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FREE RIDE AND FREE FOOD WRAP-UP 2009 SEASON By Steve Caro Photography by Kathryn Caro Lakeside, CA Dec. 5 Is there a better way to wrap up a successful racing season other than having a free ride and meal day? Throw in a well-stocked raffle full of moto goodies and a pristine restored bike and the day can’t get much better! CALVMX held its annual awards ceremony and free ride day at Barona Oaks raceway. Fittingly, the track was well tailored to the vintage and post- vintage machines. Literally hundreds of laps were logged by the great turnout of riders throughout the day. Probably the biggest highlight of the day was being able to see the always fast Scott Burnworth logging numerous laps on a variety machines. Included in his potpourri of machines was his first ride on a CZ machine. Supplied by Gary Faxon, Burnworth quickly adapted to Faxon’s tricked out racer and put in some absolutely blistering laps. Special acknowledgements went out to the numerous volunteers who kept the season going for the club. Erika Schleif and her daughters Astrid and Sigrid were recognized for their invaluable contributions to the club. Along with the Schleifs, Art Leva, Nick Adamo, Pete Vrettas, Mark Aquino and especially Julie Miller were all acknowledged for their selfless hours of effort in keeping the race day events on schedule. The other person who received special recognition for his efforts to advancing the club was Scott Burnworth. The former top-ranked factory racer was personally instrumental in attracting persons such as Mike Bell and Jim Gibson to the events to personally partake in the fun of vintage racing. To see former factory stars back in their natural element proves that a modern high-tech machine is not a prerequisite for great racing action. Ironman (person) Katherine Wood took delivery of her much deserved trophy in her typical gracious and low-key manner. Her consistent effort and sportsmanship throughout the season made her a well deserved winner of probably the most challenging award in vintage racing. Although normally a Maico man, Rick Price had a large smile on his face as he took delivery of the 1978 Suzuki RM-250 grand prize. Purchased and restored by the club with the priceless contributions of parts and advice by Tony Boswell of VINTAGE SUZUKI and Ramona Cycle Supply. Price was a very happy racer at the end of the day. 2010 looks to be a banner year for CALVMX vintage racing. Along with all of the regular class offerings, a new class has been formulated for 2010. The Vintage Sportsman 250 Intermediate class will be known as the Manufacturers Cup Challenge. One of the requirements will be the riders having to wear period correct attire to compete in the class. If you ever wanted to emulate a factory star from “back-in-the-day”, here is the chance to do it! The new season will begin January 17, 2010 at Glen Helen Raceway. So get the bikes ready and the bodies in shape. If 2009 was a sample of the strength of vintage racing, the new year should be fantastic. |
