World title won by American rider

Press, 7 September 1981, Page 20

World title won by American rider

NZPA-Reuter London Bruce Penhall on Saturday evening became the first American to win the world speedway championship title for 44 years. The 24-year-old Californian lived up to his rating as firm favourite with 14 points from five rides at Wembley. He had two points to spare over Denmark's Ole Olsen and Tommy Knudsen. The defending champion, Michael Lee. of England, had an unhappy night. finishing eleventh with five points. The New Zealander. Larry Ross, making his world final

debut, finished thirteenth. Penhall earned the title with dramatic finishes in his second and fourth races. First, he overhauled the three-time champion. Olsen, almost on the line and then, equally spectacularly, he powered out of the final bend to edge out the 19-year-old Knudsen, youngest of the 16 finalists. That left Penhall needing only one point in the final heat to take the title to the United States for the first time since 1937. He got it after being content to sit back for a second place finish.'

Absent from the track was . speedway’s most successful rider. Ivan Mauger. The New Zealand rider, now in the twilight of his career, failed J to qualify for this year's' final. Although still competing in the sport, the six-times’ champion has taken on a ; new role as the manager of a 20-year-old Halifax star. ; Kenny Carter. Manger's confidence in Carter was well placed as his young charge finished in fourth place after winning the final heat. On Friday Mauger said he thought the final would go to Penhall, although he said Carter would be one of his strongest challengers. Scores: Bruce Penhall (U.S.). 14 pts. 1; Ole Olsen (Denmark). 12. 2: Tommy Knudsen (Denmark), 12, 3; Kenny Carter (England), 11. 4; Erik Gundersen (Denmark) 11, 5: Egon Muller (West Germany), 9. 6: Jan Andersson (Sweden) 9. 7: Dave Jessup (England). 7. 7; Hans Nielsen (Denmark) 6. 8: Chris Morton (England), 5. 9: Michael Lee (England). 5, 10; Edward Jancarz (Poland). 5. 11; Larry Ross (New Zealand). 4, 12; Zenon Piech (Poland). 3. 13; Ales Dryml (Czechoslovakia). 3. 14; Jiri Stand (Czechoslovakia) 3.15.