AMC Saddleback Kicks Off Women's Pro Class 100% Payback
AMC
at
Saddleback Park
Sunday September 26, 1976
By: Sue Suki
This was the first weekend of AMC's new Women's Pro class, in which the pretty ladies are riding for money. With 100% payback on the line, there was a full crowd of women racers ready to earn some bucks.
Both motos were easily dominated by Johanna Stenersen, riding her MX West/Miller Mano Suzuki. 'Right off the line in both motos, she pulled the early lead and was able to hold it. In both of the 30 minute motos, she held the lead for the entire race. No matter what the other women tried, they-just couldn't get near the flying Stenersen. Also battling it out were Teri Bender, DeDe Gates and many others.In addition to the Pros there was also a Women's division for Sportsmen. In this, there was also some good battling. For further coverage of the Women's division, check for their column, that's devoted entirely to women's racing.
In other divisions, AMC had quite a good turnout of riders, consider¬ing there was a $1,000 purse running down the road. In the 250 Pro class, Mike Bell, riding a DG Suzuki, had his work cut out for him, with a full house of racers. Mike was able to hold
Jon Derhammer, on the other hand, had a time of it in the Open i class. He had to come from behind j in the first moto on his Wheelsmith I Maico to get second. The next go-round was a bit different, as Jon rocketed into the lead right off the line a