Bodnar Ranch VMX/Trials

BODNAR

Ralph Foster Photo: Kelly Shane

T MX Redwood Engineering AHRMA National Trials & Vintage Motocross Series RANCH By: Debbie Poole

Race 3: Classic 500 Experts and Intermediates Classic 250 Experts and Intermediates Photo by: Kate Jorgenson

The canceled Burrows Ranch national to have been run in California in early April was replaced by this long-time Northwest regional venue in southern Oregon. Bodnar was on the schedule for mid-May originally as the usual regional event, but postponement and a change to national status resulted in a date of June 27/28, about six weeks later than normal. The date change resulted in temperatures about 40 degrees higher during the week leading up to the event from what we have routinely seen for the May date, but things cooled down to the mid-80s for Saturday, and even further to a windy mid-60s for the Sunday VMX.

The track was lengthened from previous years, and the four days of watering was of a herculean effort on the part a few dedicated AHRMA members who came early to help. Rotating the sprinkler hand lines and watering was a 24-hour-a-day project, involving moving the lines incrementally around the clock to cover the entire track area. The watering crew helping promoter Rob Poole were Russ Pfirrman, Mike Houde, Walt Foster, Peter Jorgenson, Luke Sayer, Charlie Higdon, Jeff Bushey, Wayne Hawes, Chet Malito and others who filled in.

The little creek running through the property and into five of the ten sections is operated by a pump from a well, turned on or off by a valve, making it easy to have an "instant creek." When setting up the sections in 95-degree heat, the aim was, should the heat wave continue, to keep half of the sections in the creek area so the checkers could cool off, and the other half in the shade on the upper part of the property.

Thirty-nine riders turned out, and many Bodnar regulars found the conditions to be extremely different from those of earlier in the year, with zero moisture content in the high desert soil, and scores were generally higher than usual for this event. Premier

Modern Classic Master's Scott Stewart Photo by: Kelly Shane

Modern Classic Expert rider Walt Foster Photo by: Kelly Shane

Premier Heavyweight Intermediate Sean Fromhold Photo by: Kate Jorgenson

Heavyweight Expert Matt Parsons had the lowest score for the day for any class, of six points. Trialmaster, Rob Poole, took second with 25. Luke Sayer and Sean Fromhold tied for first in the Intermediate class, including the number of cleans, but Sayer got the win based on age. Mike Miller bested George Vadney in the Novice class.

Bob Bellicitti had an excellent day on his "new" Triumph Cub ride, and scored nine points for first in Premier Lightweight Expert ahead of Joe Klokkevold. Jim Cole had a 20-point day for first in the Intermediate class over Don Duquette. Modern Classic Masters Ralph Foster is still the one to beat in this class, and he prevailed over Scott Stewart for second.

A large field of 11 Modern Classic Intermediates saw some close scores for first and second; winner Jeff Bushey took the win with 24 points over Mike Houde who was just two points behind him. Chet Mauer couldn't beat his stepfather, Jeff Bushey, this time but still made a respectable 41-point third place over fourth place Jim Herbert, who had 48. Eight Modern Classic Novice riders competed at Bodnar Ranch, and Kevin Newins pulled off his first win with only

13 points, followed by second place Sean McKenna with 24, and Greg Houchin with 29.

Sunday’s Vintage Motocross start line crew of Walt Foster, Pete Voermans and Chuck Bullwinkle kept riders honest and things moving, as finish line flagger Nicky Trevino, working with lap checkers Ellen Voermans, Shar Foster and Judy Jorgenson, kept the races on schedule and recorded accurately. Approximately 140 entries completed their races without incident or delay, and the 13 races were concluded well before 3:00.

Considering the likelihood that the majority of riders hadn't raced more than a couple of times in 2020, and many of them not at all, the day went extraordinarily well. Bob Bellicitti and Chet Malito had a good battle in the 60+ Expert class, with Bob winning. Chet didn't have a chance to make a comeback in moto two because of mechanical trouble, so Kelly Shane took the second-place honors over all behind Bellicitti.

Clay Mauer, and brother Chet, had a good show going in Sportsman 500 Expert, with Intermediate Sidney Mocke among the Expert front-runners. Chet prevailed with a 1-2 for first overall over Chet's 6-1 for third; Caesar Vasquez was second overall with his consistent 3-3. Mocke easily took the Intermediate win, ahead of second place Fritz Guenther.

