Who here has raced top AM nationals

BMR179
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East Texas, TX, USA
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11/15/2011 3:33pm
Day602 wrote:
That was a tough schoolboy class that year, he slowed him down enough to allow Ben Riddle and a few others to catch up. Thanks to...
That was a tough schoolboy class that year, he slowed him down enough to allow Ben Riddle and a few others to catch up. Thanks to Travis and his race planning I ended up with an 3rd overall down there.
shunter986 wrote:
Day? You wouldnt happen to be aaron would you? I remeber that year well. Its been a long time lol. I cant remeber if chris rode...
Day? You wouldnt happen to be aaron would you? I remeber that year well. Its been a long time lol. I cant remeber if chris rode schoolboy that year or not.
Dmoks wrote:
I raced Ponca in 82 and 83 and LL's in 83 and 84. I was lucky enough to watch poeple like Bradshaw, Liles, Fat Surrat, Kyle...
I raced Ponca in 82 and 83 and LL's in 83 and 84. I was lucky enough to watch poeple like Bradshaw, Liles, Fat Surrat, Kyle Fleming, Bruce Bunch, Healey, Brooks, Turpin, Tischnor(sp), Jackson, Halstead. I'm sure there are a ton more I'm forgetting. There was nothing better than the sound of a screaming R&D Suzuki 105.
Raced Ponca in '83, 250C, 11th O/A. One of the coolest weeks of my racing, ahem, career. Hung out with most of the guys I raced the qualifiers with in Texas. There was a young A rider, Joe Fudge (no shit), that was fast and stylish (for 1983) and had the biggest feet I have ever seen. We teased the hell out of him. He got tight with Tichenor's sister, but she never confirmed the obvious correlation.

I dented my exhaust during practice and the guys at the Yamaha truck gave me a new one. That's the closest I ever came to riding for the factory. Ha!

My dad helped get me started racing, but when I was old enough to drive to the races, he quit going every weekend. He drove up and caught my last moto. I don't think he realized how huge an event this was until he got there, he was all excited, saying stuff like "is your bike fast enough?", "do you need race gas?", and "are you in good enough condition?". Haha, I had worked my butt off that summer to get into shape, and, well, I was running a free factory pipe. All was good. We slept in the Suburban and hung out for a couple days. Good memories.

There was a family in a huge motorhome next to me. They were super nice and even put some gear in the truck when it rained during my last moto. Never got to say thanks as they were gone before I finished the race.

No fame for me, but it was a great week. Great thread by the way.
shunter986
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Augusta, NJ, USA
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11/15/2011 4:22pm
shunter986 wrote:
Day? You wouldnt happen to be aaron would you? I remeber that year well. Its been a long time lol. I cant remeber if chris rode...
Day? You wouldnt happen to be aaron would you? I remeber that year well. Its been a long time lol. I cant remeber if chris rode schoolboy that year or not.
Dmoks wrote:
I raced Ponca in 82 and 83 and LL's in 83 and 84. I was lucky enough to watch poeple like Bradshaw, Liles, Fat Surrat, Kyle...
I raced Ponca in 82 and 83 and LL's in 83 and 84. I was lucky enough to watch poeple like Bradshaw, Liles, Fat Surrat, Kyle Fleming, Bruce Bunch, Healey, Brooks, Turpin, Tischnor(sp), Jackson, Halstead. I'm sure there are a ton more I'm forgetting. There was nothing better than the sound of a screaming R&D Suzuki 105.
BMR179 wrote:
Raced Ponca in '83, 250C, 11th O/A. One of the coolest weeks of my racing, ahem, career. Hung out with most of the guys I raced...
Raced Ponca in '83, 250C, 11th O/A. One of the coolest weeks of my racing, ahem, career. Hung out with most of the guys I raced the qualifiers with in Texas. There was a young A rider, Joe Fudge (no shit), that was fast and stylish (for 1983) and had the biggest feet I have ever seen. We teased the hell out of him. He got tight with Tichenor's sister, but she never confirmed the obvious correlation.

I dented my exhaust during practice and the guys at the Yamaha truck gave me a new one. That's the closest I ever came to riding for the factory. Ha!

My dad helped get me started racing, but when I was old enough to drive to the races, he quit going every weekend. He drove up and caught my last moto. I don't think he realized how huge an event this was until he got there, he was all excited, saying stuff like "is your bike fast enough?", "do you need race gas?", and "are you in good enough condition?". Haha, I had worked my butt off that summer to get into shape, and, well, I was running a free factory pipe. All was good. We slept in the Suburban and hung out for a couple days. Good memories.

