The announcers are only partly right about Eddie Lawson. He was better known as a roadracer, but got his start as a flattracker & TT Scrambles rider. He won a lot at tracks like Ascot, Corona, Perris etc as a AMA dirtrack professional (novice & junior). Didn't win much as an Expert because the 750 Yamahas he was sponsored on couldn't compete with the Harley XR750s. Same thing with Wayne Rainey
Just saw 2oldcoots post below, Glover was doing the same thing in MX, beating Bailey on the trickest RC Honda ever on a production based AirHammer. Glover doesn't get the respect he deserves for how competitive he was on that bike.
I was lucky enough to see the Superbikers race in person, the first year Lawson won,1983. I think people were shocked that a Roadracer, and a Yamaha won over the others. I remember reading in Cycle News around this time that Lawson was racing local Pro class motocross (and winning) to prepare for the Superbikers. There should be a site to share stories and photos of this event. I am bummed that I didn't take any pics at all in 83, I was kind of Starstruck, and spent my time walking the track.
Lawson took that old production based , dry barrel 490, which was basically a three year old design, and spanked those factory "works bike" waterpumpers.
Anyone remember Mike Tidwell? Eddy and Mike used to ride for yamaha of montclair. Mike Tidwell's father owned the shop.I went to the races with mike and his dad when I was just a little kid hell mike was my age. Mike was very fast. I remember ascot elsinore corona and perris. Once at daytona eddy gave me a ride on his bike from the pits to the track. Not many people can say that. Great people! Hey Mike u out there?
RJ nor Glover was ever a major player at the superbikers race. And just like in MX, Ward had to wait for the true greats of the sport to retire before he could be considered a factor.Rainey and even old man Howerton put it to him in this race.
Before 1986, this event used to be totally dominated by Motoross racers.... Kent Howerton, Steve Wise, and Danny Magoo Chadler....... Then came Eddie Lawson........ Lawson started his career a Dirt track racer and eventually dedicated himself to GP roadracing in Europe. He dominated "the Superbikers" because he had roadracing experience, dirttrack, and practiced motocross. Howerton ended up 2nd. He came out of retirement to race this event.
Wayne Rainey was never competitive in "the superbikers"... It was dominated by Lawson or the motocross racers like Kent Howerton, Steve Wise, Magoo Chandler, Jeff Ward, Rick Johnson, and Broc Glover...
The announcers are only partly right about Eddie Lawson. He was better known as a roadracer, but got his start as a flattracker & TT Scrambles rider. He won a lot at tracks like Ascot, Corona, Perris etc as a AMA dirtrack professional (novice & junior). Didn't win much as an Expert because the 750 Yamahas he was sponsored on couldn't compete with the Harley XR750s. Same thing with Wayne Rainey
RockatCat 2 days ago
crazy to think that 490 was the latest and greatest.. i wouldnt race anything but a cr500 if i was in this race
motopilot322 6 months ago
Just saw 2oldcoots post below, Glover was doing the same thing in MX, beating Bailey on the trickest RC Honda ever on a production based AirHammer. Glover doesn't get the respect he deserves for how competitive he was on that bike.
doodad1 1 year ago
I was lucky enough to see the Superbikers race in person, the first year Lawson won,1983. I think people were shocked that a Roadracer, and a Yamaha won over the others. I remember reading in Cycle News around this time that Lawson was racing local Pro class motocross (and winning) to prepare for the Superbikers. There should be a site to share stories and photos of this event. I am bummed that I didn't take any pics at all in 83, I was kind of Starstruck, and spent my time walking the track.
doodad1 1 year ago
Lawson took that old production based , dry barrel 490, which was basically a three year old design, and spanked those factory "works bike" waterpumpers.
2oldcoots 1 year ago
Anyone remember Mike Tidwell? Eddy and Mike used to ride for yamaha of montclair. Mike Tidwell's father owned the shop.I went to the races with mike and his dad when I was just a little kid hell mike was my age. Mike was very fast. I remember ascot elsinore corona and perris. Once at daytona eddy gave me a ride on his bike from the pits to the track. Not many people can say that. Great people! Hey Mike u out there?
RORYzRIGHT 1 year ago
Thanks for posting these. Brings back great memories.
MrMikehoncho44 1 year ago
Nice, modern supermoto tracks should look back a little and go more basic, this one is just insane
11igoat 1 year ago
RJ nor Glover was ever a major player at the superbikers race. And just like in MX, Ward had to wait for the true greats of the sport to retire before he could be considered a factor.Rainey and even old man Howerton put it to him in this race.
2oldcoots 2 years ago
@2oldcoots LOL you are so right. I was never impressed with Ward in motocross.
SkeeboDa1 1 year ago
@SkeeboDa1 Are u serious 80,125, 250, 500, supercross< Des Nations championships the only one to ever do that... Ward is Motocross
XRACER113 10 months ago
@SkeeboDa1
u both are ninkapoops..thats the only term to describe your statements.. fag just wouldnt do
motopilot322 6 months ago
Before 1986, this event used to be totally dominated by Motoross racers.... Kent Howerton, Steve Wise, and Danny Magoo Chadler....... Then came Eddie Lawson........ Lawson started his career a Dirt track racer and eventually dedicated himself to GP roadracing in Europe. He dominated "the Superbikers" because he had roadracing experience, dirttrack, and practiced motocross. Howerton ended up 2nd. He came out of retirement to race this event.
rmrooster01 2 years ago
It was always Lawson v Rainey. Those guys fought tooth and nail at anything they did.
jeffmayner 2 years ago
Wayne Rainey was never competitive in "the superbikers"... It was dominated by Lawson or the motocross racers like Kent Howerton, Steve Wise, Magoo Chandler, Jeff Ward, Rick Johnson, and Broc Glover...
rmrooster01 2 years ago
Great stuff thanks for posting.
Always remember Lawson racing the guidon d'or in the late 80's early 90's using Dave Thorpe's title winning CR 500.Think he won it too!
snetterton88 3 years ago