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AMA: 500 Foot Hill to Challenge Riders, Thrill Spectators

12 June 1998

WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- With just 4 points separating the top five riders in the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) National Hillclimb Series' premier 800cc class -- and a 500-foot hill to test them -- it's clear that the series' third round at Steel City, Penn., should be among the best of the season.

In the series lead with 25 points is Glendal Petty Jr. of Mooresville, Ind. A single point behind him are Madison, W. Va., native Willie Price, in second, and defending champion James Large of Orient, Ohio., in third. Large seems to be in good position to pull off a repeat of last season's championship run, and a win at Steel City could go a long way toward that goal. Rounding out the top-five positions are Paul Zander of Glen Rock, Penn., two points back, and Indianapolis Ind., native Russ Vanderveen a mere four points out of first.

In the 540cc class, Ted Wilkins looks to extend his perfect season. The Rotax-mounted Canadian has captured first place in each of the first two rounds of the series and takes a 5-point lead into this Sunday's event. In second place is defending champion Paul Pinsonnault of Brookfield, Mass. Pinnsonault, who won last year's event in Steel City by almost a full second, can close the gap on Wilkins with a strong showing Sunday.

For further event information, directions to the track, and ticket information, please contact the Bushkill Valley Motorcycle Club at (610) 258-3208.