The San Jose Mile, another track long gone but, if you ever went there I know you can put yourself back there. It was an experience that left an indelible mark on you. The place was magic. Like a lot of County Fair Grounds it was comfortably funky, not delapidated but definitely weathered. The track was usually perfectly prepared and the corners were ideally radiused for Flat Track Motorbikes.I have been to many dirt tracks and I have never seen a better place for perfectly executed long lasting power slides. It was wide enough for different lines and the racing was a high speed battle of skill and courage. Most Mile tracks lack a lot of up close spectating. Sacramento(bad), Del Mar(terrible)and really also Pomona(not to good)don't allow you get up close and personal to the action. San Jose had some good stands on the corners, the Straight stands were back a ways but you could stand on the fence in many areas, where you could really absorb the speed and guts it takes to ride bikes in that fully committed mindset. The Ascot 1/2 Mile was the perfect spectating track. The first row in the bleachers were right on the track basically and every seat in the house put you right in the action, a full on use of your senses.The atmosphere at Ascot at night, under the lights was electric.
San Jose Photo 1. Corners 3 and 4, no better spectating anywhere !
Photo 2. The Line up, This is a fantastic scene when each rider does a practice start,or two going down the straight toward turn 4 for a short way. Being close to these guys doing full bore blast-offs is a rare racing experiences.Got to go down to the line to see this!
Photo 3. The Start,vitally important in Flat Track racing.
Photo 4.Checkers, at San Jose, guaranteed another exciting race.
Photo 5. San Jose local and definite sentimental favorite,Jorgy Jorgenson.
