MOTO X VOLUME 2 NUMBER 2

I

i

CJ

II)

E

III
C

CJ) o m-t "'tl J: CJ)
r
... sëi~~ s s::oC m CJ) o C
~ii. ;n" JJ
z "'tl "'tl -t m Z
;:r :::r J: :t> :t>
:t> s::»-t r oo:t>
-t o m
s s:: rZ oo:t> JJ
C Z m ~
JJ o Cj m mJJ
m CJ)
CT CJ) CJ)
o o~ ~ ~
oJ: ~
"T1 o

:t> 3 3
"'tl CD CD
"'tl Ol Ol
!: :oJ s:: m
o
:t> g~ g.3.,
.o......
Z a'
-t
CD

~ ;:r

3 CD
.CC.DT,

.o...
g.

CD

o »o til o
C
:t> m-t z!:!! J:
om
s-t JJ »o
ëii
m -t o....
"T1 CJ)
CJ) Cl)

to Z ~

JJ Z
-t
J: s:t:>:

m
~

to
iil

:oJ

zr(')

.O.l.

Ol
:oJ

s

;a:.

o

~:oJ

ct

CD

.J.J.. .o...

o

8

Transvaal Series @w

4 SYRINGA· South Africa's first International series ~""\. publications

Natal Series 20 FELIX DRIVE
KIBLER PARK.
20 UMHLANGA FESTIVAL· Last Round of the International's 1872

Cape Series VOLUME TWO ... NUMBER TWO

14 KILLARNEY· 2nd Round International's Registered et the G.P.O. as a newspaper.
25 BERLIN· '17 Last Meeting
30 COASTAL SERIES - First Round of a new series Distributed nationally by C.N.A.

Features Moto X S.A. is pJlblished monthly by the
proprletors.G.W. Publications.
2 EDITORIAL· Views and News
2 THE RECEIVING END· Letters to the Editor EDITOR:
23 CARTOON . ,More funnies from Martin Potgieter Gary Whyte
31 RENOLD . 78 News
31 CASTROL - Products CONTRIBUTING EDITOR:
31 YAMAHA· News Peter Achterberg
32 YAMAHA - News
33 DURITY - Sponsorship SUBSCRIPTIONS and P.R.O.:
33 CASTROL . 78 News Viviana Whyte

4x4 -clubof SA lAYOUT AND DESIGN:
Gary Whyte
34 CLUB NEWS· Hearing from Peter Achterberg
PRINTED BY:
Pinetown Printers (Pty) Ltd,
22 Henwood Road,
Pinetown, 3600

EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING OFFICES:
20 Felix Driv.,
Kibler Park 1872

AD ENQUIRIES:
680·2515 (Jhb. 011) Mrs. Whyte

CONTR IBUTIONS:
We welcome any photographs. articI. and
illustration.. They will remain the property of
MOTO·X S.A., uni ... prior arrangements are
mad. with the editor to return such meterial.
Photographs should be 5" x 7" colour or black
and white prints. Contributors will be awarded
a fee if material submitted is accepted.

Copyright reserved. Nothing in this magazine
may be reprinted in whole or in part without
the express permission of the publi.her. All
pUblished material becomes the sole property
of MOTO·X S.A.

FRONT COVER: Hidenobu Toh, Japan's National Champ in position for his first S.A. Moto

(Photo: Gary Whyte)
PAGE 13: A return to the Champion of Champions. A colourful glance featuring Grant
Maben, Andrew Hodgson, Charlie Tissan, Peter Hill and Mark Davies (Photos: Gary and
George Whyte)
CENTRE·SPREAD: Colour studies of our overseas visitors. First Round International
Motocross Series (Photos: Gary Whyte)
PAGE 24: Henri Steyn forms a tidal wave at leeukuil (Photo: George Whyte)

Moto X S.A. Vol.2 No.2 Feb,78 Page 1

EDITORIAL The

Now that the International stars Receiving
have left our sunny continent
the excitement gradually subsides End
as we settle down again to watch
our new South African champ-
ions. We can definitely expect a
very fast '7'd motocross season
due lo experience gained during
t he International series.

Optimistically, we can look Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to your
forward to more International
request for letters about the lack ofT.V.
meetings, providing certain sore and newspaper coverage (Volume 2 No.1).
I have noticed that very rarely do we have
points are eliminated. Letters of even a glimpse of motocross on T.V., and
I find it very difficult to obtain informa-
complaint pour in regarding poor .!Iq A~£RFE LO), ILO. tion about meetings from the newspapers.
'WE STVIL.l E NO~T'"
organisation, lack of facilities and My heart missed a beat when on the
""JC news one night we were treated to a five
dusty conditions. To highlight second flash of a few bikes tearing around
a comer when Harry Everts and Hidenabu
but one grievance which we arc Toh came to the country, then again
when Kim Shippey, one afternoon,
concerned about is the question happened to mention how popular moto-
cross had become and we were able to
of proper marshalling for the v,:r L'''<t "II "'Hf: ....".'To )( e.ool<.~ TIiU "II\E follow Tyrone Stephenson around
kY & 00 b . Syringa Spa near the end of a race. I
safety of the riders. think it is about time something was done
to improve matters in this field.
We have seen 'volunteer
Keep up the good work and excellent
marshalls' being recruited at the (,,, .. )~ ~o~ pL.IIS& 7'dl _.. ...,,,.... t" quality of photographs.

!oO~f .... 0.,.0)( Yours faithfully,
"TI
last minute on certain tracks. "'.',..c.i lt'c.O..I~ "'~ ,. .... Tf:~S , ...... G.S. McDonald,
)'0 ~o.,J.. ,.,. Yellowwood Park, Natal.
T _u.l~

These are mainly youngsters who, ..... ,_ ~ " .. "c. ~ o~ ~ .. _lo ....

to say the least, arc usually in- Ki ..~" .....T".lt p.sr 64 :x: '" ..