#638 Marty Burks followed by #R96 Mark Amaro - Photo by: Kelly Shane

Lap checkers and Runner (Left to right): Judy Jorgenson, Teresa Houde, Sharli Foster, Ellen Voermans- Photo by: Kelly Shane

Close racing! Premier 500 Expert Kelly Shane pushes Sportsman Open Twin Intermediate Sean Chase - Sequence by: Kate Jorgenson

Race five was one with the sound that gives everyone a thrill, the big bikes—Premier 500, Premier Open Twins and Sportsman Open Twins. Kelly Shane led the entire field wire-to-wire and clinched the Premier 500 Expert win. Mike Miller was the Intermediate winner. Premier Open Twin Expert, Robert Doran, traded wins with Dirk Murphy but prevailed in the second moto for the overall. Intermediate winner was Luke Sayer. First place Sportsman Open Twins expert was Shawn Sage, and Sean Chase Bob Bellicitti, Kelly Shane and Steve Gard in 60+ Expert Photo by: Kate Jorgenson was the Intermediate class winner. This is the first event at the Bodnar Ranch since the loss of John Bodnar late last year. The Bodnar family, and son Jonny Bodnar in particular, are as supportive of AHRMA as his father was. The circumstances and uncertainty of the 2020 season sidetracked plans to promote this event as a memorial weekend to John Bodnar. Henceforth, this annual event will be known as The John Bodnar Memorial Vintage Motorcycle Weekend.

A family affair: Jeff and Bindi Bushey and son Chet Mauer prepare for practice Photo by: Kate Jorgenson

CC CC CC

Blast off Photo by: Thomas Aubrey

Round Three: AHRMA Mid-Atlantic Cross Country Author: Joshua Schucker

The middle of July is typically reserved for some downtime in the Mid-Atlantic regional series to avoid the heat and humidity that settles into the area this time of year. However, as another reminder that nothing about 2020 will be normal, racing in July seems just about right. Originally scheduled for May 16th and postponed due to the pandemic response, the Twilight Farms event was rescheduled for July 12th. While July is not optimal, it goes without saying that the series’ participants are extremely grateful the landowners chose to reschedule rather than cancel this event. Set in a region of hills and valleys in Eastern York County, PA, the Roycroft family welcomed the Mid-Atlantic’s best vintage riders to its Twilight Farms property for the second time. After a strong turnout and great feedback from its inaugural event in 2019, folks were eager to see what trail boss, Ray Donet Jr., had in store for this year’s event. Last year’s race was clearly defined by the unique topography of the area. Using the hillsides surrounding a creek-lined valley, the course made full use of the land ascending and descending the valley. This year’s course would follow a similar concept with the twist of reversing some aspects. The large uphill from 2019 was now a rocky, winding descent to the creek bed below. Plenty of other hill climbs took its place and connected flowing two track and off-camber trail which made full use of the property. Some elements, such as several short steep-back creek crossings, were excluded from the morning’s vintage race due to potential difficulties with the limited ground clearance of the older bikes but were an interesting addition to the post-vintage event. This year’s course saw the addition of a universally praised grass-track section which switch-backed its way through an open pasture on the lower end of the property. And, although heat and humidity would prove to be a concern on this day,

Craig Shenigo Photo by: Lorena Walker

much of the property lies withinthe shade of the forest providing a bit of relief from the heat and dust. Challenging, fun, and unique, the Twilight Farms course certainly provided action, close racing, and plenty of conversation afterward. A tight starting area was filled with participants for the morning’s vintage race. As the dust cleared, 49 riders had taken the green flag with top finishers on their way to accomplishing five laps. Christian Brumbaugh has been dominating the overall results in the vintage races in 2020, but Brian Grove, the runner-up at the last event, has been knocking on the door recently. Grove and his Husqvarna would take an early lead and carry it through the white flag lap, but it was clear that Brumbaugh was closing in. A last lap miscue in a rocky, rutted creek crossing would eliminate Grove’s advantage. Christian’s Yamaha DT would claim the lead and hold on to cross the line a minute ahead of Grove for his third win in as many races. Wyatt Stoup would stay close all day riding a Honda XL and round out the top three just behind Grove. Interestingly, the top three were all from the Vintage Open Expert class. Kyle Warner’s performances this year have been stellar aboard his small-bore Yamaha. Not only did he take the Vintage 100 Intermediate class win, but also finished 14th overall and was the last rider to finish on the lead lap. Another solid top-20 finish went to Suzuki PE-mounted Daniel Zell as he claimed the Post Vintage 200 Novice class win over the XR200s of Joe Spayd and Eric Stalknecht. Sanford Quickel took command of the Vintage 60+ Expert class early on, did not succumb to pressure from the Yamahas of Alfred Schnug and Charlie Walker, and took the checkered flag on his Penton. Demonstrating remarkable turnout for a rescheduled event, sixty riders were entered in the afternoon Post Vintage race. Steve Mason Jr. and Dalton Dunman would swap the lead throughout the race, but Dunman’s KDX would come out on top for the overall victory while Mason’s IT175 would have to settle for runner-up. The day’s earlier victor, Brumbaugh, would bring his IT home in third and runner-up to

Mason in the Post Vintage 200 Expert class. Glenn Hershey would pass Jim Laird on lap two and maintain the position until the checkered flag waved for his CanAm “Black Widow.” Laird held his position to finish second to Hershey in the Historic 200 Intermediate class.

