Throwback Thursday: 1980 Ascot Grand National Trophy Race

Larry Lawrence | October 18, 2018

Ascot 1980 Trophy Race — Cycle News Photo Collection

In this week’s Throwback we travel back 38 years to May of 1980 and the AMA Grand National race at the famous Ascot Park in Gardena, California. In this photo we see the start of that event’s Trophy Race. At that time the Trophy race was for the eight riders who just missed out on qualifying for the main event, giving them one more shot at a little glory and cash. Seeing the riders who were in the Trophy Race, gives you an idea of just how deep the Grand National field was at this event. In this shot you see Scott Pearson (95), Gene Church (8C), Rick Hocking (17), David Jones (74G) and Tom Berry (58). Church of course, was better known for his road racing exploits, later becoming a three-time AMA Battle of the Twins Champion.

Pearson led the race early, but was passed by Berry who went on to win over Pearson and Church.

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