" .....T Til .. P .. lII..... ""T;o .. S ~ ......... .,.. oJ.

competent, as they are easily dis- "''') f'.:_" """,,:fr... '"............ " ....TIt'....It"",. & .. ..., c..llu1:"5

traded. Marshalls arc there to &. .... , ~I Me .......l

assist competitors by preventing w. C.AN ~oT I'i ..... AV~ _"~.

accidents - not causing them (as

we unfortunately witnessed on

Sunday, I'd th Decem ber, 1977 at Look out for your friendly postman. Ed.

Umhlanga).

Roger Steele took a tumble in

a tight berm. However the

marshall concerned was totally

unprepared, and had his yellow Dear Editor,
I am a keen follower of Moto X and go
flag tightly wound up, therefore
to every meeting possible. It may seem a
being unable to signal the hazard little strange as I am a girl, but what has
encouraged my interest is the enthusiasm
to a fast moving Geoff Gray, and professional riding of Grant Maben
and Charlie Tissen whom I feel are
who inevitably slammed into fantastic. I have just started working and
am going to subscribe to you the day I
Roger. This rider (Roger) not get paid. Your magazine is the only one
which covers the meetings so well. But in
only suffered injury but was the meantime I would appreciate it very
much if you could tell me when the meet-
unable to complete the heat. ings are for 1978 and where.

This shocking accident could Miss V. Duncan
Glenvista, Johannesburg
have been avoided had proper

action taken place by the

marshall on duty. Consider also

that this was an international

race and what would the out-

come have been had Hidenobu

Toll been involved? Great to hear from a female MX fan.

The 78 Mx calendar will appear in our

next issue. Ed.

Moto X S.A. Vol.2 No.2 Feb,78 Page 2

MotoStar

MotoStar-Speclal design for motocross riders. Full
coverage style comes with extra protection at nose

and mouth. Durable fiberglass shell In white or yellow
with matching Duckbill®visor. Non-resilient,

expanded polystyrene liner Is padded for comfort,
sized for a safe flt-54-63cm. Meets Snell '70 and
ANSI standards and Is approved for AMA competition.
Plenty of room for goggles, too. Weighs 1410 grams.

R89,DD

SUPER Magnum Star R·T

SUPER MAGNUM - A popular helmet tor STAR - A full coverage fibreglass shell lined, R-T - A helmet for road or trail. White, red
street, track or trail. Silver, white or orange no-bounce helmet position. White or orange or international orange with matchinq 520
finish with matching 520 visor. Head sizes with matching 520 visor. Head sizes 51 - visor. Head sizes 51 - 63cm. Weighs 1130g.
52 - 63cm. Weighs 1500 grams. 63cm. WeighS 1650 grams.
R48,DD
R19,DD R89,DD

Moto X S.A. Vol.2 No.2 Feb,78 Page 3

It's a scene of perfect tranquility. The moon, rising over Mt. Fuji casts shadows which flit across the surface of a crystal-clear pond
surrounded by cool lush ferns. On the bank of the pond sits an old man quietly fishing by the light of a small oil lamp. Not a sound
disturbs the perfect calm. So quiet ... so serene ... KATHWAM!

A massive jet plane breaks out of the low cloud. The old man jumps three feet into the air and disappears into the water.
Emerging amidst a tangle of lilIies and fishing line,screams a stream of oriental profanities that would turn Darth Vader's mask
green with shame. It's a perfect uproar ...

Harry Everts 1975 250 World Champ, lays it Fear not. We folks here at MX S.A. Hidenobu Toh, Japan's Nat. Champ and the
on (Photo: G. Lambrecht) haven't flipped our lids or consumed too Yamaha works developer (Photo: Gary Whyte)
much ale.

It just so happened that the jet which
almost brought the old man's life to an
early end is the self-same jet containing a
little Japanese fellow named Hidenobu
Toh, Japan's premier motoclosser; a few
metres under our fellow dirt freak, in the
belly of the plane sits a water-cooled
works Yamaha 125.

Destination? Would you believe it if
you were told they were on their way to
our own sunny South Africa. Would you
also believe it if you were told that many
miles away in the heart of Europe the
1975 250 World champion Harry Everts
was at about the same time departing
from Belgium also with South Africa as
his target. That's right folks, both these
top international riders were on their
way out here to compete in a nation-
wide international motocross series, the
first of its kind to be seen in the Republic.

Unfortunately the European champion,
Suzuki's Graham Beamish was unable to
make it but nevertheless there was still
the promise of some top riding.

Moto X S.A. Vol.2 No.2 Feb,78 Page4

King of Syringa, Grant Maben flying ahead of Hidenobu Toh (Photo: G. Lambrecht)
Moto X S.A. Vol.2 No.2 Feb,78 Page 5

Charlie Tissen (200) hole shots the 250/500 International Heat followed

Moto X S.A. Vol. 2 No.2 Feb,78 Page 6

closely by Toh, Stevenson (206) and Everts. (Photo: G. Lambrecht)

Moto X S.A. Vol.2 No.2 Feb,78 Pege7

The overseas visitors are welcomed in the pre-race paddock (Photo: Go"" Whyte)

Everts raises his cap acknowledging his determination to cream all opposition (Photo: Gary Whyte)
Moto X S.A. Vol.2 No.2 Feb,78 Page 8