Fred Walker Photo by: Lorena Walker

007: Joey Spayd 932: Greg Kemp Photo by: Lorena Walker

74X: Christian Brumbaugh passing 119X: Brian Grove - Photo by: Lorena Walker

Chris Hoffmeister also overcame an early deficit as he piloted his Montesa around early leader Jim Wazuka for the Historic Open Intermediate class win. Wazuka’s Bultaco would finish second, making the class a battleground for Spanish marques. A large Post Vintage 50+ Intermediate class saw plenty of action throughout the race. Kevin Marshall took an early lead on his Kawasaki, but troubles on lap two would see him retire from the race, handing the lead over to Can-Ammounted Tommy Tippett. Tippet would eventually finish the race in third place as Doug Kurz and Jamie Reitz freight trained him on lap four to finish first and second respectively. Thank you to everyone involved in making this event possible. Many thanks to Ray Donet Jr., and the Roycrofts for the effort, hospitality, excellent food, and access to their beautiful property. Thanks to the Mid-Atlantic’s crew of volunteers who pursued a reschedule and showed the flexibility needed to make it happen. Thank you to the sponsors who support the regional events: Potomac Vintage Riders, Preston Petty Products, Stainless Cycle, Vee Rubber, Grove Printing, KMI Printing, and Works Enduro Riders. The complete results from this event and the upcoming Joe Zito schedule can be found at https://www.ahrma.org/ahrma-mid-atlantic-region. Follow Photo by: Lorena Walker the series’ Facebook page @ AHRMA Mid Atlantic Cross Country for updates.

LeMay Museum's Marymount Trial By: Debbie Poole

This traditionally activity-packed weekend, which normally includes access to the LeMay - America's Car Museum, AHRMA trial, and fun diversions such as "Trials bike Soccer," hosted only the AHRMA trial event for 2020. The 80-plus acres of the museum site is located inside the city of Tacoma but is a secluded and heavily wooded acreage on which you feel you are miles away from the city. All sections are under the trees and thick green foliage surrounds everything. A cool and overcast day was a welcome relief to the humid days of the prior week. Thirty-nine riders took part, and conditions were just right. Trialmaster, Dana Salsman, and Dirk Murphy did a creative job working with the somewhat limited terrain to create a truly fun ride for all. There were fifteen Modern Classic novices, by far the largest class. Sean McKenna came from San Francisco to show all of them up with a perfect score of 0 for the day. Jeff Earle did about as well for second with only 1 point lost, followed by third place Carson Solem with 3, and Kevin Newins had 5 points for fourth. Eight Modern Classic intermediates were led by Brian Loso, who had a 14-point day. Brian was followed closely by Mike Houde with 18. Ryan Cox turned in 20 points for third place. The three Modern Classic experts had a pretty wide points spread: Jason Gitchel lost 14 points to get first sport, while Kevin Loso and Neil Giertzen took second and third with 23 and 39 points respectively. Ralph Foster and Scott Stewart continued their meeting of the Masters, and Foster again took the honors with a 9-point loss for the day over Stewart's very respectable 16. The Premier classes had a moderate turnout, with the big Heavyweights piloted by experts Matt Parsons who won the day losing only 1 point, followed by Rob Poole with 12. Intermediates Sean Fromhold and Luke Sayer continued their recent friendly rivalry with Fromhold taking a 14-point win over Sayer's very close 17. The Lightweight classes were represented by expert winner Joe Klokkevold, and Intermediate class competitors Jim Cole (10 points) and Jerry Homola (38). Todd Stanley had an excellent Classic Expert ride with 9 points for his day. And, it was very good to see a rigid machine brought out, owned by Tom Street and ridden by Dirk Murphy. The LeMay weekend is one not to be missed, and we look forward to their having a full offering of fun in 2021, with an open museum and all the other fun festivities for which this event is known.

THRASHED, CRASHED, BLOWN UP & LOVINGLY REBUILT. A -ANT TALE

By: Patrick McGraw

Roebling 2020 Photo by: etechphoto.com

This is the story of a motorcycle. Or, more accurately, this is the story of my 16-year relationship with one special motorcycle. This is the story of a bike that has reinvented itself numerous times; a bike that has been thrashed, crashed, blown up and lovingly rebuilt. It is the story of Fiona, an AHRMA race bike. I started competing with AHRMA in 2004, after watching the racing at Daytona the year before. I wandered the paddock and stood just feet away from bikes I had only read about in magazines. “I could never do this,” I thought. But then I saw a race bike in the back of a pickup truck. “Hang on,” I mused. “I’ve got a pickup truck. Why CAN’T I do this?” It was an easy decision. So, I picked up some used leathers from eBay, bought a helmet, gloves and boots. Now, to find a bike…

I wasn’t looking for her when I found her. Heck, I was going to start in the Novice Historic Production Lightweight class on a CB350. That’s what I was really looking for. But, as my good fortune would have it, only three hours away sat a race-ready Triumph 500 with track pedigree just waiting for me. I knew it had to be fate. The bike’s colors even matched my leathers! I knew almost nothing of Fiona’s racing life before I got her. I do know she was raced in Canada, her motor was a 1969 T100S, while her frame was from ’67. She had high pipes with hollow reversemegaphones. Her Akront alloy rims were laced to stock hubs and her seat was a proper fiberglass racing model. Oh, but that fairing… that beautiful, period-correct fairing! She was sexy and I was in love.

