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I grew up in Effingham Il. My friend the late Joe Bender finished 8th at that race in Carlsbad in the 250 class. He later finished about 12th at one of the East coast pro nationals in about 1978. He had a really nice bike with Simons forks, Fox Swingarm, and 17.5" Fox Shocks. He would put blue fenders on his Suz. so his mom could spot him on the track with all the yellow bikes.

I posted a dozen more photos of the 1977 Lake Sugar Tree Am-Nats, Have a look Thx, George

George, Very cool that you posted these, thank you, I'm on the far right #37 at the lake sugar tree. I do recall the heavy rains the night before made for a slick track but great berms as they dried.

Hey all, Photos of the 250cc start at Lake Suger Tree 1977. David Bailey won the 250 class in Atlanta in 1978. I know this because he roosted on my face! - Number 40 on the outside...blue helmet, white visor, white sleeves. More photos here George

Keep in mind the first year (75) was a big shock for a number of us... Most of us in Iowa had never really raced out of state. When we went to the first event in Milville, MN we had never seen someone with the speed of Barnett. We went from being able to win the expert class to not being able to stay on the same lap!!! I can still remember Barnett's rear fender (he used a white MR fender)!!!! The sand wash was also a big challenge compared to Iowa's black loam. It is still neat how this...

Trying to remember this stuff hurts! I attended the Millville '78(or so) qualifier as part of Jimmy White's support team. Took Ben Decker to the final at Lake Sugar Tree in '77, in the Open class. A few years later I attended a qualifier at Red Bud. again as support. I was at the second year for the LL location, thinking "this will be the last time is is here"...joke's on me.

Hi Ferrell, My pleasure. Glad you found yourself in the photo. Please feel free to download the photo and keep it. None of the photos on my site are protected or water marked. I count about 20 guys in that photo. I seem to remember it was a full gate of 40+ racers who all wanted to be in that muddy first turn at the same time By the way, 33 years later, I can finally say, congratulations on the win! George