►The new Congress includes rider reps and OEM reps.
Neil Keen, Bart Markel, Roger Reiman, Mert Lawwill, and Dick Mann represent the riders.

►The competition motorcycle to be approved, must be a standard, catalogued, production model and at least 100 models with identical engines and transmissions must be available for sale within the boundaries of the USA.

►On October 10, 1968, Triumph submits approval documents for the Triumph Trident - three-cylinder four-stroke overhead valve 750cc - for Class C competition. The document states that 100 units are currently available for sale in the U.S., and that 200 units will be available for sale by December 1, 1968.
On November 22, 1968, Triumph amends the approval, stating that 200 units are now available for sale in the U.S.
The bike is approved for competition on March 10, 1969.

►The AMA issues a letter that qualifies a compression release as a "braking device" and is therefore illegal for the remainder of the 1968 season. Referee George Elliot reads the letter to the riders at the weekly Santa Fe short track event on June 5, 1968, but decides not to enforce the rule until the following week. (Midwest Motorcyclist Action, June 24, 1968 issue).

►The AMA issues a competition bulletin on August 9, 1968 to all referees. It states: "A board appointed by AMA President, William Bagnall, under the provisions of Section C1, Chapter 1X of the AMA Rules, has met and upheld the decision of an AMA Referee, prohibiting the use of a compression release. This matter is being called to your attention so there will be no doubt in your mind as to what your position as an AMA Referee should be if a contestant tries to enter a race with a machine equipped with a compression release."
(AMA Competition Bulletin, August 9, 1968).

► Prior to a RAM event at Queen City Speedway in Charlotte, NC on August 17, 1968, the RAM Competition Committee met to discuss the compresion release issue. "After hearing arguments from both two-stroke and four-stroke advocates, they decided to allow the compression releases on the following grounds:
1) Safety is improved by the use of a compression release. (With more comparabe engine braking there is less chance of the 2-strokes running over the 4-strokes as they decelerate through the turns).
2) The compression release provides the 2-stroke enging NO more engine braking power than that available to the 4-stroke engine."
(Cycle Sport Magazine, October 1968 issue).

►The Competition Committee agrees to delay the implementation of the 350cc rule (see 1966) from 1969 until 1971.
(American Motorcycling, January 1968, Page 26).

►A Mechanic's License will be required to enter the pit area.

►Triumph scores its last short track National win (Gary Nixon at Houston, TX).


►Neil Keen (Sonicweld Yamaha DT1) and Dick Mann (DMR Ossa) compete at the Daytona short track races with compression releases.

►The August 25, 1968 Sedalia Mile National does not run time trials, due to time constraints resulting from lengthy track prep trying to get the track ready for motorcycles after an afternoon Sprint Car race.

1969

►81 racers earn Grand National points, and 13 score wins, in twenty-five events in 1969.
►Points are awarded based on type and distance of event.

►26-19-13-8-4-1 (short track) (same since 1964).
►53-43-34-26-19-13-8-4-1 (1-19 mile TT or DT) (same since 1964).
►62-52-42-35-28-22-17-13-10-7-4-1 (20-49 mile TT or DT) (same since 1964).
►71-61-52-44-37-31-26-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 (50-99 mile TT, DT, or RR) (same since 1964).
►86-76-67-59-52-46-41-37-34-31-28-25-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 (100-176 mile RR) (same since 1964).
►101-91-82-74-67-61-56-52-49-46-43-40-37-34-31-28-25-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 (200 mile RR) (same since 1964).

►In order to be approved (for Class C competition) a motorcycle must be a standard catalogued production model and at least 200 of this same model with identical engines and transmissions must be available for inspection and/or purchase within the United States.
(1969 AMA Professional Competition Rule Book, Chapter V, Section A.3, Page 14).
(The increase in quantity from 100 to 200 was approved during the 1966 Competition Committee meetings. See March 1966 Cycle magazine).

►The AMA approves the BSA A75 (aka 'Rocket III;) - three-cylinder four-stroke overhead valve 750cc - for Class C competition.


►On March 10, 1969, the AMA approves the Triumph T150 (aka 'Trident') - three-cylinder four-stroke overhead valve 750cc - for Class C competition.


►The Harley-Davidson "750 Sportster" is tentatively approved for competition, pending the receipt of documents and inspection of all 200 units. However, this does not occur until February 27, 1970.


►The AMA approves the first-ever aftermarket racing frame with twin-shock rear suspension for Class C competition, built by Trackmaster.

►In Dirt Track, Short Track, and Speedway races, a braking device affecting the rear wheel (but not the front wheel) may be used.
(1969 AMA Professional Competition Rule Book, Chapter V, Section B.5, Page 16).

►All motorcycles used in TT and Road Race competition must be fitted with adequate and operating front and rear wheel brakes.
(1969 AMA Professional Competition Rule Book, Chapter V, Section B.5, Page 16).

►All sanctioned events except Hillclimb events shall be considered claiming events, and the claiming price shall be $2,500, which price does not include any fairings.
(1969 AMA Professional Competition Rule Book, Chapter VII, Section F, Page 30).
)Claiming price has been $1,500 & $2,000 since 1965).

►Compression releases may be used on two-cycle engines.
(1969 AMA Professional Competition Rule Book, Chapter V, Section B.1, Page 15).

►Dirt Track: For Expert and Amateur riders the minimum piston displacement shall not be less than 251cc and the maximum piston displacement shall be 750cc.
►Novice riders are limited to equipment with maximum displacement of 250cc.
(1969 AMA Professional Competition Rule Book, Chapter III, Section A.1.b, Page 5).

750cc displacement for all Amateur & Expert dirt track engines for 1969:
►RESOLVED: maximum piston displacement for overhead valve engines used in professional dirt track & speedway racing for Expert and Amateur racers be increased from 500cc to 650cc. (Motion by Rod Coates).
►Motion to amend proposal from 650cc to 750cc.
Walter Davidson MM. Dudley Perkins SM.
Amendment carries 27-15.
►Motion by Gil Dosemagen to close the debate. Seconded by Hoel.
Motion to close the debate lost.
►Motion that proposal be amended to provide an effective date of January 1, 1970.
Walter Davidson MM, Bart Markel SM.
Motion (for 1970 effective date) defeated 19-24.
►Motion to vote on proposal as amended.
Gil Dosemagen MM, Don Brown SM.
Motion as amended (750cc displacement effective January 1, 1969) carries 23-20.
(January 1969, American Motorcycling, Page 20)

Editorial comments on the 750cc rule change:

►Comment 1: It appears that since there were so few road races at the time that the Competition Congress focused solely on dirt track rules, and left the road race engines with the antiquated 500cc limit for overhead valve and two-stroke engines.

►Comment 2: The change of heart concerning the 350cc plan seems to stem from the Yamaha YR2 350cc two-stroke twin, which was approved in 1968. The "little" 350cc two-stroke twins were proving to be very competent at road races - finishing 2nd and 3rd at the 1968 Daytona 200 - and had already scored some decent Mile dirt track finishes in 1968. The concern was that if 350cc two-stroke twins are proving to be competitive against 500cc/750cc four-stroke engines, then 350cc four-strokes wouldn't have a chance against 350cc two-strokes.

►Comment 3: Triumph recommended raising the 350cc limit to 650cc, since Triumph and BSA already had competent 650cc TT engines, and they knew that Harley-Davidson did not produce a 650cc motorcycle. Reportedly, Walter Davidson consulted quickly with Bart Markel, who confirmed that there was no feasible way to convert the 883cc XLR overhead valve engine down to a 650cc displacement. Hence, Davidson counter-proposed to amend the 650cc proposal to 750cc, but also to delay the implementation for one full year - until 1970 - to give Harley-Davidson time to develop a new 750cc overhead valve engine. The Congress accepted the 750cc proposal, but not the one year delay.

►Comment 4: Starting in 1969, new motorcycles needed to have 200 complete motorcycles built and inspected to obtain AMA approval.
BSA and Triumph get their 750cc OHV triples (the Rocket III and Trident, respectively), approved on March 10, 1969.
Harley-Davidson's Iron XR 750cc OHV twin is approved on February 27, 1970.
Triumph is next with their bored-out 120\RT 750cc OHV twin on June 26, 1970.
BSA's A70L stroked-out 750cc OHV twin is approved on September 13, 1971.
Yamaha's GXS-1 bored-out 750cc OHV twin is approved on November 2, 1971.

►Bultaco scores its first dirt track National (Ronnie Rall at Houston, TX short track event).


►Ossa scores its first dirt track National win (Dick Mann at Hinsdale, IL short track event).


►Mert Lawwill wins the final AMA National for the KR engine at the season finale at Ascot Park.


►The Mikuni VM round-slide carburetor first appears on the Yamaha TD2 250cc two-stroke twin

►Harley-Davidson begins design efforts on a 750cc OHV engine to replace the KR. Originally billed as a '750cc Sportster', it eventually becomes the 'Iron XR'. Matt Kroll is the Lead Engineer, working under the direction of Dick O'Brien, with Pete Zylstra working as draftsman on the project.

2

Dick Mann
BSA factory team

84

Eddie Wirth
BSA factory team

80Y

Jim Rice
BSA factory team

3

Fred Nix
Harley-Davidson factory team
(died in July)

4

Bart Markel
Harley-Davidson factory team

18

Mert Lawwill
Harley-Davidson factory team

22

Dan Haaby
Harley-Davidson factory team

25

Cal Rayborn
Harley-Davidson factory team

55

Roger Reiman
Harley-Davidson factory team

87

Mark Brelsford
Harley-Davidson factory team

66R

Walt Fulton III
Harley-Davidson factory team

61Z

Ron Grant
Suzuki factory team
(RR only)

70X

Art Baumann
Suzuki factory team
(RR only)

1

Gary Nixon
Triumph factory team

5

Larry Palmgren
Triumph factory team

20

Gene Romero
Triumph factory team

32

Dusty Coppage
Triumph factory team

38

Chuck Palmgren
Triumph factory team

1970

►97 racers earn Grand National points, and 12 score wins, in twenty-five events in 1970.
►Points are awarded based on event purse.

►26-19-13-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 ($1-$6,999 purse) (new).
►30-16-14-12-10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 ($7,000-$7,999 purse) (new).
►53-43-34-26-19-12-8-5-4-3-2-1 ($8,000-$8,999 purse) (new).
►62-52-42-35-28-22-17-13-10-7-4-1 ($9,000-$9,999 purse) (new).
►71-61-52-44-37-31-26-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 ($10,000-$11,999 purse) (new).
►86-76-67-59-52-46-41-37-34-31-28-25-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 ($12,000-$14,999 purse) (new).
►101-91-82-74-67-61-56-52-49-46-43-40-37-34-31-28-25-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 ($15,000+ purse) (new).

License Changes:

►No USA rider may be issued a license other than a Novice license on a first-time basis, or advanced in classes without unanimous endorsement of two Competition Congress members and the District Referee. All must be familiar with the rider and why a rider should be allowed to pass up the Novice or Amateur class.

►Riders from foreign countries will be granted on Expert licenses. Rider applying for license shall have the equivalent rating in his own association.

►Mert Lawwill and Mark Brelsford miss the first 750cc dirt track national of the season (April 19, 1970, Palmetto, Georgia HM) as their bikes were not shipped from the Friday night Ascot HM in time.

►Jimmy Manness takes his new Iron XR to fast qualifying time at the first 750cc dirt track National of the season, the April 19, 1970 Palmetto GA HM.
He is the top Harley in the final, finishing fifth.


►Mark Brelsford is fast qualifier at the July 26 Santa Rosa Mile.
He rides a KR, not the new XR.

►August 30, 1970: Dick Mann breaks his leg at the Sedalia Mile when someone runs over his foot as they race at the front of the field.
He finishes 18th in the final.
Dick entered the race second place in Grand National points, but was third after the race.
Dick skipped the September 7 Indy Mile, but loaned his bike to Dave Aldana, who won.

►September 13, 1970: Jim Rice crashes after the heat race at the Sacramento Mile when his BSA Rocket III hits a false neutral going into turn one.
He breaks his nose in the crash, but finishes 15th in the final.
Jim entered the race with the Grand National point lead, but the title was awarded to race winner Gene Romero.

►On February 27, 1970, the AMA approves the Harley-Davidson XR, a 750cc V-twin overhead valve engine, for Class C competition. It had been tentatively approved in 1969 a the "750 Sportster", but it lacked having 200 units available for inspection at the time. It is later dubbed the "iron XR", due to its steel cylinders and heads.


►On February 27, 1970, the AMA approves the Yamaha XS650, a 650cc parallel twin overhead valve engine for Class C competition.


►On June 26, 1970, the AMA approves the Triumph T120/RT, a bored-out 750cc version of their 650cc parallel twin engine, for Class C competition. The engine helps propel Romero to the Grand National title.
Don Castro and Gary Nixon debut the bike at the Columbus, Ohio National on June 28. Neither make the final.
In the article "The Glory Trail" published in Motorcycle Sport Quarterly, Gene Romero recalls having "our new 750s" at the July 18 50-Lap Ascot TT.

►BSA s David Aldana claims BSA teammate Jim Rice s BSA twin at the August 30, 1970 Sedalia Mile, but does not take possession of the motorcycle.
Backstory: At Sacramento 1969, BSA really wanted Aldana to beat Don Castro (Triumph) in the Amateur final. BSA tells Aldana to ride Rice s TT bike. Aldana wins, and realizes that Rice s TT bike is much faster than his best bike. In 1970, as an Expert, Aldana s bikes are still slow. At Sedalia, Aldana was complaining to Gene Romero and Chuck Palmgren that the only way he'd get a faster bike from BSA is to claim one from Rice. Aldana doesn t have enough money, but the three of them pool their resources. Aldana claims Rice s bike. Rice complains to Pete Colman (Head of BSA racing), who refuses to get involved. The AMA referee says that teammates cannot claim each other s bikes, but Aldana points out that this is not what the rule book says. Aldana wins the claim, but then decides against taking possession of the motorcycle.

