Balentine Bounty DRA Series
DRA
at
Desert
Sunday September 19, 1976
By: Harold Tyndall
With DRA sponsoring the ''Balentine Bounty Series", it seems that quite a few hot riders are looking to pick up some "easy" quick cash. Their only problem is the KTM ace himself, Bob Balentine. for some reason, he just doesn't want to be caught!
Balentine won another race in a seemingly endless collection of wins, but this time there was a price on his head. It really gives the man a reason for riding fast.This was the first of the Challenge series, with only two left to go. Since Bob won this round, somebody else has to win the next two, or they can't latch on to the-big bucks put up by DSA and KTM.
Tom Kelly and Cordis Brooks gave him a good run for his money, but Cordis seized and Tom came in second, leaving Bajentine a realtively trouble-free win (although Bill Conroy led for the first miles before he broke).
Balentine was leading by 20 seconds at the end of the first loop and by a minute and a half at the end of the race. That man sure can cook out in the desert.
In the Women's Division, Michelle Griffin, riding number IP, sponsored by Malcolm Smith, didn't pull off her usual win, but she still placed well, in the top five.
Sue Gates, in her Novice race, was in second place 'till she got off hard on the second loop. Leslie Klug ended up winning the class with a good lead.
Balentine and Kelly were followed across the line by Dan Dawson, who was followed by Jack Johnson (the former KTM rider, now moun¬ted on a rapid Husky out of Las Vegas). Following them in were Chris Kafon, Bill Stumbo and Kevin Hasten.
Overall, the racing was excellent, with typical good organization on the behalf of the DRA, and a good course layout, thanks to Lynn Edwards. The Balentine Bounty Series co tinues this, weekend (October 2 3) at the Cal City GP. Remembe those who want a shot at the cas you have to win the next two get the bucks, so get your sl( tuned and ready to cook. See ya at Cal City...