European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - February 9, 1989, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Is photos by Michael Abrams by Malcolm Donahoo Magazine editor the Soock engines Roar As the motorcycles accelerate Down the Short Straightaway the Drivers jockeying for position at speeds of Mote than 70 Mph. Then the racers Back off the throttle downshift and lean sharply to the left As they plunge into the curve again. The Inch Long Metal spikes implanted in their machines tires bite deeply into the ice. Yes the ice. Motorcycle racing sans brakes seems hazardous enough to most observers. Add an Oval track that s sheer ice and exciting action is guaranteed. That was the scene on a january weekend in Frankfurt West Germany As 16 riders from seven countries Sweden the soviet Union Finland Austria Czechoslovakia Switzerland and West Germany Romp Aprl inthe quarterfinal round of the ice Speedway world championships. Many competed m the motorcycles Are distinctive $5,500 machines that develop 60 horsepower special fenders and wheel guards catch the ice chips and offer some Protection from the Sharp spikes 100 on the front tire and 200 on the riders protective gear includes helmet gloves goggles racing leathers heavy boots and a strap on shield for the knee and lower left leg which scrapes against the ice on the Corners a Al a practice heat Friday and Hurt his hand. 4 stripes Magazine february 9, 1989 Stenlund s absence left another two time Champion Jurij Iwanow of the soviet Union alone in the favorite s role. But Iwanow the Champion in 86 and 87, finished Only fifth. Laverue the top finisher was soviet rider Witalij Russ Kich who scored 27 of a possible 30 Points. Four Drivers competed in each four Lap heat with three Points awarded to the first place finisher two Points to the runner up and a single Point to the third place rider. Each racer competed in 10 events five each Day eight of the 16 riders advanced to the semifinals on feb.18-19at Zinzell West Germany. Another semifinal round will be held that weekend at Deventer the Netherlands the world finals Are scheduled March 4-5 at Alma Ata in the soviet Union. Top photo the 1988 Champ Erik Stenlund of Sweden leads the Way into a turn. Elsewhere four riders slide into a Corner the Start of a heat a spiked tire leg Protection. February 9, 1989 stripes Magazine 5