►Dirt Track: For Expert and Amateur riders the minimum piston displacement shall not be less than 251cc and the maximum piston displacement shall be 750cc.
►Novice riders are limited to equipment with maximum displacement of 250cc.
(1970 AMA Professional Competition Rule Book, Chapter III, Section A.1.b, Page 5).

►Short Track:
Maximum piston displacement shall not exceed 250cc
(1970 AMA Professional Competition Rule Book, Chapter III, Section A.2.b, Page 5).

►TT:
For Expert and Amateur riders the maximum piston displacement is 900cc.
►Novice riders are limited to equipment with maximum displacement of 250cc.
(1970 AMA Professional Competition Rule Book, Chapter III, Section A.3.b, Page 5).

►Heavyweight Road Race:
For Expert and Amateur riders with minimum piston displacement of 251cc and maximum piston displacement of 750cc.
(1970 AMA Professional Competition Rule Book, Chapter III, Section A.4.b. Page 6).

►Lightweight Road Race:
For Expert and Amateur combined class and Novice class with maximum piston displacement of 250cc for 2 stroke twin cylinder engines and 360cc for all other types of engines.
(1970 AMA Professional Competition Rule Book, Chapter III, Section A.4.b. Page 6).

►"We, the undersided, qualified members of the Competition Congress, vote "No" on the question of 750cc for road racing. The AMA has, and should continue to be, primarily interested in safety in racing. The aspect of materially increased speeds on such courses as Daytona, Florida and Talladega, Alabama presents a very real threat to safety in racing. In out opinion, to adopt this rule without thorough and exhausted study is not wise.
We propose that a task force be formed under the direction of the Competition Congress to study this proposal and to form guide lines as to courses, speeds, equipment and aerodynamics involved. Recommendations are to be made to the Congress so that a knowledgable fact-founded decision can be made."
Motion by John Harley that the above position paper be included in the minutes. Seconded by Dick O'Brien.
Motion carries.
(American Motorcycling, January 1970, Page 15).

►Maximum gasoline capacity is 6.2 gallons.
Seat tanks are prohibited.
(1970 AMA Professional Competition Rule Book, Chapter V, Section B.10. Page 18).

►National Numbers will no longer be awarded to first-year Experts.
►In order to maintain a National Number, a rider must finish in the top 100 in National standings.
(American Motorcycling, January 1970, Page 20).

►Fuel stops at road race events are no longer mandatory.
(American Motorcycling, January 1970, Page ).
(Had been mandatory since 1965).

►BSA scores its last half mile National win (Dave Aldana at Terre Haute, IN).


►Honda scores its first Grand National win (Dick Mann at Daytona, FL road race event).


►Triumph scores its last road race National win (Gary Nixon at Loudon, NH)


►Yamaha scores its first dirt track National win (Chuck Palmgren at Nazareth, PA mile event).


►March 10, 1970: The first race for the new Harley-Davidson XR is a non-National HM event in Jacksonville, Florida.
Dave Sehl wins the Expert final. Don Woods reports From the results it looks like the new Harley may be a winner on dirt but with the advent of the new Yamaha 650 and the new 750 Triumph and BSA twins, you never can tell." (Cycle News East, 4/21/1970).


►June 28, 1970: Gary Nixon and Don Castro debut the new T120/RT 750cc twin at the Columbus, Ohio HM National.
"With 203 copies of the new 750cc Triumph twin (basically a bored-out Bonneville) on U.S.A. highways, two of the machines were given a try at professional racing last weekend. Gary Nixon and Don Castro attempted to qualify for Sunday's Charity Newsies National in Ohio, but lacked enough preparation and had trouble with traction. This was the first attempt to race the bike, according to Pete Colman, director of the BSA-Triumph racing program. 'It's had good highway use and we've found it to have good torque and cruising ability, but whether or not it can stand up in racing still remains to be seen', Colman added." (Cycle News East, August 25, 1970).


►July 5, 1970: No Harley-Davidsons make the final at the San Jose Half Mile National.


►August 23, 1970: No Harley-Davidsons survive to the end of the Peoria TT National. Mark Brelsford is the only H-D pilot to make the final, and was running third when his bike expired. He finished 9th.


►September 6, 1970: Nazareth 50-lap National on the 1-1/8-mile course sees only 8 of the 20 bikes finish, with only 3 running under full power at the end. Winner Chuck Palmgren had serious doubts that his Yamaha XS650 would complete the final lap. (Cycle News East, October 6, 1970)

►September 12, 1970: The Race of Champions at Louisville Downs is televised live on ABC TV.

First AMA-sanctioned Motocross:
►Three-time Daytona 200 winner Dick Klamfoth promotes the first-ever AMA-sanctioned motorcross race in Croton, Ohio, in the Spring of 1970.
(Non-AMA-sanctioned MX races had been running on US soil since 1967).
Grand National competitor Dick Mann wins the 250cc class, Gunnar Lindstrom wins the 500cc class.

(Mann of His Time).

Motocross (MX) Points:
►AMA begins tracking Motocross non-national points for Novice, Junior, and Expert Motocross.
Jeff Smith is the top Expert MX racer. Ronnie Rall is 4th. David Aldana is 6th. Dick Mann is 10th.
James Wetzel is the top Junior MX racer.
Dick Burleson is the top Novice MX racer.

2

Dick Mann
BSA factory team

24

Jim Rice
BSA factory team

14N

Ken Pressgrove
BSA factory team

38X

Dave Aldana
BSA factory team

1

Mert Lawwill
Harley-Davidson factory team

4

Bart Markel
Harley-Davidson factory team

25

Cal Rayborn
Harley-Davidson factory team

87

Mark Brelsford
Harley-Davidson factory team

21T

Dave Sehl
Harley-Davidson factory team

34E

Rex Beauchamp
Harley-Davidson factory team

2

Dick Mann
Honda factory team
(Daytona 200 only)

30

Art Baumann
Suzuki factory team
(RR only)

58

Jody Nicholas
Suzuki factory team
(RR only)

61

Ron Grant
Suzuki factory team
(RR only)

3

Gene Romero
Triumph factory team

9

Gary Nixon
Triumph factory team

11Y

Don Castro
Triumph factory team

6

Chuck Palmgren
Yamaha factory team

22

Dan Haaby
Yamaha factory team
(RR only)

32

Dusty Coppage
Yamaha factory team

30X

Keith Mashburn
Yamaha factory team

97

Ron Pierce
Yamaha factory team
(RR only)

5T

Yvon DuHamel
Yamaha factory team
(RR only)

1971

►96 racers earn Grand National points, and 13 score wins, in twenty-one events in 1971.
►Points are awarded based on event purse.

►26-19-13-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 ($1-$6,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►30-16-14-12-10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 ($7,000-$7,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►53-43-34-26-19-12-8-5-4-3-2-1 ($8,000-$8,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►62-52-42-35-28-22-17-13-10-7-4-1 ($9,000-$9,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►71-61-52-44-37-31-26-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 ($10,000-$11,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►86-76-67-59-52-46-41-37-34-31-28-25-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 ($12,000-$14,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►101-91-82-74-67-61-56-52-49-46-43-40-37-34-31-28-25-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 ($15,000+ purse) (same since 1970).

►October 9, 1971: The 50-lap Mile National at Nazareth is red-flagged on lap 31 as point leader Dick Mann crashes as rain begins to fall.
The race is shortened to 30 laps, awarding Mann with second place. Romero did not file an official protest which might have taken Mann's points away and given Romero the 1971 title.

►October 17, 1971: The second segment of the 200-mile Ontario Road Race becomes a crash-fest due to an oil spill. Mann is among seven riders who crash in oil. He remounts to finish 19th, to secure the 1971 title.
His title rival, Gene Romero, snaps a throttle cable on Lap 27.

►J.C. Agajanian turns over promoting duties at Ascot Park to Gavin Trippe and Cox, and begins promoting motorcycle and car events at the new Corona Speedway.

►Jim Cotherman, a Triumph dealer from Freeport, Illinois, convinces Pete Ploskee, an Expert from Wisconsin, to claim Gene Romero s lowboy Triumph at the August 22, 1971 Mt. Pocono RR National. The AMA denies Ploskee s claim on the grounds that the check presented was a cashier s check, not a certified check, as required by the rules.
(Triumph & BSA Triples, by Mick Duckworth, Page 145)


►Bill Bailey claims John Cooper's rare BSA Rocket III three-cylinder race engine at the Ontario, CA Grand National Road Race event on October 17, 1971. Doug Hele, Head of Development at Triumph and Head of Trumph Racing, convinced Bailey that the engine was worn out and that he would be better off with a fresh engine from the factory in England. Bailey eventually receives Tony Jefferies 1971 Triumph road racer.
(Triumph & BSA Triples, by Mick Duckworth, Pages 143-144)

►Amateur division renamed to "Junior" division. Junior division continues to use yellow number plates with black numbers and district letter.

►Novice division riders begin using white number plates with red numbers and district letters.
(Novices had used green plates with white numbers since 1953).

►Start of Race: changes from white to green.
►One Lap to Go: changes from yellow to white.
►Danger On Track: changes from red to yellow.
►Stop Race: red (new flag).

►On March 2, 1971, Thomas McCann (Asssitant Advertising Manager for BSA) sends Russell March of the AMA a BSA catalog and a Triumph catalog, both of which show the new five speed transmissions are a "standard model generally available to the public."

►On April 6, 1971, the AMA approves the BSA A75V (aka 'Rocket III'), a five-speed version of the four-stroke OHV triple approved in 1969, for Class C competition.


►On April 6, 1971, the AMA approves the Triumph T150V (aka 'Trident'), a five-speed version of the four-stroke OHV triple approved in 1969, for Class C competition.

(Referee Bulletin 185, April 6, 1971).

►On September 13, 1971, the AMA approves the BSA A70L, a stroked-out 750cc version of the OHV twin-cylinder A65, for Class C competition.
The engine was originally identified as an A65R.


►On November 2, 1971, the AMA approves the Yamaha GXS-1, a bored-out 750cc version of the OHV XS650.

All National Numbers are assigned based on the final 1970 Grand National Championship point standings.

►After a protest, Grand National points are awarded to eight riders in the semi-final at the Corona HM on July 31. A botched start was allowed to proceed, leaving Sonny Burres, Dick Mann, Nick Theroux, Jody Nicholas, Frank Gillespie, Cal Rayborn, Dave Sehl, and Eddie Wirth on the start line. Last place in the 12-rider final paid 34 points, so the riders were awarded 31-28-25-22-19-16-13-10 points each.

►BSA scores its last AMA road race win (John Cooper at Ontario, CA).


►Tom Clark is Director of Professional Racing for the AMA in 1971.

►The Bruce Brown Film "On Any Sunday" premiers in New York City on July 28, 1971.

►The Yamaha Gold Cup runs at Arlington Race Course in Arlington, IL on Friday, September 10, 1971.

►The Race of Champions on October 31, 1971 at San Jose is televised live on ABC TV.

►Jim Weinert wins the Junior final at the Yamaha Gold Cup on tha half mile at Roosevelt, NY on June 29, 1971.
Weinert rides a Triumph 750 to the win.
Weinert would go on to greater fame in AMA Motocross as Jammin' Jimmy Weinert.

►John Miller, head of the Badger Racing association, dies after being struck by a motorcycle during a Badger Racing event on the half mile at Fairmount, Minnesota on August 12, 1971. A rider crashed coming off turn four, but the bike remained upright and continued down the front straight. The bike banked off the grandstand wall and began heading to the infield when it struck Miller, who was flagging the event. John's 19-year-old son, Marty, takes over Badger Racing.

2

Jim Rice
BSA factory team

3

Dave Aldana
BSA factory team

4

Dick Mann
BSA factory team

25

Don Emde
BSA factory team

21T

John Cooper
BSA factory team
(RR only)

6

Mert Lawwill
Harley-Davidson factory team

7

Mark Brelsford
Harley-Davidson factory team

14

Cal Rayborn
Harley-Davidson factory team

16

Dave Sehl
Harley-Davidson factory team

32

Bart Markel
Harley-Davidson factory team

34E

Rex Beauchamp
Harley-Davidson factory team

23

Jody Nicholas
Norton-Villiers factory team
(select DT only)

90

Mel Lacher
Norton-Villiers factory team
(select DT only)

23

Jody Nicholas
Suzuki factory team
(RR only)

30

Art Baumann
Suzuki factory team
(RR only)

37

Ron Pierce
Suzuki factory team
(RR only)

42

Ron Grant
Suzuki factory team
(RR only)

1

Gene Romero
Triumph factory team

5

Don Castro
Triumph factory team

9

Tom Rockwood
Triumph factory team

10

Gary Nixon
Triumph factory team

1972

►99 racers earn Grand National points, adn 16 score wins, in twenty-four events in 1972.
►Points are awarded based on event purse.

►26-19-13-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 ($1-$6,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►30-16-14-12-10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 ($7,000-$7,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►53-43-34-26-19-12-8-5-4-3-2-1 ($8,000-$8,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►62-52-42-35-28-22-17-13-10-7-4-1 ($9,000-$9,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►71-61-52-44-37-31-26-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 ($10,000-$11,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►86-76-67-59-52-46-41-37-34-31-28-25-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 ($12,000-$14,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►101-91-82-74-67-61-56-52-49-46-43-40-37-34-31-28-25-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 ($15,000+ purse) (same since 1970).

►The Junior division no longer competes at every Grand National Championship event; however, select Grand National Championship events run a "Junior Invitational" instead. (AM News, January 1972)
(Motorcycle Weekly, 12/20/1971)

►A championship title for the Lightweight road race class was not approved. (Motorcycle Weekly, 12/20/1971).