All the local guys wanting to compete Grant Maben, who blasted away from the The second International event was
in the international events had to obtain start followed closely by Tissen. the 250/500 moto. This was where Harry
international licences, this posed little Everts would make his showing and the
problem and it was all systems go. Toh had been effectively sandwiched crowds were breathless in anticipation.
in and was left with a lousy placing but
The opening of the series was held at he was soon knifing through the pack Tissen got the holeshot on his Yamaha.
Syringa Motorcycle Park on the 3rd of after the leaders and by the 2nd lap he Everts, who was riding a stock Bultaco,
December. Both Toh and Everts were was in 3rd place behind Grant and Charlie. was in 3rd position followed by Stevenson
previously allowed 2 days practice on the on his works Kawasaki. Toh, who was
track to acclimatize themselves to the Grant was determined to beat the riding in the 250 heat as well was right up
altitude and circuit. By the 3rd they and Japanese and was flying along out in in front. Rod Bergstrom also riding
all the local hot-shoes were ready to do front at an incredible pace. If he could brilliantly on his BP Yamaha.
only have held that position ... but then
battle. tragedy struck. Just before entering the On the 3rd last lap it was still Charlie
The event had been well promoted and Syringa bowl Mabens chain failed and up front with Everts right on his tail.
Tissen took the lead followed by Toh and Tyrone Stevenson now in third followed
race day saw Syringa filled with a capacity Geoff Gray on his Honda. Highschool star by Toh and then Rod Bergstrom.
crowd eager to see what MX was all about. Deon du Plessis (AWE Honda) was in 4th
place followed by Tommy Maben also on Toh, who always really gets going on
The first international heat was the a Honda. the closing stages of the race sneaked past
l25cc International. Toh was among the Tyrone on the wall of death to take 3rd.
first riders to come down to the line, and On the last lap Toh scraped past Tissen
hell! were some of the less intelligent in a show of brilliant riding to take first Finishing with Tissen first, Everts
spectators disappointed! His pants were place. Geoff Gray took a well deserved second, Toh third, Tyrone fourth and
made of leather - not rice paper, and his 3rd, followed by Deon riding excellently Rod Bergstrom fifth.
bike revved exactly the same in Japanese in his first race against the big uns. It was
as the others did in English! In order for a jubilant Japanese who rode a lap of
everyone to easily recognise him, Toh was honour amidst wild cheering from the
riding with the letter T on his number appreciative crowd.
plate.
Others who fared well were Tommy
Everybody was dying to see how Maben, Darryl Werner and Tony Moyes.
Grant Maben, on his Castrol Honda, and
Charlie Tissen, on the Tiger Yamaha,
would fare against Toh on his works
water-cooled Yamaha. At the start of the
race all eyes were on these three. As per
usual it was Syringa's holeshot king,

Hidenobu Toh

Harry Everts

Moto X S.A. Vol.2 No.2 Feb,78 Page 9

Junior star, Dean du Plessis also fared very well in this round Darryl Werner now in the Senior Class ganed it to a fantastic 3rd
(Photo: Gary Whyte) in the 2nd 125 heat (Photo: Gary Whyte)

A clear indication of a close dice is seen as rissen takes the flag with Everts on his heels (Photo: G. Lambrecht)
Moto X S.A. Vol. 2 No.2 Feb,78 Page 10

Charlie Tissen is congratulated on his fine win by Toh as Everts gives a little snarl (Photo: G. Lambrecht)

It was again time for the 125's to do !!!~!!~~RIMARV 0DRIVEWITHHELICOIDALGEARS
their thing and the spectators all rushed
to the fence to see what the outcome 125 H REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS CAN BE ADAPTED FOR
would be if Grant's bike held. This time ONE OR TWO
it was. 6 SPEED GEARBOX
MX CYLINDER PERSONS
Darryl Werner, also just moved up
from the Highschool class, managed to 36mm CARB WITH CHOKE
steal the holeshot from Grant. This time
Toh had made a better start and was lying CHAIN & SPROCKET
3rd behind Maben. 199 Main St, Johannesburg

By the 3rd lap both Maben and Toh TEL.: 23-6894
had taken Darryl on his Yamaha. Deon Tony de Gersigny (Sales) Sarel Jooste (Workshop)
du Plessis was again doing well in 4th
place followed by Briers on his Racing Moto X S.A. VoI.2 No.2 Feb,78 Pege 11
Motors Yamaha. The positions remained
virtually unchanged except in the last
couple of laps, when Toh again banzai'd

his way to the front.
Maben managed second behind

Hidenobu, Darryl Werner a fantastic
third, Deon du Plessis a well deserved
fourth and Marthinus Briers a good fifth.

When the elastic shot away for the
start of the second 250/500 Internation-
al moto it was Tyrone who employed his
Kawasaki's raw power to scream down
the straight first, followed by Charlie,

who had his Yamaha slip out from under Moments after Tyrone had demolished this photographer's tripod and camera (Photo: G. Lambrecht)
him in the first bend leaving him in last Everts watches closely as Grant grabs his reward from Anneline Kriel (Photo: Gary Whyte)
place.

A couple of laps later Tyrone, who
was still in the lead, overshot the wall of
death wiping out a camera and tripod left
behind by a fleeing photographer. Tissen
powered through to regain 4th position
after three laps.

Everts, who was determined to put in
a better showing this time was riding
brilliantly out in front after inheriting the
lead from Stevenson. Toh now lying
second was followed by Bergstrom and
then Tissen. Then disaster. Everts was
now out of the race. Toh grabbed the
lead which he held to the checkered in
front of Rod Bergstrom, Charlie Tissen,
Raymond Patterson (Yamaha) and then

Ivor Keppler (Suzuki) in fifth place.
Tyrone had valiantly re-entered the

race after his fall only to come down
again, fmally having to throw in the towel.

