Race Reports

Narrogin September 2013

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After a week of wet and stormy weather in most parts of the southern half of WA, there were definitely some doubts about how many competitors would turn up to race at Narrogin on Sunday 17 September and concerns about what the track would look like. But in true VMXWA fashion, members started to arrive on the Saturday to find that it had not been too wet in Narrogin and the track was in great condition as always, thanks to our hard working local member Frank Barron. Saturday night campers were treated to a sausage sizzle for dinner and there was no better place to be, than inside the clubrooms around the fire, watching VMX movies and chatting with friends. The stormy weather hit Narrogin around 6pm but we all survived the rough night’s weather to wake up Sunday morning to a magic day.

 

40 riders turned up with about 60 pre 1975 motorcycles; there is no stopping these people. Literally rain, wind,  hail or shine. The days program started with the bigger capacity engines (260cc and over), followed by the ever popular over 55 age group, then the 126-250 cc, sidecars and finally the up to 125 cc machines(which also includes 4 stroke bikes up to 250 cc). After 4 rounds there was an “all in” solo handicap to end the day. This is how it went:

 

261-500 cc: The big guns came out blazing in race 1 and it was Kris Lingren who drew first blood on his CZ machine. Kris used this meeting as good warm up to the National Championships in Qld in November and showed that he has what it takes to bring home more National titles in 2013. Chris was followed home in Race 1 by Scott Lawson (CCM) and Ralph Miller (Husky). Kris pretty much dominated this class all day with Scott, Ralph and Rod Gilchrist sharing the podium during the meeting.

 

Over 55’s: The “Golden Oldies” put on another great display and we saw some awesome battles between Narrogin rider Frank Baron on the #36, Derek George on the #688 and Stan Read #58. In their first heat Frank and Derek were running wheel to wheel behind the pits when Frank tried an inside run on the right hander and Derek shut the gate….next thing we saw was the CZ of Frank Baron drop to the track and as the rider went down he was seen to raise a finger in the air (I think he was urging Derek on to win!!!!). These guys ran hard all day and are best of mates on and off the track. Machine #29 (Alan Makin -Husky?) was very quick all day and made them all ride for their lives to keep up the fast pace.

 

126-250 cc: The big field of 250’s was great to watch and again it was young Kris Lingren on the CZ who dominated this class by taking out most of the wins. He was follow by a pack of guys including Ian Brown #96, Mick Godbold #43 and Mike Gordon #45.

 

Sidecars: With a small field entered this week, it was great to see Luke Boston back on the track with a brand new passenger, none other than his wife Claire (how’s that for dedication guys). The pair put on a good show and to her credit, Claire lasted every lap of every race and showed the guys that VMX Girl Power is definitely growing. Claire tells me that Luke wants to put her on a solo as well now…and she is keen to continue swinging – so watch this space. The sidecar races were run as handicaps and with the Boston’s off scratch it was up to the others to catch them each 3 lap journey. By the end of each race it was anyone’s to win with some good action from Gary Johnson/Adam Fanderlinden and Wayne/ Ryan Fanderlinden. The Boston’s were very pleased with their 2 wins on their 1st race day together.

 

125 cc: Warren Patterson’s Honda Elsinore was the bike to beat in this class and judging by his grin, Warren was loving every lap. He was pushed along by Costa Lingren on the TM 125 Suzuki and Gary Johnson on the BSA and those 3 guys fought it out all day.

 

All in Handicap: The last event for the day was open to everyone who was still willing and able. Austen Mogg #M, Lew White #90 and Jock Bahen #800 were at the pointy end during the early laps and by mid race we saw Ian Brown working his way up through the pack followed by Ryan and then Adam Fanderlinden. By the end of Lap 3, when riders got the “Last Lap Board,” it was Lew White (400 Maico) in front of Adam Fanderlinden (420 XL Honda) and then Ian Brown (400 Maico). Mid-way through that lap, Adam made a pass on Lew and crossed the line in first place to take the gold, leaving the 2 Maicos  close behind, in the minor placings.

 

Another awesome day which was enjoyed by everyone and included a “club” lunchtime sausage sizzle which everyone attended. Next meeting at Narrogin will be the last one for the season and will be held on Sunday October 20….our own Grand Final Day for 2013. Everyone welcome.

Race Reports

Smoke Free Millfarm Scramble – Wandering 2013

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The Vintage Motocross Club of WA (VMXWA) put on another brilliant display of old school dirtbike competition last Sunday (25/8), when they held the annual Millfarm Scramble at Wandering. Big fields of riders turned out to compete in events for pre ‘65 machines, pre ’70, sidecars, over 55 years (yes that’s the riders) and the usual A, B and C grade categories. Sunday’s feature race was the “all in” Dan Ferguson handicap, the race everyone wants to win.