►Titanium frames were outlawed from all AMA competition. (Motorcycle Weekly, 12/20/1971)

►Nicholas DQ'd from Road Atlanta Road Race. Jody Nicholas wins the Road Atlana 125-mile Road Race National on a water-cooled 750cc triple, but is DQ'd for illegal heads. All the factory Suzuki's in the race were DQ'd, and barred from competing in future events for the foreseeable future.

►Louisville Delayed:
The Louisville HM Grand National rains out on Saturday night after 3 Expert heats are run.
All heats are re-run on Sunday. Mark Brelsford wins the Expert National; Scott Brelsford wins the Junior National.

►J.C. Agajanian returns as promoter of motorcycle and car racing events at Ascot Speedway.

►All applicants for a competition license under 21 years of age must provide a release, executed by their parents or legal guardian and notarized by a Notary Public.
A certified copy of birth certificate must also be provided by the applicant.
Minimum age for competition license applicant is 16 years of age. (Had been 18 years since 1955).
(1972 AMA Professional Competition Rule Book, Chapter II, Section B.4, Page 2).

►In order to be approved (for Class C competition) a motorcycle must be a standard catalogued production model and at least 200 of this same model with identical engines and transmissions must be available for inspection and/or purchase within the United States.
(1972 AMA Professional Competition Rule Book, Chapter XIII, Section A.3, Page 40).

►On April 21, 1972, the AMA approves the Harley-Davidson XR750, an updated version of the XR, for Class C competition. The updated engine uses aluminum cylinders and heads to address the overheating issues that plagued the XR model. Due to delays in getting all 200 units completed, it is not approved in time for the Daytona 200, but debuts at the Colorado Springs national on April 30.


►On September 10, 1972, the AMA issues Referee Bulletin #72-25, from Bill Boyce (AMA Professional Competition Manager) to All Referees, stating: "This is to notify you that, effective immediately, the Bultaco Astro is to be permitted to participate in American Motorcycle Association sanctioned competition, when approved models are required, until further notice. This action is the result of an order of the Federal District Court, which found that the AMA referees permitted the Astro to participate for a longer period than would be appropriate if the equipment approval rules were being properly enforced."

►All sanctioned meets except Hillclimb meets shall be considered claiming meets and the claiming price shall be as follows:
0-250cc Any Type $2,000
251cc-Open Dirt Track Machines $2,500
251cc-Open Road Race Machines $3,500
(1972 AMA Professional Competition Rule Book, Chapter XVII, Section 1, Page 69).

►For Expert and Junior riders the minimum piston displacment shall not be less than 251cc and the maximum piston displacement shall be 750cc.
►Novice riders are limited to equipment with maximum piston displacement of 250cc.
(1972 AMA Professional Competition Rule Book, Chapter X, Section A.1, Page 29).

►NOTE: Effective January 1, 1973, Novice riders will be limited to equipment with maximum piston displacement of 250cc for two stroke multi-cylinder engines and 360cc for all other types of engines.
(1972 AMA Professional Competition Rule Book, Chapter X, Section A.1, Page 29).

►Short track and Novice competition will adopt the 360cc rule starting in 1973.
(AM News, January 1972)

►Maximum piston displacement shall not exceed 250cc.

►NOTE: Effective January 1, 1973, maximum piston displacement shall not exceed 250cc for two stroke multi-cylinder engines and 360cc for all other types of engines.
(1972 AMA Professional Competition Rule Book, Chapter X, Section B.2, Page 29).

►For Expert and Junior riders the maximum piston displacement is 900cc.
►Novice riders will be limited to equipment with maximum piston displacement of 250cc.

►NOTE: Effective January 1, 1973, Novice riders will be limited to equipment with maximum piston displacement of 250cc for two stroke multi-cylinder engines and 360cc for all other types of engines.
(1972 AMA Professional Competition Rule Book, Chapter X, Section D.2, Page 30).

►HEAVYWEIGHT - For all Expert and Junior riders with minimum piston displacement of 251cc and maximum piston displacement of 750cc.

►LIGHTWEIGHT - For all lightweight road races a maximum piston displacement of 250cc for two stroke multi-cylinder engines and 360cc for all other types of engines.
►Experts and Juniors may compete in any class.
►Novices may not compete in 501cc-up class,
(1972 AMA Professional Competition Rule Book, Chapter X, Section E.2, Page 31).

►True fuel injection (where fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber) is not permitted.
(1972 AMA Professional Competition Rule Book, Chapter XIII, Section C.1.f, Page 43).

►Gasoline must be readily available commercial automotive pump gasoline.
Additions or changes of any nature in the gasoline are prohibited other than oil designed for lubrication only.
(1972 AMA Professional Competition Rule Book, Chapter XIII, Section C.2., Page 43).
(Had been limited to 100 octane since 1955).

►The Junior class in Motocross ends after the 1971 season.
Novice and Expert classes in Motocross remain.

►National Number 1 continues to be reserved for the defending Grand National Champion
►National Numbers 2 through 9 are now reserved for former Grand National Champions
►National Numbers 10 through 99 are assigned on an annual basis, with most riders choosing to keep the same number year after year.

►Equipment used on hard surface indoor competition must be fitted with a muffled exhaust system, meeting a standard of 92 dB on the "A" scale at 50 feet.
(1972 AMA Professional Competition Rule Book, Chapter X, Section B.3., Page 29).

►Water cooling is prohibited unless it is a part of the manufacturer's model approved by the Competition Congress.
(1972 AMA Professional Competition Rule Book, Chapter XIII, Section C.1.i, Page 43).

►Suzuki receives approval for their water-cooled 750cc triple [GT750J - editor], while Yamaha does not apply for approval of their water-cooled 750cc four.
(Motorcycle Weekly, 12/20/1971).

►The rule stating that "Women are not eligible for competition licenses". is removed.
(1972 AMA Professional Competition Rule Book, Chapter II, Section A.2, Page 2).

►Women are now allowed to compete in all branches of AMA racing, provided they are qualified enough to earn the necessary license. The historic vote was taken on November 18, 1971, the AMA Competition Congress voted to allow qualified women to compete in all forms of AMA Racing.
(Motorcycle Weekly, 12/20/1971)

►BSA scores its last mile National win (Dick Mann in Homewood, IL).


►The Yamaha GXS-1 scores its first half mile dirt track National (Chuck Palmgren at Westbury, NY).


►Ossa scores its last dirt track National win (Mike Gerald at Hinsdale, IL short track event).


►Goodyear introduces the DT-I tire, the first tire specifically designed for dirt track use.


►The Sunday afternoon September 25, 1972 Ascot Half Mile National is filmed for television. The race is shown on ABC's Wide World of Sports.

Flat Track Director/Manager:
►Bill Boyce is AMA Professional Competition Manager in 1972.

1

Dick Mann
BSA factory team

35

John Cooper
BSA factory team
(RR only)

4

Bart Markel
Harley-Davidson factory team

7

Mert Lawwill
Harley-Davidson factory team

14

Cal Rayborn
Harley-Davidson factory team

16

Dave Sehl
Harley-Davidson factory team

31

Rex Beauchamp
Harley-Davidson factory team

87

Mark Brelsford
Harley-Davidson factory team

84Y

Scott Brelsford
Harley-Davidson factory team

30

Art Bauman
Suzuki factory team
(RR only)

58

Jody Nicholas
Suzuki factory team
(RR only)

61

Ron Grant
Suzuki factory team
(RR only)

3

Gene Romero
Triumph factory team

64R

Gary Scott
Triumph factory team
mid-season addition

18

Jim Odom
Yamaha factory team

19

Keith Mashburn
Yamaha factory team

73

Kel Carruthers
Yamaha factory team
(RR only)

80Y

Kenny Roberts
Yamaha factory team

1973

►106 racers earn Grand National points, and 18 score wins, in twenty-four events in 1973.
►Points are awarded based on event purse.

►26-19-13-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 ($1-$6,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►30-16-14-12-10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 ($7,000-$7,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►53-43-34-26-19-12-8-5-4-3-2-1 ($8,000-$8,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►62-52-42-35-28-22-17-13-10-7-4-1 ($9,000-$9,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►71-61-52-44-37-31-26-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 ($10,000-$11,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►86-76-67-59-52-46-41-37-34-31-28-25-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 ($12,000-$14,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►101-91-82-74-67-61-56-52-49-46-43-40-37-34-31-28-25-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 ($15,000+ purse) (same since 1970).

►Nicholas DQ'd from Road Atlanta Road Race. Jody Nicholas wins the Road Atlana 125-mile Road Race National on a water-cooled 750cc triple, but is DQ'd for illegal heads. All the factory Suzuki's in the race were DQ'd, and barred from competing in future events for the foreseeable future.

►The AMA Rules For Competition is split into several discipline-specific Professional Competition Rule Books.
Dirt Track is one, Road Race is another, Moto-Cross is a third, Hillclimb/Sidecar/Speedway is a fourth.

►In order to be approved (for Class C competition) a motorcycle must be a standard catalogued production model and at least 200 of the same model with identical engines and transmissions must be available for inspection and purchase within the United States.
(1973 AMA Professional Competition Dirt Track Rule Book, Chapter XIII, Section A.3, Page 32).

►For Expert and Junior riders the minimum piston displacment shall not be less than 251cc and the maximum piston displacement shall be 750cc.
►Novice riders are limited to equipment with maximum piston displacement of 250cc for two stroke multi-cylinder engines and 360cc for all other types.
(1973 AMA Professional Competition Dirt Track Rule Book, Chapter X, Section A.1, Page 25).
(This is a new rule. Novices had been 250cc on all tracks since 1964)

►Maximum piston displacement shall not exceed 250cc for two stroke multi-cylinder engines and 360cc for all other types of engines.
(1973 AMA Professional Competition Dirt Track Rule Book, Chapter X, Section B.2, Page 25).
(This is a new rule. Short track displacement had been 250cc since 1959).

►For Expert and Junior riders the maximum piston displacement is 900cc.
►Novice riders will be limited to equipment with maximum piston displacement of 250cc for two stroke multi-cylinder engines and 360cc for all other types.
(1973 AMA Professional Competition Dirt Track Rule Book, Chapter X, Section C.2, Page 26).
(This is a new rule. Novices had been 250cc on all tracks since 1964)

►NOTE: Effective January 1, 1974: For Expert and Junior riders the maximum piston displacement will be 750cc.
(1973 AMA Professional Competition Dirt Track Rule Book, Chapter X, Section C.3, Page 26).

►National Number 1 continues to be reserved for the defending Grand National Champion
►National Numbers 2 through 9 are now reserved for former Grand National Champions
►National Numbers 10 through 99 are assigned on an annual basis, with most riders choosing to keep the same number year after year.
(same since 1972)

Brad Lackey (#39), Jimmy Weinert (#65), Gary Jones (#89), and Gunnar Lindstrom (#92), Wyman Priddy (#68), are awarded AMA National Numbers for 1973.
They were the top 4 AMA Expert MX racers in non-national points in 1972.
Of them, only Weinert had made it to Junior in flat track competition.

►4/1/1973: Paul Smart wins the Dallas Road Race National on the first-ever slick racing tires developed by Dunlop.


►7/1/1973: Triumph scores its last Mile dirt track National (Gene Romero at San Jose, CA).


►The Daytona 200 adds a chicane on the back straightaway to address tire issues and speed concerns. This increases the course length fronm 3.81 miles to 3.84 miles.

►Geoff Perry (Auckland, NZ) finishes fourth at the Dallas Road Race on April 1 without an AMA license, and receives 0 points.
He then gets an AMA license, and wins the Road Race National at Road Atlanta, and then finishes 5th at Loudon.
He ends the season 24th in points. If he had an AMA license for Dallas, he would have finished 18th in points.

►AMA introduces the "Regional" series for Atlantic, Midwest, and Pacific division races.

►Harley-Davidson team manager Dick O'Brien offers a contract to Gary Scott for the 1973 season. Scott declines.


►Two Eastern Regional AMA Pro short tracks are held in RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. Mike Gerald wins the first; Dave Aldana wins the second.

Published in Cycle News East, January 15, 1974, the top 20 totals $32,792.60:

1

Mark Brelsford
Harley-Davidson factory team
(injured in March)

7

Mert Lawwill
Harley-Davidson factory team

14

Cal Rayborn
Harley-Davidson factory team

16

Dave Sehl
Harley-Davidson factory team

31

Rex Beauchamp
Harley-Davidson factory team

84Y

Scott Brelsford
Harley-Davidson factory team

24

Jim Rice
Harley-Davidson factory team
(June addition)

17

Yvon DuHamel
Kawasaki factory team
(RR only)

26

Cliff Carr
Kawasaki factory team
(RR only)

30

Art Baumann
Kawasaki factory team
(RR only)

51X

Hurley Wilvert
Kawasaki factory team
(RR only)

61

Ron Grant
Suzuki factory team
(RR only)

8R

Paul Smart
Suzuki factory team
(RR only)

??

Geoff Perry
Suzuki factory team
(RR only)

2

Dick Mann
Triumph factory team

3

Gene Romero
Triumph factory team

64

Gary Scott
Triumph factory team

11

Don Castro
Yamaha factory team

21

Gary Fisher
Yamaha factory team

73

Kel Carruthers
Yamaha factory team
(RR only)

80

Kenny Roberts
Yamaha factory team

1974

►118 racers earn Grand National points, and 13 score wins, in twenty-three events in 1974.
►Points are awarded based on event purse.

►26-19-13-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 ($1-$6,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►30-16-14-12-10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 ($7,000-$7,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►53-43-34-26-19-12-8-5-4-3-2-1 ($8,000-$8,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►62-52-42-35-28-22-17-13-10-7-4-1 ($9,000-$9,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►71-61-52-44-37-31-26-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 ($10,000-$11,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►86-76-67-59-52-46-41-37-34-31-28-25-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 ($12,000-$14,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►101-91-82-74-67-61-56-52-49-46-43-40-37-34-31-28-25-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 ($15,000+ purse) (same since 1970).