In order to find the top rider in all 3
classes it was decided to hold two top 30
invitation challenge heats, the first of
which Everts held from start to finish.
Toh held onto second until the second
last lap when he fell, letting Maben
through. Tyrone was 3rd for a number of
laps until he was again forced out of the
race.

In the end it was Maben second,
followed in by Geoff Gray, Rod Bergstrom
and Deon du Plessis.

The Victors were rewarded by being
allowed a kiss from Anneline Kriel. Most
enjoyable, especially for Everts who
grabbed a second peck from Anneline.

The second top 30 challenge was again
led by Everts until the last few laps when

he was motoring a lot slower due to a flat
rear wheel. In the second last lap Toh
passed the slower Bultaco rider to take
over 1st place. Tyrone was in 3rd place
but fell yet again, putting him out once
more.

Everts hung onto second place with
Grant Maben a well deserved third. Rod
Bergstrom was fourth followed by Dean
du Plessis and Geoff Gray.

Well folks, that's about it. Out of the Harry learnt something; and grabs another peck from Miss Kriel (Photo: Gary Whyte)
day's racing one thing was for certain.
Toh and Everts are two hellava riders, and WE NOW MOVE ONTO THE 2nd ROUND
yet our boys showed they easily have the HELD AT KILLARNEY RACEWAY,
potential to whip their pants, given some CAPE TOWN
more international experience.

The event was sure a crowd pleaser
and a big thankyou to Yamaha and also
to Bunny Shandler of Bultaco who
managed to make the day possible.

South Africans had their first taste of
international motocross and is starving
for more which we hope is sure to follow.

Craig Whyte

Moto X S.A. Vol.2 No.2 Feb.78 Page 12





'Emmaculate Everts' No.2 rider to Roger de Coster in Belgium slams his tail before rocketing horizontally (Photo: N. Hermann)

REG PARK

FAMILY HEALTH STUDIO"

(Proprietor) (I nstructor)

THE MOTOCROSSER'S

GYM

784-2214

Moto X S.A. Vol. 2 No.2 Feb,78 Page15

Charlie Tissen looking back, accelerated that tiger out his tank (Photo: N. Hermann)

Tension at it's peak as the 250/500 International Moto blasts its' way out the gate (Photo: N. Hermann)
Moto X S.A. Vol.2 No.2 Feb,78 Page16

Mark Connelly dropped it letting Arnold Burton through on his RM 125 (Photo: N. Hermann)

BUT if HOTo-Cross
j~ t.hot é.o~~ t;lh~

dodi ~u 8/U~ UJ1? .

Moto X S.A. Vol.2 No.2 Feb,78 Page 17





Moto X S.A. Vol.2 No.2 Feb.78 Page 20

Garth Gwillam now fully sponsored by Durity, put on demanding rides at Umhlanga (Photo: Gary Whyte)

Unfortunately, C. van der Merwe a top contender did not shape in the International heats (Photo: Gary Whyte)
Rod Bergstrom our '77' 250 champ rode well throughout these series (Photo: Gary Whyte)

Sunday 18th December saw the 3rd and
last International event taking place at
the Umhlanga circuit in Natal.

Unfortunately Bultaco's Harry Everts
could not make it, but with Hidenobu
Toh still riding there was definitely going
to be no boredom.

Everybody who knew what motocross
was was there, the Umhlanga Drive-in,
which was used as a parking lot was choc-
a-bloc with cars. The weather certainly
didn't let anybody down. In fact it was
too hot. Halfway through the day there
were long queues at the drive-in's wash-
basins where the sun-tortured spectators
were waiting to splash some cool comfort
on their sweltering bodies.

How the riders managed to keep going
in the terrible heat remains yet a mystery.

The start of the first Festival Interna-
tional Invitation saw Roger Steele
(Yahama), riding like a pro., take the lead
ahead of Fch and Maben which he held
for almost a lap before letting them

Moto X S.A. Vol.2 No.2 Feb,78 Page 21

Grant Maben powers through a new section at Umhlanga (Photo: Gary Whyte) through. Geoff Gray was managing to
keep Tissen at bay in 5th place while Toh
Charlie Tissen comfortably paces the tight hairpin 'wall of death' (Photo: Gary Whyte) enlarged the lead he had on Maben
Toh once again aced his heats to take overall for the day (Photo: Gary Whyte) (Honda). On the 3rd lap Charlie Tissen
(Yamaha) took Gray (Honda) for fourth
place behind Garth Gwillam on his Durity
KTM.

By the 6th lap Toh (Yamaha) had
lapped half the field while Maben hound-
ed after him. Tissen had by now taken
Gwillam for 3rd, but was still at least 7
seconds behind Grant Maben who was in
tum 7 seconds behind Toh. With 10
minutes left it seemed the positions
would remain unchanged. All that happen-
ed was that Toh increased his already
insurmountable lead over Maben, and at
the end the standings were the same with
Toh first, Maben second, Tissen third,
Gwillam fourth and Gary Bergstrom in
fifth.

The Umhlanga circuit being a lot more
like Toll's home tracks than Syringa, the
Japanese had clearly taken to it like a fish
to water. The second heat produced the
most excitement as Toh and Tissen diced
for 1st place after Maben came down
while leading.

Tissen and Toh swopped the lead a few
times, their furious pace carrying them a
good 5 seconds ahead of 3rd man Roy
Sturgeon on his 'Forte' Yamaha.

Toh appeared to be easily pacing Tissen
which he showed as being true when he
began to easily draw away from Charlie.

Norman Stewart (Suzuki) was riding
well in 4th place ahead of Rod Bergstrom
(Yamaha).

The end of this race saw Toh take his
second win ahead of Charlie Tissen. Grant
Maben, who had the lead for a couple of
laps took two bad falls in succession,
finally retiring to let the Toh and Tissen
battle through.