So, I perused the AHRMA handbook in search of a class to race my new possession. There were a few. But I settled on 500 Premier because I could keep the fairing. And besides, it had a nice ring to it, “Premier.” If you’re still reading at this point, you’re likely chuckling to yourself that a green-as-grass rookie would choose to START racing in 500 Premier. Well, I did, and it wasn’t pretty. Did I mention I was green? I had no idea what “race compound” tires were. I figured the tires that were already on the bike would be fine. Oh, that unforgiving learning curve!

Barber, October 2004—I traveled alone to my first race. I found a spot in the paddock and unloaded my stuff. I navigated registration and tech and prepared for the first outing on my new (to me) bike. On the first lap of my first practice of my first race, I crashed. I guess those rock hard Dunlops K591s were beyond their usefulness. Lesson learned. Another lesson learned was that I had NO business in Premier. I was embarrassed. I almost gave up racing right then and there.

I removed the fairing and started the 2005 season in Sportsman 500. I rode the skid out for a good 150 feet before I fell over at low speed. I I knew that Andrew Cowell had won class championships on a 500cc inspected the bike trackside and saw what appeared to be a connecting rod Triumph, so I felt like I was in the right place. And that’s where we stayed poking through the front of the engine case. Game over. for the next several seasons. Under the mentorship of people like Tim Relegated to the back of the garage, Fiona became a sad and dusty Joyce and Andrew Cowell, my mechanical skills improved. I learned how reminder of better days. I felt I had asked more of her than she could to keep the bike running and I took pride in having very few mechanical give. I had destroyed her. She sat for nine years, becoming just another DNFs. As my riding skills improved, so did my lap times. The crashing, rack on which to hang stuff. But I hadn’t completely dismissed her. Over however, was becoming an issue. Renowned Triumph tuner Tom Sharp the years, I had been slowly acquiring the parts to rebuild her, one little took to calling me “Crashy Pat.” But Fiona took my inexperience and piece at a time. In 2018, I delivered a plastic tub full of engine parts to abuse like a champ. We never crashed so badly we couldn’t finish the Jake Hall at Hall’s Custom Vintage in Asheville, NC. He got to work on weekend. the motor while I got to work on everything else required to make it roll.

After a few seasons of finishing mid-pack behind CB350s, I started An AHRMA rule change allowing later (post ’66) bearing motor sniffing around for another class to race Fiona. We gave Classic Sixties Triumph 500s in the Classic Sixties class was all the motivation I needed. 650 a whirl one weekend at Roebling. The grid was especially light, and We would build the bike to those class specs. Rob Hall went to work on we won. But I was still itching to run that fairing. And almost like a the “squish band” head, while Jake put the bottom end together. Greg gift, the 500GP class came to be. We were a perfect fit. So, in ’09 we Pennington at Motoary in Greensboro, NC, provided new fork stanchions started racing 500GP. That same year we started racing with WERA, as and internaIs. I got some sticky tires and set to work cleaning the old girl well, to get more track time. She was beautiful in her fairing and we did up. Things were starting to come together! well, running near the front with both organizations. In 2010, I qualified I delivered the rolling chassis to the HCV shop in August of 2019 and for the WERA Grand National Finals to be held at Road Atlanta. I had the Halls installed the motor and tuned it on their dyno. The new and high hopes for a good finish to the season. The WERA GNF were to be improved Fiona made her debut at the Barber Vintage Festival in 2019, held just a few days before the Barber Vintage Festival. Perfect! I’ll do earning a podium finish in her first time on track in nine years. I’m proud both! Fiona was running well on the WERA practice day. On one of of the old motorcycle. And I promise to treat her the straightaways, a Honda passed me. I thought I’d repay the favor and right this time around. twisted the throttle, and then things got really quiet, except for the wind whistling by my helmet. I heard a “ping” and found myself in a skid with the rear wheel locked up. I was so surprised; I didn’t even Not where you want to be have the sense to pull the clutch.