►Camel cigarettes sponsors three Grand National events - Laguna Seca Road Race, Santa Fe ST, and Terre Haute HM.
Camel pays $15,000 into the three-race series in 1974. Ten riders benefit.

[1992 Camel Pro Series Media Guide, Page 11]

►Rob Morrison is protested by several riders following the July 7, 1974 San Jose Mile, where he finished fifth.
The AMA reprimanded Morrison for rough riding, but did not formally punish him.

►Gary Nixon races in his final dirt track Grand National on May 19, 1974 at the San Jose Mile.
Nixon races a Kawasaki 750cc two-stroke triple built by Erv Kanemoto.
Nixon does not make the final.

►In order to be approved (for Class C competition) a motorcycle must be a standard catalogued production model and at least 200 of the same model with identical engines and transmissions must be available for inspection and purchase within the United States.
(1974 AMA Professional Competition Dirt Track Rule Book, Chapter XIII, Section A.3, Page 31).
[Comment: 1974 is the final year (since 1969) where 200 identical motorcycles are required for approval].

►The AMA approves the Yamaha TZ750A, a 700cc water-cooled four-cylinder two-stroke engine, for Class C competition.

►For Expert and Junior riders the minimum piston displacment shall not be less than 251cc two stroke multi cylinder engines; 361cc other types of engines; and the maximum piston displacement shall be 750cc.
►Novice riders are limited to equipment with maximum piston displacement of 250cc for two stroke multi-cylinder engines and 360cc for all other types.
(1974 AMA Professional Competition Dirt Track Rule Book, Chapter X, Section A.1, Page 25).
(1973 rules only limited Experts & Juniors to 251cc minimum displacement).

►Maximum piston displacement shall not exceed 250cc for two stroke multi-cylinder engines and 360cc for all other types of engines.
(1974 AMA Professional Competition Dirt Track Rule Book, Chapter X, Section B.2, Page 25).
(Same as 1973).

►For Expert and Junior riders the maximum piston displacement is 750cc.
►Novice riders will be limited to equipment with maximum piston displacement of 250cc for two stroke multi-cylinder engines and 360cc for all other types.
(1974 AMA Professional Competition Dirt Track Rule Book, Chapter X, Section C.2, Page 26).
(750cc is a new rule. Experts & Juniors/Amateurs had been allowed 900cc since 1963)

►Most Novices hold new numbers between 70 and 299 followed by their new district letter.
►Juniors and Experts continue to use single-digit and two-digit numbers followed by their new district letter.
►Some of the district letter reassignments are:

►California loses "X", gains "E", and retains "R", "Y", and "Z".
►Illinois loses "S", but retains "P"
►Michigan changes from "E" to "X"
►Oklahoma changes from "M" to "G"
►Wisconsin changes from "G" to "K"
►One plausible explanation is that scoring was challenging when bordering states had similar-looking letters.
Prior to the change: Michigan/Ohio had E/F, Oklahoma/Texas had M/N, and Southern California had X/Y.
After the change: Michigan/Ohio had X/F, Oklahoma/Texas had G/N, and Southern California had E/Y.

►AMA stops issuing dirt track numbers (with district letter) to Expert riders with Road Race only licenses.

►National Number 1 continues to be reserved for the defending Grand National Champion
►National Numbers 2 through 9 are now reserved for former Grand National Champions
►National Numbers 10 through 99 are assigned on an annual basis, with most riders choosing to keep the same number year after year.
(same since 1972)

►Motocross (MX) racers receive their own National Numbers for the first time in 1974.
(Cycle News, Nov 13, 1973 issue)

►"To earn a National Number for the AMA's Grand National Championship circuit (half mile, mile, road race and short track)[sic] a rider must finish in the top 65 in National points or finish in the top 25 in combined points."
(Cycle News, Nov. 13, 1973 issue)

Per historian Bob Herrick, the "Combined Points" is the sum of the "National" advancement points plus the Regional points earned in the three regions.

The 1974 AMA Competition Congress considers adding restrictors for 750cc bikes at Grand National road racing events, but decide against it.

►The first-ever sound level limits for outdoor professional racing are implemented for the Golden Gate National in Albany, CA: 92dba at 50 feet.

►Grand National road racing events begin running a Superbike class featuring production-based motorcycles.

►Honda wins its first dirt track National (Mike Gerald at Houston, TX short track event)


►The Daytona 200 is shortened to 180 miles due to the national fuel shortage.

►Triumph wins its last half mile dirt track National (Mike Kidd in Columbus, OH)


►The Regional Championship point system is modified.
"Regional points in 1974 will be similar to the Grand National points, being paid for the finals only. Riders will receive full points for events in their home region, however, only one-third of the points won in any other district will be applied toward his total." (Motorcycle Weekly 11/19/1973)

6

Mark Brelsford
Harley-Davidson factory team

7

Mert Lawwill
Harley-Davidson factory team

19

Scott Brelsford
Harley-Davidson factory team

31

Rex Beauchamp
Harley-Davidson factory team

64

Gary Scott
Harley-Davidson factory team

15

Mike Gerald
Honda factory team
(Houston ST only)

23

Dave Hansen
Honda factory team
(Houston ST only)

16Y

John Gennai
Honda factory team
(Houston ST only)

31Z

Rick Hocking
Honda factory team
(Houston ST only)

17

Yvon DuHamel
Kawasaki factory team
(RR only)

30

Art Baumann
Kawasaki factory team
(RR only)

39

Hurley Wilvert
Kawasaki factory team
(RR only)

13

David Aldana
Norton factory team

9

Gary Nixon
Suzuki factory team
(RR only)

26

Cliff Carr
Suzuki factory team
(RR only)

33

Paul Smart
Suzuki factory team
(RR only)

72

Mike Kidd
Triumph factory team

1

Kenny Roberts
Yamaha factory team

3

Gene Romero
Yamaha factory team

11

Don Castro
Yamaha factory team

1975

►110 racers earn Grand National points, and 12 score wins, in twenty events in 1975.
►Points are awarded based on event purse.

►26-19-13-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 ($1-$6,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►30-16-14-12-10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 ($7,000-$7,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►53-43-34-26-19-12-8-5-4-3-2-1 ($8,000-$8,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►62-52-42-35-28-22-17-13-10-7-4-1 ($9,000-$9,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►71-61-52-44-37-31-26-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 ($10,000-$11,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►86-76-67-59-52-46-41-37-34-31-28-25-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 ($12,000-$14,999 purse) (same since 1970).
►101-91-82-74-67-61-56-52-49-46-43-40-37-34-31-28-25-22-19-16-13-10-7-4-1 ($15,000+ purse) (same since 1970).

►Camel cigarettes sponsors the Grand National Championship as the Camel Pro Series.
Came pays out a $75,000 point fund in 1975. Thirteen riders benefit.

[1992 Camel Pro Series Media Guide, Page 11]

►40 points to advance from Novice to Junior.
►80 points to advance from Junior to Expert.
If a rider has 95% of the points required and a minimum of two years in that class, with a good safety record, the rider could be advanced to the next class at the option of the AMA.
(1975 AMA Professional Competition Dirt Track Rule Book, Chapter VI, Section A.1.a, Page 11).

►In order to be approved (for Class C competition) a motorcycle must be a standard catalogued production model and at least 25 of the same model with identical engines and transmissions must be available for inspection and purchase within the United States.
(1975 AMA Professional Competition Dirt Track Rule Book, Chapter XIII, Section A.3, Page 32).
(The quantity requirement had been 200 complete motorcycles since 1969).

►The 200 motorcycle requirement (from 1968/1969) was to ensure ample quantities of a motorcycle existed, to maintain the spirit of Class C racing.
Norton wanted to get into Formula 750 racing, but Norton-Villiers-Triumph was struggling to survive, and building 200 units for racing was not practical.
Norton lobbied the ACU (Auto-Cycle Union) in the UK, who went to the FIM, who brought it to the AMA.
This rule allowed Norton to use their short-stroke twin in Formula 750 racing, but also allowed Yamaha to introduce the OW72 in 1976, the XV750 in 1981, and allowed Honda to later develop the NS750 and RS750.
Note: Harley-Davidson had built 200 versions of the Iron XR in 1970, and 200 versions of the alloy XR750 in 1972.
Triumph had built 200 versions of the T120/RT in 1970.
Yamaha had built 200 versions of the TZ750A in 1974.

►On August 28, 1975, the AMA approves the Harley-Davidson MX250 single-cylinder two-stroke off-road motorcycle for Class C competition.


►The AMA approves the Yamaha TZ750B - a 750cc version of the four-cylinder, two-stroke TZ750A that it introduced in 1974 - for Class C competition.

►All sanctioned meets shall be considered claiming meets and the claiming price shall be as follows:
Lightweight Dirt Track Machines $2,500
750cc Dirt Track class $3,500
(1975 AMA Professional Competition Dirt Track Rule Book, Chapter XVI, Section 1, Page 45).

►Steve Freeman claims Corky Keener's Harley-Davidson XR750 at the 1975 Louisville Race Of Champions.
The engine was a special mile engine built by Nick Deligiannis.

►Jim Wright (Junior #44E) claims Ted Boody s (Junior #84X) Bart Markel-built XR at the September 26, 1975 Ascot HM. Boody had won the Junior main; Wright finished fifth. Ted contacts Markel, who tells him the XR is worn out and to let it go. The following night, at the Ascot Grand National HM, Jim rides the claimed XR while Boody rides Wright s Yamaha 750. Wright does not make the Junior main event, while Boody places tenth.

►The AMA 1975 Competition Congress considers a proposal to limit the amount of fuel used during each race.
Had the proposal passed, two-stroke engines might have been eliminated from racing altogether.
The motion fails, 32-23.

►Mark Williams crashes in practice at the September 21, 1975 San Jose Mile National and is paralyzed from the waist down.

►Frank Gillespie crashes in a semi at the September 21, 1975 San Jose Mile National and sufferes a serious head injury as well as several broken bones.
Frank is in a semi-conscious state at the hospital for over a week.

►"Al Gunter, #3E of Chatsworth, CA, is fully conscious and in stable condition at Gardena Community Hospital following a September 12 (1975) spill at Ascot where he suffered a spinal injury."

Motorcycle Weekly, October 20, 1975 Issue, Inside Line (Racing News).
[Comment:Gunter was former National #3, who retired after the 1967 season. He returned to racing in 1974. The 1975 Ascot crash left him paralyzed from the chest down. His AMA Hall of Fame bio reports that he took his own life in March 1976.]

►Equipment used on hard surface indoor competition must be fitted with a muffled exhaust system, meeting a standard of 92 dB on the "A" scale at 50 feet.
(1975 AMA Professional Competition Dirt Track Rule Book, Chapter X, Section B.3., Page 25).

►Camel cigarettes sponsors the entire Grand National Championship, the first series sponsor in history. The series is renamed the Camel Pro Series.


►Harley-Davidson skips the Daytona 200, feeling the XRTT as uncompetitive on the longer Road Race courses. They would, however, compete at Loudon and Laguna Seca, which are shorter Road Race courses.


►Santa Fe Speedway reconfigures its TT course for the 1975 season.
The original course landed off the jump, turned right and then followed the short track course through turns 2-3-4.
The new course goes straight after first jump, through a right hand 180 turn around a light pole, over a second jump, and then a left hand turn onto the back straight of the short track course.

►Scott Brelsford wins the AMA Expert Regional Mile in Stockton, CA on July 6, 1975 on an Irv Kanamoto-tuned Kawasaki H2 triple. It is the first-ever AMA dirt track win in history for a two-stroke multi-cylinder engine (albeit not a Grand National).

►Kenny Roberts wins the Indy Mile on August 23, 1975 on the Yamaha TZ750 four-cylinder. It is the first-ever AMA dirt track Grand National win in history for a two-stroke multi-cylinder engine.

►JR Rawls finishes 7th on a factory PDV (Power-Dyne) at the April 12, 1975 Dallas Short Track National. It was the highest finish ever for a PDV machine.

►Corky Keener, already a factory Harley-Davidson team member for 1975, splits with Bart Markel and moves in-house at the Harley-Davidson factory team starting at the June 7, 1975 Louisville Half Mile. Cycle News East reports: "Corky Keener and Bart Markel have gone their separate ways. The Keener-ridden/Markel-prepared H-D combination was almost unbeatable last year, but reported friction between the two caused the split. Keener will reportedly receive direct help from the factory, while Markel, at least at the May 31 Northville Downs rainout, has Junior Ted Boody on his bike." (Cycle News East, June 10, 1975).


►Harley-Davidson unveils an updated version of the XR750, with improvements over the 1972 model.
The new frame is a copy of the Jim Belland frame which Mark Brelsford used to win the 1972 Grand National Championship.

►Midd Kidd wins the televised Race of Champions event at Louisville Downs on October 12.

►Five TZ750 dirt trackers with Champion frames were built.
They were ridden by Kenny Roberts, Skip Aksland, Randy Cleek, Rick Hocking, and Steve Baker.
The first one was raced by Rick Hocking at the weekly July 25, 1975 Ascot HM.
Hocking qualified third fastest, but did not make the Expert final.
Roberts won the August 23, 1975 Indy Mile on one.
Roberts practiced the TZ750 (but did not race it) at the September 7, 1975 Syracuse Mile.
Roberts raced it at the September 21, 1975 San Jose Mile (he crashed in practice, made the main, put DNF'd with a destroyed rear tire).

►The AMA Competition Committee met in the fall and voted to limit all dirt track engines to single and twin cylinder only. The AMA Board met "a week later" on October 7 and approved the measure. Since the rule change did not affect displacement, the rule went into effect on January 1, 1976.

