Larry Rugland was a man on fire in 1975 – winning more than his fair share of the money, trophies and press.
Eagle River was looking like Larry could win the big one – his 650 was flying and his driving was never better. But a rollover on one corner and some studding issues kept him looking at the tail flap of his team mates Don Omdahl and Jim Bernat who battled for the lead for most of the race.
When Gordon Rudolph crashed, Donny was leading and had to slow to avoid any trouble. That was all Jim Bernat needed to become the 1975 World Champion.
No problem for Larry – he just resumed his winning ways the next week and became the 1975 Professional Drivers Circuit High Point Driver of the year.
