POPPA WHEELIE

Who will be FIRST ?

2012-02-09T19:05:00.000-08:00

...To develop the new HONDA NC700X into a Grand National Contender. Due out this Summer the 670cc parallel twin has everything going for it. In stock form its 51HP worth of Low to Mid range torque. Honda claims it is faster to 75 MPH than their Crotch Rocket CBR600 ! Most intriguing is its 62 degree tip to the cylinders giving it a super low center of gravity ( and you could put the gas tank right behind the cylinders maximizing the low CG effect.) It really sounds awesome for our Dirt Track application. You get some of the GNC Tuners rubbing on this one, just a little bit, playing with its very narrow,SOHC 4 valve,EFI,270 phase crank,liquid cooled,balanced primary, 73mm X 80 stroke and it will be a dirt grabbing ,handling Winner. Can't wait to see and hear a special framed ,uncorked, bored out version of this with young go-getters like Briar Bauman and Jimmy Monaco twisting it wide open, leading a pack of Kawis, Trumpies, Ducatis, Suzukis ,Aprilias and XR750s down the front straight at every Mile and 1/2 Mile in America.

James Monaco #23E

2012-02-09T13:28:00.001-08:00

Here is another Nor Cal Kid who is on the gas. 16 years old with a knack for haulin' ass on a Flat Tracker, no matter if it's dirt or Coke syrup concrete. James showed up for the first race of the year at the Romero Vegas Indoor Short Track and immediately
put in a 5th fast in the Open, winning a spot in the Dash for Cash. Won the Top Gun class Saturday night and impressed everyone with his lightning pace and determination. A good number of Champions come out of the District 36 gene pool and James looks to be following in their tire tracks.
Controlled enough to keep it right down on the pole when it counts. No foot peg and ty-wrapped shift lever, standard cement set up.
You do well and famous motorcycle announcer Larry Huffman wants to talk to you.
James with Dad, Bub and brother Dominic.

Now thats a Hat !

2012-02-08T16:05:00.000-08:00

They don't make them like they used to. Ran into Vinnie of the Halbert Racing Clan and he was sporting this classic from The Camel Pro San Jose Mile 1976. Full on embroidered work of art on the front. Not anything like the crap, so called Truckers Hat every Joe Blow is flogging these days.

DAYTONA 200 March 17th

2012-02-08T10:35:00.001-08:00

The 200 is just around the corner and promises to be a great one and a repeat of the barn burner we had last year. I just wish we had the Factory entries and the top echelon riders. Although the H.D. Squad provided a lot of interest, even the best pilots couldn't get this old dog up front. DuHamel, Chandler, Russell and Carr worked their tails off without results. The VR 1000 finally faded into the sunset never to be seen again.

Honda CL 350 1968

2012-02-05T09:43:00.000-08:00

This beauty was racing at the Vegas WCFTS. Shoe horned into an old Two-stroke frame, the little twin impressed me with its mighty wail and obvious power which was easily distinguishable from the whole field of 350 and 500 singles it was running against.
It wasn't easy getting the Honda Twin in there, requiring new motor mounts welded onto the cases and some long inlet tubes that didn't seem to effect the power band at all. The Tickets are for each practice session.
It was Rider Mike's first time on Concrete so he was a little dubious at first. That didn't last long ,he was powering up the inside ,sliding around the outside, passing guys at will keeping the screaming little Honda on the boil.
When I was a kid my good buddy showed up on this exact bike. His Uncle had just returned from 'Nam via Japan with two of these, a Blue one for him and the Orange one for his nephew. I was impressed with its clean and oh so tidy appearance but being a died in the wool Triumph fan I didn't think this thing was a patch on a new Daytona or a Bonneville. Eh, Jap bikes, a passing fad !

Mark Williams 1951-2012 N.W. Hero

2012-02-03T08:57:00.000-08:00

Oregon Flat Track Star, Mark Williams has taken his final checkered flag. I read where he passed on very recently and it bought back many incredible memories of this guy absolutely on the gas to the delight of his many fans in the N.W. Mark's Dad was a Flat Tracker and had a Triumph Dealership in Oregon,so the kid came up on first class equipment and he put it to good use. At 16 he was Oregon State Champion which was incredible considering the vast pool of talent he had to beat. I remember Mark mainly from Sidewinders in Portland where we counted on him to thrash the invaders from California, which he did repeatedly. When Mark got the Factory Norton ride in '76, the whole N.W. rejoiced is his accomplishments and really looked forward to some big things. He was a contemporary of Roberts and Gary Scott and we loved it when he beat up on them at Castle Rock and Sidewinders, so we were looking for a new NO.1.
It wasn't to be, Mark suffered a career ending wreck in practice for the San Jose Mile which left him paralyzed below the waist and his dreams dashed. Mark was a tough individual and didn't let it get him down and he lived an active life and enjoyed it strapped in Dune Buggies and on Snow Machines when ever he got the chance. I think there is a Sidewinders in Heaven and I can see Mark now Full Lock and Flat Out flying over the top of the hill and down around turn two. God Speed Mark.

2012-02-03T08:52:00.000-08:00

Sam Halbert rolled the dice in Las Vegas

2012-02-01T22:12:00.000-08:00

but didn't come up with any winners. Not through lack of effort,however. The South Point Cement Short Track requires lots of skill and typical for Lost Wages, a great deal of good luck.
The track is coated with Coke syrup initially to give the bikes some traction until they lay down a good base of rubber. Then supposedly there is traction everywhere but, it is a finicky surface that can catch you out in a split second. Sam suffered from some massive lack of traction on one or two occasions which didn't help his results. Here he seems to have all the grip in the world.