►Yamaha, Kel Carruthers, and Kenny Roberts were in favor of the ban on dirt tracks for safety reasons.
Roberts himself stated in an interview that the high speed differential on the straights between the four cylinder two-strokes and the four-stroke twins (25-30 mph by his estimates) left no room for error.
"It became immediately clear that someone was gonna die riding such a bike, or cause someone else to die. I wasn t interested in either option...."
(From "The Roberts Chronicles", originally printed in Motorcyclist magazine, reprinted in the September 2021 American Motorcyclist magazine).

►Triumph ceases its factory dirt track effort after the 1974 season as the company nears bankruptcy. The dirt track team is merged into the Norton-Villiers-Triumph squad. Triumph engines continue to be produced in very small quantities until 1983.

►Norton-Villiers-Triumph ceases its factory team on August 1, 1975.

20

John Gennai
Bultaco factory team
(ST only)

50

Guy McClure
Bultaco factory team
(ST only)

7

Mert Lawwill
Harley-Davidson factory team

31

Rex Beauchamp
Harley-Davidson factory team

62

Corky Keener
Harley-Davidson factory team

64

Gary Scott
Harley-Davidson factory team

80C

Greg Sassaman
Harley-Davidson factory team
(season-ending injury in August)

65X

Jay Springsteen
Harley-Davidson factory team
(August addition)

17

Yvon DuHamel
Kawasaki factory team
(RR only)

27

Jim Evans
Kawasaki factory team
(RR only)

25

Rob Morrison
NVT factory team

70

Mark Williams
NVT factory team

98

John Hateley
NVT factory team
(RR only)

93

JR Rawls
Power-Dyne factory team
(ST only)

9

Gary Nixon
Suzuki factory team
(RR only)

10

David Aldana
Suzuki factory team
(RR only)

39

Hurley Wilvert
Suzuki factory team
(RR only)

1

Kenny Roberts
Yamaha factory team

3

Gene Romero
Yamaha factory team
(RR only)

11

Don Castro
Yamaha factory team
(RR only)

1976

►115 racers earn Grand National points, and 15 score wins, in twenty-eight events in 1976.
►20-16-13-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 scale at all events (new).

►Camel cigarettes sponsors the Grand National Championship as the Camel Pro Series.
Camel pays out a $75,000 point fund in 1976. Thirteen riders benefit.

[1992 Camel Pro Series Media Guide, Page 11]

►The September 12, 1976 Syracuse Mile is shortened to 20 laps due to tire wear concerns.

►In order to be approved (for Class C competition - editor) a motorcycle must be a standard catalogued production model, one complete motorcycle, produced, race ready, and at least 24 identical engines and transmissions must be available for inspection and purchase within the United States.
(1976 AMA Professional Competition Dirt Track Rule Book, Chapter XIII, Section A.3, Page 33).
(In 1975, 25 complete motorcycles were required).

►On May 5, 1976, the AMA approves the Yamaha XS-DTC (aka "OW72"), an updated version of the GXS-1 750cc parellel twin engine, for Class C competition. The bike debuts at the May 16, 1976 San Jose mile, with Kenny Roberts and Skip Aksland on board. Roberts makes the final, but the team is unable to get the bike to fire before the race starts.


►On June 8, 1976, the AMA approves the Harley-Davidson MX360 single-cylinder two-stroke off-road motorcycle for Class C competition. It is a bored & stroked version of the MX250. The factory Harley team debuts the bike at the August 13 Santa Fe ST National. Jay Springsteen finishes second.


►Goodyear introduces the DT-II second-generation tire specially designed for dirt track use. The tire - originally offered in 3.50x19 size - is based on the road race 'rain tires' that Kenny Roberts tried on some dirt track events in 1975.
Supply issues resulted in the tires being outlawed at some AMA Grand National events, for fairness reasons.
Compounds are A-34 (soft), A-5 (medium), and A-17 (hard).

►Scott Claims Beauchamp's XR750 at San Jose
Gary Scott claims Rex Beauchamp's Harley-Davidson XR750 engine at the San Jose, CA Grand National Mile event on May 15, 1976.
(Cycle World, January 1977 edition)


►Scott Claims Roberts' TZ750 at Riverside
Gary Scott claims Kenny Roberts' Yamaha TZ750 race engine at the Riverside, CA Grand National Road Race event on October 3, 1976, after Yamaha protested him. According to Cycle World, Gary paid $4,000 for the Yamaha.
(Cycle World, January 1977 edition)

National format at Short Track Nationals changes from 48 riders to 60 riders.
Four twelve-rider heats are replaced by six ten-rider heats.

The 1976 Houston Nationals use a starting light instead of flags for the first time.

►Evel Knievel sponsors Gene Romero (#3) for 1976.

►Bultaco wins its last dirt track National (Terry Poovey at Talladega, AL short track event).


►Yamaha wins its last half mile dirt track National (Kenny Roberts at Terre Haute, IN).


►The AMA changes its name from the American Motorcycle Association to the American Motorcyclist Association, and updates its logo for the first time since 1924.


►In a Cycle News article by Joe Scalzo, Kenny Roberts suggests that the AMA 750cc road racing formula should be lowered to 250cc or 350cc. Roberts cites safety, costs, and parity as reasons.


During the AMA National Championship Committee meeting held in Monterey, CA on August 2, over 40 applications for 1977 Grand National events were discussed. (Cycle News West, August 24, 1976).

►Lynn Griffis is 'Miss Camel' for 1976.

7

Mert Lawwill
Harley-Davidson factory team

21

Greg Sassaman
Harley-Davidson factory team

25

Jay Springsteen
Harley-Davidson factory team

31

Rex Beauchamp
Harley-Davidson factory team

62

Corky Keener
Harley-Davidson factory team

2

Kenny Roberts
Yamaha factory team

1977

►95 racers earn Grand National points, and 11 score wins, in twenty-eight events in 1977.
►20-16-13-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 scale (same since 1976).

►Daytona 200 changed from a single 200-mile race to two 100-mile heats.
This is done to comply with the FIM, as the race is Round 1 of the new Formula 750 World Championship.
Rain following the first heat led to the cancellation of the second heat.
Steve Baker is declared the winner.

►Camel cigarettes sponsors the Grand National Championship as the Camel Pro Series.
Camel pays out a $100,000 point fund in 1977. Thirteen riders benefit.

[1992 Camel Pro Series Media Guide, Page 11]

►AMA Pro Rulebook requires the use of brakes for the first time, stating that a rear brake "must be installed".
►Novice division (all tracks) equipment limited to 250cc single-cylinder engines (previously had been 360cc engines or 250cc two-stroke multi-cylinder engines since 1973).
►Junior & Expert short track equipment limited to 250cc single-cylinder engines (previously had been 360cc engines or 250cc two-stroke multi-cylinder engines since 1973).

►Expert Larry Zumbrun (#77F) attempts to claim Ted Boody's factory XR at the June 26, 1977 Columbus Half Mile. Cycle News reports: He waited, upon advice from Gary Scott, until the last minute to make the bid, hoping to have no counter claims. There were a bunch from Jay Springsteen, Corky Keener, Kenny Roberts, Chuck Palmgren, and Boody. In the end, all but Boody s were disallowed by Eastern Regional Referee Charlie Watson for one technicality or another. The issue was further clouded by discussions on the interpretation of the claiming rule. Protests and appeals followed with the AMA taking charge of the engine until the mess is finally settled."

Cycle News, July 6, 1977.

►Expert Sam Ingram (#6H) claims Kenny Roberts' OW72 race engine at the Saturday night Indy Mile on August 27, 1977. Sam makes the claim on behalf of Larry Charlton, Expert #15H.


[Comment: The 1977 AMA rule book (Chapter XII Section 2) states that "Only the first three finishing motorcycles of that event may be claimed." Boody finished sixth at Columbus, while Roberts did not even make the final at the Indy Mile].

►Goodyear introduces the 4.00x19 version of its DT-II dirt track tire.


►Evel Knievel sponsors Gene Romero (#3), and later Gary Scott (#5), for 1977.

►Ocean Pacific Sun Wear sponsors Gene Romero (#3) for 1977.

►Harley-Davidson unveils an updated version of the XR750, with improvements over the 1975 model.


►Lynn Griffis is 'Miss Camel' for 1977.

►Mike Escue finishes fourth in the Junior final at the April 24, 1977 Henry IL HM on a Harley-Davidson KR.
Cycle News reports that the KR is a 10-year-old model tuned by Roger Reiman.
This may be the last AMA Pro racing top 5 finish for a KR model.

1

Jay Springsteen
Harley-Davidson factory team

12

Ted Boody
Harley-Davidson factory team

62

Corky Keener
Harley-Davidson factory team

2

Kenny Roberts
Yamaha factory team

1978

►82 racers earn Grand National points, and 12 score wins, in twenty-eight events in 1978.
►20-16-13-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 scale (same since 1976).

►Camel cigarettes sponsors the Grand National Championship as the Camel Pro Series.
Camel pays out a $100,000 point fund in 1978. Fifteen riders benefit.

[1992 Camel Pro Series Media Guide, Page 11]

►Springsteen led Eklund 276-275 entering the Ascot HM finale.
Springsteen won, with Eklund right behind in second, to take the title.

►The July 30, 1978 DuQuoin mile is stopped after 20 laps due to rain. Hank Scott is declared the winner.

►Steve Eklund takes a 17-point lead into the Syracuse Mile (9/10/78). He crashes during the final practice session. He drops out of heat #1 on lap 5 with a broken ignition wire. Because only 41 riders signed up for the 48 spots, Eklund's 9th place heat race finish was enough to advance to the semis.
From Cycle News: "Eklund and his tuner decided to change engines after the semi. Unfortunately, the AMA decided to flop the program due to approaching darkness and/or bad weather - run the National and then the Trophy Race - and Eklund was caught in a time squeeze. Eklund rolled to the line still working and requested an additional two minutes before staging. Other riders were also working - Jackie Mitchell, Mike Kidd and Don Bailey. Eklund, according to referee Charlie Watson, used up his two minutes and according to the rule book was DQ'd. The bike was running almost immediately after the two minute call, but it was too late."

Cycle News continued: "The starting grid for the National looked like a battle zone. Faced with the reality of running the National before the Trophy Race, many riders went to the line - especially those from the semis - less than ready. Steve Eklund was one. His engine change had been caught mid-stride, and although finished, still needed some final adjustments before he could run. The versions of the story vary, but when Eklund was told his two minutes to work on the bike were up, others were still working, and his bike was ready and running moments later. Referee Charlie Watson wouldn't let him ride. 'I can't believe it' said Eklund later. 'All that work for nothing. Then, when I tried to discuss the matter after the race, I find that they wouldn't take my protest because they said time had run out'. Eklund had to go through the pits to scrape up enough cash to be in a position to file (a protest)."

Steve scores 0 points, while Jay Springsteen wins the race to earns 20 points and take a 3-point lead.
Jay would hold the point lead to score his third title at Round 28 by 5 points over Eklund.

Yamaha's Kenny Roberts attends the Houston Astrodome races, but does not compete.
Cycle News reports: "Kenny Roberts, former Houston TT and Shorttrack [sic] winner and one of the most capable, spectacular dirt racers ever born, was forced by his roadrace sponsors to play disgruntled spectator and over-qualified advisor to friend Skip Aksland."

►On January 5, 1978, the AMA approves the Honda CX500 - a four-stroke sidewinder twin that would evolve into the NS750 - for Class C competition.


►On August 25, 1978, the AMA approves the American 750-1 - a four-stroke parallel twin - for Class C competition.
The bike debuts at the Meadowlands National on September 17, 1978.
Ricky Campbell finishes 10th in the Trophy Race.


►On November 3, 1978, the AMA approves the GTR NRE-1 - a Nourish Weslake four-stroke twin with four overhead valves and a Bewley two-speed gearbox - for Class C competition.
Top gear was 1:1 ratio; Bottom gear options include 1.2:1, 1.315:1, 1.44:1, and 1.578:1.
GTR is an abbreviation for Gordon Matthews, Ted Hubbard, and Rob Lidgate, who were partners in the business plan.

►For the first time, AMA allows racers to advance from Novice to Junior or Junior to Expert during the season.

►Terry Pletch (Expert #3H) claims Corky Keener's Harley-Davidson XR750 at the 1978 Indy Mile.
The engine was built by Al Stangler.

►23mm intake restrictors are required on 750cc GP machines that run at Grand National Road Race events.

►Yamaha Motors U.S. ceases its factory dirt track effort after the 1977 season, instead using their 1978 budget to fund Kenny Roberts' Grand Prix effort.


►Evel Knievel sponsors Gary Scott (#5) through the Louisville half mile National.

►BSA scores its last TT National win (Alex Jorgensen in Gardena, CA, on an A65 Hornet).


►Norton scores its last dirt track National (Alex Jorgensen in Gardena, CA half mile event, on a Commando).


Norton-Villiers-Triumph:

►Norton-Villiers-Triumph is liquidated in the UK.
Triumph engines continue to be built, in very small quantities, until 1983.


►Ocean Pacific Sun Wear sponsors Gene Romero (#3) for 1978.

►Lynn Griffis is 'Miss Camel' for 1978.

1

Jay Springsteen
Harley-Davidson factory team

12

Ted Boody
Harley-Davidson factory team

62

Corky Keener
Harley-Davidson factory team

1979

►84 racers earn Grand National points, and 14 score wins, in twenty-six events in 1979.
►20-16-13-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 scale (same since 1976).

►Winston cigarettes takes over sponsorship of the Grand National Championship as the Winston Pro Series.
Winston pays out a $100,000 point fund in 1979. Fifteen riders benefit.

[1992 Camel Pro Series Media Guide, Page 11]

►The May 6, 1979 San Jose mile is red flagged on lap 7 due to rain. The race resumes after a twenty-minute delay. Steve Eklund coasts to the red flag in last place with a dead battery on his XR750. His team replaces the battery during the red flag. Eklund wins the 20-lap race over Ricky Graham and Gary Scott.