Barber 2005 Photo by: Dawn Deppi

M o r t a l l y m u t i l a t e d

HAPPY VALLEY 2-FER

ASHCRAFTFARMS BELLEFONTE, PA JUNE 27-28

AUTHOR: JOSHUA SCHUCKER MX PHOTOGRAPHY: BRETT REICHART CC PHOTOGRAPHY: LORENA WALKER

15: Dave Scheffler 05: Charlie Walker

Unidentified

Ashcraft Run was the site of the joint second round for AHRMA’s Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. The weekend affair included Northeast motocross action on Saturday and a cross country event on Sunday that provided points in each region. Brian and Lisa Ashcraft, along with their family, were humble and gracious hosts to a tremendous contingent of participants. The Ashcrafts opened the doors to their beautiful 850+ acre farm, which is offi cially listed as a Bellefonte address, but can more accurately be described as lying just north of State College, PA. Home to the nationally recognized Penn State University, and its Nittany Lions, State College is situated in what is locally referred to as Happy Valley. The Ashcraft family farm sits just before, and includes a portion of, the mountain that defines the northern boundary of Happy Valley. As racers and crew pulled into the ample pits at Ashcraft Run, they are blessed with a tremendous view of the valley to the south. The lights of the nearby airport and those of the sprawling PSU campus are clearly seen at night; beautiful, but not nearly close enough to be intrusive. 2020 is the second year for Ashcraft Run. The aftermath of last year’s first running of the event included an outpouring of compliments, smiles, thrilled participants and spectators, and a general excitement about a return to the location. It is evident that although farming corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and grass-fed steer is the way the family makes its living, the Ashcrafts live to ride motorcycles. Their passion for the sport is contagious and provided all involved with another excellent weekend of racing, relaxing, and fellowship this year.

Guy Longwell

Josh Folmar

Saturday 6/27 - Motocross:

Last year’s event was particularly well regarded for its grass-track motocross course. Friday evening afforded a sneak peek at Saturday’s course. Just a quick pit-bike ride up the farm’s driveway reaffi rmed the buzz that the grass-track action the next day was going to be amazing. It is far from an exaggeration to say that it was reminiscent at first glance to Unadilla of old, at least in the aspect that the track is laid out in what is clearly a cattle pasture; tall grass and fresh cow patties included. The course itself is just barely trampled by bikes at this stage and turns are marked by ribbons and old tires. Any tilling or preparation of the track would have to wait for spinning tires to accomplish the task.

A bit of rainfall overnight made for some slippery conditions Saturday morning as bikes took to the track for three practice sessions. While the sky seemed to threaten more rain most of the day, the threat was unfulfilled, and combined with some late June heat, the track was to dry quickly. By the time the first rubber band flew to start moto one, conditions had improved, and within a few motos the track was near perfection. At just over a mile in length, the track headed up a short start straight into some tricky off camber turns. Once on the top side of the track, the turns were connected with nice long straights that allowed riders to open the throttle and out brake competitors into the subsequent turns. The obstacles on the course are nearly completely natural, and returning to the Unadilla comparison, the largest jump on the track follows a dip into a culvert similar, but far smaller, than the famed Gravity Cavity. Not long after, the course headed into a down and up 180 degree turn that was treacherous while slick early on and a great area to pass as the day wore on. An equally challenging and exhilarating course for sure!

Race one set the tone for the great racing action for the day as Jody Neveling and Terry Herr battled the entire way both motos to split the Post Vintage (PV) 50+ Expert moto wins. Neveling’s Husqvarna would take the moto two win and the overall over Herr and his Can-Am. Host and family patriarch Brian Ashcraft would go 1-1 for the PV 60+ Expert class win on his #58 Honda. Craig Lowery would highlight the competition in race two with a 1-1 score and the overall win over Dwight Light’s KTM in Next Gen 50+ Intermediate action.

A huge turnout for race three required two rows at the starting line. The expert classes left the line first as Terry Herr returned to the track to avenge his runner-up in race one. Herr, again riding a Can-Am, took his place atop the podium with a 1-1 in the Vintage 50+ Expert class over Yamaha rider Dave Kutskel. Mick Spisak (Husqvarna) and Howard Grove (Honda) would spilt moto wins with Spisak taking the Vintage 60+ Intermediate overall, while the Yamahas of Joe Clark and Ron Krzaczyk would duplicate the split with Clark coming out on top to claim the overall win in the Vintage 50+ Intermediate class.

Next Gen action in race four saw a three-way battle in 250 B with Mark Curran (2-1) besting Garrett Bowser (1-3) and Jake Ross (3-2). Josh Horvath, Kevin Marshall, and Joe Cole would capture the race five wins, respectively in GRAND PRIX 125, 250, and 500 Intermediate. In race six, it was the battle of Waddells as Ethan’s #51 YZ250 crossed the line ahead of Brad’s #55 YZ250 in each Pre-Modern Expert moto, while Neil Russler stayed out of the family conflict and settled for third on his Kawasaki.

The thundering BSA of Wayne Zebrowski could not be denied in race seven as he rode to a 1-1 score and the overall Sportsman 500 B class win. At the other end of the spectrum, Kyle Warner’s diminutive Hodaka screamed its way to the Sportsman 100 B class victory. Race eight saw Lorena Walker taking home a class win in her racing debut with Kelly Pearce and Carol Bailey also claiming women’s class overall wins. A

hard-fought battle between Charlie Walker and Dave Scheffer’s rare, and immaculate, pair of 1978 Harley Davidson MX250s highlighted the Historic 250 Intermediate class, although they would both be denied of the class win by the Husqvarna of Keith Schultz.