Sam's Furry Foot with Sponsors.
Carpet is the main choice but Tape ,Leather and Cardboard seem to work pretty good too.
From Daytona to Salinas,Perris and Vegas Sam's No.7 Yamaha 450 War Horse is chomping for the Checkers. And after all this tuning up ,watch Sam GO in Florida in the very near future.

2012-02-01T21:49:00.000-08:00

Sam's Short Track mount looks like it should. Roost blasted cases, Gear lever tied down so an encroaching front wheel or flailing boot doesn't knock it into "N". The bikes are geared to run in first gear the whole time so every race is wide open and wide eyed. No footpeg,just gets in the way. If you got a chance you might hang your carpeted foot on the re-used chain tensioner for a split seconds relief.
Sammy lines up in Pre-grid with a formidable crew. 42 Bailey Fox out of Graham,Washington smoked the whole field with a blazing Fast Lap in qualifying.On this track, with these competitors,it says one thing, Fox is Freakin' Fast ! Bailey Who? #80 Stevie Bonsey, always a potential winner when ever he throws a leg over a motorcycle,Road Racer or Flat Track and proved it by dominating Saturday nights Main on the Zanotti Honda 450. #35 Brad Mueller,another Washingtonian who is on the gas. The N.W. has always been a hot bed of Dirt Track Talent.

Gene Romero Triumph and Honda

2012-01-31T11:49:00.000-08:00

The Las Vegas, Gene Romero West Coast Flat Track Series Double Header was a dream weekend for a Flat Track fan like myself. Slow Wayne Karcich was racing in the Vintage class and invited me to hang out with his group of buddies who were racing there. They included David Zanotti and a small group of guys,Steve,JT,Dante,Bub, Dennis Kanegae and Stevie Bonsey (Won Saturday's main event)and his Dad and John Kocinski who was riding Dante's Can Am 360. Sorry for name dropping,but like they say,when you got'em, smok'em. Two days of racing euphoria was followed by an unexpected treat. Wayne took Gene Romero and myself to see the Redrock H.D. collection. Hangin' with Gene was incredible,after all he has been a Hero of mine for nearly 5 decades, so this was an auspicious occasion to say the least.Romero is a First Class Gentleman and gifted raconteur.Thanks Wayne and Gene.
42 years later, Gene is reunited with the Triumph Triple he set the complete banked Daytona M/C record on.He told us the Dunlop tire guy came to him and said, you want the lap record, put a front tire on the back and the bike will haul ass for the three laps you get. They took the guy's advice and Gene grit his teeth for three laps with wallowing handling right up against the wall,praying the tire would go the distance. It did and the record stands to this day.

The Trident today in it's original condition except for the short course seat.
Gene Romero's contribution to Honda's Flat Track success is legendary. Gene stands by the Honda RS 750 that as Racing Manager, he developed into the absolute dominating force it became.

2012-01-31T11:01:00.000-08:00

Three stunning examples of Honda's dedication to winning.
Doug Chandler's Honda 500 Single.
Slow Wayne (not really,fast enough to put his 500 Yamaha in the Trophy Dash in the Vintage Class,and past Champion) and Gene discussing some of the incredible memorabilia in the Redrock shrine to speed.In the background, Jim Rice's Goldie from his JR years,in totally original condition just like he rolled it out of the back of the Econoline for Friday nights Ascot in 1967.
REDROCK HARLEY DAVIDSON, Las Vegas, Nevada. Owned by Mr.Don Andress who is an absolute Motorcycle Freak with impeccable taste. The Dealership is an Aladdin's Cave for Motorcyclists of all kinds.
Amongst the shiny new H.D. inventory, pedigree racing and classic machines add to the
exciting ambience. Thank you Don, beyond awesome. Don't miss REDROCK H.D. when you are in Vegas. You know it's going to be good when you pull up and see two giant bill boards of both Joe Leonard on his KR and Joe Petrelli on his Pea Shooter.
Steve Baker's TZ750 brought a flurry of memories for Gene,from when the outrageous ring-dings ruled the world.

2012-01-31T10:43:00.000-08:00

Romero stretching out his lead at Laguna.
Gene leads Baker ( on the exact bike) through the Corkscrew during the same race.
Barry Sheene's Factory Suzuki. Mr Andress gets it and leaves the fairing off so you can drink in the incredible details in these beautiful machines. Buritos got some great Bazza stories both serious and funny.
H.D. Board Trackers in all their antique glory, on their own banked board track.
More perfection.

Brad Baker AMA National # 12

2012-01-26T15:20:00.000-08:00

2011 AMA Rookie of the Year Brad Baker has been impressive on the Big Red Duc but rumor has it he has put the Italian Stallion to pasture and has opted for what could be the best tuned bikes in the whole AMA field. Brads headed to Kenny Tolbert's stable with V-Twin and get this, Kawasaki Parallel Twin power. Tolbert's Harleys are phenomenal and with Brad on them ,I would say hard to beat but, both Tuner and Rider are interested in trying the 650 twin. It will be interesting to see just exactly when and what track they roll out their Kawi. Best of luck to both of you guys and a big thanks for putting a really intriguing wrinkle in the 2012 Grand National Season.
We wont see the #12 Ducati in 2012. Can't wait to see who gets this plum ride. A big 17 would look great on there.
Brad trying to stay in front of his new ride at the Sacramento Mile.
The Kid is a natural with Speed and Style.
Brad knows how to fold up into a small fast package.
The long and the short of it. Kevin Atherton adjusts a makeshift dust guard in Brads helmet at Pomona. Jumping ships means you leave a lot of good guys behind. Athertons one of them. Coach,Test Rider,Fabricator and Motivator,not forgetting to mention Kevin is one of the wild men that give Flat Track a lot of its color.