►Junior division twin-cylinder engines must use 28mm intake restrictors (had previously been unrestricted).
►Intake restrictors for Expert twin-cylinder dirt track engines are considered, but rejected by the Competition Committee.
►July 23, 1979 Cycle News reports that the AMA is considering adding 26mm restrictors to 750cc dirt track engines in order to make the 500cc singles more competitive.

1

Jay Springsteen
Harley-Davidson factory team

42

Steve Morehead
Harley-Davidson factory team

10

David Aldana
Honda factory team
(select TT only)

15

Garth Brow
Honda factory team
(select TT only)

17

Rick Hocking
Honda factory team
(select TT only)

59

Mickey Fay
Honda factory team
(ST & TT only)

98

John Hateley
Honda factory team
(select TT only)

11E

Jeff Haney
Honda factory team

1980

►83 racers earn Grand National points, and 16 score wins, in twenty-six events in 1980.
►20-16-13-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-5-4-3-2-1 scale (same since 1976).

►Winston cigarettes sponsors the Grand National Championship as the Winston Pro Series.
Winston pays out a $125,000 point fund in 1980. Sixteen riders benefit.

[1992 Camel Pro Series Media Guide, Page 11]

►Goss leads Hank Scott 197-193 in points entering the Ascot HM finale.
Goss finishes fifth to Scott's third, to take the title 207-206.

►Buzz Simmons, former National #92, acquires Badger Racing from Marty Miller, who had owned and run it since 1971.

9

Jay Springsteen
Harley-Davidson factory team

13

Randy Goss
Harley-Davidson factory team

59

Mickey Fay
Honda factory team
(ST & TT only)

7L

Freddie Spencer
Honda factory team
(Houston ST & TT only)

11E

Jeff Haney
Honda factory team

2

Kenny Roberts
Yamaha factory team
(Houston ST & TT only)

17

Rick Hocking
Yamaha factory team
(Houston ST & TT only)

17Z

Jimmy Filice
Yamaha factory team
(Houston ST & TT, Ascot TT only)

1981

►85 racers earn Grand National points, and 17 score wins, in twenty-six events in 1981.
►20-16-13-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 scale (same since 1976).

►Mike Kidd and Gary Scott entered the season finale at the Ascot HM tied in points. In the finale, Goss wins, Kidd second, Scott fourth. Final points: Kidd (200), Scott (195), Randy Goss (186).

►Goss Scores 0 points in 2 of last 3 races.
Defending champion Randy Goss enters Round 24 (or 26) only 7 points out of the point lead.
At the September 13, 1981 Syracuse Mile (Round 24), "Lady Luck frowned on Goss and he coasted to a stop with what was thought to be a trashed front piston on his factory Harley-Davidson XR750 V-twin" (Cycle News East, 9/23/1981).
Goss completed 11 laps, and was credited with 16th place. His title rivals did not fare much better. Mike Kidd crashed on lap 16 - bringing out the red flag - and was credited with 15th. Gary Scott finished 11th.
Leaving Syracuse, Scott lead Kidd and Goss, 177-171-166.
At the September 20, 1981 San Jose Mile (Round 25), Goss is DQ'd after ignoring the black flag in his heat race. Goss's factory Harley-Davidson blew and oil seal and was leaking oil.
Mike Kidd finished third in the final while Gary Scott finished 8th.
Entering the final round, Kidd and Scott were tied at 184, with Goss at 166.


Championship Fund:

►Winston cigarettes sponsors the Grand National Championship as the Winston Pro Series.
Winston pays out a $125,000 point fund in 1981. Sixteen riders benefit.

[1992 Camel Pro Series Media Guide, Page 11]

►The Saturday June 6 Harrington HM National is rained out after the third of four heat races.
The last heat race and the rest of the event are run on Sunday, June 7.

►A new rule for 1981 allows riders to pick any spot on their line for the final at a Grand National event.
Prior to this, pole sitter could choose the inside or outside pole, and everyone else lined up in order.
It was at this race that Doug Sehl used a broom to brush off Terry Poovey's starting spot.
Gary Scott objected to AMA Director of Dirt Track Bill Boyce, saying he wanted his spot brushed also.
Boyce replied that he didn't have time to brush everyone's spot.
[Cycle News, June 17, 1981 edition, discussing the Harrington HM National].

►On April 2, 1981, the AMA approves the Honda NS750, a four-stroke OHV twin for Class C competition.
It is a bored and stroked version of the CX500.
The bike debuts at the May 9, 1981 Ascot Half Mile National, with Jeff Haney and Freddie Spencer on board. Jeff Haney qualifies third fastest, finishes third in his heat race and 12th in the final.
Spencer finishes third in the second semi and opts not to race in the Trophy Dash.
The engine is re-approved, with updates, on August 12, 1981.


►On April 29, 1981, the AMA approves the Yamaha XV750E-based dirt tracker, incorrectly known as a "Virago", for Class C competition.
The bike debuts at the May 3, 1981 San Jose Mile.
Jimmy Filice finishes fourth in the Trophy Race.

►Can-Am wins its first dirt track National (Alex Jorgensen at Hinsdale, IL short track event, on an MX3).

►Billy Herndon wins the Junior Invitational at the September 20, 1981 San Jose Mile on a factory Honda NS750.


►Yamaha hires Roberts/Lawwill (i.e. Kenny Roberts & Mert Lawwill) to field a satellite factory Grand National dirt track and road race team.


►The Yamaha XS650/GXS-1/OW72 scores its 23rd and final AMA dirt track win (Scott Pearson at Peoria, IL, TT event)

►Suzuki hires Ronnie Jones to race short tracks and TTs on Suzuki PE250 and DR500s, respectively.

►Rumors of 750cc dirt track restrictors for 1982 are mentioned in The Latest Poop in Cycle News. Dennis McKay, American Honda Racing Team Manager, says "With the restricted 750 rule (upcoming in '82), there is no need to develop a 750". (Cycle News, The Latest Poop, January 28, 1981).
Two months later, Dennis McKay is mentioned in a March 4, 1981 press release announcing the forthcoming approval of the NS750, and a factory team of Freddie Spencer and Jeff Haney. (Cycle News, March 18, 1981).

1

Randy Goss
Harley-Davidson factory team

9

Jay Springsteen
Harley-Davidson factory team

19

Freddie Spencer
Honda factory team

28

Jeff Haney
Honda factory team

59

Mickey Fay
Honda factory team

11N

Billy Herndon
Honda factory team

16

Ronnie Jones
Suzuki factory team
(ST & TT only)

72

Mike Kidd
Roberts/Lawill Yamaha factory team

17Z

Jimmy Filice
Roberts/Lawill Yamaha factory team

1982

►101 racers earn Grand National points, and 14 score wins, in twenty-six events in 1982.
53 dirt trackers earn Grand National points, and 10 score wins, in 20 events in 1982.
51 road racers earn Grand National points, and 4 score wins, in 6 events in 1982.
►20-16-13-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 scale (same since 1976).

► Ricky Graham leads Jay Springsteen, 214-210, entering the Ascot HM finale.
Graham finishes 8th to Springer's 6th to take the title 221-219.

►Winston cigarettes sponsors the Grand National Championship as the Winston Pro Series.
Winston pays out a $150,000 point fund in 1982. Eighteen riders benefit.
Front number plates may include "Winston Pro Series" in red lettering surrounded by red piping, across the bottom of the plate.

[1992 Camel Pro Series Media Guide, Page 11]

►"A large crowd was on hand and waited patiently for almost four hours after a shower halted the running of the National as it was being gridded. It finally ran off into impending darkness."

[May 26, 1982 Cycle News report of the May 16, 1982 Springfield Mile.]

►Roger Reiman, Gary Nixon, Pat McHenry, Dick Mann, Bart Markel, and Bill Tuman conduct a recreation of the 1966 Springfield Mile National at the May 16, 1982 Return of the Springfield Mile.

►Ricky Graham breaks three ribs at the February 6, 1982 Houston Short Track.
He wins the February 7 Houston TT.

►Ricky Graham breaks vertebrae in a crash at the Aug 15, 1982 Peoria TT.

►Jimmy Filice breaks his wrist at the July 3, 1982 Indy Mile.

►AMA considers adding intake restrictors to the Grand National twins for 1982, but decides against it.

►Winston cigarettes sponsors the Grand National Championship as the Winston Pro Series.


Rotax Single
►The Rotax four-stroke single cylinder engine which will eventually record 52 Grand National wins under various names (ATK, Can-Am, Rotax, Wood-Rotax, and Harley-Davidson) scores its first Grand National win (Alex Jorgensen at Gardena, CA TT event).


Yamaha Factory Team
►Yamaha brings its factory team in-house for the 1982 season, to continue development of the XV750E. Rider Jimmy Filice's season ends when he breaks his wrist at the July 3, 1982 Indy Mile. Ted Boody rides Filice's TT500 to an 11th place finish at Peoria TT. Ricky Campbell rides Filice's XV750E at the August 28 Indy Mile, but does not make the main.


Two-Stroke Twins Banned
►For 1982, two-stroke twins are prohibited from competing in AMA flat track competition. "2) For Expert and Junior riders, the minimum piston displacement will be (a) 335-500cc single two (2) or four (4) stroke, or twin cylinder, four (4) stroke only. (b) 501cc-750cc single or twin cylinder, four (4) stroke motorcycles." (1982 AMA Professional Dirt Track Competition Rule Book, Chapter V.A.2).

Return Of the Springfield Mile. Part 2.
►The IMDA promotes an AMA Pro Regional Mile event at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, IL on September 26, 1982.
It is the final round of the Challenge Cup Series.
Rodney Farris, Dan Ingram, and Curt Rehmert win the Expert, Junior, and Novice finals, respectively.

Lynn Griffis Retires:

►Lynn Griffis' reign as 'Miss Winston' ends at the February 6, 1982 Houston Short Track.
"Halftime ceremonies included a farewell to Miss Winston, Lynn Griffis. A fixture on the circuit since R.J. Reynolds' first involvement in AMA Grand National racing in 1975, this was Lynn's last race in an official capacity." [Cycle News East, February 17, 1982].

6

Randy Goss
Harley-Davidson factory team

9

Jay Springsteen
Harley-Davidson factory team

11

Scott Parker
Harley-Davidson factory team

1

Mike Kidd
Honda factory team

59

Mickey Fay
Honda factory team
ST & TT only

95

Scott Pearson
Honda factory team

11N

Billy Herndon
Honda factory team

14

Hank Scott
Honda factory team
(August Addition)
(HM & M only)

21

Eddie Lawson
Kawasaki factory team
(ST, TT & RR only)

60

Wayne Rainey
Kawasaki factory team
(ST, TT & RR only)

17

Jimmy Filice
Yamaha factory team

1983

►102 racers earn Grand National points, and 18 score wins, in thirty-four events in 1983.
►20-16-13-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 scale (same since 1976).

►Camel cigarettes sponsors the Grand National Championship as the Camel Pro Series.
Camel pays a $175,000 point fund in 1983. Nineteen riders benefit.
Front number plates may include "Camel Pro" centered at the top of the plate.

[1992 Camel Pro Series Media Guide, Page 11]

►Graham DQ'd from Sacramento. Ricky Graham is black flagged on the white flag lap of the April 16, 1983 Sacramento Mile when a loose drain plug created an oil leak on his Harley-Davidson XR750. Graham finished third in the race behind Bubba Shobert and Jay Springsteen, but was DQ'd.

►Yamaha Motors U.S. ceases its factory dirt track effort following the 1982 season. In two years of effort, the XV750E did not make a single Grand National main event.


►Can-Am scores its final National win (Alex Jorgensen at San Jose, CA short track event, on an MX3).


►The AMA approves the Honda RS750, a 750cc V-twin dirt tracker, for Class C competition. The bike makes its debut at the Ascot HM on May 7, 1983, with Terry Poovey on board. (Other Honda team members Mike Kidd and Hank Scott rode NS750s). Poovey did not not make the final.
One week later, May 15, 1983, Hank Scott finishes third at the Springfield Mile on an RS750.


►The AMA approves two "RFVC" (Radial Four Valve Cylinder) engines: the Honda XR500R (later dubbed the RS500D), and the XL600R (later the RS600), for Class C competition.

►Dick O'Brien retires from the Harley-Davidson Motor Company on October 31, 1983. He is replaced by Clyde Denzer.

6

Randy Goss
Harley-Davidson factory team

9

Jay Springsteen
Harley-Davidson factory team

11

Scott Parker
Harley-Davidson factory team

7

Mike Kidd
Honda factory team

13

Mickey Fay
Honda factory team
(ST & TT only)

18

Terry Poovey
Honda factory team

14

Hank Scott
Honda factory team
(May Addition)
(HM & M only)

2

Kenny Roberts
Yamaha factory team
(Houston ST & TT only)

21

Eddie Lawson
Yamaha factory team
(Houston ST & TT only)

1984

►104 racers earn Grand National points, and 12 score wins, in thirty-three events in 1984.
►20-16-13-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 scale (same since 1976).

►Graham leads Shobert 283-268 entering the Springfield finale.
Graham crashes on the penultimate lap. Shobert messes up his finale lap and finishes second to Ted Boody.
Graham is credited with 13th place to win the title, 285-284.

►Camel cigarettes sponsors the Grand National Championship as the Camel Pro Series.
Camel pays a $175,000 point fund in 1984. Nineteen riders benefit.
Front number plates may include "Camel Pro" centered at the top of the plate.

[1992 Camel Pro Series Media Guide, Page 11]

►Stroh's beer sponsors the Springfield Stroh Mile, by offering $5,000, $3,000, and $2,000 bonuses to the top three finishers at the 1984 Springfield Mile finale.
(Fall 1985 Springfield Mile souvenir program)

►Defending Champion Goss' Season Ends At San Jose:

Defending AMA Grand National Champion Randy Goss's season ended prematurely at the San Jose Mile (round 28 of 33).
Goss was first or second in points all season long, and last led the points, 210-207, after the Aug 25 Indy Mile (round 24 of 33).
Entering San Jose, Goss trailed Ricky Graham (238-223) in points.
Goss was running fourth in the final when he crashed into the fallen Doug Chandler, who had collided with Hank Scott.
Goss broke his leg in the crash, and was out for the rest of the season.

