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AMA All Star Challenge Hill Climb Preview

29 July 1997

R97085			
July 29, 1997		
For Immediate Release	

JEFFERSON, PA., TO HOST AMA ALL STAR CHALLENGE HILLCLIMB

WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- This Sunday, Jefferson, Pa., will play host to the
prestigious American Motorcyclist Association All-Star Challenge National
Hillclimb, an event with roots back to the beginning of the modern era of
hillclimb.

From 1947 to 1973, it was the All-Star Challenge -- a single,
winner-take-all race -- that decided the national champion, which makes the
race a must-do event for today's racers, even though the event does not pay
championship points in the current hillclimb series.

All of the legends of AMA hillclimb raced in the All-Star Challenge over
the years. Riders like York, Pennsylvania's own Howard Mitzel, who with his
Indian was the man to beat in the early 1950s. The legendary Earl Bowlby
won five All-Star races from 1968 to 1984. Lou Gerencer Sr. earned three
wins in the All-Star hillclimb from 1975 to 1985 -- and his son, Lou, Jr.,
has already matched his fathers three wins, his victories beginning in 1993. 

This year will mark the beginning of a new format for the All-Star
Challenge.  In past years the All-Star event was by invitation only. This
year, all riders who have competed in the series can participate.
The winningest rider competing in the All-Star Challenge this weekend is
Paul Pinsonnault, who has been the king of the 540cc class, winning five
All-Stars in the class since 1988. Pinsonnault should be favored to win the
540cc class again this year.

There will be a new 800cc champ this year. Last year's winner, Gerencer,
Jr., could miss the rest of the season after suffering a broken hip in a
climb earlier this year.

Contact: Connie Fleming 
Phone: (614) 891-2425   
Fax: (614) 891-7368     


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