2012-01-26T15:14:00.000-08:00

Sights and Sounds.This was worth the price of admission alone. Brad on a perfect Sacramento Mile, letting it all hang out.
Baker is a young gun on a mission and has a whole grandstand full of fans wishing him well.
This may well be why he is interested in Kawi Power. A 650 parallel twin blows by down Sacramento's front straight.

John Kocinski goes Old School in Vegas

2012-01-25T15:05:00.000-08:00

John Kocinski rode a '75 Can Am 360 belonging to Dante D'Ambruoso at the recent WCFT Las Vegas Double Header. Kocinski used the explosive 2-stroke power band to propel himself to the front every time he was on the track in the Classic Open Class but a mysterious ignition problem caused a miss when the bike got hot. He fought through this malady and ended up with a nice third place in Friday Nights Main.

The Can Am's problem persisted on Saturday Night so John ended up racing the Main on David Zanotti's Honda 450,which was really Steve Bonsey's spare.He was hauling on this modern piece of equipment and charging to the front,only to be thwarted by restarts due to others crashes. WCFT need to re-evaluate the Red Flag Restart Rules and let riders keep their positions rather than revert to the lap prior. On big tracks it works but on little ovals like this one ,it is unfair to those who work so hard and it would make the racing much better.

Stevie Bonsey Dominates Las Vegas Round No.2

2012-01-22T12:42:00.000-08:00

Stevie Bonsey rode the wheels off the David Zanotti Honda 450 and absolutely dominated Round 2(Fast Time, Trophy Dash and Main) of the Gene Romero's West Coast Flat Track opener in Las Vegas,Nevada.
The Concrete Jungle that is South Point Short Track. The riders and fans loved it. Gene Romero secured the track and the same dates for 5 years so plan on being there Jan 13 and 14th, 2013 ( that is if we all don't fall off the face of the Earth Dec 21st of this year!)
This was a common sentiment as Flat Trackers came from all corners of North America(+ Alberta ,Canada) to kick off the racing season in Vegas.
One of the four classes was Vintage and what a stunning selection of beautiful equipment.

Kayl Kolkman Wins Las Vegas Short Track Round 1

2012-01-22T12:31:00.000-08:00

Kayl battled hard to win the Las Vegas Short Track Round 1. Hangin' with his rival buddies Brad Baker and Brandan Bergan.

2012-01-22T12:19:00.000-08:00

2012-01-22T12:13:00.000-08:00

Las Vegas Short Track

2012-01-12T09:22:00.000-08:00

I'm going to Vegas baby ! Headed to Gene Romero's West Coast Flat Track Series kick off, two day event. Indoor Cement Short Track with a huge Vintage M/C Auction to boot.
Gene's series goes up and down the West Coast from now until the end of summer, keeping Flat Track alive and kick'n ass at small town Fairs and Festivals. Gene has been dedicated to this sport his whole life and his efforts help keep Grass Roots Motorcycle Racing in the heart of Americana.

T.T. Tango

2012-01-10T13:11:00.001-08:00

Rumor has it that a new TT Track is going in at the local Vintage MX park.
I better start wrenchin' right now or I'll show up with the same leaky fork seals and sticking back brake.Big Poppa on the B25 at Hell On Wheels '11. I'm really not that big ,the bike is tiny! Here are three of my all time T.T. favorites.
Ricky ripping on the Rotax.
Ed Kretz elevates the Sport Scout.
Gary Scott on the last seriously successful Triumph in AMA history.

Evan Baer 64a Kawasaki 650 R

2012-01-05T08:32:00.000-08:00

Baer Racing fields two fast and beautiful Kawasaki 650 Rs for Evan Baer and Raun Wood. Both riders are getting to grips with the powerful parallel twins, so look for some good stuff from these guys in this years GNC.

2012-01-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

Raun Wood on the second Baer Racing Kawi 650 R.

Moroney's 1-800 FastHog Racing

2012-01-03T11:52:00.001-08:00

Bryan Smith was back aboard a Pat Moroney Harley in 2011 and immediately got back to his winning ways. Bryan is always a contender no matter what color bike he is racing and the Harley faithful welcomed him back with open arms. His young team mate P.J. Jacobsen isn't too shabby either. Look for both of these guys to be up front ,taking the Checkers in this 2012 season.
Moroney's Harley Davidson ,New Windsor,N.Y. have always been a front running, winning team with fast bikes and exciting riders. Bryan is the Team leader with a long list of Grand National victories,while P.J. is the lightning quick young gun with tons of potential and bucket fulls of Dirt Track and Road Racing talent.
The start is obviously very important in Flat Track and can really make a huge difference to your race (second only to coming across the stripe first).Bryan and Sammy show their stuff.

Smokey's Sport Scout

2012-01-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

I just love these late 30's early 40's Indian Flat Trackers. To me they are the epitome of what a Dirt Track racing machine should look and sound like. We are fortunate in So Cal to have a number of them tearing up the local tracks. Smokey passed recently but hopefully someone will keep his dream alive and his Indian will be on the warpath for a long time to come. Foot clutch and hand shift requires a certain skill. By the look of the size of the rear sprocket, this is a start in and leave it in second short track set-up.

Burt Munro 1920 Indian Scout Streamliner

2012-01-01T12:06:00.000-08:00

Kiwi speed freak and mechanical genius Burt Munro, built and developed this bike over a life time of dedication to ultimate velocity. In 1967 he got his World Record,187.586 MPH (Streamline M/C under 1000cc)at the Bonneville Salt Flats. The Hensley family looked at the bike collecting dust in the Pierce Indian Shop for decades. They purchased it ,restored it and show and run it. They fired it up at the 110th Anniversary of the Indian make at the recent Indian Day West, much to the delight of the collected tribe of Indian faithful in attendance. Burt built a beast and it sounds like the 190 MPH machine it is (Up leg of the record run,190).Burt was obviously fearless. To contort yourself into and wrap around and hang onto this snarling monster and then pull the trigger,was an incredible feat.