Shobert Suspended For Six Races:
►Bubba Shobert misses several rounds after punching Terry Poovey after practice at the Saint Louis, MO short track (round 14 of 33).
Poovey went to the hospital for seventeen stitches below his eye, while Shobert finished ninth in the final.
Shobert was suspended for nine races, but he appealed, and raced at the next two events at Hagerstown and Springfield, finishing 1st and 7th, awaiting his appeal to be heard.
The three-member appeal board lowered the suspension from nine races to six races, to include Hagerstown HM, Springfield M, Laguna Seca RR, DuQuoin M, Santa Fe TT, and Pocono RR.
Shobert was sixth in points after the St. Louis event with 89 points, while Graham led Goss 121-112.
When he returned to racing at the Cicero, IL M, Shobert's 89 points was still seventh in points, while Goss led Graham 185-161.
(Shobert was 72 points behind Graham at the time).
So in the final 13 rounds, Shobert made up 71 of the 72 point deficit between he and Graham.

►Matt Rozowicz is hospitalized after crashing in his heat race at the May 27, 1984 Springfield mile. He never races again.

►AMA approves the Wood-Rotax Newport 560, a 560cc four-stroke single

►Starting in 1984, all Grand National Championship events include a Junior National Championship division for Junior division riders.

►Goodyear stops producing the DT-II dirt track tires after the 1984 season.

►Ted Boody earns $11,700 for winning the October 28, 1984 Springfield Mile.
$6,700 purse money plus $5,000 from Stroh's Beer.
(Fall 1986 Springfield souvenir program)

►Cycle News reports that Honda RS750D dirt track engines are available from American Honda for $8,500. Interested racers should contact Keith Reeves, Honda's support program coordinator, at (213)321-8680. (Cycle News, In The Wind, May 16, 1984) Doug Sears of College Bike Shop in Lansing, Michigan buys the first one available.


►Ted Boody races the first-ever privateer Honda RS750 at the 9/16/1984 San Joe Mile. He finishes 9th on the College Bike Shop ride (owned by Doug Sears).


►Ted Boody scores the first-ever privateer win for the RS750 at the season finale Springfield mile on October 28.

►Novice division changes to allow 500cc four-stroke single cylinder engines at all dirt track events (previously had been 250cc two-stroke single cylinder equipment since 1977).

►Junior & Expert short track equipment allowed up to 500cc four-stroke single cylinder engines, or 250cc two-stroke single cylinder engines. (Previously had been 250cc two-stroke single cylinder equipment since 1977).

►With the move to 500cc, the AMA eliminates the "Battle Of The Brands" division.

►AMA relocates the district letter from the lower right-hand corner to the lower left-hand corner of the number plate.

1

Randy Goss
Harley-Davidson factory team

9

Jay Springsteen
Harley-Davidson factory team

11

Scott Parker
Harley-Davidson factory team

3

Ricky Graham
Honda factory team

10

Doug Chandler
Honda factory team

67

Bubba Shobert
Honda factory team

1985

►86 racers earn Grand National points, and 15 score wins, in twenty-nine events in 1985.
►20-16-13-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 scale (same since 1976).

►Camel cigarettes sponsors the Grand National Championship as the Camel Pro Series.
Camel pays a $175,000 point fund in 1985. Fifteen riders benefit.
Front number plates may include "Camel Pro" centered at the top of the plate.

[1992 Camel Pro Series Media Guide, Page 11]

►Stroh's beer sponsors the Stroh's Cup, with a $50,000 point fund for the top 10 riders in the nine-event series in 1985.
Nine of the ten 1985 Camel Pro Mile Nationals comprise the 1985 Stroh's Cup.
$20,000 of the point fund goes to the winner of the Stroh's Cup (Bubba Shobert).
Six² or seven¹ of the nine Stroh's miles are televised on The Nashville Network as the Stroh's Mile Series.
¹(April 24, 1985 Cycle News states that seven events would be televised)
²(Fall 1985 Springfield Mile souvenir program stated six events would be televised)
[Comment: The May 5, 1985 San Jose mile is the only 1985 Mile National not included in the Stroh's Cup].

Championship Notes:

►Entering the San Jose round, Shobert led Boody 236-200 in points. Shobert finished third, and Boody 10th, to allow Shobert to clinch the title 249-205 with two rounds remaining.

►Road Racing splits off into its own National Championship following the 1985 season.

► The Camel Pro point fund for 1985 is $175,000. Nineteen riders benefit.
$140,000 goes to the top ten in the final standings.
$35,000 goes to the top five in Formula 1 standings.
$40,000 goes to the Camel Pro champion.(1985 Camel Pro Media Guide)

►A high-speed finish line camera is used for the first time at the September 1, 1985 Springfield Mile.
This is a response to a scoring controversies at the previous week's dual Indy Miles.
Poovey Wins 21-lap Louisville HM

►The June 1, 1985 Louisville HM was red-flagged on lap 18 due to a crash involving Peter Hook, Chris Carr, and Gary Scott.
A mandatory 5-lap restart from lap 17 meant the 20-lap final ran for 21 laps.
The AMA Pro DT rulebook (Chapter IX, Section 15, pages 26-27) permit the referee to call an event 'complete' if 50% of the laps are complete.
However, new language in the 1985 rulebook also says "If the main event of a National Championship is stopped and restarted for any reason, a minimum of five laps must be completed."
(1985 AMA Professional Dirt Track Competition Rule Book, Chapter IX, Section 15, Page 27).

Misc Notes:

►Harley-Davidson disbands its in-house race team as a corporate cost-saving measure. The factory riders keep their equipment and salary, but the bikes are no longer maintained in-house. The riders are encouraged to hire their own tuners. (Cycle News, January 16, 1985)

►Scott Parker hires Bill Werner as an outside contractor to build & tune his Grand National equipment.
Their first race together as a team is Louisville, 1985.

►The Daytona 200 features the Superbike class for the first time.

►Peter Starr produces the live television broadcast of the AMA Grand National Mile in DuQuoin on ABC's Wide World of Sports.

►Brainerd, MN hosts the last-ever AMA Grand National road race on September 1, 1985.

►AMA approves the Honda RS660D, a 660cc four-stroke single


►AMA approves the Wood-Rotax Newport 660, a 660cc four-stroke single.


►Freddie Spencer forms Freddie Spencer/Supertrapp racing to contest the Grand National Championship with Doug Chandler and Randy Goss.

6

10

►Kenny Roberts competes in his final AMA Grand National dirt track race - the September 1, 1985 Springfield mile.
He rides a Harley-Davidson XR750 built by Mert Lawwill.
Roberts finishes fourth in the fourth heat race; he led laps seven and eight, but slipped the groove on the final lap.
In the semi, the engine fails on the last lap while Roberts was running a distant fourth.
Roberts said afterwards "You might see me out here next year, but if I do I hope it's a cooler day." (Cycle News, September 11, 1985)

2

►Eddie Adkins uses fuel injectors on Jimmy Filice's XR750 at the Indy Miles in August.
The carburetors are back on for the Springfield Mile on September 1.

17

►Vivian Chadbourne is 'Miss Camel' for 1985.


Competition Congress Notes for the 1985 season:

►AMA introduces the Pro-Am sanction, which enables amateur, Novice, and Junior riders to accumulate advancement points towards Junior and Expert while competing at amateur events.

►AMA changes the number plate layout to return the district letter to the lower right hand corner (where it had been from 1933 until 1983).

►The Novice division changes to red number plates with white numbers and district letters (had used white number plates with red numbers and district letter since 1971).

99Z

1985 Factory Teams

9

Jay Springsteen
Harley-Davidson factory team

11

Scott Parker
Harley-Davidson factory team

1

Ricky Graham
Honda factory team

67

Bubba Shobert
Honda factory team

1986

►55 racers earn Grand National points, and 9 score wins, in twenty-two events in 1986 (4 earn 0 total points).
►20-16-13-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 scale (same since 1976).

►Camel cigarettes sponsors the Grand National Championship as the Camel Pro Series.
Camel pays $275,000 point fund to the top 19 riders in 1986.
Camel pays $150,000 into the season-end dirt point fund (1:$40,000, 2:$24,000, 3:$18,000, 4:$15,000, 5:$13,000, 6:$10,000, 7:$9,000, 8:$8,000, 9:$7,000, 10:$6,000).
Camel pays $100,000 into the season-end road race point fund (1:$30,000, 2:$15,000, 3:$12,000, 4:$10,000, 5:$8,000, 6:$7,000, 7:$6,000, 8:$5,000, 9:$4,000, 10:$3,000).
Camel pays $25,000 to the Camel Challenge Cup - for the person who scores the most combined DT & RR points in 1986.
Front number plates may include "Camel Pro" centered at the top of the plate.

[1992 Camel Pro Series Media Guide, Page 11]

►The Grand National Dirt Track Series continues to feature short track, TT, half mile, and mile events.
Road Racing splits off into its own National Championship following the 1985 season.

►American Honda shuts down its in-house factory dirt track team prior to the 1986 season, due to budget cuts.
They hire Bubba Shobert as an outside contractor to run his own team.


►Tire Controversy At Springfield

"The tire controversy on the Camel Pro circuit continues. Carr's Continental tire 'threw rubber off in three different places. Mert and I went with the Continental while everyone else went with Goodyear' said Carr. Carr's rear wheel and tire were removed immediately after the race and spirited away, reportedly by Continental reps."

(Cycle News, Sept 10, 1986 issue, concerning the Aug 31 Springfield Mile).

►Parker TT's the XR at Peoria.
Scott Parker elects to ride the XR750 at the Peoria TT - "a move that proved very popular with the pro-Harley crowd" [Cycle News East]. Parker finishes third in the fourth heat (behind Ricky Graham and Jon Cornwell), and was running sixth in the final when he crashed in turn 3 on lap 4. He makes the single-file restart, and finishes 11th.

Editorial Comment on Parker's XR Ride At Peoria 1986:
►Parker finished third at Peoria on the XR in 1984. In 1985, he practiced the XR, but ultimately rode the Rotax. In 1986, he rode the XR. Possible reason was that in 1986, single-cylinder engines were limited to 600cc for the first time. In 1985, they could displace up to 750cc, and both Honda and Wood-Rotax had 660cc engines approved for competition. My guess, then, is that Parker felt that the XR was no match for the 660cc singles in 1985, but he felt he had a shot against the 600cc singles in 1986. In the TV broadcast of the event, Dave Despain comments (during the red flag), that Parker "prefers the torque" of the XR. Parker's long-time tuner, Bill Werner, has mentioned (to me, and others) that both Parker and Springsteen "hated" the Rotax singles.

►Junior division twin-cylinder engine restrictors are increased to 28.5mm diameter (had been 27mm since 1980).

►Effective April 1, 1986, any approved single-cylinder engine above 600cc must use a 38mm or smaller carburetor.
(Referee Bulletin #86-5A dated February 7,1986)
►Ron Wood shows up at a race with a 660cc single-cylinder engine with two 38mm carbs attached.
The AMA does not allow the motorcycle to compete, as it violates the spirit of the new rule.

►Effective January 1, 1986, the AMA will not approve for dirt track competition any newly-submitted engines with displacement exceeding 600cc. (Referee Bulletin #86-5A dated February 7,1986)

►Effective April 1, 1986, any currently approved single-cylinder engine may be converted to 600cc by altering the bore - but not the stroke - of the approved version. The originally approved crankcase, cylinder, and cylinder heads may be altered, but not replaced. (Referee Bulletin #86-5A dated February 7,1986)

Editorial Comment on the Pro-Am numbering system:
►This was a debacle. Almost immediately, conflicts revealed themselves as two (or more) riders in a region requested the same number. One of those two had to be assigned a new number, which inevitably conflicted with another rider.

►It was also confusing for long-time dirt track fans, who were used to letters indicating a specific home state for each rider.

►It allowed riders to compete with a "0" as the first digit on their number plates, and also allowed letters like "I" and "O" to be used.

9

Jay Springsteen
Harley-Davidson factory team

11

Scott Parker
Harley-Davidson factory team

20

Chris Carr
Harley-Davidson factory team

1

Bubba Shobert
Honda factory team

1987

►43 racers earn Grand National points, and 7 score wins, in eighteen events in 1987 (two earn 0 total points).
►20-16-13-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 scale (same since 1976).

►Camel cigarettes sponsors the Grand National Championship (continuing the sponsorship since 1983).
Front number plates may include "Camel Pro" centered at the top of the plate.
►Camel offers $475,000 into flat track and road racing in 1987.
$440,000 total was paid out (rained out events account for the $35,000 missing) in 1987. Thirty-three racers benefit

$160,000 to the top five riders in combined DT & RR points (1:$100,000, 2:$25000, 3:$20,000, 4:$10,000, 5:$5,000).
$157,500 for 9 flat track Camel Challenge races. Top six qualifiers from time trials qualify.
$157,500 for 9 road race Camel Challenge races. Top three finishers from each heat race qualify.