There was a family in a huge motorhome next to me. They were super nice and even put some gear in the truck when it rained during my last moto. Never got to say thanks as they were gone before I finished the race.

No fame for me, but it was a great week. Great thread by the way.
thats the true heart of the sport man. My brother and I didnt always race out of huge rig. We started with a pickup and three rail trialer down there. Then we got a box van that we ran for a long time. We used that until the last 3-4 years when we finally stepped up to a rig. We were on the road racing a lot and it was just needed.
BMR179
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511
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Location
East Texas, TX, USA
Fantasy
11/15/2011 4:57pm
Dmoks wrote:
I raced Ponca in 82 and 83 and LL's in 83 and 84. I was lucky enough to watch poeple like Bradshaw, Liles, Fat Surrat, Kyle...
I raced Ponca in 82 and 83 and LL's in 83 and 84. I was lucky enough to watch poeple like Bradshaw, Liles, Fat Surrat, Kyle Fleming, Bruce Bunch, Healey, Brooks, Turpin, Tischnor(sp), Jackson, Halstead. I'm sure there are a ton more I'm forgetting. There was nothing better than the sound of a screaming R&D Suzuki 105.
BMR179 wrote:
Raced Ponca in '83, 250C, 11th O/A. One of the coolest weeks of my racing, ahem, career. Hung out with most of the guys I raced...
Raced Ponca in '83, 250C, 11th O/A. One of the coolest weeks of my racing, ahem, career. Hung out with most of the guys I raced the qualifiers with in Texas. There was a young A rider, Joe Fudge (no shit), that was fast and stylish (for 1983) and had the biggest feet I have ever seen. We teased the hell out of him. He got tight with Tichenor's sister, but she never confirmed the obvious correlation.

I dented my exhaust during practice and the guys at the Yamaha truck gave me a new one. That's the closest I ever came to riding for the factory. Ha!

My dad helped get me started racing, but when I was old enough to drive to the races, he quit going every weekend. He drove up and caught my last moto. I don't think he realized how huge an event this was until he got there, he was all excited, saying stuff like "is your bike fast enough?", "do you need race gas?", and "are you in good enough condition?". Haha, I had worked my butt off that summer to get into shape, and, well, I was running a free factory pipe. All was good. We slept in the Suburban and hung out for a couple days. Good memories.

There was a family in a huge motorhome next to me. They were super nice and even put some gear in the truck when it rained during my last moto. Never got to say thanks as they were gone before I finished the race.

No fame for me, but it was a great week. Great thread by the way.
shunter986 wrote:
thats the true heart of the sport man. My brother and I didnt always race out of huge rig. We started with a pickup and three...
thats the true heart of the sport man. My brother and I didnt always race out of huge rig. We started with a pickup and three rail trialer down there. Then we got a box van that we ran for a long time. We used that until the last 3-4 years when we finally stepped up to a rig. We were on the road racing a lot and it was just needed.
Truck and three rail trailer, that was core "back in the day". HA!
shunter986
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Augusta, NJ, USA
Fantasy
11/15/2011 5:03pm
BMR179 wrote:
Raced Ponca in '83, 250C, 11th O/A. One of the coolest weeks of my racing, ahem, career. Hung out with most of the guys I raced...
Raced Ponca in '83, 250C, 11th O/A. One of the coolest weeks of my racing, ahem, career. Hung out with most of the guys I raced the qualifiers with in Texas. There was a young A rider, Joe Fudge (no shit), that was fast and stylish (for 1983) and had the biggest feet I have ever seen. We teased the hell out of him. He got tight with Tichenor's sister, but she never confirmed the obvious correlation.

I dented my exhaust during practice and the guys at the Yamaha truck gave me a new one. That's the closest I ever came to riding for the factory. Ha!

My dad helped get me started racing, but when I was old enough to drive to the races, he quit going every weekend. He drove up and caught my last moto. I don't think he realized how huge an event this was until he got there, he was all excited, saying stuff like "is your bike fast enough?", "do you need race gas?", and "are you in good enough condition?". Haha, I had worked my butt off that summer to get into shape, and, well, I was running a free factory pipe. All was good. We slept in the Suburban and hung out for a couple days. Good memories.