2012-01-01T11:59:00.000-08:00

Soaring into 2012 * HAPPY NEW YEAR *

2011-12-31T11:02:00.000-08:00

UPDATE* Levi LaVallee jumped 412.6 ! for a new record on the Snow Machine.
Rob Maddison jumped 378.9 and an unofficial 392 on his practice jump.
Big Air indeed.

San Diego will kick off New Years Eve with a Dirt Bike and Snowmobile jump across the entry to the marina Down Town. Robbie Maddison will attempt to break to longest M/C jump currently at 391 Feet. This part of the world is Dirt Bike crazy but Snowmobiles are something not many San Diegans have in their quiver. Should be interesting however with both jumping the gap at the same time. A happy, successful and enjoyable 2012 to all !

Luke Gough's #62 KAWASAKI 650R

2011-12-28T12:40:00.000-08:00

One of my daily stops in the Motorcycle Blog world is the always informative stusshots.blogspot.com. The hard charging National # 62, Luke Gough is one of my favorites on the Grand National circuit ,so it was a great pleasure to see the detailed story by Stu on the Skip Eaken tuned, Rick Howerton built Kawasaki 650R. Luke is getting to terms with the little screaming Kawi and a brilliant ride at Calistoga this year resulted in a career high 4th place finish for the Australian Champ.

2011-12-28T12:33:00.000-08:00

A couple of the Kawasaki onslaught. Luke and Johnny Lewis 10 who has an "oh so close to Victory" 2nd Place finish on his Kawi 650R.
Luke and the 62 Team enjoy every minute of their racing.
Here is the diversity in GNC racing that makes it fantastic. Ducati,Kawasaki,four of them ( 62,28,37 and 64) and a Suzuki,KTM and four H.D.s get ready to battle it out at Pomona.

Mission Accomplished

2011-12-25T10:13:00.000-08:00

Well done Santa,now kick back and enjoy Christmas Day and our 80F So Cal weather.

MERRY CHRISTMAS !

2011-12-24T10:44:00.000-08:00

Ascot Flashback

2011-12-23T11:13:00.001-08:00

Fortunately for me, I'm old enough to have enjoyed AMA Flat Track Racing from what I consider it's Golden Era to it's present state of high excitement. One pleasure I always really enjoy is looking at old programs like this one from Ascot's AMA Camel Pro 20 Lap National. The year was 1976 and what a year it was. Gary Scott had won the No.1 in '75 but he felt he was being treated shabbily by The Motor Co. and he told them to pound sand. He battled them gallantly but it was the Michigan sensation Springsteen who dominated in '76.
Look at the names on this Heat Sheet.Beauchamp, Eklund, Boody, Morrison, Randy Skiver, John Gannai and Diane Cox.There would have been some great racing that night. Then and now Flat Track fans know the Sport inside and out. They know the Riders and the bikes they ride. At Ascot,after each heat, Roxy Rockwood would always announce the results and half the spectators would have pencil to program filling it out just like this one.Springer the down home superstar who is a powerhouse in Flat Track still today and thank goodness for that!

Roberts didn't always win but it was a pleasure to see his meteoric rise to the top of the two wheel world by utilizing the skills he learned right here on the dirt.
The Texas Kidd,future Champion always on the gas.
No one had more fans at Ascot than Jorgy. He was from California,he rode the awesome sounding Scarlet underdog Norton with such flair and determination that even the Harley fans loved him.

2011-12-23T11:07:00.000-08:00

Waters Auto Body Racing KTM LC8

2011-12-21T10:30:00.000-08:00

Waters Auto Body Racing will be campaigning two new Lazer framed LC8s in 2012. Jeremy Higgins and Steve Murray will ride them and with any luck they will be able to put the awesome power of the KTM Twin to the ground and get another brand up front and battling for the win. Dave and Rhonda Waters efforts in Grand National racing are legendary and hopefully concentrating on the KTM can put them in the Winners Circle where they belong.

Chad Cose National # 49

2011-12-21T10:09:00.000-08:00

Waters Auto Body Racing have decided to concentrate 100% on their KTM effort for 2012. Their 650 based Suzukis will get a break from the absolute thrashing Chad Cose and Jeremy Higgins gave them trying to stay competitive with the slew of fast machinery that makes up the GNC. Chad won't be riding a Waters KTM in 2012 but what ever he ends up on will hopefully give him a chance to really show his stuff. Cose is a excellent rider and deserves first class equipment to mix it up with the front of the pack.I'm looking forward to seeing the hard charging Cose in 2012.

Steve Murray Grand National #51

2011-12-21T10:00:00.001-08:00

Steve Murray can park his Harleys because he just landed a choice ride for the 2012 GNC on the Waters Auto Body Racing KTM. The team will develop a new Lazer framed LC8.
If this combo can get the power to the ground,watch out,we might see a KTM on top of the box. Good Luck Steve.

P.J.Jacobsen Grand National #99

2011-12-19T08:30:00.001-08:00

P.J. is a young racer with immense talent. With riders of his caliber competing in the Grand National Championship,the future of Flat Track looks very bright indeed.

Elena Myers #21e

2011-12-16T21:43:00.000-08:00

You don't see to many scuffed knee pucks in Flat Track but in this case they belong to the first woman to win an AMA Road Race, Elena Myers. Calistoga was her first real entry into upright ,dirt circle racing and she cottoned to it like a hummingbird in a hot house. She backed it in when needed and used her road racing experience and kept the wheels in line when she could and made some incredible speed. Elena looked totally comfortable and fast. I hope her schedule lets her get some more dirt track races under her belt. Elena would be a welcome addition to the sideways circus.