As the dust settled and the results were tallied by series coordinators Ed Roman and Merritt Brown, the success of the event was already a foregone conclusion. A fantastic effort by the Northeast crew could not have been possible without the Ashcraft family and friends laying out the top-notch track. For that, everyone involved is truly thankful for the effort. A glance at the total number of participants reinforced the word-of-mouth enthusiasm for the event as over 110 riders were accounted for, which was an increase of over 50% from the previous year and a larger than usual crowd for the series. Big thanks to the volunteers working the track and to the Northeast region’s sponsors: Equinox Cycles, Hatch’s Hodaka, Jenning’s ATV & Cycle, Metro

104: Steve Bowman C17: Joe Cole 58: Brain Ashcraft 07H: Terry Herr

Racing, Mr. Crankshaft, and Works Enduro Rider. Full results and AHRMA Northeast region information can be found at http://ahrmanortheast.com/.

Sunday 6/28 – Cross Country:

The Mid-Atlantic crew took over operations for Sunday’s cross country event, and just like Saturday’s MX, the work of the Ashcraft family and friends was instrumental in the event’s success and clearly evident in the track creation and layout. Special thanks to series regulars Howard and Brian Grove, who were cited as a big help to the Ashcrafts during event preparation. While the race was held in the same area of the Ashcraft property as last year, this year’s course consisted of over 80% new trail. There was a great turnout for the event with some new faces as several MX regulars stuck around to try their hand in the woods just as some cross-country folks had done the day before on the grass track.

Leaving the pits for the site lap, racers got their first look at the course the Ashcrafts prepared. Since their property encompasses Happy Valley’s northern mountain, the course inevitably headed directly for the woods covering the mountainside. Reactions from the participants as the sight lap was completed were wide ranging, but in short, if the prior day’s grass track was Unadilla the cross-country course may well be Erzberg! Obviously, that analogy is hyperbole as the course was not

Laci Horvath

nearly as tough as Erzberg. But, as far as vintage cross country events go, this is one of the more challenging courses in the series.

At just over four miles in length, the course began with a challenge as the dead engine start lies on a slight uphill. From there, a short jaunt in the woods into a shale pit to a powerline. Jumping into the woods off the powerline is where Ashcraft Run began to show its

true colors, that is, if roots and rocks were colors. The course from that point is primarily single track cut through the tight forest that winds up and down the hillside and commands constant attention. The roots and rocks were prevalent as stated, but where there was dirt the traction was excellent. The single track was expertly woven through the landscape and, while challenging, it was satisfying to complete. There were areas of note that caught riders off guard and provided great opportunities to make up positions if you could hit the section just right. Some examples were long uphills with loose rocks that required momentum, a wall of roots about halfway through that stopped many in their tracks in their first (or multiple!) attempts, and a touch of rutted mud near the lower portion of the course. Other highlights are a scenic vista as the course crests the top of the mountain where a picnic table sits just begging you to stop and take a breather and look out over the beautiful valley below. But, keep moving

Brad Waddell

this is a race! Also, as the course transitions from the mountain to lower ground, and just before the scoring tent, the course winds through several sinkholes that are a spectator favorite.

It begins to get hot in central Pennsylvania in late June, and it was showing signs of being a hot one for the morning’s Vintage race. Thankfully, the woods were loaded with spotters, sweep riders, and EMTs if heat, or the course, were to overcome a participant. As sixty racers lined up, any hope that Merritt Brown’s Ossa, Jim Wazuka’s Bultaco, or John Brunnett’s SWM had of winning the unoffi cial “Most Unique/Obscure Bike” award were dashed when Michael Worona ”dropped the mic” rolling his Honda FatCat 200 to the line. Certainly a topic of conversation for many, Michael proved doubters wrong by completing a lap on the balloontired machine.

Christian Brumbaugh continued his strong start to the season by taking the overall win on his Yamaha MX250, repeating his performance from round one. The Husqvarnas of Brian Grove and Joe Cole followed, rounding out the top three. The Vintage 200 Expert class had a very strong showing with four riders in the top ten overall with Can-Ammounted Joshua Zerance claiming the class honors over a plethora of Yamahas piloted by Brett Reichart, Joe Zito, and Sean MacLean.

Other notable top ten performances go to Blade Schmidt and Alfred Schnug proudly representing the intermediate class. Schnug dominated the Vintage 60+ Intermediate class on his Yamaha MX250 as he was the only one of ten riders in the class to complete four laps. Dave McIntyre and Mick Spisak competed for second with McIntyre’s Honda coming out on top. Mike Bretz was runner-up to Schmidt in the Vintage Open Intermediate class by finishing four laps and missed a top ten finish by a scant margin of one minute. Starting near the back didn’t phase Tom Bank as he outrode his novice designation with a solid top fifteen finish. Competitive action was found in the Vintage 200 Intermediate class as

Brian Holley, Josh Horvath, and Josh Folmar each led a lap throughout the race, but Folmar led the one that counts for his first vintage class win.

