Dandaloo Central Café was up and running with newly lined walls, chairs, tables and kitchen equipment. Along with the pre75 prices still in place. A hearty congratulations goes out to all those band of workers who have completed this new era clubrooms.
While talking of old hands, after a two year absence (15th Anniversary) great to see Mike Smith and Paul Rundell back at Dandaloo.
OK onto the racing: THE TRACK/WEATHER: you can read in POACHING in the Pits further down the page.
Race Schedule:
We had the flaggies in position and A grade riders on the line, eager to carve up the smooth track for the beginning of the Home track 2013 calendar season. The only results from the fast and furious I was able to catch #247, #47,Maico, #66 #90 # 41,then #72 and an #83
Race 2
B Grade with 15 odd on the line 2 CZs, 5 Hondas included were a Maico, CCM, Yamaha, BSA and an AJS.
Scott Lawson on the 250 Maico took the lead on the second lap from Brownie also on a neat Maico (nice shocks Ian). Always a grin for riders like “Director of Style” Warren with his Go- Pro, which I’d like to see the end footage of those Brown Brothers tussle.
Race 3 C Grade was also a good size line up. A very keen over 55’s local rider, doubling up from the over 55’s class joined in. He was leading the pack until once a year racer Stuart Aldred took over at the pointy end. Later I caught up with the keen over 55 rider and ask why the keenness in two class’s on such a sunny day. His reply “I’m a BORN RACER”.
Also in the C Grade class was first timer Phillip Gunn on a borrowed MX Yamaha, Philip placed well on the process on learning the Dandaloo Circuit, perhaps now known as the “Juggernaut”
Which , as you would all know, is a literal or metaphorical force regarded as mercilessly destructive and unstoppable.
The Feature had 8 pre60/pre65 bikes out for the day. All purring British Beauties bar one a sweet Husqvarna. Old Iron still rules and I didn’t see one drop of oil. Thank guys for putting on the show.
Sidecar’s where fifth on the race schedule for the day , with five outfits spreading the moist dirt back into place for the sole’s in the next rounds. These guys never fail us in a crowd pleaser, with the locals visiting saying with gasps ”that’s Insane”.
Fanderlindens Yamaha/Wasp kept the lead most of the day. The Fanderlindens took on Team Cook on with some scary manoeuvres. The young Fanderlinden’s then took the lead in the S bends taking the chequered flag. Also in the thick of it where Team Johnson, Team Irving and young Jason Dillon with Russell George bringing up the rear field on the Kawasaki 500 Triple while older siblings are on the tar heading north. Also great to see Mark Ewens back in the outfit, swinging for Cliff Cook….been many a year since Mark grasped the bars….. wonder how he was feeling on Tuesday morning..??
Over 55’s consisted of 12 solo’s all dressed in the plainer coloured jerseys/pants of back in the day. Just superb to see them drop the clutch with the green flag (thanks Barry) down the start straight flat bikkies.
“The all” in at the end of the day consisted of 10 starters with the Works Suzuki TM Team of Mike Jemmet and Alan Smidt taking the chequered flag. Good job !!
POACHING in the PITs.
I headed out and ask the VMX enthusiasts in the pits, how their day was going. Below are some of the response’s received.
*Bloody good day and weather
*Was all good FUN
*Go out beat someone else, opposed to going down the pub and punching a nose.
*Wide corners gives you a wide choice, but now unable to cover yourself, making it more competitive.
*Great to see a CCM in just about every race and every second car in the pits with VMX WA number plates.
*Good, nice and easy. Arms are a bit sore-Good competitive racing for the first Dandaloo Race of 2013
*Steve Hanson may need to think about going up a grade.(wink)
*Piston and Rings down the back straight
*I’m knackered-First ride in 15 years-Mark Ewens
*Me bikes buggered, gears jammed, though track is superb. Prepared to perfection, even with no rain.
*John Hendry from Bunbury, 1st timer feeling it a bit in the bones, but as a mountain bike rider, I may pull through to ride again.
*Fastest racer of the day till I took my goggles off and looked in the mirror.
*Revenge to my siblings: Loving the sidecar Robert and Sarah, don’t expect it back to ride next year. Missing half the engine and front wheel. All buckled up from hitting the tree.
Another Cracker event!!
It’s good to be alive, so catch you at Dandaloo Classic for two full days of glory 1st and 2nd June.