Stapleton surprise moto-cross choice

Press, 11 March 1983, Page 7

Stapleton surprise moto-cross choice

The inclusion of the former New Zealand champion, Graeme Stapleton (Christchurch), is the major surprise of the South Island moto-cross team announced yesterday by the sole selector, Mr Bill Campbell, of Christchurch. Stapleton was one of New Zealand’s finest moto-cross riders in the late 19605, winning several New Zealand titles and racing with success in Britain before switching to speedway racing. He went on to race for the Wimbledon speedway team in the British first division league and represented New Zealand frequently in test matches. Last year he retired from speedway motor-cycle racing and began racing a midget car at Ruapuna Speedway. The speedway season has now ended and Stapleton, in a surprise move, has returned to moto-cross racing. He has been named in the open class of the South Island team and if he can quickly regain some of his old skills he will substantially improve his team’s chances of defeating the North Island. The contest will be held at Timaru on April 3. Stapleton has only raced in a few minor events so far and has really been selected on past form. But Mr Campbell is unconcerned. “Graeme has got enough clues to handle this,” he said. “He was the top motocross rider in the country once

and I am sure he can still do well." The southern team of 21 riders is a strong one and Mr Campebll is hopeful of repeating the fine victory achieved over the North two years ago. "The North island has some top-liners but I think we have greater depth,” he said. Kerry Reeves (Rangiora) is expected to be a key figure in the 125 cu. cm class, but the real strength of the team probably lies in the 250 cu. cm class. This is led by Warren Timpson (Christchurch) and a young rider of unusual promise, Graham Allan (Parnassus). Timpson was third in the recent New Zealand championship series, and Allan was fifth. The team is:— Open.— Dean Bond, Trevor King (Dundein), Stephen Oliver, Graeme Stapleton (Christchurch), Marty Mclntyre (Gore), Neil Boniface (Invercargill), Greg Sherritt (Christchurch). 250 cu. cm.— Warren Timpson, Grant Oliver, Gordon Brown (all Christchurch), Graham Allan (Parnassus), Gordon Parks (Dunedin), Marty Marshall (Ashburton), David Latta (Balclutha). 125 cu. cm.— Kerry Reeves (Rangiora), Barry McLaughlin (Dunsandel), Phil Morgan (Christchurch), Kenny Simmons ' (Blenheim), Dean Veitch (Dunedin), Jim Drain (Invercargill), Brian Jacobs (Balclutha).