Fresh start in moto-cross

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34105, 18 March 1976, Page 32

Fresh start in moto-cross

(By

ROD DEW)

The former New Zealand A grade champion, Peter Ploen (Suzuki), of Tauranga, will be trying desperately to put the bitter memories of the summer behind him in the Radio Avon invitation moto-cross, to be held on the international Ogg’s Farm circuit at Tai Tapu on Sunday.

Ploen, after winning the national crown twice in succession. did not survive the early qualifying rounds for this season’s championship because of a misunderstanding over points. He was allowed to compete in the North Island semi-final, subject to the outcome of his appeal to the Auto Cycle Union, but crashed and was unable to continue. In the eyes of many the talented Tauranga rider is

still No. 1 in New Zealand. But on Sunday, there will be no lack of challengers prepared to dispute this.

More than 100 riders have been accepted for the meeting, which will be the most important held in the province since the visit, of the world 125 champion, Gaston Rahier (Belgium) before Christmas.

Paul Harrison, the Englishman who won the New Zealand championship at Hamilton a week ago, is one of the few nationally-ranked riders not entered. Ross Horsburgh (Christchurch), who finished runner-up to Harrison in his best performance so far at this level, will be an obvious threat to Ploen and other prominent North Island riders in the field. Horsburgh knows the course well and this will be to his advantage. He will ride a CR2SO Honda.

Another South Island rider who showed up well in the national final was Gary Goodfellow (Dunedin). He, too, will be out to enhance his already impressive reputation. As'usual, he will be Honda-mounted. But the bulk of the contenders for over-all honours

in the open class seem likely to come from the North Island. Moss Smith (Suzuki), of Auckland, has been regarded as No. 2 to Ploen in recent seasons, although he was disappointing at the national final. But he is undoubtedly a rider of unusual ability. Laurie Love (Suzuki) and Warren Lambess (Suzuki), both from Wanganui, are others certain to be prominent. Love was third in the national A grade final and is one of the most consisten performers in the sport. Other leading North Island riders include Peter and Kevin Boyle (Wellington), Reg and Colin Dixon (New Plymouth) and Jeff Burgess (Rotorua). Burgess will be a top contender for victory in the 125 class. He was runner-up in the national final and his meeting with Blair Carpinter (Christchurch) will be full of interest. Carpinter was third in the New Zealand championship.

Soccer. — Wolverhampton Wanderers’ slide towards division two of the English Football League continued when they were beaten 1-0 at home by fastimproving Tottenham Hotspur.