Steve Baker (32) celebrates his victory in the 1977 Daytona International Lightweight (250GP) race over runner up Takazumi Katayama (349) and third place Rich Schlachter (118). It was a pretty good weekend for Baker. Not only did he win the 250GP race, but the next day he took the big prize, the Daytona 200. On the far right, talking to Schlachter, is Cycle World columnist Kevin Cameron, who I believe was tuning for Schlachter at the time.
Steve Baker (32) celebrates his victory in the 1977 Daytona International Lightweight (250GP) race over runner up Takazumi Katayama (349) and third place Rich Schlachter (118). (Courtesy Daytona International Speedway)
Rider Files 
Yes, Kevin was tuning for Richard then. The only “000” TZ250 cylinder I ever saw was one I bought off Kevin. I did not think they really existed before that. I guess it helped to have connects with the factory.
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Martin
Thanks for filling us in on Kevin tuning for Rich. I thought that must have been the case based on the photo. And cool story about the number “000” cylinder. Talk about your friends in high places!
Larry
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I think there is a fair bit of mention regarding those cylinders in Top Dead Center 2 if my memory serves me. That’s a great book because Kevin goes through each rider he worked with & went into detail as to what they were like as riders & people. Of course there is the machinery aspect as well.
I think a significant detail of this picture is the front tire of Katayama is clearly treaded. Can’t help but wonder what the thinking was for running that.
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