The afternoon Post Vintage (PV) race got the action started quickly. Most of the 84 entries were still on the line as an early row tangled in a first turn pile-up. Doug Kurz would pick up his Yamaha IT and rebound from the scuffle to lead the first lap in the 11-rider PV 50+ Intermediate class. The Maico of Anthony Yannitelli would be the eventual class winner ahead of Jamie Reitz and James Kechisen. Kurz, after relinquishing the lead, would settle into a fifth-place finish behind Tommy Tippett’s Can-Am and just ahead of the immaculate 1979 Kawasaki KX of Steve Winklebauer.

John Ashcraft used home field advantage to take the overall PV win, but with the speed his 1990 CR500 has shown this season he can win anywhere! Just as Brumbaugh accomplished in the morning race, Ashcraft is now two-for-two on the season in Mid-Atlantic competition. Chris

746: Will Farwell

700: Brett Reichart

Levin and Steve Mason, Jr. would give chase, but Ashcraft had them covered by over five minutes at the checkers. Teenage phenom, Dane Brownawell, proved his skills are continuing to rise as he landed in a solid 12th overall on his Yamaha while taking the PV Open Intermediate class win over Josh Horvath, Colby Shore, and Steven Sevensma. Building off his MX win Saturday, KX rider Craig Lowery would lead the entire way in Pre-2K Open Intermediate pulling away from Sam Merrell’s XR in second.

Thank you to everyone involved in making this event possible. Thank you to the sponsors who support the regional events: Potomac Vintage Riders, Preston Petty Products, Stainless Cycle, Vee Rubber, Grove Printing, KMI Printing, and Works Enduro Riders. The complete results from this event and the upcoming schedule can be found at https://www. ahrma.org/ahrma-mid-atlantic-region. Follow the series’ Facebook page @ AHRMA Mid Atlantic Cross Country for updates.

The legend of Ashcraft Run builds… an amazing weekend, courses, and location. Thanks to a remarkable family. See you next year!

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lemons lemons lemons All Photos by: Bobby Hedge (BH25 Photography) Michaela Campbell and Finnley Gritzan working the lemondade stand

South Central Regional Update Featured: Texas Vintage GP Race Report

Well, I hope everyone has been able to take advantage of the long winter, spring, and summer break to get those bikes ready for racing! Seriously though, I hope we are all doing well, and as for racing, there is a busy fall schedule ahead of us. Regionally, we were able to get one event under our belt for the year in early June which you will read more of later in this article. As of “press time,” our activities starting the second week of September are still planned, however please follow the “Situation Report” from AHRMA.org for calendar changes to the schedules as last-minute changes have occurred in 2020. It has been an extraordinary challenge to both national and regional organizers to maintain a semblance of a series. We are kicking off September with the granddaddy of off-road events the weekend of September 10-13 for the 18th annual Riverport National in Jefferson, Texas. “Diamond” Don and Francene Rainey host this mega event consisting of National Trials, Cross-Country, Vintage and Post Vintage Motocross in this history filled slice of North East Texas. The & ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! featured legend of this year will be none other than another first of motocross, the first 500cc Supercross champion, Gary Semics! This year there will be modern support Trials as well as the new 200cc Thumper Throwdown race, a modified Cross Country course and improved Motocross track. As usual, there will be the legendary star-filled gates for the 100cc Battle on the Bayou race. The format for 2020 will be one moto at intermission on Saturday and Sunday. Do not forget that AHRMA now has a Post Vintage 100cc class, so all of you 100cc racers will have an opportunity for plenty of seat time on this weekend. Lastly, we Eddie Lee Returning to Form for 2020 will be handing out our 2019 regional series awards, finally, so everyone come to the pavilion where we will conduct our awards ceremony immediately after daily racing awards are presented. As most contested 100cc race anywhere over the last few years. Well, keep those of you have seen on social media, the Raineys have built out the Pavilion small bore 100cc screamers ready as the Shock Sox Wendi Jordan Pro-Cup area to accommodate a kitchen and they are very proud of the work done Challenge race is back on, and this year in honor of our fallen racer, JT in the last year to improve the property as well as the race courses. There Lee. This special race raised over $6000 for cancer support and several will be plenty of sanitation stations around the facility and social distancing thousands in pay-out to the top 10 racers. will be in effect, so we all should feel comfortable in these current times. Speaking of the Texas Vintage Grand Prix Course, we were able to run Don’t expect any less this year as Don is fully committed to all the normal the first leg of our regional series for 2020 in early June at the Huffman festivities of food, music, fireworks, and the Sunday “Wine-Down” party. Farm locale. The Cross Country course was altered as we ran most of the