[1987 AMA Camel Pro Media Guide, page 6].
[1992 Camel Pro Series Media Guide, Page 11]

►Camel awards the "Camel Pro Championship" to the rider who scores the most combined points in select dirt track and road race championships.
1. Bubba Shobert 203 points
2. Wayne Rainey 144 points
3. Doug Chandler 133 points
4. Kevin Schwantz 132 points
5. Scott Parker 106 points
6. Chris Carr 82 points
6. Ricky Graham 82 points
8. Doug Polen 67 points
9. Dan Chivington 62 points
10. Terry Poovey 54 points

►Each flat track Camel Challenge pays $17,500 per six-rider race (1. $10,000, 2.$2,500, 3.$2,000, 4.$1,500, 5.$1,000, 6.$500).
The nine scheduled flat track races are: May 3, 1987 San Jose Mile; May 30, 1987 Louisville HM; July 18, 1987 Parkersburg, HM; July 26, 1987 DuQuoin M; August 16, 1987 Peoria TT; September 6, 1987 Springfield M; September 12, 1987 Syracuse M; September 26, 1987 Ascot HM; and October 3, 1987 Sacramento M.
The nine scheduled road race events are: March 8, 1987 Daytona RR (won by Wayne Rainey); May 17, 1987 Braselton RR (won by Kevin Schwantz); June 7, 1987 Brainerd RR (won by Wayne Rainey); June 21, 1987 Loudon RR (won by Kevin Schwantz); June 28, 1987 Elkhart Lake RR (won by Wayne Rainey); August 2, 1987 Lexington RR (won by Kevin Schwantz); August 9, 1987 Memphis RR (won by Kevin Schwantz); August 23, 1987 Portland RR (this race was cancelled in March 1987); August 30, 1987 Sonoma RR (won by Bubba Shobert).

1. $157,000 Bubba Shobert [$100,000^PF + $38,500^DT + $18,500^RR]
2. $67,000 Wayne Rainey [$25,000^PF + $0^DT + $42,000^RR]
3. $57,500 Kevin Schwantz [$10,000^PF + $0^DT + $47,500^RR]
4. $35,500 Chris Carr [$0^PF + $35,500^DT + $0^RR]
5. $27,000 Doug Chandler [$20,000^PF + $5,500^DT + $1,500^RR]
6. $25,000 Scott Parker [$5,000^PF + $20,000^DT + $0^RR]
7. $10,000 Tim Mertens [$0^PF + $10,000^DT + $0^RR]
8. $9,000 Doug Polen [$0^PF + $0^DT + $9,000^RR]
9. $7,500 Jimmy Filice [$0^PF + $2,000^DT + $5,500^RR]
10. $6,500 Alex Jorgensen [$0^PF + $6,500^DT + $0^RR]
11. $5,000 Steve Morehead [$0^PF + $5,000^DT + $0^RR]
12. $4,500 Dan Chivington [$0^PF + $0^DT + $4,500^RR]
13. $3,000 Terry Poovey [$0^PF + $3,0000^DT + $0^RR]
14. $2,500 John Ashmead [$0^PF + $0^DT + $2,500^RR]
14. $2,500 Jeff Farmer [$0^PF + $0^DT + $2,500^RR]
14. $2,500 Jay Springsteen [$0^PF + $2,500^DT + $0^RR]
17. $2,000 Scott Pearson [$0^PF + $2,000^DT + $0^RR]
17. $2,000 Satoshi Tsujimoto [$0^PF + $0^DT + $2,000^RR]
17. $1,500 Ronnie Jones [$0^PF + $1,500^DT + $0^RR]
17. $1,500 Hank Scott [$0^PF + $1,500^DT + $0^RR]
17. $1,500 Roger Marshall [$0^PF + $0^DT + $1,500^RR]
22. $1,000 Doug Davis [$0^PF + $1,000^DT + $0^RR]
22. $1,000 Keith Day [$0^PF + $1,000^DT + $0^RR]
22. $1,000 Don Estep [$0^PF + $1,000^DT + $0^RR]
22. $1,000 Gary Goodfellow [$0^PF + $0^DT + $1,000^RR]
22. $1,000 Ottis Lance [$0^PF + $0^DT + $1,000^RR]
22. $1,000 Reuben McMurter [$0^PF + $0^DT + $1,000^RR]
28. $750 Scott Gray [$0^PF + $0^DT + $750^RR]
28. $750 Larry Shorts [$0^PF + $0^DT + $750^RR]
30. $500 Steve Eklund [$0^PF + $500^DT + $0^RR]
30. $500 Dan Ingram [$0^PF + $500^DT + $0^RR]
30. $500 Randy Renfrow [$0^PF + $0^DT + $500^RR]
30. $500 Bryan Villella [$0^PF + $500^DT + $0^RR]
^PF = Camel Pro Point Fund $$ (combined DT & RR)
^DT = Camel Challenge $$ (DT only)
^RR = Camel Challenge $$ (RR only)

►The AMA Grand National Half Mile from Ascot Park on April 11, 1987 is televised live on ABC's Wide World Of Sports.

►Galia Gomez is 'Miss Camel' for 1987.

►Don Estep finishes 6th at the Ascot HM GNC on April 11, 1987 competing on a 600cc Wood-Rotax.
►Bryan Villella finishes 13th at the Ascot HM GNC on September 26, 1987, and also finishes sixth in the Camel Challenge on a 600cc Rotax.

►AMA memo dated April 1, 1987 states that all Expert division twin-cylinder engines at all Pro Racing events must use 33mm restrictors (previously unrestricted). The official explanation cites the move as a 'cost saving' measure due to concerns about engine failures. But tire wear was a significant issue at the time as well.

►Junior division twin-cylinder engines must use 29mm restrictors (up from 28.5mm since 1986).

►May 4, 1987: 'The AMA Dirt Track Advisory Board voted 5-4 at a meeting in San Jose, California to retain the restrictors. The action was taken following extensive discussion on the controversioal issue after veteran tuner Tex Peel proposed a resolution to remove manifold plates from all Expert class 750cc motorcycles as soon as possible. The restrictor rule generally is disliked by riders on the National circuit.' (Cycle News, In The Wind, May 20, 1987)

9

Jay Springsteen
Harley-Davidson factory team

11

Scott Parker
Harley-Davidson factory team

20

Chris Carr
Harley-Davidson factory team

1

Bubba Shobert
Honda factory team

1988

►44 racers earn Grand National points, and 5 score wins, in seventeen events in 1988 (five earn 9 total points).
►20-16-13-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 scale (same since 1976).

►Camel cigarettes sponsors the Grand National Championship (continuing the sponsorship since 1983).
Front number plates may include "Camel Pro" centered at the top of the plate.
►Camel offers $440,000 into flat track and road racing in 1988. Twenty-nine racers benefit.
$440,000 total was paid out (rained out events account for the $35,000 missing) to 29 racers in 1988.

$160,000 to the top five riders in combined DT & RR points (1:$100,000, 2:$25000, 3:$20,000, 4:$10,000, 5:$5,000).
$157,500 for 9 flat track Camel Challenge races. Top six qualifiers from time trials qualify.
$122,500 for 7 road race Camel Challenge races. Top three finishers from each heat race qualify.

[1988 AMA Camel Pro Media Guide, page 6].
[1992 Camel Pro Series Media Guide, Page 11]

►Atherton races once, wins ROY: Kevin Atherton, the 1988 Junior National Champion, moves up to Expert for the Grand National finale at Ascot Park. He races a Ron Wood Wood-Rotax 600, finishes sixth, to win the Rookie of the Year award.

Rotaxes in GNC HM Finals

►Kevin Atherton finishes 6th and Bryan Villela finishes 13th the Ascot HM GNC on September 24, 1988, competing on 600cc Wood-Rotaxes.

9

Jay Springsteen
Harley-Davidson factory team

11

Scott Parker
Harley-Davidson factory team

20

Chris Carr
Harley-Davidson factory team

1

Bubba Shobert
Honda factory team

1989

►39 racers earn Grand National points, and 6 score wins, in sixteen events in 1989.
►20-16-13-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 scale (same since 1976).

►Camel cigarettes sponsors the Grand National Championship (continuing the sponsorship since 1983).
Front number plates may include "Camel Pro" centered at the top of the plate.
►The 1989 Camel Pro Series and AMA Grand National Championship are one in the same.
Camel offers $400,000 into flat track in 1989. Twenty-seven riders benefit.

$200,000 point fund to the top ten dirt trackers (1:$100,000, 2:$30,000, 3:$20,000, 4:$15,000, 5:$10,000, 6:$7,000, 7:$6,000, 8:$5,000, 9:$4,000, 10:$3,000).
$192,500 for 11 flat track Camel Challenge races. Top six qualifiers from time trials qualify.
$7,500 for the Camel Pro Rookie of the Year program.

[1989 AMA Camel Pro Media Guide, page 10].
[1992 Camel Pro Series Media Guide, Page 11]

►Entering the San Jose round, Parker led Carr 226 to 198. Parker won San Jose, with Carr 8th, to allow Parker to clinch the title by a 246-205 margin with one round remaining.

Syracuse Mile Rains Outs:
►The September 10, 1989 Syracuse Mile rains out. The Camel Challenge is run to completion, but the National is rained out on the sixth lap.

►American Honda ceases its factory dirt track effort after the 1988 season, instead using its 1989 budget to finance Bubba Shobert's Grand Prix effort.

►Former Grand National Champion Bubba Shobert is critically injured at the World Championship U.S. Grand Prix on April 16, 1989. He never races a motorcycle again.

►Kelly Myers is 'Miss Camel' for 1989.

►The annual Daytona Bike Week short track races move from Memorial Stadium to Municipal Stadium.

►The AMA approves an updated version of the Harley-Davidson XR750, after inspecting 25 complete engines on pallets. Improvements over the 1980 version include, but are not limited to, the D-port cylinder heads, ignition, crankcases, oil pump, and cam cover. Harley-Davidson does not offer complete motorcycles, as they did in 1980.

►Grand National Championship half mile and mile events are limited to 750cc twin-cylinder four-stroke engines.

Editor's note: The rule is a direct reaction to the growing competitiveness of the Rotax 600cc single cylinder engines, especially at half mile events. Rookie Expert Kevin Atherton finished sixth at the Ascot HM, beating (among others) AMA Grand National Champion Bubba Shobert. Below the Grand National level, AMA Pro events continue to run 600cc singles and 750cc twins together in the Junior and Expert divisions through the 1992 season.

Editorial note: At the time, Harley-Davidson was providing a signficant amount of contingency for GNC HM & M results, whereas Rotax was providing $0.

1

Scott Parker
Harley-Davidson factory team

9

Jay Springsteen
Harley-Davidson factory team

20

Chris Carr
Harley-Davidson factory team

23

Kevin Atherton
Harley-Davidson factory team

1990

►44 racers earn Grand National points, and 5 score wins, in fifteen events in 1990.
►20-16-13-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 scale (same since 1976).

►Camel cigarettes sponsors the Grand National Championship (continuing the sponsorship since 1983).
Front number plates may include "Camel Pro" centered at the top of the plate.
Camel offers $382,500 into flat track in 1990. Nineteen riders benefit.

$207,500 point fund to the top ten dirt trackers (1:$100,000, 2:$30,000, 3:$20,000, 4:$15,000, 5:$10,000, 6:$7,000, 7:$6,000, 8:$5,000, 9:$4,000, 10:$3,000).
$175,000 for 10 flat track Camel Challenge races. Top six qualifiers from time trials qualify.

[1991 AMA Camel Pro Media Guide, Page 15].
[1992 Camel Pro Series Media Guide, Page 11]

►Entering the final round at Sacramento, Parker led Carr 229-218 in points. Parker won Sacramento, with Carr 4th.
DuQuoin Rain Out:

►The July 22, 1990 DuQuoin Mile rains out. The rescheduled event runs on July 29, 1990. It rains out on the second lap of the final.
No points are awarded; riders are paid based on grid position. Chris Carr was the polesitter.

►Will Davis (#21) claims Scott Parker's XR750 at the June 17, 1990 Albuquerque Mile. Parker's bike dropped a valve during the race, which ruined the engine. Parker's tuner, Bill Werner, offered to give Will a servicable engine from Parker's spare, but Davis declined. The engine was using new titanium valves and by surrendering the engine the team lost the ability to learn what had failed.

►Paige Thomas is 'Miss Camel' for 1990.

►Responding to requests from dealers and tuners, Harley-Davidson begins shipping XR750 engines disassembled, with some parts incomplete, if desired. Previously, tuners received a completely assembled engine from Harley-Davidson, and then had to disassemble it and then modify parts as needed. For example, if they disliked the factory cam settings, they needed to remove the cam shafts and grind the welds off in order to relocate the cam lobes. By shipping the engines disassembled, with some parts incomplete, the tuner was saved a considerable amount of effort. In some cases, the cam lobes and gear were separate from the cam shaft, and in other cases the heads were unported.

►Harley-Davidson XR750 and Honda RS750 must each weigh 315#. (XR750 had been 300# limit while RS750 has been 320# limit since 1988).

1

Scott Parker
Harley-Davidson factory team

20

Chris Carr
Harley-Davidson factory team

23

Kevin Atherton
Harley-Davidson factory team

1991

►41 racers earn Grand National points, and 6 score wins, in sixteen events in 1991.
►20-16-13-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1-1-1-1 scale (slightly revised scale from 1976).

►Scott Parker enters the Sacramento Mile finale leading Chris Carr 209-205.
Carr wins the finale with Parker second. They tie in points at 225.
Parker is awarded the tie-breaker, having won 6 racers compared to Carr's 4.

►Camel cigarettes sponsors the Grand National Championship (continuing the sponsorship since 1983).
Front number plates may include "Camel Pro" centered at the top of the plate.
Camel offers $382,500 into flat track in 1991. Twenty-four racers benefit.

$200,000 point fund to the top ten dirt trackers (1:$100,000, 2:$30,000, 3:$20,000, 4:$15,000, 5:$10,000, 6:$7,000, 7:$6,000, 8:$5,000, 9:$4,000, 10:$3,000).
$110,000 for 11 flat track Camel Challenge races. Top six qualifiers from time trials qualify.

[1991 AMA Camel Pro Media Guide, Page 16].
[1992 Camel Pro Series Media Guide, Page 11]

1

Scott Parker
Harley-Davidson factory team

20

Chris Carr
Harley-Davidson factory team

23

Kevin Atherton
Harley-Davidson factory team