With the races coming up this weekend at Road America, I thought it would be a good time to look back. This was the start of the AMA Superbike race at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis., in June of 1987. We were in the midst of the epic Schwantz vs. Rainey / Suzuki vs. Honda battles. This photo tells the story too. Check out Wayne Rainey (No. 6) launching his Honda and edging a little bit to the outside of the track, possibly to pinch off Kevin Schwantz (No. 34). And Schwantz’ response? He’s on the gas wheelying, showing no signs of letting off. Sharing the front row with Rainey and Schwantz are Doug Polen (No. 23) on the Kosar Suzuki and Rainey’s Honda factory teammate Bubba Shobert (No. 67). Also visible in the shot are Doug Chandler (No. 10), Rueben McMurter (No. 24), Dan Chivington (No. 53), Ottis Lance (No. 14) and Russ Paulk (No. 15). Schwantz went on to win the race over Rainey and Polen.
The start of the 1987 AMA Superbike race at Road America. On the front row are Bubba Shobert (No. 67), Doug Polen (No. 23), Wayne Rainey (No. 6) and Kevin Schwantz (No. 34). Schwantz won the race over Rainey and Polen. (Larry Lawrence photo)
Rider Files 
Worked as AMA assistant referee for that weekend along side Darryl Dovel. That looks like Darryl standing by the flag stand.
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I was there that day, my first Superbike race! Sat on the hill looking down at the bridge. Wayne would motor by on the uphill straight, Kevin would get him back in the turns. Kevin finally built up enough of a lead that Wayne couldn’t use his power advantage. What a great race!
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I can’t believe that I moved away from Wisconsin more than 25 years ago. In ’87 I caught the national in NH.
Hi Gordon. Remember me I’m the guy in ’84 that DIDN’T fly into a rage when you told me I had been docked a lap for gridding improperly.
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Gordon, oops at Blackhawk.
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Gordon, Yep that’s Darrel.
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