Stevie Bonsey "The Calistoga Kid" National #80

2011-12-15T10:32:00.000-08:00

Stevie Bonsey didn't get a second National Victory in 2011 but it wasn't for lack of effort. Bonsey suffered with some set-up issues on the Dodge Bros.Racing Harley and just couldn't find the blazing speed he knew the bike has in it. Stevie is one hard charger and is always something to see when he is on the gas. Maybe he needs to forget "The night before the National" races. At both Lodi and Perris he came off while in contention and as a result was suffering from very sore left and right shoulders before Sacramento and Pomona. But that is what I like about this guy,he loves to race and it shows.

By the look on their faces, I'd say they are praying they got the set-up right this time.
Hopefully there will be a few more of these in 2012. Go get'em Stevie!

Frank Round's photos Harrington 1/2 Mile 1984

2011-12-13T21:59:00.000-08:00

On my daily trip through the great M/C Blogs I always visit www.theriderfiles.com and was blown away by Frank Round's collection of photos from the 1984 Camel Pro Harrington,DEL 1/2 Mile National. Check them out,its a wonderful trip back in time to a great era of Dirt Track including some memories of a few of our Late,Great Racing Heros.Here are just a few.
Randy Goss,when he was on top and almost unbeatable.
Rick Graham doing what he loved.
How did this guy get so lucky. When your front porch overlooks the back straight of a Grand National Track, you know you are living life large! Randy Texter being hounded by the feuding Scott Bros. Hank and Gary.
Nice Pit scene with Mark Hartley syncing the carbs on his XR.
Rod Farris,Ted Boody,Ricky G and Pete Hames getting ready to line up for the start.

2011-12-13T21:45:00.000-08:00

This foot waggling thing the MOTOGP boys have been doing lately is nothing new. Here Don Estep, Factory Wood Rotax Hired Gun, hangs a boot high in the air to find his perfect center of gravity.

Razor Blade,Tire Groover, GRINDER !

2011-12-12T09:15:00.000-08:00

Kenny Coolbeth Jr. was looking for a little extra traction on Calistoga's beautiful clay surface.

Danny Perkins #89 So Cal Flat Track Assoc.

2011-12-10T10:33:00.000-08:00

Danny Perkins was bound and determined to win the last SCFTA Bomber Class race of the year at Perris, which he did in great style. When in doubt GAS IT !

2011-12-10T10:22:00.000-08:00

Indian Climber

2011-12-08T10:36:00.000-08:00

Ken Thiebaud # 63y

2011-12-07T08:38:00.000-08:00

Ken Thiebaud,life long Flat Tracker(and pretty good Speedway Rider some years ago now)came down from San Luis Obispo to try the new much raved about Perris Short Track for the SCFTA Final. He loved it! Especially after taking a hard fought win on his trusty Triumph. These three guys( Robert Rush TRI, Jim Ottele Yam) had a battle royale every time they raced with Ken just getting the Checkers in the Main.

Sammy Wins in So Cal

2011-12-05T17:24:00.000-08:00

Sammy Halbert won the SCFTA Sunday Pro Singles race. After sampling some So Cal soil in Saturday nights Main, Halbert was very determined to get on top of the box and that he did in dominate fashion. Only Kolkman could come close,but not close enough. Kayl and No.7 lapped a great deal of the field by the time the checkers fell.

Sam entertains even a World Champion with his full throttle style (far left,John Kocinski, Perris regular and Lap Record Holder!)

Kayl Kolkman #42e and the new National #98

2011-12-05T10:10:00.000-08:00

Kayl Kolkman #42E earned enough points in 2011 to be awarded his AMA National Number which is the prestigious #98. Kayl celebrated with a Pro Singles Win at the SCFTA Saturday Night Double Header at the fabulous Perris Speedway Short Track.

J.D. Beach National #95

2011-12-03T13:52:00.000-08:00

The very versatile J.D. Beach rides Flat Track and Road Race with the same talented aggressive charge. At this years Calistoga National he rode the USC Racing Kawasaki to an impressive 10th place in the Main.

#23 Eddie Adkins Racing XR 750

2011-12-01T08:21:00.000-08:00

Jeff Carver National # 23

2011-11-30T11:43:00.000-08:00

Jeff Carver ,2010 AMA Pro Singles Champ, spent the 2011 season haulin' the freight on Eddie Adkins XR. Jeff's first year in the Twins class was a learning year and now he's got his feet wet,watch him fly in 2012.

Jeff is a diligent racer who does everything possible to improve his performance. Going out to the corners and inspecting the track before your race is one thing thats always an advantage. This time Jeff was lucky enough to run into Steve Morehead who had been at turn 3 and 4 observing. Steve's vast knowledge lets him read the track like a book and he pointed out some barely visible wet,slick spots. "Stay away from those. They're poison to you!"

Stretch or Seize

Triumph Grand National

2011-11-27T10:19:00.000-08:00

Mikey Martin TRIUMPH's new racer

2011-11-26T09:44:00.000-08:00

2011 AMA Pro Singles Champion, Mikey Martin will be riding the Triumph Twin in the 2012 GNC. Martin's entry into the twin class is exciting enough but to have him accept the challenge of the underdog Triumph will make things very interesting. I assumed that he would come into the Twins riding a very competitive XR and be battling at the front immediately. Now I think he will really have to put his head down to get the results he is looking for.Fortunately the Triumph Factory has stepped up with some support which should help but ultimately Mikey has to gather up all his immense talent to get the Trumpet to the front. I think he can do it and I'm really looking forward to seeing him give it his all.
The Bonneville Performance Triumph Team could not have done better. Mikey Martin can RIDE and WIN and he is a great guy. Here he takes his buddy Jermaine Bacosa's bike through Tech.
Doing what he has done best. Dominating in the 450 Pro Singles.

