This picture was taken at the circuit of Wohlen, during the 500cc Swiss Motocross Grand Prix on 18 August 1968. The sun was shining but obviously the track muddy following heavy raining. Jeff Smith, riding his 500cc BSA as usual, is fighting his way on a steep muddy hill and passing Czech rider Vaclav Svastal on a CZ 380cc. Four-stroke torque was still more efficient than peaky two-stroke in those days…
Smith would finish in 3rd place in the race but was only 8th in the 1968 World Championship – Svastal was 12th. The Champion was, for the third consecutive year, East German rider Paul Friedrichs.
Text Marc Pétrier – Photo FIM (C. Lavery Collection)
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