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AMA Prostar Bikes: Richard DeClerk Powers to a Win

14 September 1998

ATCO, New Jersey (9/13/98) - Neptune, New Jersey, resident Richard DeClerk claimed top honors today in the Funnybike category at the 34th annual AMA/Prostar US Motorcycle Nationals, held at Atco Raceway.

With a 7.17-second run in th final round, DeClerk took a .126-second starting line advantage and beat Steve Rice's (Costa Mesa, Calif.) quicker 7.11-second, 201 MPH, blast.

In the Pro Modified class, for the second time in as many races, Dave Lombardi (Bradenton, Fla.) took runner up to Tony Sabino (Washingtonville, NY). Lombardi left first but at half track his engine failed and Sabino drove to victory.

NHRA champion Matt Hines (Trinidad, Col.) came to his first AMA/Prostar race with hopes of continued dominance. After the first round of qualifying it became apparent that the competition would be tougher than he had thought.

After taking his first ever fourth place qualifying position, Hines worked his way through eliminations where he met up with Paul Gast (Grand Island, New York) in the final round. After claiming the starting line advantage with a near perfect reaction time, Gast powered his way to victory, 7.38-seconds to Hines' 7.44.

In the Pro Superbike category, Team Kawasaki rider Rickey Gadson (Sicklerville, New Jersey), drove to victory as he defeated David Mayo (Conyers, Ga.) in the final round.

"I am so happy to be able to take the win and share this moment with my family" Gadson explained during winners circle activities.

Winners in other categories included Mike Konopaci (Oshawa, Ontario/Canada) in Top Gas, Juan Cintron (Pinellas Park, FL) in Super Comp, Bill Sauer (Lancaster, OH) in Super Gas, Keith Dennis (Memphis, OH) in 600 Super Sport, John Sharp (Aylett, VA) in Pro E.T., and James Culbreath (Camden, NJ) in Street E.T.