With track and weather conditions as good as they have ever been, the large crowd was treated to a day of action, thrills and a few spills. The sounds and smells of old 2 stroke and 4 stroke motorcycles filled the air and the enthusiasm spread from the racetrack to the pit areas, where young and old fans enjoyed mingling with competitors and their motorcycles.

The days racing produced many winners from the different categories but in true VMXWA tradition, the presentations were awarded for participation and effort rather than 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

Over 55’s; The field of 17 riders who lined up for the over 55 class included well known motorcycle racing legends such as Bill Watson, Alan Mitchell, Ron Tyres, Stan Read….These boys still love to battle it out on the track “on any Sunday” and their pace is always quick. With a combined age on the line of 1,028 years, these guys are amazing. There wouldn’t be too many sports around the world which could claim this much experience. “International” rider Derek George, now living in Albany, was presented with an award for camaraderie after waiting on the start line for his mate Stan, who took a fall!

Sidecars: Local Wandering brothers Shaun Brand and Lyall Steer on their T500 Suzuki outfit (which was ridden previously by Peter Barker/ Shane O’Keefe) took out the sidecar award for the day. The young rookies have adapted very quickly to VMX sidecar racing and will be running at the front of the pack in no time. Great to see Shane O’Keefe back in the the pits and it was also great to see 2 female sidecar competitors with young Hannah Dillon behind the bars of big sister Sarah’s Kawasaki triple with youngest brother Jason swinging in place of Robert. Boddington based Jeff Terry also turned up with a new female swinger on Sunday. Helen (didn’t get her surname) also from Boddington, had never been on a motorcycle in her life…..and she hung on for every lap of every race. Well done!

Pre ’65: Everyone loves the sound of these machines and the group of riders really put them through their paces. In amongst the field were big 4 stroke makes including BSA, Triumph, AJS, ESO and one lone 2 stroke Husky ridden by Brian Watson. Even though these bikes are at least 48 years old or more, they are a treat to watch and they really bring back fond memories of a bygone era. Mike Lawrie was awarded a goodie bag for his efforts on the Triumph (but he also appeared in the over 55 class, the A grade and just for luck he took on the role of sidecar passenger with Luke Boston). Mike’s fitness, enthusiasm and dedication truly reflects the spirit of VMXWA.

Pre ’70: With a field made up mainly of CZ’s it was a safe bet to put your money on a CZ rider. Young Matt Cheshire, son of past speedway champion Dave, rode a Wayne Clarke sponsored CZ 360 which was way older than him. It’s always good to see young people riding old iron and coming to grips with suspension and brakes that are unfamiliar compared to modern standards. Matt adapted to the old machine and had a ripper of a day, being the recipient of the pre ’70 award for 2013. Wayne might have some difficulty in getting it back now.

A Grade: The fast guys are really fast. Their top class machinery is probably faster than it was in the day and the mix of 2 and 4 strokes makes for good riding and good spectating. Rick Speak, Scott Lawson, Kris Lindgren and Scott Lawson are always good to watch and at the end of the day the A Grade award was presented to Scott Lawson on the #11. President Gaz said the award was for the “Tyre Hugger”….work that one out or ask him at the next meeting.

B Grade: With 28 riders on the start line and 11 different makes of bikes, the B Grade was always going to be exciting and hard fought. The battles were going on right down through the field from 1st place, down to the 2 or 3 guys fighting for positions 26,27 and 28th. Steve Hanson on the #18 CZ380 was crowned King of the B’s for being the all day Champ. Couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. Look out Steve you will be promoted up to A Grade with another performance like that.

C Grade: The C Grade races are always good and close. Amongst the 27 rider field were the youngest as well as some of the club’s more experienced riders. The C Grade races produced plenty of close action and wins were shared throughout the day. It was Jason “Fred” Dillon who collected the sponsor’s prizes at the end of the day. Jason was tagged as the “Most Improved” this year and it wasn’t too long ago that we remember this young kid riding a minibike around the pits after each meeting, just itching to turn 16 so that he could get out on the track and race with the big guys. Well done Jason.

Dan Ferguson Handicap: After a full day’s racing, 25 bikes lined up to contest the 6 lap feature race. The handicappers sent them off in groups with the quicker riders at the rear. They did a pretty good job actually, because the winner was decided on the very last lap.