There was a family in a huge motorhome next to me. They were super nice and even put some gear in the truck when it rained during my last moto. Never got to say thanks as they were gone before I finished the race.

No fame for me, but it was a great week. Great thread by the way.
shunter986 wrote:
thats the true heart of the sport man. My brother and I didnt always race out of huge rig. We started with a pickup and three...
thats the true heart of the sport man. My brother and I didnt always race out of huge rig. We started with a pickup and three rail trialer down there. Then we got a box van that we ran for a long time. We used that until the last 3-4 years when we finally stepped up to a rig. We were on the road racing a lot and it was just needed.
BMR179 wrote:
Truck and three rail trailer, that was core "back in the day". HA!
Hell yeah, we were on that grind for like 5 years lol. My dad was a animal. Hed make us sandwiches outa the cooler with his finger as a knife for mayo hahaha. Tru moto my friends

The Shop

nc97
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688
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USA
11/15/2011 5:13pm
Day602 wrote:
That was a tough schoolboy class that year, he slowed him down enough to allow Ben Riddle and a few others to catch up. Thanks to...
That was a tough schoolboy class that year, he slowed him down enough to allow Ben Riddle and a few others to catch up. Thanks to Travis and his race planning I ended up with an 3rd overall down there.
Aaron ,,, I remember you and your family racing at my old track ( Dublin MX) way back in the early 90,s
shunter986
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Augusta, NJ, USA
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11/15/2011 5:21pm
Day602 wrote:
That was a tough schoolboy class that year, he slowed him down enough to allow Ben Riddle and a few others to catch up. Thanks to...
That was a tough schoolboy class that year, he slowed him down enough to allow Ben Riddle and a few others to catch up. Thanks to Travis and his race planning I ended up with an 3rd overall down there.
nc97 wrote:
Aaron ,,, I remember you and your family racing at my old track ( Dublin MX) way back in the early 90,s
wow you guys own dublin gap? I think that is where my 2004 region was for 250a and prosport. That track was fun. That triple before the left into the whoops was awesome.
Day602
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Location
USA
11/15/2011 6:48pm
Wow small world I used to love that place when I was younger, used to race there all the way back on 50's too. Did you guys own it back than also? shunter986 hows your bro?? There was never a boring moment hanging out with him. We all almost got booted out of LL before it even started cause of an incident involving a golf cart lol...good times
shunter986
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Augusta, NJ, USA
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11/15/2011 8:30pm
Day602 wrote:
Wow small world I used to love that place when I was younger, used to race there all the way back on 50's too. Did you...
Wow small world I used to love that place when I was younger, used to race there all the way back on 50's too. Did you guys own it back than also? shunter986 hows your bro?? There was never a boring moment hanging out with him. We all almost got booted out of LL before it even started cause of an incident involving a golf cart lol...good times
Sounds about right lol. Glad all is well
Fleece192
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506
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Equinunk, PA, USA
11/16/2011 2:27am
Day602 wrote:
Yeah man that would be me, I belive I know who you are. Had some good times at LL and have some crazy stories that involve...
Yeah man that would be me, I belive I know who you are. Had some good times at LL and have some crazy stories that involve your bro lol. I don't think Chris made it that year he was real hit or miss with that and when he did make it he crashed out anyway. That was a crazy year at the ranch on and off the track.
I remember you and my son Jeff battling it out at Walden in the 125c class many years ago. You guys were way out and on the last lap Jeffs bike seized on the I95 double...I think he would have finally beat youWhistling
motox505
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Location
Swarthmore, PA, USA
11/16/2011 9:37am Edited Date/Time 11/16/2011 9:38am
shunter986 wrote:
thats the true heart of the sport man. My brother and I didnt always race out of huge rig. We started with a pickup and three...
thats the true heart of the sport man. My brother and I didnt always race out of huge rig. We started with a pickup and three rail trialer down there. Then we got a box van that we ran for a long time. We used that until the last 3-4 years when we finally stepped up to a rig. We were on the road racing a lot and it was just needed.
BMR179 wrote:
Truck and three rail trailer, that was core "back in the day". HA!
shunter986 wrote:
Hell yeah, we were on that grind for like 5 years lol. My dad was a animal. Hed make us sandwiches outa the cooler with his...
Hell yeah, we were on that grind for like 5 years lol. My dad was a animal. Hed make us sandwiches outa the cooler with his finger as a knife for mayo hahaha. Tru moto my friends
True story, dad was and still is gnarly. Yeah we did nationals.

