In WERA Pro Series A Superstock action at Willow Springs Raceway in 1991, Michael Martin (96) is shown here sprinting to a lead over Dean Mizdal (behind Martin), Chuck Graves (24) and Dave Deveau (31). On the next lap Graves moved into second much to the delight of the decidedly pro-Graves crowd sitting atop the balcony area in turn four. The Graves fan club fully expected their hero to reel in the visiting Texan and take the win. Instead Martin (running a string of 1:31 laps) continued to pull away; Graves could not make a dent on Martin’s three second lead. Martin went on to a six second win over Graves. “I know Chuck is a great rider here, that made the win really nice,” said a jubilant Martin. Graves later said his Yosh Suzuki had carburetion problems. Brad Hazen took third after a tough fight with Mizdal, Jason Pridmore and Deveau.

Michael Martin (96) sprinting to an early lead over Dean Mizdal (behind Martin), Graves (24) and Dave Deveau (31) in the WERA Pro A Superstock race at Willow Springs Raceway in April of 1991. (Larry Lawrence photo)