Steve McLaughlin Flying at Talladega (1974)

• Larry Lawrence
Steve McLaughlin (No. 83) leads a talented pack of riders in the AMA Road Race National at Talladega in September of 1974. What is called Talladega Superspeedway today, was then known as Alabama International Motor Speedway, and it was a similar set up to Daytona for motorcycle road racing, which utilized parts of the NASCAR oval, along with an infield road course. McLaughlin is ahead of a group of front runners that included Hurley Wilvert (tucked in behind McLaughlin), Ron Pierce (No. 97), Gene Romero (No. 3), Cliff Carr (No. 26) and Jim Evans (No. 27). National No. 69 in ’74 was Sonny Burres, but I’m almost certain that’s Phil McDonald racing near the front on the No. 69. Jim Evans worked his way up and was the best finisher among this group in the 75-mile national. Evans got on the podium in third behind winner Kenny Roberts and runner up Don Castro. Barry Sheene made the trip over from the GP circuit to finish fourth on a Suzuki.
📷Gary Van Voorhis 
#talladegasuperspeedway #dega #amaroadracing #stevemclaughlin #twostrokes #ohmymy

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