CALVMX

Cahuilla Creek MX

Closes out CALVMX 2015 Season

By Steve Caro

Photography by Kathryn Caro

Anza, CA. Dec 13

 

 

The gate dropped and the roost flew for the final time in 2015 for the classic racers of CALVMX. Clear skies and temperatures that hovered around 28 degrees for the first few hours at Cahuilla Creek MX Park were waiting for the gathering racers as they streamed thru the entrance gate. The frigid high-desert temps dropped low enough to freeze over the numerous puddles left by recent rains.

A healthy turnout of both vintage and post-vintage machines turned out for the final event of the CALVMX season. Included in the mix was a rarely seen Penton, with its distinctive blue tank entered by newcomer Rick Armstrong. Another machine that has never been seen at a CALVMX race was the rare Kawasaki three-wheeler entered by Rod Lewis, which due to unforeseen issues was not able to compete on the day.

 In conjunction with the scheduled races, the club staged its first annual Toys-For-Tots drive which included members of the United States Marine Corps on hand to collect the toy donations. Participation was superb with many club members donating multiple items. Club president Frank Vrettas announced the drive would now become an annual event for the club.

Along with the regular participants staging throughout the pit area, there were numerous first time participants along with several racers returning from long hiatus, including Arizona fast guy Kevin Temple and, in an especially rare appearance, four time AMA motocross champion Gary Jones who “went British” for the day with his booming Triumph twin.

On the track, meticulous watering keep dust conditions a non-factor and traction was excellent around the entire course. Leading off the day was the Marty Tripes 100cc works revenge classes. In the Factory Support Intermediate division, Scott Piddington (Yam) put in two stellar rides on his way to 1-1 moto finishes and the overall victory, with Norm Himaka (Yam), stepping off his normal Maico, ride logging 2-2 moto scores for the runner-up position. Finishing close behind the duo of Piddington and Himaka was Novice class entrant Al Gabriola who notched his own 1-1 scores for the Novice overall win.

Continuing the trend of recent seasons, the Vintage Sportsman 250 class was once again the most heavily subscribed for the era of bikes that spawned the sport of vintage motocross. In the Expert division, Clark Jones (CZ) once again demonstrated just how fast a bike with four inches of rear shock travel and seven inches available in front can be ridden. Jones swept both motos in impressive fashion with little challenge. Behind him, the brother duo of Carey and Reed McIntyre traded runner-up spots in both motos. Honda mounted Carey, a class regular, vied with brother Reed for second and came up just a little short as Reed, mounted on a Bultaco supplied by Randi Perkins, held him off at the finish for second place. In the second moto, Carey returned the favor to his brother by keeping Reed behind him to score both a second place in the moto and second overall as well.

While the experts were busy with their own duels, the Vintage Intermediates had their own “races within races”. While his sons battled it out in the Expert division, CZ mounted Tim McIntyre added to the family glory with impressive 1-1 moto scores. McIntyre faced numerous challenges in both motos from Andrew McKeag (Husq), John Woolsey (Yam) and Norm Himaka’s Maico. A steady pace enabled McIntyre to fend off his challengers to secure the overall victory. Emerging from the two-moto battle in second overall was McKeag, followed by Woolsey and Himaka.

Moving up an era to the post-vintage classes, in the 50 Plus GP Intermediate race, Suzuki mounted Tim Hoole showed he was a strong candidate for promotion to the expert class with a two moto sweep over the Maicos of Don Hansing and Darrell Sedig. Hoole added to his trophy collection by also taking the overall in the GP2-125 Intermediate class.

Proving the validity of the current axiom “sixty is the new forty”, Randi Perkins took his newly acquired CZ to the overall win in 60+ Vintage Intermediate, with fellow CZ jockeys Dana Yenawine and Craig Walker rounding out the podium.

Class championships are often won by mere points when the final totals are compiled. Without a doubt the most resolute effort to clinch a class title was that of James Fryslie’s quest for the Vintage Sportsman 500 Intermediate title. Having suffered serious injuries in a recent freeway melee, Fryslie probably shouldn’t have been doing much walking, let alone trying to race. In the spirit of Dick Mann’s sawing off his cast to race the Sacramento Mile in ON ANY SUNDAY, the heavily contused and stitched up Fryslie gamely powered his big CZ around the course in an effort to secure the points he needed to clinch the title. His efforts led to 2-1 moto scores and his long sought after championship title.

2015 was another banner year for CALVMX. Solidifying their reputation of being the top regional promoter of vintage racing with record number of entries at most of their events along with providing classes for any machine and rider. The 2016 season leads of January 31 at the Lake Elsinore facility. Along with its regularly scheduled motocross events, the much anticipated flat track series will make its debut along with several trials competitions.

As is always the case, all club members and participants are encouraged to spread the word about the sport of vintage racing. With safe tracks and a family orientated environment, a would be competitor need not spend some $10,000 on a machine and be forced to negotiate track designs best suited for top level professional riders.

 

 

 

 

Further photos and race coverage can be found at:

Todayscyclecoverage.com