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Newspaper
Lompoc Record
Location
Lompoc, California, United States of America
Date
Sep 04, 1970
Page
11
Ontario California writer argues motor racing lacks a consistent image to gain major league media respect. He notes racing ranks second to horse racing in box office appeal yet fails to capitalize on it due to fragmented presentation from county fairs to Indianapolis and varied championship settings.
At Ontario Motor Speedway the 33 qualifiers prepare for the California 500. Lloyd Ruby led practice with 177.567 mph in a turbocharged Offenhauser Mongoose, while Joe Leonard topped at 174.8 in a Ford. Other notable speeds included Al Unser 173.2 and Mario Andretti 172.2 as drivers test cars and pit crews timed at 21 seconds for stops.
David Pearson captured the No. 1 starting position for the 21st Labor Day Southern 500 at Darlington. The Spartanburg driver drove a 1970 Ford around the 1.375 mile oval at 150.555 mph, topping first-day qualifiers. Pearson said the car was running right on target.
The column by David B. Lockton discusses auto racing rising in prominence, noting racing stars command attention and pay comparable to other major sports and deserve similar recognition. It contrasts elite circuits with smaller venues and hints at Ontario Motor Speedway leadership.
The passage discusses athletes caught between minor and major league status. It notes how this mixed environment clouds the sport’s perception among participants and observers. It highlights the pressures and identity questions faced by those in transitional levels of competition.
The Green Bay defense shows five regulars missing under coach Phil Bengtson as Bart Starr may share time with Don Horn. Dowler retires, Dale and others provide experience. Offense and line face turnover, while Nitschke Robinson and Adderley anchor a veteran secondary. Kicking remains erratic with Lusteg Mercer Runk as candidates.
Spokane Indians win six of eleven PCL All-Star berths led by Most Valuable Player Bob Valentine and Most Valuable Pitcher Charlie Hough. Hawaii Islanders also placed two players while Portland and Eugene representatives fill the rest of the squad.
Washington counts 15 starters and 36 lettermen returning for 1970 after a 1-9 finish in 1969. Coach Jim Owens cites veteran line depth and new formations, with Sonny Sixkiller competing for the quarterback job among four candidates. Top receivers include Ace Bulger, Jim Krieg, and Ira Hammon, while the defense remains inexperienced but expected to improve with time.
Penn State aims to extend its 30 game unbeaten string and chase a fourth Lambert Trophy as Pitt and Syracuse loom as threats. Pitt returns 31 lettermen led by Cindrich Carroll Weston and Esposito, while BC relies on quarterback Harris and back Willis to challenge in New England.
The article argues auto racing has shed confusion and grown up. It highlights Ontario Motor Speedway's $25.5 million project as a turning point, enabling four major events with U S Auto Club, National Hot Rod Association, NASCAR and Sports Car Club of America. The piece notes improved facilities and reduced internal strife as the sport stabilizes.
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