Steve, this is a good thread, cool stuff.

I did Lorettas 93-99, then again 02-03. Finished top ten in at least one class every year except 94 because I had a DNF in both classes and 99 because I broke my ankle the week before the race in Axton, VA at that guys place (if anyone knows TP ask him about my crash, he'll remember it). Best I ever did was 2nd overall in 250B stock in 98. I did Ponca and Mini-O's in 02/03 also, finished top 5 I think in a class at both (I think).

Some other fond memories are:
- Winning the NY state championship over Paul Carpenter, Brandon Jesseman, Travis Pastrana in 1994 on a left over CR80 with nothing but suspension mods.

- Getting the holeshot and leading the first 125A prosport moto in 2003 until the 2 lap board, before getting passed by Hepler, had a motor problem in moto 2 and got 22nd or something, then in moto 3 rounded it out in 6th and somehow finished 6th overall, I think the winner of the class went like 5-4-4 which is kind of unbelievable. But a 2-22-6 for 6th is pretty nuts. Gotta thank Steve Ross for hooking up those A-Kit Showas for me that year, those things are the cheater hotness, it all made sense to me after that.

- Winning the KROC Mini-Shootout in 95 over some top Team Green riders including Josh Woods in my last race on a mini

- Getting the holeshot on RC and Carpenter at the KROC in 94 on a mini and having him square up a jump early, cut over the banners, over the infield like 10 feet, back over the banners again, back onto the track to make a pass, good times. Kid was magic on a mini, I think he beat most kids in the staging area with his unobtainable bike parts and gear. Luckily he was a class ahead of me.

Yeah, I got name drops, what! There are so many great memories of riding/racing, but unfortunately now that I have a college degree, a career as a software engineer and can afford to live a comfortable life, I don't really have the time to ride moto anymore. Time is indeed a valuable commodity at this point. I ride Mountain bikes to fill the gap and that has been a lot of fun. Since you can ride at night, and I live a mile from the Wissahickon park. I've done several trips to Whistler, Colorado, Utah and all around the north east. I ride XC like 3 times a week after work or on the weekends. My Buddy Curt Beloy rides MTB with us and also still rides Moto. He's been getting me psyched up to go ride again though, so we'll see, I may bust out the old dog 2004 CRF450 and hit up some riding this winter down in FL.

Racing was a large part of our lives, and I'm sure I speak for most of you, I wouldn't trade that time for anything. In many ways the competitive nature and the work ethic required to succeed make me who I am today. Most people have no idea I even raced moto, but if they understood it, they'd probably think I was a psycho or something...

Sorry to potentially derail the thread with this nostalgia driven diatribe.

I have some pics here: http://www.chrishunters.com/tags/motocross

Hunter
lumpy790
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11664
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Location
York, SC, USA
11/16/2011 9:55am
LL in 91 broken finger in 1st turn but still finished 23rd OA in stock & Mod classes.

Headed to Mini O's tomorrow for the 50+ class.
Day602
Posts
11
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Location
USA
11/16/2011 11:45am
Day602 wrote:
Yeah man that would be me, I belive I know who you are. Had some good times at LL and have some crazy stories that involve...
Yeah man that would be me, I belive I know who you are. Had some good times at LL and have some crazy stories that involve your bro lol. I don't think Chris made it that year he was real hit or miss with that and when he did make it he crashed out anyway. That was a crazy year at the ranch on and off the track.
Fleece192 wrote:
I remember you and my son Jeff battling it out at Walden in the 125c class many years ago. You guys were way out and on...
I remember you and my son Jeff battling it out at Walden in the 125c class many years ago. You guys were way out and on the last lap Jeffs bike seized on the I95 double...I think he would have finally beat youWhistling
I actually remember that day.... Walden was one of my favorite tracks but I only made it up there a few times. Chris its been a while, I think the last time I remember racing you was mini o's in 2003. Before that i can't think of a big race that we weren't at together and you also introduced me to the sand pits of Jersey, that alone is unforgettable. Great pictures on the blog those brought back many memories for me also. Pretty fascinating what you've been up to, update that blog a bit more and let me know when you wanna break out the crf and make a trip south to maryland.
shunter986
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240
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Location
Augusta, NJ, USA
Fantasy
11/16/2011 2:09pm
BMR179 wrote:
Truck and three rail trailer, that was core "back in the day". HA!
shunter986 wrote:
Hell yeah, we were on that grind for like 5 years lol. My dad was a animal. Hed make us sandwiches outa the cooler with his...
Hell yeah, we were on that grind for like 5 years lol. My dad was a animal. Hed make us sandwiches outa the cooler with his finger as a knife for mayo hahaha. Tru moto my friends
motox505 wrote:
True story, dad was and still is gnarly. Yeah we did nationals. Steve, this is a good thread, cool stuff. I did Lorettas 93-99, then again...
True story, dad was and still is gnarly. Yeah we did nationals.

