Stapleton Favoured For Third Title Success

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32304, 23 May 1970, Page 13

Stapleton Favoured For Third Title Success

On form shown since his return from Europe last December, and barring no acci-l dents or machine problems,! G. Stapleton (Christchurch)! should take the New Zealand I 250 c.c. scramble title at Halswell tomorrow. Already this season, Stapleton has won the South Island 350 and 500 c.c. miniature T.T. titles, and the only rider who appears to hold any threats to Stapleton gaining his third title is G. Holland.; However, in recent events Holland has been plagued by mechanical problems. Stapleton has shown a greater maturity in his riding since his return from Europe, and once leading a

race the second rider has to . fight hard to keep within half i a lap of him at the finish. | About 12 entries are expected for the title, to be deIcided on points gained from three races, each of eight : laps. Both Stapleton and Holland ■ will be riding C.Z.s and G. I Reid, of Rangiora, who will i also be a strong contender ■ for a place, will ride a simi- ’ lar machine. Reid has shown ; a refreshing return to form . I this season. ; Another feature race is the| ' Bob Burns trophy race for machines of np to 500 c.c. A i large field of 360 c.c. ma- • chines is expected for the i event and Stapleton is again to win.