From its inception in 1987 AMA 600 Supersport racing had a reputation for the closest racing in AMA road racing. This photo from Daytona in 1989 proves the rep of the series was well deserved. It shows a mid-pack battle with a huge group of riders running together. Based on my photo negatives, this wasn’t in the first couple of laps in the race either, meaning the traffic was thick in places for the entire 10-lap race. In this shot you see Gus Christensen (103) leading Todd Hoge (No. 57), Canadian Paul MacMillan (No. 139), Doug Tosten (No. 17) and David Deveau (No. 20). There are at least five other riders in the photo that you can’t see their numbers. I know one of them is Gene Burcham (in the Arai helmet just behind Christensen’s elbow).  I also believe the rider behind Tosten is Peter Wensloff, but I’m not certain. When this photo was taken these riders were probably battling for around 30^th place in the 80-rider field. The big mover in the group was Deveau, who charged all the way up to 13^th by the end of the race. Burcham also made a big move from here getting inside the top-20 as well.

Daytona Supersport action in 1989 showing Michigan’s Gus Christensen (103) leading Virginian Todd Hoge (No. 57), Canadian Paul MacMillan (No. 139), Pennsylvania’s Doug Tosten (No. 17) and Northern California ace David Deveau (No. 20). There are at least five other riders in the photo that you can’t see their numbers illustrating just how close Supersport racing of the era was. Deveau was the top finisher in this group. (Larry Lawrence photo)