Mick Kirkness Grand National #87

2011-11-25T10:34:00.000-08:00

Aussie Flat Track Champ Mick Kirkness was twisting the throttle on the Bonneville Performance Triumph at the last race of the year at Pomona. At the end of the day I think Mick was missing the power of his XR750.

Adam Bushman # 19L

2011-11-24T11:57:00.000-08:00

Pro Singles racer Adam Bushman got to sample the Bonneville Performance Triumph at Pomona. He looked good and at ease with his entry into the Twins Class. The British Twin seemed to suit his style well.

Shawn Baer National #32

2011-11-21T08:40:00.000-08:00

Shawn Baer riding the Triumph in the Grand National Championship for the last two years, has been one of the best things about the Series as of late. The mean age of the average Flat Track fan is high enough for most of them to fully remember the Triumph glory days. To see and hear a beautiful Triumph being ridden to every inch of it's potential resonates well with crowd. Shawn rode the British Twin with a forceful style, obviously giving it all she's got,every lap. I am going to miss seeing him put in awesome rides on the Trumpet,it was something to see.

Johnny Lewis National #10 Scott Powersports Kawasaki

2011-11-18T09:30:00.000-08:00

Jake Mataya National # 29

2011-11-17T10:48:00.000-08:00

Jake riding the tried and true,Springfield and Indy Miles winning, Werner Springsteen Monster Kawasaki.

Werner Springsteen Monster Kawasaki

2011-11-16T09:44:00.000-08:00

Springer stands with the Teams latest rendition of the Kawasaki parallel twin. These guys have proved a point with this "Little Motor That Can Win" and have a bunch of imitators ( as was the plan) that are finding relative success with the Kawasaki. It will be interesting to see how many more teams are convinced that this is a viable way to the winner's circle.

Shawn Russell National # 28

2011-11-16T09:16:00.000-08:00

Shawn Russell gave the Kawi a good run at Pomona but unfortunately lost it in turn 4 in the Expert Semi.He low sided but the bike took a beating and he retired with a mechanical DNF. Look for this team to regain their winning ways in 2012.

Coach Werner gives one of his inspirational speeches on the pre-grid. Joe Hartrich looks more impressed with it than Shawn.
Russell had a high speed laydown in turn 4 that could have been a lot worse. Werner saw the wreck from the pits ,ran up to the corner, got the bike back to the Hot Box and then started a frantic rebuild session on the jammed back wheel.
The damage was too great despite mammoth effort from Werner, Springer and team. Russell offers encouragement as the time expires rapidly.

Dave Hansen 250 Triumph at the Cow Palace, early 70's

2011-11-12T12:44:00.000-08:00

Dave Hansen's Triumph 250

2011-11-12T10:51:00.000-08:00

Veteran's Day 11/11/11

2011-11-11T08:29:00.000-08:00

Thank You ! To all those who have served.

17Y Cole Crowley

2011-11-09T13:19:00.001-08:00

Kenny Coolbeth rides his Factory Mount at Pomona

2011-11-08T10:26:00.000-08:00

Looks like those hand guards really work.

Willie McCoy #59 Springfield Mile Winner

2011-11-05T17:38:00.001-07:00

After twenty three years of trying, Wide Open Willie McCoy won his first National at the track where he has always been so competitive, The Mile, Springfield. Now his old bud and racing nemesis,Chris Carr has retired and won't be there to give him fits, I'm sure Willie will win a bunch more.A rarity in Grand National racing,Willie builds his own fast and pristine mounts and rides them to victory.
On the gas at Pomona

Gerit Gallies #76L

2011-11-04T09:49:00.000-07:00

Gerit Gallies claimed Third Place in the AMA Pro Singles 2011 season. With three victories to his credit he came to Pomona to battle it out with his arch rivals Martin and Avila. Gerit hobbled aboard his Honda 450 and did what he had to do to attain his third in the championship. He also used a provisional and raced in the Twins Main on the Waters Auto Body KTM, securing the 16th spot. Look for Gallies next year, tearing it up in the Twins Class full time.

El Dia de los Muertos

2011-11-02T21:43:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrate the lives of those we have lost, our relatives who have past over. Nothing says Day of the Dead better than a metalflake skeleton on the parcel shelf of a 56 Olds rolling down La Cienega with the lake pipes burbling their mournful song.

2011-11-02T21:42:00.000-07:00

Rob Pearson National # 27

2011-11-01T12:44:00.001-07:00

Rob rode the unfamiliar to him USC Racing Kawasaki at Pomona and did an excellent job with a fine 6th place finish.

New Small Harley

2011-10-31T09:06:00.003-07:00

Just read in todays Wall Street Journal that The Motor Company are going to build a new small bike for new female riders because they find the Low Sportster intimidating ( remember when a Triumph 650 was a big bike). Didn't they just kill the Buell Blast, a beginner's bike? I hope its a 450 single so they can compete in Pro Singles.

Briar Bauman #10z On a Charge!

2011-10-30T18:05:00.000-07:00

This kid has got it goin' on ! He dominated at Pomona, the last race of the year. Mikey Martin wisely played it cool and finished sixth( right where he needed to be to win the championship ) rather than bang bars with Briar for the win. Smart move. Briar and Mikey are born naturals and the prospects for epic duels in the future is inevitable. Briar likes to let the field go in practice and try his lines with none of his competitors going to school on him. Here he squares up turn four for his hard to catch blast down the front straight.

