Terry Cheney was elected Chairman of M.O.T.A.
The rulebook has been completely rewritten for the first time since Roger Erickson published it in May 1973. A new “Sportsman” class has been instituted in an attempt to provide a competitive class for the “occasional” riders that M.O.T.A. feels should be encouraged to remain active in the sport.
Ray Hatfield, along with Brian Aherne, again tackled the demanding job of laying out the course and sections. Held near Port Huron, the twenty-five (25) mile two-lap event was a refined and toughened version of the Fall 1976 National. Dick DeBolt coordinated the organization, utilizing the system that worked so well in 1976. This enabled M.O.T.A. to condense the time required to set up the event to “only” four (4) months, with even better results than in 1976. The winner’s trophy was the now famous abstract rider made of engine parts. Finishers received a handsome commemorative belt buckle and printed T-shirt. Again, the assistance of scores of M.O.T.A. members was invaluable to the success of this venture. Entrants represented a “Who’s Who” list of International Trials. Top honors were taken by Charles Coutard of France, with Marland Whaley and Mark Griffiths of California in the number two (2) and three (3) positions. The maturity of American trials was demonstrated by the fact that seven of the top ten finishers were from the U.S. Locally, M.O.T.A. completed another season with Bob Hopkins winning the Number One plate for the sixth consecutive year.
Michigan Ontario 
Trials Association
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