To close out the month of September, a return to the Texas Vintage original course backwards from previous as well as some new additions. Grand Prix Course in Donie, Texas, will happen September 25-27. On Many of our hot-shoe Arkansas racers showed up this time to support Friday, September 25th, we will conduct a Regional Cross Country race, the event. It was the first time all our regional states were represented, so and then Saturday September 26th will be National Vintage Motocross we are pleased to see the interest in conducting the series across our four action followed up with Post Vintage and Next Gen National Motocross states! Johnathan Campbell of Frisco, Texas, just torched the course on this racing on Sunday September 27th. For any of you who attended last year’s rather hot June day. The motocross cross-over racer put in an impressive national in Donie, you were treated to what was perhaps the most hotly ride over some excellent competition from the area. Keith Klump, Alan

Donie Regional CC Start

AlisonWatts Overall Women's Intermediate Winner

Jamie Adams ripping the small bore

Kaci Cross Leading Women's Intermediate

Darrick Newmann Grand Prix 125 Intermediate Shaking off some rust

Roger Cross making the journey from Georgia for South Central Devon Long Racing Sportsmans Drane, and Greg 125 Expert Gordon all were in the hunt Winner for the overall top spot which made Campbell’s ride even more impressive. Jonathan Campbell CC Some of our highlight winners on the day OverallWinner included Zahn Lewis taking the 70+ Expert class, Bernard Murphy winning the largest class of the day, the Post Vintage 50+ Intermediates, newcomer Randy Kohl from Oklahoma taking the Vintage 60+ Intermediates, David Anderson in the Post Vintage 60+ Intermediates, and Stephen Hetzel taking the Post Vintage 200 Intermediate group.

Motocross regional action kicked off later that afternoon and the heat was really settled in once the first rubber band snapped. The very first gate featured our 60+ Intermediate group. This deep gate had Bill Walker, of Oklahoma City, making an appearance and once again showing great speed over very good competition. Jacky Kyzer had a solid 2-2 outing and Tommy Gates’ 3-4 finish gained him third overall on the day. Race two had Kasi Cross making her move up to Intermediate in the Women’s Vintage class to pull a surprising moto one victory over Alison Watts. Moto two saw Kasi lose her footing on the track to take a spill allowing Watts to widen her early lead for the win and overall, for the day. Our 70+ classes proved to be exciting as usual; in the Novice division, Mike Harlan and Leigh Hightower swapped moto wins with Harlan winning the class. The 70+ Experts, though, was our show. “Diamond” Don Rainey, looking slim and in shape got in the mix of the Skip Kennedy and Bobby Guilbeau rivalry. Rainey was never far off the pack leading Kennedy for the first moto but unfortunately for both, neither was Guilbeau. Kennedy suffered a mechanical on lap three which allowed Guilbeau to sneak by for the first moto win. Kennedy came back to win the second moto, but Rainey proved to be the disrupter on this day, and it was Guilbeau’s 1-2 overall that secured him the top spot.

Post Vintage regional action on Sunday featured a large 60+ Novice group in the second race of the day. Billy Cole, on his Cross-Country Yamaha IT125, put in an impressive ride holding off bikes of two to three times the displacement on the fast course of the Texas Vintage Grand Prix. His 1-1 finish locked up first place while the remainder of the group swapped positions throughout the lineup. Buddy Byrnes finished second overall with a 5-2 finish and it was Ben Paschal third with his 2-5 finish. Race three saw Eddie Lee returning to form winning the Post Vintage 60+ Intermediate class. Race three also had the ultra-fast group of Post Vintage 50+ Experts with Heith Parker taking a 3-1 finish to win the class over Gary Emerson’s 2-2 and Phil Reed’s 1-3. Race six saw Mark Pace’s steady improvement as he beat out John McCullogh in the Grand Prix 250 Novice. Both Wedding brothers, of Texas, made the trip out this weekend and both won their classes. Brant looked extra sharp in his race and won the Ultima 250 Intermediates and it was Derek winning the Next Gen 50+ Expert class. Joe Morgan also made a return ride to AHRMA and won the Ultima Four Stroke class as he continues to shake the rust off. Newcomer to AHRMA from Lubbock, Texas, David Klein, put in a great ride in the Next Gen 60+ Expert, but it was Edward Hayes rolling to victory with 1-1 finishes. All our Arkansas riders seem to walk home with first place in their respective Post Vintage classes so congratulations to Bart Watts, Alison Watts, Alan Steele, and Kyle Kyzer. Overall, it was a great weekend with good rider support across our region, so thank you all in our pursuit of quality Vintage motorcycle racing!

For 2020, please thank our regional sponsors who have made contributions to our series as we know, economically, the challenges being faced. Tom Shackelford, Tim Wilkinson, BH25 Photography, Jimmy Stark, Pro Head/Howell Brothers Racing, Greg Conn Insurance, Huffman Vintage Motorcycles, Desoto Motorsport Park, Eddie Lee, and our latest donation from Michael Holigan and the Ice House at the Quarry Restaurant are helping us salvage this season.

Next month we will update you all on the National Championship Finals from T&S Racing the first weekend of November in Henryetta, Oklahoma, along with our regional season final in Kentwood, Louisiana, in early December. Please follow our Facebook page AHRMASoCentral to stay abreast of the latest information and racing pictures!

Until next month,