Kiwis in the Overseas Final - 1982
By Tracy Holmes

With the Australasian Final nonsense having been dealt with, replaced by a New Zealand and Australian qualifying round, the top two in each went to the Overseas Final. The two Kiwis were the same as last year, Larry Ross and Ivan Mauger. It certainly was tragic that the New Zealand Final winner, Mitch Shirra was stuck at reserve. That said, he only had himself to blame. He should have been confident enough to go to Christchurch and win the NZ round too or at least been second to Larry Ross. That would have been end of story, one hopes.

Again the Overseas Final was at White City, this time on July 4. Again, with 10 to qualify, Larry Ross safely got to the Intercontinental Final, at Vetlanda on July 23. World Final co-promoters, Ivan Mauger and Barry Briggs were thrilled. Larry was a sure bet to line up in LA. [ He didn't! ]

This time around, Ivan Mauger did not qualify. The 6 points he scored was no disgrace and the riders he beat, "must be kickin themselves aboot this !"

All of them should have had him for breakfast, with CHiPs !

Again, Dave Jessup wins with 13 points. And again, the big controversy revolved around Bruce Penhall and how the defending World Champion threw his last race. "Now that's really gag me with a spoon time !"

Heat 3. Penhall, ROSS, Alan Grahame, MAUGER.

6. Jessup, Crump, ROSS, S Moran.

7. Sigalos, MAUGER, Sanders, Ph Collins.

9. Carter, MAUGER, S Moran, P Collins.

12. ROSS, C Morton, K Moran, Ph Collins.

14. Jessup, K Moran, Andy Grahame, MAUGER.

15. Carter, Sigalos, ROSS, L Collins.

17. Andy Grahame, P Collins, ROSS, Sanders.

20. Crump, MAUGER, L Collins, C Morton.

Dave Jessup 13. Kenny Carter 12. Bruce Penhall 11. LARRY ROSS 8. Andy Grahame 8. Kelly Moran 8. Dennis Sigalos 8. Phil Crump 8. Les Collins 7. Peter Collins 7. (All qualify).

Shawn Moran 7. Alan Grahame 6. IVAN MAUGER 6. Billy Sanders 5. Chris Morton 5. Phil Collins 1.

Reserves; Mike Lee, Scott Autrey, Gary Guglielmi, MITCH SHIRRA all dnr.

1981 - 1982 - 1983 - 1984 - 1985 - 1986 - 1987 - 1988 - 1989 - 1990 - 1991 - 1992 - 1993 - 1994 - 1995 - 1996 - 1997 - 1998 - 1999 - 2000/01

This article was first published on 24th December 2017

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