Records on Line as AMA Cyclists Return to Ascot

A record could be broken or one could be tied when the American Motorcyclist Assn. riders roll into Ascot Park for the track’s silver anniversary Grand National TT (tourist trophy) Steeplechase next Friday night. The program was originally set for April 5, but was rained out.

With a win on Ascot’s 3/5-mile dirt course that features a 75-foot jump, Steve Eklund of San Jose, who won the short-track season opener Feb. 1 at the Astrodome in Houston, would break a tie with retired Dick Mann for the most national TT wins. Each rider has eight.

Or, if Alex Jorgensen of Stockton scores in the Camel Pro Series 25-lapper, he will match retired Gary Scott’s record of five national TT triumphs at the Gardena track.

Although Eklund, 30, was the 1979 Grand National champion and is in his 11th season, he has been unable to win on Ascot’s TT course since his championship year. However, three times--1977, 1981 and 1983--he was second.

Meanwhile defending national champion as well as this event, has gotten off to a slow start. He fell in the last-chance qualifying race at Houston and his 15th finish in the Daytona 200 was too far back to score any points.

Last year, Shobert, 24, won this race when Jorgensen fell in the final turn of the final lap. Jorgensne had led since the ninth lap. Doug Chandler of Salinas, the 1984 TT winner, finished second last year.