Big moto-cross field

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33461, 16 February 1974, Page 48

Big moto-cross field

A record field of more than 100 has entered the fourth round of the South Island gold star moto-cross champion- . ships, on the fast hillside course at Starvation Hill. Oxford, tomorrow. Because of this,, officials of the New Brighton club, which is organising the meeting, have been forced to move the start-finish further away from the first bend, to avoid a bottleneck. Even so, • there may be problems, especially in the 125 c-c. class, in which there will be 50 starters. A rider slow away will have virtually no chance of I getting through the traffic, even in a race of 10 Japs. MILLER THE THREAT ' The man to beat in all j three classes—l2s. 250 and 1500 c.c.—will be New Zea-

land’s leading international,' I. Miller. Miller, based in Wanganui, where he is attached to the (New Zealand Suzuki imi porter, was not expected to enter. He was ranked third in Britain last summer and should prove too strong for his rivals tomorrow. He will ride Suzukis in all classes. But because he has missed the three rounds already held, he has no chance of winning any of tire South Island championships. In the 125 c.c. class, G. Sword (Christchurch) has 68 points and a handy lead of 15 points over his nearest rival, B. Ainsworth (Nelson) Both are expected to be prominent on Sunday but the competition will be exceptional Several former champions, including M. Butler (Christchurch), K. Miles (Rangiora) and R. Austin (Ashburton), are in the field, and A Sintes (Christchurch),,

,’ one of the outstanding riders lin this class at the start of the season, will also be very i hard to beat. DUEL IN 250 c.c. I There are 40 starters in the I 250 c.c. class, led by the out- ■ standing Ashburton rider, R. I Horsburgh (Honda), and. Miller. L. Ross (ChristI church), the present leader ' of the class with 68 points, ’ and P. Doecke (Christi church), who holds second place with 53, Will both be . attempting to consolidate ! their positions. ; The smallest entry, 16 t riders, is in the 500 ex.- class. R. Happer (Christchurch) has > a handsome lead of 27 points > over his nearest rival, G. . Norris (Christchurch), but neither can reasonably be ex- . pected to beat Miller. r Three races will be held in 5 each class. i The next round of the Gold , Star series will be at J Dunedin on January 23.