One Chance to Win Premiere

Click the following link for an 11-photo gallery from the premiere of One Chance To Win.

With the World Vet Motocross Championships in town at Glen Helen, last Saturday night was the perfect opportunity for everyone to get together at the California Theater in San Bernardino, CA, and check out the premiere of the documentary, One Chance to Win. The film chronicled the bulk of the 1975 500cc AMA National Championship Motocross season, including the famous Battle of New Orleans, where six guys went into the final race with a shot at the title.

The film had been created by Charles Bush, but due to distribution problems it had largely sat on a shelf since then. The producer of the MX Files, Todd Huffman, later got wind of it, contacted Charles about it, and after working a deal, it’s destined for a DVD release soon.

The premiere on Saturday night was cool because a large number of the guys involved in the original title chase were on hand to check it out. Brad Lackey, Jimmy Weinert, Tony Distefano, Marty Tripes, Billy Grossi, Steve Stackable, were among the riders. There were also quite a few of the mechanics from the era, including Bevo Forte, Bill Buchka, Roy Turner, Dave Arnold, and Steve Stasiefski.

As the movie started, there was a surf film vibe in the theater, with people alternately hooting, cheering or laughing as characters were introduced. (The difference in appearance and hairstyles then vs. now among some of the participants was pretty striking).

The movie did a great job of covering the scene back then, and it’s definitely worth a look, whether you’re an old school fan, or a new rider who’s only heard tales of 40-minute motos, and motorcycle brands like Maico, Husqvarna, and Montesa.

Whether it was the box vans that the riders used, the riding gear (full leather pants and not a full-face helmet in sight), or riders rolling in the dirt between motos, the differences between then and now were striking.

Making the original documentary even better was the companion “making of” piece, which allowed the riders from back then to tell the tale of that day in New Orleans all over again. It’s clear that some of them still have strong memories of that day, and a few still even have grudges from that hot and sweaty day, over 30 years later.

Check the photo gallery above to see some of the characters on hand from the evening, and if you’re interested in getting your hands on a copy of the DVD, check in at www.onechancetowin.com.