Throwback Thursday: Jean-Michel Bayle Tops 500cc U.S. MXGP (1992)
Larry Lawrence | September 15, 2022
Bayle joined on the podium by Jeff Matiasevich and Billy Liles
In this week’s Throwback we dial back the calendar over 30 years, to April of 1992 and the 500cc United States Motocross Grand Prix held at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino. That event belonged to Frenchman Jean-Michel Bayle who dominated all three motos leading, every lap on his way to the overall victory aboard his Cliff White-prepared Honda CR500. Even a flat rear tire in the second moto couldn’t stop Bayle from taking victory. Kawasaki’s Jeff Matiasevich finished runner up with 2-3-3. Rounding out the podium was the only GP regular on the rostrum that day, Billy Liles on his Honda. Liles went 3-2-4 in the motos. The photo shows the podium with Bayle (Arai sweatshirt), Matiasevich (white shirt) and Liles (with jersey) holding up their trophies. It was the first round of the World Championship 500cc MX Series and since both Bayle and Matiasevich would remain stateside contesting the AMA Championships, that meant Liles was the top points man of the series regulars as the series moved to round two. Belgian Georges Jobe, who finished fourth at Glen Helen, went on to win the World Championship that season over Kurt Nicoll. Liles finished third.
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