Steve, this is a good thread, cool stuff.

I did Lorettas 93-99, then again 02-03. Finished top ten in at least one class every year except 94 because I had a DNF in both classes and 99 because I broke my ankle the week before the race in Axton, VA at that guys place (if anyone knows TP ask him about my crash, he'll remember it). Best I ever did was 2nd overall in 250B stock in 98. I did Ponca and Mini-O's in 02/03 also, finished top 5 I think in a class at both (I think).

Some other fond memories are:
- Winning the NY state championship over Paul Carpenter, Brandon Jesseman, Travis Pastrana in 1994 on a left over CR80 with nothing but suspension mods.

- Getting the holeshot and leading the first 125A prosport moto in 2003 until the 2 lap board, before getting passed by Hepler, had a motor problem in moto 2 and got 22nd or something, then in moto 3 rounded it out in 6th and somehow finished 6th overall, I think the winner of the class went like 5-4-4 which is kind of unbelievable. But a 2-22-6 for 6th is pretty nuts. Gotta thank Steve Ross for hooking up those A-Kit Showas for me that year, those things are the cheater hotness, it all made sense to me after that.

- Winning the KROC Mini-Shootout in 95 over some top Team Green riders including Josh Woods in my last race on a mini

- Getting the holeshot on RC and Carpenter at the KROC in 94 on a mini and having him square up a jump early, cut over the banners, over the infield like 10 feet, back over the banners again, back onto the track to make a pass, good times. Kid was magic on a mini, I think he beat most kids in the staging area with his unobtainable bike parts and gear. Luckily he was a class ahead of me.

Yeah, I got name drops, what! There are so many great memories of riding/racing, but unfortunately now that I have a college degree, a career as a software engineer and can afford to live a comfortable life, I don't really have the time to ride moto anymore. Time is indeed a valuable commodity at this point. I ride Mountain bikes to fill the gap and that has been a lot of fun. Since you can ride at night, and I live a mile from the Wissahickon park. I've done several trips to Whistler, Colorado, Utah and all around the north east. I ride XC like 3 times a week after work or on the weekends. My Buddy Curt Beloy rides MTB with us and also still rides Moto. He's been getting me psyched up to go ride again though, so we'll see, I may bust out the old dog 2004 CRF450 and hit up some riding this winter down in FL.

Racing was a large part of our lives, and I'm sure I speak for most of you, I wouldn't trade that time for anything. In many ways the competitive nature and the work ethic required to succeed make me who I am today. Most people have no idea I even raced moto, but if they understood it, they'd probably think I was a psycho or something...

Sorry to potentially derail the thread with this nostalgia driven diatribe.

I have some pics here: http://www.chrishunters.com/tags/motocross

Hunter
There he is lol. He went into state championships haha. I would like to know how many of those we have combined Chris. When we were in the b class in our respected years we had some pretty good seasons. Times of my life! It made me who I am today!
lumpy790
Posts
11664
Joined
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Location
York, SC, USA
11/16/2011 3:07pm Edited Date/Time 11/16/2011 3:08pm
Day602 wrote:
Yeah man that would be me, I belive I know who you are. Had some good times at LL and have some crazy stories that involve...
Yeah man that would be me, I belive I know who you are. Had some good times at LL and have some crazy stories that involve your bro lol. I don't think Chris made it that year he was real hit or miss with that and when he did make it he crashed out anyway. That was a crazy year at the ranch on and off the track.
Fleece192 wrote:
I remember you and my son Jeff battling it out at Walden in the 125c class many years ago. You guys were way out and on...
I remember you and my son Jeff battling it out at Walden in the 125c class many years ago. You guys were way out and on the last lap Jeffs bike seized on the I95 double...I think he would have finally beat youWhistling
Day602 wrote:
I actually remember that day.... Walden was one of my favorite tracks but I only made it up there a few times. Chris its been a...
I actually remember that day.... Walden was one of my favorite tracks but I only made it up there a few times. Chris its been a while, I think the last time I remember racing you was mini o's in 2003. Before that i can't think of a big race that we weren't at together and you also introduced me to the sand pits of Jersey, that alone is unforgettable. Great pictures on the blog those brought back many memories for me also. Pretty fascinating what you've been up to, update that blog a bit more and let me know when you wanna break out the crf and make a trip south to maryland.
Hey Aaron....this is Steven Jewell...I built your Hondas at Scotty G's.