Adios Chris and Thank You !

2011-10-28T22:37:00.000-07:00

Chris Carr has really retired from the GNC. Flat Track won't be the same without him and his ace tuner Kenny Tolbert. I have been a fan since I first saw him race at the Superbikers in the mid 80's. He shined against the best of the best. This little blonde kid with a Go Get'em riding style that impressed everyone in attendance. He was always on the gas on first class equipment that he deserved and used to its full potential. Seven Time Grand National Champ says it all. On the way , GNC Rookie of the Year '85, AMA Road Racing Rookie of the Year '95, Fastest man on two wheels and first to ride over 350 (with a best run of 354) and of course, AMA Hall of fame. Thank you Chris, you have exemplified flat tracking, the American Motorcycle Sport. You are a Champion and a Gentleman.
After whipping an XR750 around every dirt track in America for 25 years, I thought Golf just wouldn't fill the void. Flat Track Promoter Bob Bellino gave Chris these as a nice going away gift. I hope he will have a Mark Martin change of heart and come back all fired up and ready to win again.

Chris and Kenny, the dynamic duo.

We will sure miss seeing this rig pulling into the races.

Pomona 1st Twins Practice

2011-10-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

2011-10-26T12:42:00.000-07:00

Sport Scout Survivor

2011-10-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

Buell Speedway

2011-10-21T23:06:00.001-07:00

Jethro Halbert #69

2011-10-21T09:08:00.000-07:00

Jethro and his NO.1 Fan, his Mom.
Couple of great guys working together at Pomona, Jethro and Mr. Ron Wood.

Nichole Cheza # 15

2011-10-20T07:44:00.001-07:00

"Hey! You ride like a girl,Powder Puff" doesn't apply here. Nichole Cheza is ballsy, aggressive and in your face when she throws a leg over her XR750 and it is a pleasure to witness.

Pink Power. The two leading ladies of Flat Track, Nichole and Shayna work on their lines together at Pomona

Luke Gough #62 Knockin' on the door

2011-10-19T08:57:00.001-07:00

It's not easy to run with the big dogs on the AMA Grand National Circuit but Luke Gough has been doing it and after a career high 4th Place at Calistoga, I think he is definitely knocking on the door of some real success in 2012. Luke rides a potent Skip Eaken tuned XR and a rocket ship Kawasaki, so he has the bases covered with first class equipment. Skill and heart where never a question with this young challenger and now he has experience and has been to school on the best in the business, watch out, here comes the crossed up Kangaroo.
Powering to a fantastic 4th at Calistoga
On it at Pomona.
Hook and book.

2011-10-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

Luke won the Expert Semi 2 at Pomona in grand style, leading from the line and gapping the field one more time after a red flag restart. And he won with a flat tyre (Oz spell)which probably meant he survived a close call after eating one of Pomona's many holes. One of the big challenges of the night was finding lines that avoided those holes but sometimes you nail one perfectly, or not.
Luke's got a lot of enthusiast fans who cheer him on.
Luke was running strong in the Main when it all came crashing down which resulted in a wadded up bike and rider.Luke got up, with a later diagnosed dislocated wrist and frantically wrenched on the bike in the Hot Box. Gough frantically replaces the bent pipes while Skip kicks the twisted front end into shape.
Luke, fired up on adrenalin and frustration re-straightens the forks with one blow.
OK lets Rock ! Fixed in the alotted time,the satisfied AMA official and Skip Eaken look on as Luke jumps on and J.T. fires the fire breathing XR back to life. After all that effort he charged to a credible 13th place finish worth a sweet 6 points. If his throttle wrist hadn't of been dislocated he may have been able to twist it even a little harder.I'm really looking forward to seeing this guy on the gas in 2012.

Mikey Martin Pro Singles Champ 2011

2011-10-18T20:03:00.000-07:00

Jared Mees Expert Twins National Champ 2011

2011-10-18T08:31:00.000-07:00

Jake Johnson Two Times National Champion

2011-10-17T15:21:00.000-07:00

The start of a BIG day. Team Zanotti unload and get set up. Jake gets the feel of his No.1. What butterflies?
Getting ready for first time out at Pomona 2011.

Smooth and fast in qualifying

2011-10-17T15:02:00.000-07:00

The seasoned veteran Springer, relieves some tension right before the Main.
Rider Intro,now it's time to really put on the race face.
At last,lets get this done.
Jake was flying and had gapped the field comfortably and was making sure he kept charging and missed the big holes.
RED FLAG! Luke Gough biffed it and went to the hot box with a twisted wreck and a dislocated wrist. He perservered,wrenched on it and got back in the race . Jake takes a deep breath and some calming words of advice from Mike Hacker.
What do I have to do to win this thing?! With three laps to go Jake cant believe it,ANOTHER RED FLAG. Hank Wiles spun out with the bike ending up 1/4 way down the straight. With no real effort by the flagman, the pack came blasting around unaware his bike was blocking the track. Hank did the human fly act and climbed the fence to avoid being hit. Fortunately everybody missed the bike and Henry. Jake nailed the 3rd start of the Main and rode a perfect dominant race.

2011-10-17T14:32:00.000-07:00

The Main Event of the deciding last race of the year was a supreme test of will, patience and skill. With two red flags making for a total of three starts,Jake displayed the determination he has in buckets and dominated all three segments and run and hid from the challengers. This Victory Lap had to be the sweetest ever.
After a year of hard racing and haulin ass,Jake finally gets hold of the goal, The NO.1 Plate!
Proud smiles all round from Dave and some of the crew.