The 3rd and last International heat
saw Grant snuck into an early lead ahead
of Toh which he built lap by lap into a
phenomenal lead of 7 seconds. It certainly
looked as if Maben had finally got it to-
gether and the victory would at last be
his. Meanwhile a massive gap had develop-
ed between these two and the 3rd man
Tissen who in turn was being chased by
Norman Stewart and Roger Steele who
were 4th and 5th respectively.

The positions remained virtually un-
changed for the duration of the race but
then, with only a few laps left Toh began
to really pile on the pressure and the
people saw what MX was all about. With-
in 3 laps Toh had reeled in Grant and the
end of the heat saw him 4 seconds ahead
of Grant Maben.

So that was it. Hidenobu Toh scored 3
out of 3, and it was a well satisfied crowd
that eased their sun-burned bodies into
the hundreds of cars to start their journey
home.

It was certainly a proud Japanese who
returned home to the paddy-fields.

Craig Whyte.

Moto X S.A. Vol. 2 No.2 Feb,78 Page 22

The Moto-Cross Wizard.

THE CHAMP (41.1.1UJ to i.k i.JJn2. ol "?.i.nhall W.i..J.aIui."
Ever since I was a young boy
I've ridden the Moto-Cross track, o~ ~ bv- The Who. )
from Syringa down t.o Berlin
I musta raced 'em all , T'»P.
but I ain't seen any thing like him
in any Scrutineers hall, (HP
that deaf,dumb and blind kid
sure rides a mean moto-cross!

He rides like robot
becomes part of the machine,
wheeling over the whoopdies
always riding clean,
he rides by intuition
the opposition fall,
that deaf,dumb and blind kid
sure does a mean berm-shot!

THE FANS
How do you think he does it?

THE CHAMP
I don't know!

THE FANS
What makes him so good?

THE CHAMP
Well he ain't got no hassles
can't hear the other machines,
don't see guys a fallin
he rides by sense and speed,
always scores a moto win
'n never endos at all,
That deafJdumb and blind kid
Sure does a mean Cross-up!

/llr~ltf !P' clr¥s J~
toc«, MOve txc«, itJ ICY

r-: Oc..>11 nart.

Moto X S.A. Vol.2 No.2 Feb,78 Page 23



Gary Wicks spurts a rooster tail on his way to 2nd place (Photo: T. de Lange)

BERLIN RACEWAYS' LAST '77'

MEETING

The East London Motorcycle and Car High School Juniors: mistake, he again gave chase and was
Club staged their last club Moto X Meet- This race produced some very exciting within 50 yards of Wicks when his motor
ing at the Berein circuit for this year. moments. Ian Whitehead riding the (BP seized. The crowd's first reaction was one
Yamaha 100) got the hole shot and led of amazement as this produced the third
The warm, dusty conditions were not the pack through the first bend and down finish of this type in East London this
ideal but the races were exciting and the hill. Dave Miles on a (125 Suzu ki) year. Gary Bergstrom in the National,
several riders showed good form. slipped through to take the lead which he Gavin Whyte in a club meeting and now
held onto. On lap 3 Gary Wicks (Yamaha Whitehead in a club meeting had to push
The first race is traditionally to sort 100) slipped past Whitehead to grab the the bike the remaining 100 odd metres to
out the men from the boys and normally second spot. At this point the race was collapse over the line to gain a placing.
is very interesting. From the starters flag, really on for these two youngsters and
Frank Lloyd (Suzuki PE250) who is they managed to close up on the leading The third leg saw Dave Miles lead from
relatively new to Moto X took the lead 125 ridden by Miles. Some very determin- start to finish with Wicks hard on his
and looked very good. Roy Rotteher ed riding saw Whitehead re-overtake heels and Wayne Manley putting up a
(Suzuki 250) was not letting Frank have Wicks to take the second place ahead of really fine performance to gain third spot.
it all his own way and was giving chase Wayne Manley with Wicks in 4th after a A Grade Seniors:
with Marshall Cooper (Suzuki 250) after fallon the last lap. The first leg saw Ray Rotteher give a dis-
him. Gavin Whyte, the East London star, play of his old form and he lead from
had had chain problems on the first lap The second heat was dominated by start to finish with a very strong ride.
and was approximately half a lap behind young Gary Wicks who got out in front Marshall Cooper had got to terms with
the leader. In trying to make up this lost and made the running. Whitehead had an the flying PE 250 trail bike of Frank
ground, Gavin fell very heavily from a "overwheelie" at the start and Dave Miles Lloyd's and had overtaken him on lap
really spectacular "endo" . Lloyd consoli- got badly left behind. These two, how- two but only to lose the spot again on
dated his position up front but changes in ever, worked their way through the field lap six. Frank has obviously the utmost
the order further back were fast and and by the last lap Whitehead challenged faith in his new bike as he has made out·
furious. Neville Bartle and Peter Hobday Wicks for the lead then misread the last standing progress since changing to the
were going well and were within striking lap sign and slowed down. Realising his Suzuki PE250.
distance of the 3 leading riders.

Moto X S.A. Vol. 2 No.2 Feb,78 Page 26



Dave Summerton, airborne towards the main straight in the Non-Expert Race (Photo: T. de Lange)
Moto X S.A. Vol. 2 No.2 Feb,78 Page 27

But toughness is not the only thing that makes Bilsteins the best
shock absorbers available.
Firstly, Bilsteins are constructed in a unique way. They contain
a cavity of gas at 25 atmospheres pressure, which contracts and
expands as the-shock does it's work.
Unlike ordinary shock absorbers, the oil is not churned into an
unresisting foam and there is no fall-off in efficiency, however

rough the track.
Bilsteins can withstand a temperature build-up of up to 2500C.
Another unique feature is the uni-ball joint on each end of the
shock, which makes it impossible to bend a Bilstein.
Add to that the standard of engineering that goes into each
German-built Bilstein and the choice of 12 different dual-rate
spring combinations, and you have a winner.

