The classic sound of two-stroke motocross machines filled the air at Barona Oaks Raceway as the 2009 California Vintage Motocross Club season literally roared into life. Over 180 entries comprising both the original (pre-1974) vintage machines and the later 1975-89 post- vintage machines filled the track in a full day of racing. A well prepared track and the constant action of not one, but two water trucks kept dust to a minimal concern. Classic machinery covering a broad cross-section of motocross history filled the pit area. Names such as CZ, Maico, Husqvarna and Bultaco were joined by more familiar names such as Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki. No matter what the bike or ability of the rider, there was a class for everyone to participate. At least seven new riders joined the ranks of vintage racing veterans such as Ron Renzulli, Gary DeForest, Norm Himaka and Gary Faxon. Although their names were unavailable at press time the newcomers all reported to have had a great experience with vintage racing. As is the norm for a CALVMX race day, the first race of the day was the 30 minute IRONMAN contest. Endurance and consistency are the keys to the Ironman class. In the GP Expert division, Kyle Winton (CZ) dominated the class with a convincing win. Randi Perkins (Yam) topped the GP Intermediates and Katherine Wood showed her strong showings last year were no fluke as she dominated the Vintage Novice division on her potent CZ. In the regular racing divisions (5 laps per moto), the Vintage Sportsman 250 Novice division featured some impressive racing. In the first moto, Phil Hungerford (CZ) dueled with Joe Knoettegen (CZ) and Dave Peabody (Suz) throughout the race for the top spot. Hungerford kept his cool to claim the win, followed by Knoettegen and Peabody. Moto two again saw Hungerford and Knoettegen locking bars for class supremacy. In this battle, it was Knoettegen on his very original ’73 CZ emerging with the win and overall victory over the persistent Hungerford. Garnering third overall with two consistent rides was Peabody, followed by Brian Brown (CZ) in fourth. 50 Plus Vintage Intermediate racing featured a starting lineup reminiscent of a late 1960’s Inter-Am with numerous CZ’s, Husqvarna, Ossa and Maico filling the starting gate. Race one saw Husky mounted Keith Sievers resume the dominance he showed during the 2008 season with a massive holeshot up the start hill. Trailing Sievers were Norm Himaka (Mai) and Brian Larsen (CZ). Sievers put a large gap between himself and the rest of the class by the end of lap two. Vying for second were Himaka, Larsen and Brian Miller (Hus). With five flawless laps under his chest protector, Sievers notched and easy first place finish. A race long battle saw Larsen edging Himaka for second with Miller a close fourth. The second moto saw Sievers strengthen the case for his promotion to the expert class by again dominating the race from start to finish. The race for second involved Keith Lynas (Oss), Larsen, Miller and Himaka. Lynas seemed determined to make up for his disappointing seventh place in the first moto by keeping his pursuers at bay throughout the moto. At the checkers, Sievers secured an undisputed first overall, followed by Larsen and the steady Miller in third. Hard economic times seemed to have no effect on the vintage racing community. Clean hard racing, a well prepared track and the family friendly vibe of the vintage racing community (everyone seems to be ready to help each other) kicked off what appears to be a very promising 2009 season. CALVMX travels north for a first time appearance at the world famous Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino for round two of the 2009 series. Set for March 21 and 22nd, there will be a practice and juniors race on Saturday, followed by vintage and post-vintage racing on Sunday. |
| 2009 CALVMX SEASON ROARS TO LIFE By Steve Caro Photography by Kathryn Caro Lakeside, CA. Feb. 21 |
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