STAPLETON HAS HARD CHOICE

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31030, 9 April 1966, Page 13

STAPLETON HAS HARD CHOICE

The Christchurch rider, G. Stapleton, has obtained one of the latest Spanish 250 c.c. Bultaco scramblers and may ride it for the first time in the South Island 250 c.c. championship, to be held over the Ogg’s Farm circuit at Tai Tapu on Monday.

However, the arrival of this machine, regarded as one of the best in its class, has provided him with a problem. Since ordering it Stapleton has bought the very potent Husqvarna used by the international. H. R. Anderson, in J the moto-cross series, and it j has proved to be one of the; fastest 250 c.c. machines in the country. If Stapleton chooses to use

i the Bultaco and it fails to come up to expectations im- ■ mediately, it may cost him the chance of the title. And yet he has to use the best machine for he cannot afford to give away anything with (the calibre of the competition | he will face. L Boorer (Timaru), who returned from England earlier this season and finished runner-up to A. Collison (Palmerston North) in the New Zealand 350 c.c. championship a fortnight ago, will be a strong contender on his new 250 c.c. Greeves Challenger. Another Timaru rider, R. Johnston, a former South Island champion, has purchased the 250 c.c. Bultaco ridden bv K. Davis (Feilding) in the Halswell 100. and is also a likely contender for I the title. Other prominent entries include I. Russell (Blenheim), who will ride a rare Italian Ducatti, his brother, T. B. j Russell, G Holland (Christchurch.’ C.Z.), and B. Horton '(Christchurch, Greeves).