1975 - In fact, Gene Romero, the number 3 guy in the yellow suit, would make prophets of the rent-a-cop and a number of other better established prognosticators with a glass-smooth performance that left the likes of Agostini and Lansivuori in his wake.
As for Roberts, a lunched clutch would leave him by the way side after an early race dash that outclassed everyone else in the field everyone, that is, but 19-year-old Venezuelan Johnny Ceccoto whose headlong rush from dead last to third at the flag is a thing of which legends are made. A surprise second place finish was hauled down by Yamaha privateer Steve Baker, adding further to the storybook lustre of the event.
A fantastic week of racing? To be sure. A road rider's paradise? Without a doubt. A dirt rider's delight ? Certainly. A classic? Without a doubt.
RESULTS OF DAYTONA 200 ROAD RACE NATIONAL MARCH 9, 1975
- GENE ROMERO / SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA / YAMAHA
- STEVE BAKER / BELLINGHAM, WASH. / YAMAHA
- JOHNNY CECOTTO / CARACAS, VENEZUELA / YAMAHA
- GIACOMO AGOSTINI / BERGAMO, ITALY / YAMAHA
- WARREN WILLING / DUNDAS, AUSTRALIA / YAMAHA
- STEVE MCLAUGHLIN / SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA / YAMAHA
- HIRDYUKI KAWASAKI / NAGOYA, JAPAN / YAMAHA
- RON PIERCE / BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA / YAMAHA
- DON CASTRO / GILROY, CALIFORNIA / YAMAHA
- HARRY CONE / SHERMAN. TEXAS / YAMAHA