NC97..... Which Yentzer is this? Your dad turned me backwards on the line once in Open A....do you remember when I brought Tom Welsch up to Trailways to battle you?
motoracer633
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427
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11/14/2011
Location
North Charleston, SC, USA
11/16/2011 4:25pm
lumpy790 wrote:
LL in 91 broken finger in 1st turn but still finished 23rd OA in stock & Mod classes. Headed to Mini O's tomorrow for the 50+...
LL in 91 broken finger in 1st turn but still finished 23rd OA in stock & Mod classes.

Headed to Mini O's tomorrow for the 50+ class.
look for goodman bare yz85 #520. blue superduty long grey trailer. good people that took motohose to 7th at loretta's. thanks to our yz trade. good people from summerville. father goes by the same name.
rbigair40
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235
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Location
Lebanon Junction, KY, USA
11/16/2011 5:20pm Edited Date/Time 11/16/2011 5:21pm
good times
sharkey
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2446
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Location
Marysville, WA, USA
11/16/2011 5:23pm Edited Date/Time 11/16/2011 5:25pm
BMR179 wrote:
Truck and three rail trailer, that was core "back in the day". HA!
shunter986 wrote:
Hell yeah, we were on that grind for like 5 years lol. My dad was a animal. Hed make us sandwiches outa the cooler with his...
Hell yeah, we were on that grind for like 5 years lol. My dad was a animal. Hed make us sandwiches outa the cooler with his finger as a knife for mayo hahaha. Tru moto my friends
motox505 wrote:
True story, dad was and still is gnarly. Yeah we did nationals. Steve, this is a good thread, cool stuff. I did Lorettas 93-99, then again...
True story, dad was and still is gnarly. Yeah we did nationals.

Steve, this is a good thread, cool stuff.

I did Lorettas 93-99, then again 02-03. Finished top ten in at least one class every year except 94 because I had a DNF in both classes and 99 because I broke my ankle the week before the race in Axton, VA at that guys place (if anyone knows TP ask him about my crash, he'll remember it). Best I ever did was 2nd overall in 250B stock in 98. I did Ponca and Mini-O's in 02/03 also, finished top 5 I think in a class at both (I think).

Some other fond memories are:
- Winning the NY state championship over Paul Carpenter, Brandon Jesseman, Travis Pastrana in 1994 on a left over CR80 with nothing but suspension mods.

- Getting the holeshot and leading the first 125A prosport moto in 2003 until the 2 lap board, before getting passed by Hepler, had a motor problem in moto 2 and got 22nd or something, then in moto 3 rounded it out in 6th and somehow finished 6th overall, I think the winner of the class went like 5-4-4 which is kind of unbelievable. But a 2-22-6 for 6th is pretty nuts. Gotta thank Steve Ross for hooking up those A-Kit Showas for me that year, those things are the cheater hotness, it all made sense to me after that.

- Winning the KROC Mini-Shootout in 95 over some top Team Green riders including Josh Woods in my last race on a mini

- Getting the holeshot on RC and Carpenter at the KROC in 94 on a mini and having him square up a jump early, cut over the banners, over the infield like 10 feet, back over the banners again, back onto the track to make a pass, good times. Kid was magic on a mini, I think he beat most kids in the staging area with his unobtainable bike parts and gear. Luckily he was a class ahead of me.

Yeah, I got name drops, what! There are so many great memories of riding/racing, but unfortunately now that I have a college degree, a career as a software engineer and can afford to live a comfortable life, I don't really have the time to ride moto anymore. Time is indeed a valuable commodity at this point. I ride Mountain bikes to fill the gap and that has been a lot of fun. Since you can ride at night, and I live a mile from the Wissahickon park. I've done several trips to Whistler, Colorado, Utah and all around the north east. I ride XC like 3 times a week after work or on the weekends. My Buddy Curt Beloy rides MTB with us and also still rides Moto. He's been getting me psyched up to go ride again though, so we'll see, I may bust out the old dog 2004 CRF450 and hit up some riding this winter down in FL.

