Gary Scott (5) and Sadao Asami (359) take a corner at the old Riverside International Raceway in October of 1977. Riverside hosted countless Southern California club races from the early 1960s to the late 1980s, but only two AMA Nationals were held there – in 1976 and 1977, both won by Kenny Roberts. I’ve been told by rider who raced there that the track was fast and dangerous. Today a shopping mall, condos and apartments occupy the site of the track. Scott was the 1975 AMA Grand National Champion.  Better known for his flat track racing skills, Scott did show considerable skill on the pavement earning podiums at Loudon and Laguna in 1973. Asami was a Japanese Grand Prix racer who is perhaps best known for winning the Macau Grand Prix three-consecutive times (1978-80) riding Yamaha TZ750s on the barrier-lined street circuit.

Gary Scott (5) and Sadao Asami (359) take a corner at the old Riverside International Raceway in October of 1977. (AMA Press Kit photo)