| 2008 VMX Season Roars to Life! By Steve Caro Photography by Kathryn Caro Lakeside, CA. Feb 16. Mother Nature must be a vintage motocross fan. After dumping copious amounts of rain onto San Diego County earlier in the week, the skies cleared in time for the Barona Oaks Raceway to be readied for the opening round of the 2008 CALVMX vintage racing season. A nice mixture of vintage (pre-1975) and post-vintage (1975-1989) machines comprised the over 120 entries who turned out for the season opener. The well prepared Barona layout proved easy on the short suspension pre-’75 machines while still being enough of a challenge enough to keep the longer legged post-vintage machines happy. It seemed that most of the series regulars were present for the season opener. Defending Ironman champion Gary Faxon was joined by series regulars Ron Renzulli, Norm Himaka, Paul Grossberg, Brian Miller and Kyle Winton. Also present was former factory sponsored racer Scott Burnworth who showed he’d lost little, if any, of his former pro speed. Returning to the racing scene was former CALVMX board member Dave Scourfield. After spending several seasons doing more paperwork than riding, Scourfield was relishing his new status as full-time racer. Also included in the returning racer category were Gene Fetty, Benny Chein and Chris Schlief. Welcome back gentlemen! As mentioned, the track was in excellent condition. Hard work with the bulldozer and drag put the track in top shape. Incorporating the majority of the main track at Barona, the course featured plenty of elevation changes, sweeping turns and fast straights. An unintended added feature was the use of an old school flag start. The heavy rains had covered the starting gate area in a thick layer of mud. The individual gates were buried in the down position with only the top surfaces still visible. The consensus was there was no possible way the starting area would be ready in time for race day. Riders were instructed to put their rear wheels against the downed individual gates and keep their eyes on the flagman. The threat of immediate disqualification for jumping the flag resulted in some hairy wheel spinning but clean starts throughout the day. On the track, in 40 Plus GP Novice racing, Bob Sheppard (Suz) kicked off his season in grand style by sweeping both motos. In race one, Sheppard emerged from the crowded first turn with the lead followed by Rex Preddy (Yam) and Greg Shepherd (Mai). Preddy stayed within striking range of Sheppard for several laps before Sheppard put several bike lengths between himself and Preddy. At the finish, it was Sheppard in first place followed by Preddy and Shepherd. The second moto was much more challenging for Sheppard. Several classes and divisions or racers were on the track at the same time. A multi-bike pileup in the first turn saw Sheppard caught in the middle as the rest of the pack sped away. As Sheppard struggled to get going, Preddy held first place ahead of Shepherd. Demonstrating one of the advantages of a two-stroke machine, Sheppard restarted and quickly rejoined the fray although he was several turns behind the pack. His smooth riding style and rapid pace enabled him to catch up with the leaders by the halfway point of the race. Sheppard worked his way past both Shepherd and Preddy on the back half of the course. He proceeded to stretch his lead and held it to the finish, clinching first overall. Preddy took a well earned second with Shepherd taking the final podium spot with his third place finish. Vintage Sportsman 250 Intermediate racing was a showcase for classic European machines. At the flag drop, last minute entrant Keith Lynas (Oss) rocketed into the lead, followed by Brian Miller (Hus), Norm Himaka(Mai) and Craig Walker (CZ). Lynas proceeded to reel off five flawless laps on his potent Ossa. Behind him, Himaka and Miller vied for second. At the finish, Lynas took an undisputed first followed by Himaka and Miller. Lynas obviously wanted the trophy, as he pulled a massive hole shot in the second moto. Trailing him were Walker and Himaka. There was no catching Lynas, as he put several bike lengths between himself and his pursuers. Behind him, Walker and Himaka dueled for second. As the laps wound down, Lynas continued to stretch his lead as he sped to the overall victory. Himaka put a final pass on Walker on the last lap to clinch second overall with Walker sewing up third with his 4-3 finishes. A new class made its debut this day. The MODERN MAN class, a 30 minute race catering to club members with modern machines premiered at the end of the regular race schedule. Nitro Johnson, Ed Lowenberg and Bob Sheppard topped the Expert, Intermediate and Novice divisions of this new class. A new board of directors, new sponsors and the chance to race on different tracks points to 2008 as being a great season for vintage racing. If you missed the opener, don’t despair because nine more rounds remain in the 2008 season. The next club event is a practice day on March 1st, followed by race two at Barona March 22nd. See you at the track and bring a friend. |
| Here are a few pics from Kathy Caro. |