Jakes Mom was so proud of her son. On the podium Jake revealed that they had broken a curse,apparently Mom hadn't been to many of Jake's races because every time she would attend he would crash out.
Didn't happen this time. Curse broken,thank goodness.She told me when Jake was three, they couldn't rub two nickels together but they got the Yamaha mini bike Jake wanted so badly for christmas. He wore that thing out riding around in circles in their backyard. From that early age all he wanted to be was a Professional Motorcycle Racer. With two National Championships under his belt, I would say the kids done good.

450 Championship up for grabs TOMORROW

2011-10-14T16:31:00.000-07:00

The 450s put on one hell of a show and the Championship will be decided tomorrow at Pomona. 91y Mikey Martin has had a breakout year and leads the points and could take the NO.1 Plate home ,if things go right. He blew his 450 sky high on lap 2 at Calistoga so lets hope they have those gremlins fixed. 33E Mikey Avila has been flying and looks to be in a great position to pounce. In third place,76L Gerit Callies cant let this opportunity slip through his fingers. He'll be tough. But don't count out 10z Bauman and 25A Shayna Texter who would love to spoil the party and take home the race win.

2011-10-14T16:26:00.000-07:00

Briar Bauman Wins Calistoga 450 Singles

2011-10-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

AMA Horizon Award Winner, Briar Bauman wins his first National 450 Singles race after just a couple of starts. This 16 year old will ride right into the record books. Look for him next year on a front line Twin.

Zanotti Racing's Chief Councel AMA Rule Book, Slow Wayne and Briar are both racing out of District 36, historically the home of champions.

Briar and Shayna,good friends and arch rivals.

Shayna Texter #25a

2011-10-12T23:35:00.000-07:00

Shayna is ON THE GAS! Following up from her first 450 Singles National Victory with a sweet 2nd Place at Calistoga. This little lady is big on heart and skill. What an incredible display of getting it done in the fast and furious world of dirt track motorcycle racing.

Honda CX750 1982

2011-10-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

Honda's first attempt at a V-Twin Flat Tracker, the CX750. Scott Pearson rode this one to victory at the Louisville 1/2 Mile National in 1982 The first and only win for the CX750 but the first of many for the next generations of Honda V-Twin Dirt Track machines.

Halbert Racing

2011-10-11T08:03:00.000-07:00

Great to see the Halbert Clan ,Dad and the three boys,all under the same tent ,racing and wrenching at Calistoga. Sammy has Pomona wired so I'm looking forward to seeing him charging in pursuit of the No.1 plate. He could do it. Gas it Sam.

Mark Brelsfords Factory XR

2011-10-09T11:56:00.003-07:00

Butch Cochran has an incredible collection of racing machinery,including this Mark Brelsford Factory XR.

Langlitz Leathers

2011-10-08T10:10:00.001-07:00

American Made since 1947. If you find yourself in Portland ,Oregon ,drop by and buy yourself some traditional , tailored for you, leather riding gear.

INDIAN SPEEDWAY 1927

2011-10-07T10:52:00.000-07:00

Kenny Coolbeth's Black Deuce

2011-10-06T09:18:00.000-07:00

Mr. Ken Coolbeth Sr.

Classic Two Smoke

2011-10-05T11:55:00.000-07:00

Short Track Perfection Astro Knight

CALISTOGA 1/2 Mile National

2011-10-03T22:47:00.000-07:00

The Calistoga 1/2 mile National was the second in a trilogy of West Coast Flat Track Races. The fans on the left coast got to enjoy the incredible Sacramento Mile, followed by the Motorcycle Event that is Calistoga and two weeks later we will revel in what will be a barn burner, the battle for the coverted NO.1. plate between three of the best of the best, New Jersey Jake Johnson vs Madman Mees vs Comes out swingin' Sammy Halbert, at Pomona in Sunny So Cal. All three AMA Nationals promoted by the most popular guy in the West ,Bob Bellino.
The Calistoga National is in the quaint Gold Rush, Napa Valley town built in the 1870s. The track is damn near smack in the middle of town,nestled in amoungst the shady trees that give the place its nice feel. They take their racing seriously ,which is mainly Sprint Car action. The place is packed with Dirt Track who's who. We squeeze up to the bar at the local breakfast place and look over at the next table it's Mert, Bruce Brown and Jim Rice and Mr and Mrs Larry Langley. Tried not to stare.
Bob Bellino puts on a show and the fans love it. He has been around Dirt for years. This is his old mount. A well used Trumpet Trackmaster, with a TT front Wheel and 1/2 Mile foot controls. Yes, I too look at that sticker and remember Rod Farris who died too young, but doing what he loved.

Jake Johnson dominates in Calistoga

2011-10-03T21:47:00.000-07:00

Riding like a true Champion, Jake Johnson ,aboard his No.1 Zanotti Harley dominated at the AMA Calistoga 1/2 Mile. The victory did not come easy as a determined and fast Sammy Halbert blazed from the start and lead for a few laps. Jake chased him down and just got out front when Jared Mees blew a motor and dropped it, bringing out the red flag. Jake held them all off from the restart and Sammy and Bryan Smith followed him across the line with Aussie Luke Gough in fourth after an amazing ride on the hard pulling Kawi. After a long and controversial reading of the rule book, Jake rightfully leads the Championship with Mees four points behind and Sammy another four behind Mees. It's On at Pomona, be there!
Cool Hand Jake relaxes on his XR while Dave Zanotti gets ready for another big night of racing.

Mike Hacker, Flat Tracker extraordinaire, is a vital cog in the works at Zanotti Racing.

The quality of the racing machinery at an AMA National is a sight to behold. Zanotti builds a Masterpiece of Mechanical Art, that is not only beautiful to admire but sounds like King Neptune himself blowing through a double barreled conch shell as it digs out of the corners and blasts down the straights.