Track Changes, Good Turnout, Hot Racing... All at Ascot
CMC
at
Ascot Park
Thursday May 12, 1977
By: Tom Corley
well, it really appeared as if the riders wishes were taken very seriously by Chris Agajanian and his crew, because two night's CMC Race at Ascot Park featured a somewhat different track. In an attempt to make everything more exciting and more to the liking of the riders, these guys re-arranged the track, or should I say the mud, and included several long, fast straights into the scheme of things.
Good suggestions usually bring good results, and in this program, it's proving really effective in keeping close relations between the riders and promoters. I wish more tracks would get on it and take the helpful suggestions of the riders! Once again, there was a fantastic turnout and the total attendance of competitors was high along with the spectators, which could have been different, with the rain clouds still up above.Eight very hot stars lined up at the 125 pro gate for an impressive race, which turned three somewhat richer and five somewhat poorer, with the 100% payback system they use. I must add that it was a night for Don Emler's FMF machines to win, because they were really in action.
Doug Nichol, who was featured in a MX West pictorial last week, blasted out in front in the first moto and was looking unpassable on his hauling FMF Honda. As it turned out, he was unpassable and dog flew straight to the waving checkered flag first, while Dave Miller, the new MX West tech man and ace UFO'er, jived by Toyama for second.
In the second Moto, Gregg Toyama, of FMF and last week's winner in the opening race, was on the move and this time the number 60 Honda flyer screamed just barely ahead of the on-the-gas pack of pros. Doug Nicol didn't have the necessary edge that he grabbed in the first round action, so he kicked back in the second spot while Dave Miller was strategically waiting until someone made a mistake so he could take advantage. Miller went UFO, because he couldn't get around anyone, so he had to settle for third place.
Overall for the night's 125 pro event, which was one of the finest, Nicol took the honors and a fair amount of cash, which was really hot considering that this guy just turned pro last Ascot season and was racing minis before that. Toyama had his glory scene last week, so this time he landed second overall, which was still in the money while " Works" Dave Miller captured second for UFO, which is a newer company that is run by big John Miller. Steve Moore whipped it around for a nice fourth overall account while FMF jerseyed Cliff Lett managed fifth in front of Frank Pilato, who was mounted on FMF machine No. F7. seems to me like that was Dave Carlson's old I.D. number last season.