BILSTEIN DISTRIBUTORS (PTY) LTD.

616-4911 Johnny Smith or Ted Garstang

28. Geldenhuys Road, MALVERN EAST, JHB. 2001.

(In Port Elizabeth give SPEEDYQUIP a ring on 41-3974)

Moto X S.A. Vol.2 No.2 Feb,78 Page 28

.I!"

TED

I""

1Qe~"

/I~~~ ~(6~att~~

Ut 'Jtatat,

/I~~~ ~(6~att ~

~ Ut ~ 7(U(Nt,

?Itt tpJIt 4Me t6 dtJ-, ,
14, ~ t;,1f/, p~
~~ ad fde4- (Nt,

't4U ~ tpJIt 4Me attew:ted,

~ etdtt de Htade ta ~ /'zee aueu tIJ att

?1t~~,

/I~ mtat fdea4e fUUte (6, "
7k &dtttPt ~ ~ S,/I, 20 ,?dt~ZhtUie *J:::.t&u p~ 18'72

monttlia 250 H6 FOR SALE
6 SPEED GEARBOX
NEW MODELS LEADING AXLE OR
FRONT MARZOCCHI FORKS
SWOP

Readers are invited to advertise anything
they want to sell or swop in this space.
Please keep entries short and concise and
let me have them early.
Ads for this column are FREEl

CHAI N & SPROCKET YAMAHA YZ 125X
199 Main St, Johannesburg In excellent condition with gas
front forks and monocross rear
TE L.: 23-6894 suspension.
Only ridden 7 months. A great
Tony de Gersigny (Sales) Sarel Jooste (Workshop) bargain at R700,OO o.n.o.
Telephone 26-2122, Johannesburg

Moto X S.A. Vol.2 No.2 Feb,78 Page 29

Wicks looked good for two laps then

FIRST ROUND retired with a sick motor. The Cape Town
100 Junior King, Roy Pheiffer, had work-
ed his way through the field to take a

COASTAL SERIES good second place followed by Gary

Johnson.
The second heat again saw a tussel be-

tween Earl Pheiffer, Peter Glaxton and N.

The first round of the newly introduced appearance in this event, I am sure, would Johnson. This leg saw Peter take the lead

Coastal Series was run in Cape Town this have made these races more interesting up on lap four and hold on to finish first

weekend. The new series will be decided front. with Pheiffer second and Johnson third.

over 4 meetings comprising of three legs MOT03 The 100 Junior race again saw Whitehead

per meeting. The second round is schedul- The last leg was going to be the decider as take the lead and hold off a very strong

ed for Durban on December 17, 1977 both Hoppie and Robbie had 27 points at challenge from Roy Pheiffer until the last

with the third round in East London on this stage. From the start it was obvious half lap when he dropped it on a tricky

January 7, 197~L The final round will be these two riders were determined to have spot to allow Roy Pheiffer through.

run on the Rover Raceway in Port the Rl 00 prize and neither of them were These two youngsters put up an outstand-

Elizabeth on February 11, 1978. The prepared to give way. On about lap two ing show of hard and close riding and dis-

prize money for this series is very attrac- the pressure of the race forced Hoppre played real senior determination.

tive and will no doubt raise more interest into an error and Robbie hit him from be- UNDER 200cc SENIOR MOTO 1

as the series becomes better known and hind and down both went. This tangle up This class provided some good racing and
more publicised. allowed Mark Connelly to take the lead excitement. It was very interesting to see
followed by Mike Hermanson and Peter the newly crowned S.A. Champion Road
Owing to the limited time available to Smith third. In the previous two heats Racing king Mike Cameron on his little
advertise this series, the first round was Mike Hermanson had ridden very con- Suzuki RM100 charging around this un-
not very well supported by the up sistently and now knowing he was within familiar type of circuit. His performance
country riders. There were only five away striking distance pulled out all the stops was really good considering his inexperi-
riders at this meeting, all from Port in an effort to catch Mark. Pete Smith ence of this type.of motor sport and we
Elizabeth, made up of Rob Wicks, Peter had his own ideas of catching both of can expect a greater challenge in the
Smith, his dad Jim Smith and two Juniors,

Ian Whitehead and Gary Wicks. them which he managed, but not without months to come. The first let was won by

This lack of the better known names drama. After managing to get past Mike, S. Patterson, followed by C. Meyer and

in Moto X did not seriously affect in any he was closing on Mark when Mark took a P. Tanner taking third spot.

way the standard of riding or excitement. very heavy fall coming over the roller MOT02

COASTAL SERIES - MOTO 1 coaster. This fall gave Pete Smith the lead This leg saw David Souma join this class

The local crowd were very keen to see which he held onto until the final lap. and lead from start to finish followed by

their newly crowned S.A. 500 Champion During all the excitement up front, Rob S. Patterson and P. Tanner.

Mike Hopkins, do battle with the flying and Hoppie remounted and were working OVER 200cc SENIORS MOTO 1

Rob Wicks from P.E. From the gate Mike their way through the field. Hoppie was These support races always provide some

Hopkins (Suzuki 370) grabbed the lead, not making as spectacular a bid as Robbie exciting moments and drama which the

followed by young Mark Connelly as he was riding with a broken engine side crowd like to see. This heat was won by

(Suzuki 125), Rob Wicks (250 KTM), cover. If Rob was to recover the lead, he D. Rattey followed by J. Jacobs and

Bunny Shandler (370 Bultaco) and Peter had to make up approximately 19 Doug Paulsen-Forster in third spot.

