Vintage Crowd up to Barona Challenge!
By Steve Caro
Photography by Kathryn Caro
October 18.
Barona Oaks Raceway has always had a chameleon nature in the way it constantly
changes from meet to meet. One thing is certain no matter what the layout, it has always
been a challenge to the vintage motocross community. Throughout the current season, no
two race dates have run on the same course. Round nine of the 2008, CALVMX/AHRMA
series saw what many considered to be the most challenging course for the 170 entries who
filled the pit area.
This latest version featured a combination of deep horsepower robbing sand washes and
tight turns mixed with high-speed straights and multiple jumps. The small bore 100 and
125cc machines were challenged to within a fraction of their capabilities as they navigated
the deep sand-filled corners and hills with their diminutive motors screaming at max rpm’s in
a valiant effort to maintain forward momemtum.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<CONTINUE HERE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
As is the norm in Southern California, the weather was very warm with a steady breeze
blowing across the track. These conditions meant dust would be a constant problem
throughout the day. Fortunately, excellent effort by the water truck operator kept the
majority of dust at bay.
Ossa mounted Bill Masho was the dominant figure in the 50 Plus Vintage Novice class
with a two moto sweep. In moto one, Len Sims (Yam), normally found picking his way
through a trials section, led at the start with Masho and Joe Knoettgen (CZ) in tow. Midway
through lap two, Masho took the lead as the pack entered the uphill straight. Line selection
was paramount on the difficult course. Masho maintained his narrow lead over Sims and
Knoettgen for the remainder of the moto, with the three finishing the moto in that exact order.
Knoettgen’s turn to lead the pack came at the start of moto two. Close behind were
Masho and Sims. Unfortunate bike problems put a heartbroken Knoettgen on the sidelines
on lap two. Seizing the opportunity, Masho upped the pace and kept his Spanish built steed
ahead of Sims and Brian Brown (CZ). As Dave Giles flashed the checkers, Masho clinched
first, with Sims second and Brown rounding out the podium in third.
Only vintage racing still offers the opportunity to see big bore two strokes dueling for
supremacy. Vintage Sportsman 500 Novice racing featured a cross section of machines
from the era when the horsepower spewing behemoths were the ultimate challenge in both
international and domestic motocross competition.
First moto action saw Maico mounted Casey Marascalco powering his way into first as
the pack thundered into the first turn. Dressed in old-school leather riding gear, complete
with a visor-less open-faced helmet, Marascalco was the master of the Barona course. He
put his Maico and its legendary power and turning ability to good use throughout the moto.
Behind him, John Grebenstein (Hus) held second over Kevin Bucher (Hus). Marascalco kept
his pristine German machine in front all the way to the checkers, with Grebenstein second
and Bucher making it an all European podium.
Grebenstein seized the lead at the start of moto two. Trailing him were Marascalco and
Bucher. In a scene reminiscent of an early ‘70s GP or Trans-Am, Grebenstein held the point
position until the beginning of the white flag lap. Behind him, Marascalco continued to close
the gap between himself and Grebenstein. It was then Marascalco made his move into the
lead spot. Keeping the power on over the rough course, Marascalco clinched the overall
with his second win on the day. Taking second overall was Grebenstein, with Bucher
completing the podium in third.
One round remains in the 2008 vintage racing season. With numerous class
championships on the line, it is anticipated racing will be intense during the season finale at
Barona November 15. Prior to the final round of the racing season, CALVMX will be hosting
a club practice on November 1 at Barona.
By Steve Caro
Photography by Kathryn Caro
October 18.
Barona Oaks Raceway has always had a chameleon nature in the way it constantly
changes from meet to meet. One thing is certain no matter what the layout, it has always
been a challenge to the vintage motocross community. Throughout the current season, no
two race dates have run on the same course. Round nine of the 2008, CALVMX/AHRMA
series saw what many considered to be the most challenging course for the 170 entries who
filled the pit area.
This latest version featured a combination of deep horsepower robbing sand washes and
tight turns mixed with high-speed straights and multiple jumps. The small bore 100 and
125cc machines were challenged to within a fraction of their capabilities as they navigated
the deep sand-filled corners and hills with their diminutive motors screaming at max rpm’s in
a valiant effort to maintain forward momemtum.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<CONTINUE HERE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
As is the norm in Southern California, the weather was very warm with a steady breeze
blowing across the track. These conditions meant dust would be a constant problem
throughout the day. Fortunately, excellent effort by the water truck operator kept the
majority of dust at bay.
Ossa mounted Bill Masho was the dominant figure in the 50 Plus Vintage Novice class
with a two moto sweep. In moto one, Len Sims (Yam), normally found picking his way
through a trials section, led at the start with Masho and Joe Knoettgen (CZ) in tow. Midway
through lap two, Masho took the lead as the pack entered the uphill straight. Line selection
was paramount on the difficult course. Masho maintained his narrow lead over Sims and
Knoettgen for the remainder of the moto, with the three finishing the moto in that exact order.
Knoettgen’s turn to lead the pack came at the start of moto two. Close behind were
Masho and Sims. Unfortunate bike problems put a heartbroken Knoettgen on the sidelines
on lap two. Seizing the opportunity, Masho upped the pace and kept his Spanish built steed
ahead of Sims and Brian Brown (CZ). As Dave Giles flashed the checkers, Masho clinched
first, with Sims second and Brown rounding out the podium in third.
Only vintage racing still offers the opportunity to see big bore two strokes dueling for
supremacy. Vintage Sportsman 500 Novice racing featured a cross section of machines
from the era when the horsepower spewing behemoths were the ultimate challenge in both
international and domestic motocross competition.
First moto action saw Maico mounted Casey Marascalco powering his way into first as
the pack thundered into the first turn. Dressed in old-school leather riding gear, complete
with a visor-less open-faced helmet, Marascalco was the master of the Barona course. He
put his Maico and its legendary power and turning ability to good use throughout the moto.
Behind him, John Grebenstein (Hus) held second over Kevin Bucher (Hus). Marascalco kept
his pristine German machine in front all the way to the checkers, with Grebenstein second
and Bucher making it an all European podium.
Grebenstein seized the lead at the start of moto two. Trailing him were Marascalco and
Bucher. In a scene reminiscent of an early ‘70s GP or Trans-Am, Grebenstein held the point
position until the beginning of the white flag lap. Behind him, Marascalco continued to close
the gap between himself and Grebenstein. It was then Marascalco made his move into the
lead spot. Keeping the power on over the rough course, Marascalco clinched the overall
with his second win on the day. Taking second overall was Grebenstein, with Bucher
completing the podium in third.
One round remains in the 2008 vintage racing season. With numerous class
championships on the line, it is anticipated racing will be intense during the season finale at
Barona November 15. Prior to the final round of the racing season, CALVMX will be hosting
a club practice on November 1 at Barona.