When the field came around at the end of lap 1, it was Dave Christie leading the pack on Peter Squire’s CZ #59. The whole crowd cheered him on ….a fitting tribute to the man who recently left us after suffering a serious illness. Just behind Dave was Jason Dillon on Dave’s Suzuki, making up a Christie quinella. Lap 2 saw Jason Dillon take the lead, followed by Narrogin’s Frank Barron and one of the club favourites Asry Bizar who just gets faster every meeting. Dillon held the lead on laps 3 and 4 but he was pushed by the #36 of Frank Barron until Allan Mitchell broke through on the #69 Husky to claim 2nd position. Mitchell took the lead on lap 5 and was starting to look good for the new perpetual trophy, kindly made and donated by Stan Read. Mitchell was challenged on the final lap by young gun Ralph Miller on a 400 Husky, who was being closely followed by another young champ in Kris Lindgren. Both Miller and Lindgren managed to slip by Mitchell on the final lap and the #17 machine of Ralph Miller was able to snatch victory by the time they reached the chequered flag.

Final placings were Ralph Miller, Kris Lindgren, Allan Mitchell, Rick Speak, Jason Dillon, Frank Barron making up the top 6.

Another awesome day for vintage motocross and the end of another classic Wandering Scramble.

See you all at Narrogin on September 15.

Race Reports

Narrogin Race Report 4th August 2013

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By Finish Line Flaggie ~ Alison Melvin

A few notes taken on the finish line today. Apologies if you got the wrong flag or one too many laps, but the race report is a must have!

A Grade: With some side by side action and the speed these guys are game enough to go, is something to behold. And on a pre75 bike. I spotted one of these guys giving a cheeky look behind after over taking another. Brave new world.

The Honda XL has some power to boot and sat right on the CCM’s tail, somewhere out of sight the CCM let him slip by.

Kris Lindgren was out for a training session, keep an eye on this kid in November if he attends the national Championships at ACTMCC.

Rd 1. 66,41,11,99,11,173,10 and #72

Rd2. 17,41,11,481,103,11,51,66 and rider # 99

Rd 3. The race came to a screaming halt up on the water tank hill. Three riders and bikes came to grief. One shoulder damaged, one ankle and a big roll from Rod. Its been a long time since Dandaloo Park has seen a pileup like this. Costly repairs needed all-round. Time for a lunch break. Heal fast Paul and Pete.

B Grade: A good field of 14 started in Rd 1 and boy can they ride, flat bickies down the straight at high velocity. Few pipes may need a silencer or two for those attending the Nationals set down for November in ACT.

I didn’t catch the numbers here just a CZ, Suzuki, Honda, Bultaco, Husky, Yamaha, BSA, CZ, Yamaha, yam, yam and a Honda.

Rd 2. 174 hit the ground hard amongst the mid pack which continued on for the whole three laps. Great racing in here future potential A Graders in the making. 66, 63, 18, 43, 45, 800, 120, 117, 15, 109 and 259

Rd 3. 66,45,15,800,43,117,259,174,109 and 71

C Grade:

Rd 1. 481,120,99,Dave Christie on 172,170,70 and a nice little CZ 175.

Rd2. 481 rode well and looked comfortable doing the nice ski jumps. Hanna and brother Jason brought up the rear of the six bikes on the track.

481, 170, 99, 172, 77 and Jason Dillon.

High light of the day ~ Asry !! How she nails it off the start line, hole shotted the field and kept the 1st place position ,with local Frank Barron two bike lengths behind and in third was new comer 481.

Frank gave Asry a hard time through the S bends out the back and finally he got the needed break on the start straight’s first corner. His CZ took the lead.

Frank extended the lead with 481 closing in on Asry, whom still had her bike wrapped on. They came over the last hill into the last right hander with Asry running third, with the chequered flag at the ready.

To my total amazement and shock 481 stalled in the corner to let Asry take home 2nd place…What a Champ..What an ending!!

Over 55’s always a pleaser to watch this age group racing around. If only the rest of the world over 55’s could see!

Rd 1. 69, 36, 58, 800, 214, 16, T, 19, 14 and Rick Speak?(what was he doing out there?)

Rd 2. 36, 1, 58, 214, 70, T, 19

Rd 3. 69,36,18,58,214, 70, T and 19

Sidecars The consistency of the Fanderlindens racing has truly paid off, with them getting faster and better at the job. I’m hoping they will get the chance one day to attend a National Title and bring home that podium position, because I know they will achieve it easily.

Luke Boston and Paul Gibbs were out there along with Hanna and Jason Dillon and without team Cook there to give them all a ‘G’ up the outfits took whatever lines they wished.

Rd 1. # 13 Adam/Benn, #26 Wayne/Ryan, third Luke/ Paul followed by Hanna/Jason.

Rd 2 Another win to Adam and Benn

Rd3 Wayne/Ryan, Adam/Benn, Luke and Jason

Pre ’70 Feature The feature event was down in numbers, but they were still there on the line until about the 3rd round.

Included in this class was # 43, a BSA along with #17 CZ Single pipe CZ.

The all in was won by: Rick Speak

Rd 4 was run, though I’d run out of ink by then. Another top day with the sun gods out.

Thank you to those officials and flag persons.

To those who fell ~ heal fast.

Cheers,

Alison