Smith (Yamaha 125). By lap 3 Wicks had seconds on the leader. After working hard The second heat saw a change around

managed to pass Connelly who was put- to bring this gap down slightly, he again with J. Jacobs taking the flag ahead of

ting up an outstanding performance and got tangled up, this time with Bunny Paulsen-Forster and Gino King grabbing

was riding like a man possessed. After Shandler and lost more valuable seconds. third spot ahead of Derek de Hu tton.

managing to close the gap slightly on Now with 29 seconds between Rob and OVERALL RESULTS:

Mike, Robbie got himself tangled with the leader, it seemed out of the question Coastal Series:

the fence on lap 5 and moved back two for him to win this heat. However, with 1. Rob Wicks/Tour & Trail KTM 42

places. This allowed Mark back into some really outstanding riding and superb 2. Mike Hopkins/Shell Suzuki 31

second spot and Peter Smith into third. timing, Rob managed to overhaul Pete 3. Peter Smith/BP Yamaha 30

Rob took only four laps to regain his Smith on the last lap to take the honours 4. Mike Hermanson/Shell Suzuki 18

second place and held this position to the and the Rl 00 for the day. 5. Mark Connelly/Shell Suzuki 18

end. He was, however, closing in very fast Junior High - 100cc

on Mike but insufficient time robbed him JUNIOR mGH MOTO 1 1. Ian Whitehead/BP Yamaha 27

and the crowd of the real close finish all When one considers how fast and well the 2. Roy Pheiffer/Suzuki 27
20
were hoping for. Junior of nowadays ride you wonder 3. Gary Johnson/Suzuki

MOT02 what standard of riding we will be seeing Junior High - 12Scc

This leg saw Rob take the lead and hold it when these youngsters join the senior 1. E. Pheiffer/Suzuki. 27

from start to finish with Hoppie breathing ranks in four to five years. In the 125 2. P. Claxton/Yamaha 25

down his neck the whole way. Another class, N. Johnson and Earl Pheiffer were 3. N. Johnson/Suzuki 22

battle royal was taking place not very far really fast with Peter Claxton not far be- Under 200cc Senior

behind these two big guns. Mark Connelly hind them, owing to a bad start. In the 1. S. Patterson/Honda 27

and Peter Smith were blasting their little 1st leg Johnson led for the first four laps 2. P. Tanner 20

125's around the Killarney circuit at an to be finally overtaken by Pheiffer on the 3. D. Souma/Honda 15

amazing rate with Pete Smith finally last lap followed by Claxton and then Over 200cc Senior

taking the honours for third spot with Hope. The 100 Juniors class was dominat- 1. J.Jacobs 27

Mark in fourth position. ed by the young P.E. rider, Ian Whitehead 2. D. Paulsen-Forster 22

It was a real pity that the other Cape who led from start to finish and was, in 3. E. King/Bultaco 18

Town flyer, Arnold Burton, was sitting fact, well ahead of several of the 125

this meeting out with a broken hand. His riders. The other young P.E. lad, Gary

Moto X S.A. Vol.2 No.2 Feb,78 Page 30





durity Gwillam who rides a 250cc KTM, over the last five yeárs it has ploughed
came ninth in this year's National nearly Rl-million into the sport and this
sponsors Championships with 41 points - an average year alone direct contributions to events,
of 6,8 points per meeting, and he only teams and individuals amounted to
A Durban clothing manufacturer has rode in six events. He was in the army.for R150000. In return, Castrol enjoyed no
come to the aid of an up and coming the other eight. less than 10 championship wins in South
young motocross rider who might have Africa in 1977.
been defeated in the 1978 National Had he been able to compete in all14 Jody Scheckter, who has a full Castrol
Championships by escalating costs. events and maintained his average he sponsorship, won three Grands Prix and
could have been placed third in this year's was second in the overall world Formula
Durban Motocross rider, Garth Gwillam Championships. One Drivers' Championship. In local
was feeling the economic pinch after the saloon car racing Scheckter and Hans
importation of a racing machine earlier "I'm tremendously excited - it means I Heyer in a Zakspeed Escort were first
this year. He realised that unless he found won't have to worry about how to afford overall in the Wynns 1000 endurance race
a willing sponsor, his chances for next travelling to National events and how to and, in addition, seven of the first 10 cars
year's season would be limited. pay for running repairs. I can now con- were Castrol sponsored.
centrate on improving my technique and
The "Fairy Godmother" sponsor arriv- style," Garth said. The recent Castrol British Airways
ed in the form of Durban-based Durity Tour - the first race/rally type event to be
Clothing, manufacturers of a wide range Mr. Levy added: "It would have been staged in South Africa - was considered
of childrens clothing. a great pity to see talent like Garth's by all involved to be an unqualified suc-
wasted because of high prices. cess. The Tour generated considerable
Announcing the sponsorship of Garth interest and virtually guaranteed itself a
Gwillam, this week, Durity managing "We are also all excited about the regular spot on the South African motor-
director, Mr. Ivan Levy, said it was de- 1978 season and honestly believe that sport calendar. The rally crew of Britons,
cided to back Gwillam because of his per- Garth will be in the top five." Andy Dawson and Andrew Marrfott, in a
formance during 1977 and his potential Mazda Capella, won the event. Another
for the future . . . " which might have The Durity sponsorship will cover significant Tour factor was that it attract-
been wasted through purely economic Garth Gwillam fully for the 1978 season. ed two new sponsors to motor sport - the
pressu res." He will appear in the Durity livery of red, OK jointly sponsored the Mazda of Jody
white and blue and Durity designers are Scheckter, and 'of course British Airways
CASTROL presently working on a "Team Durity co-sponsored the event.
uniform" to be worn by Garth and his
'77 manager/mechanic - his father, Mr. Noel Other important local saloon car wins
Gwillam - to all prize presentations. were notched up by Judy Charlton in her
SUCCESSES' Datsun 140Y GX in the National Standard
pledged its support of South African Saloon Car Championships and Eddie
Following its success in championships motor sport for another year. Keizan driving a Castrol BMW 530 in the
through the country in 1977, Castrol has Star Modified Saloon Car Championship.
This was announced today by Mr
Arthur Abraham, Castrol's motorsport Winner of the South African National
co-ordinator, who said: "Castrol's manage- Rally Manufacturers' Championship was
ment recently met at length to decide the Castrol backed Datsum works team.
whether or not it would be worthwhile to 1977 South African champion rally
continue motor sport sponsors~ip in this driver, Sarel van dër Merwe, was number
country. one driver for this team for most of the
season and was navigated by South
"I am happy to say that as a result of African champion rally navigator, Richard
our successes this year in saloon car, rally, Leeke.
motor cycle and karting events, we will
definitely be staying in motor sport for at Karting was a new venture f$lr Castrol
least another year." in 1917 and Castrol sponsored Derek
Irving, in winning the South African Kart-
Castrol is certainly one of the biggest ing Championships, certainly bode well
motor sport sponsors in South Africa - for the future. But it was perhaps Castrol's
successes in Motorcycling this year that
were the most exciting of all. No less than
six Castfol-sponsored riders won national
motorcycle and motocross championships.

Dirk Du Plooy took first place in the
National Formula 1000 Race Motorcycle
Championships and Richard Borain won
the 350cc class.

In the National Production Motorcycle
Championships, Castrol's Dudley Cramond
won the 650cc class and Roy Minster
took the 750cc class.

Grant Maben, riding a Honda, won the
South African 125cc Senior Motocross
Class.

Castrol man Robbie Wicks, was first
overall and 500cc class winner in the Star
Roof of Africa Rally.

High School Motocross Champion was
Deon du Plessis on a Castrol Honda.

Moto X S.A. Vol.2 No.2 Feb,78 Page 33

Branch of The Sports Car Club of South Africa

.NfIl DRIVIelMa

OF SOUTH AFRICA

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE CLUB OF
SOUTH AF RICA.

ADDRESS: 7th Floor, Standard Bank Gallerys, C/r. Eloff and Market Streets,
Johannesburg. P.O. Box 3085, Johannesburg, 2000.
TELEPHONE:
TEL. ADD.: (011 - JHB.1 22-2463

'MOTOR SPORT'

Chairman: COMMITTEE 672-3736 (H)
Vice Chairman: Austin Friend 48-9500 (B)
Secretary: Robin Hood
Treasurer: Liz Herron 016-64781 (H)
Editor: Chris Roos 48-7408 (H)
Peter Achterberg
Organising Secretary: 836-3601 Ext. 174 (B)
Robin Hood 672-5198 (H)
48-9500 (B)

Technical Information Officer: Peter Mounsear Wilson 609-2713 (H)

Radio Officer: Joe Davy . ~ 826-1036 (H)
Committee: Herbert Foschetti 972-1307 (H)
Brian Eldridge 763-5656 (H)

Vic Herron 016-61638 (B)
Mark Bowden 6754480 (B)
Ivor Karan (H)
0151-5028

Gavin Riley ...........................•
All the above are Johannesburg Telephone numbers unless shown with a dialing code

Editorial Address: The Editor, 4 x 4 Club of S.A., P.O. Box 659, FLORIDA 1710.

A branch of the S.C.C. formed to cater EDITORIAL Cape Town, I am hoping to meet the
for something completely different to committee of the branch and then I will
the ordinary run of the mill in motor I start writing new year editorials, today be able to give you a full picture of all the
sport. For the mudlogs, the cross being the 3rd January, with two apologies. developments. In the meantime anyone in
country fundi's and all other types of Firstly, to all the club members for not the Cape who is interested in joining the
cheap motor sport off the beat and publishing the season's greetings in the Western Cape branch should contact any
track. last newsletter and secondly to' Bernice of the committee members as shown in
Karan and Lynne Mounsear Wilson for the letter.
The marn activities are for 4 x 4 getting their names mixed up in my write-
vehicles (i.e. four wheel drive vehicles) up on the Salora Rally. Sorry ladies, but For those of you who are following
but the club has many members who do it was 1 a.m. when I wrote the article and our very popular series on oils, you will
not own 4 x 4 vehicles. Members come I did not check it afterwards. It won't notice' that it does not appear in this
from all walks of life and are generally happen again. month's edition. The reason for this is
people who are interested in getting to that the author, Robin Smith, is busy
places which are inaccessible to two As some of you mayor may not moving from Johannesburg to Cape Town
wheel drive vehicles. Most members know, a branch of our club has been and the series will be continued in the
have a sense of adventure and daring established in the Western Cape. This is a following edition of Moto X S.A.
and a love for the wilds and the out- very exciting development and I hope
doors, making most of us dedicated that this expansion will help to expand This newsletter also carries a report on
conservationists. our club to other centres as well. I am the Total Transkalahari Route Survey for
publishing a letter which I have received the 1978 event. The report is written by
For further details contact: from Tony Millar, the man in charge of Peter Mounsear Wilson and I would like
the new branch's publicity and entertain- to thank him for a fine job of work.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE CLUB OF S.A. ment. In February, whilst on holiday in
A Branch of the S.C.C. of S.A. Finally, don't forget our noggins every
P.O. Box 3085, Johannesburg. second Wednesday of the month at the
Ridgeway Hotel in Randburg.
Moto X S.A. Vol. 2 No.2 Feb.78 Pagll34
P.R. Achterberg
Editor