Racing was a large part of our lives, and I'm sure I speak for most of you, I wouldn't trade that time for anything. In many ways the competitive nature and the work ethic required to succeed make me who I am today. Most people have no idea I even raced moto, but if they understood it, they'd probably think I was a psycho or something...

Sorry to potentially derail the thread with this nostalgia driven diatribe.

I have some pics here: http://www.chrishunters.com/tags/motocross

Hunter
awesome story i like this one the best, great to see your progression thru the photos
Day602
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USA
11/16/2011 5:23pm
Hey Steve long time no see, how's the move to the south been for you? Wouldn't mind doing it myself southern maryland even has became too congested for my tastes. I belive NC97 family were the owners prior to the Yentzers'.
TomZ
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708
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West Bloomfield, MI, USA
11/16/2011 6:33pm
MPM64 wrote:
I'm old...So I am going back a ways. 1980 AM National was held in October at Millville. This is back when they only used to have...
I'm old...So I am going back a ways. 1980 AM National was held in October at Millville. This is back when they only used to have 4 classes. 100cc, 125 A, 250 A and Open. I copped a ride with a buddy of mine and fellow competitor named Keith Hall in an old moto converted bread van. We rode and slept in the back on pillows and sleeping bags between the bikes. I qualified as an alternate and didn't think I would get to ride. I got to ride and holeshot the 1st moto and ended up finishing 8th OA with my buddy Keith finishing 5th in the 100cc class. We had such a fun time on that trip.

1981 was held at RedBud in October. I was in the hunt for the 100cc title but a clutch failure took care of that. Ended up 7th OA. All I remember about this race was that it was muddy most of the event and it took its toll on the bikes.

1982 was my 1st year going to Ponca. This was my first exposure to west coast riders and it was amazing to see the talent level of the California mini riders. They were amazing. Unfortunately this was the year that Bruce Bunch, Kyle Fleming and Rick Hemme died in the horrible car/train accident. I had a rough week with my best overall finish being a 4th I think. We skipped the awards ceremony and pulled out early to make our way towards Loretta's and did not hear the tragic news until we got there. We were all shocked about what happened.

1982...1st year for Loretta's with an entirely new format. I qualified to ride the now extinct 100cc class. A fast kid from California named Johner Kight and I had split moto wins and went into the final moto tied in points. Our 3rd moto was held early and it had rained the night before. I was nervous but I knew coming from Michigan would be an advantage in the muddy conditions. Luckily I got a good start and was out front after the first few corners. It was one of those magical motos where everything came easy and I pulled away to win. What I remember most is my Dad standing by the fence in his cowboy hat cheering me on. He had been down for the first part of the week but had to fly home to take care of an emergency at work. He wasn't supposed to be back for the last moto but somehow he made it in time. I think 7 or 8 Michigan riders won championships that year. It was cool to be part of it.

1983 I moved up to 125 expert and raced stock and mod at Ponca and Loretta's. I pretty much got smoked at Ponca and then hurt myself pretty bad in the 1st moto at Loretta's with a broken collarbone and a compression vertabrae fracture in my back. Spent the rest of the week in the hospital with a catheter installed. It sucked and was quite the downer compared to the previous year.

That's my history. Sorry for the rambling. I don't get to relive those days often. Wink
Mark........some Mustang Acres stories would be fun also.

Think of the guys that have raced there over the years.

Sorry.....no thread hijacking intended.
Tim507
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Oregon City, OR, USA
11/16/2011 6:35pm
Tim507 wrote:
Does TransAMA countSmile . Also raced the German Pokal (Trophy) Series while stationed in Germany 1972 to 1975
drmarkr wrote:
Hell yes....what year???
69, 70............
avidchimp
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EGL, MN, USA
11/16/2011 6:57pm
I grew up being related to the Weltys. Got to do lot's of riding with Mouse McCoy, Kyle Lewis and others. Also, Hondaland was practically a stone's throw from my house, so I knew it would never be for me. lol
lumpy790
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Location
York, SC, USA
11/16/2011 8:02pm
Day602 wrote:
Hey Steve long time no see, how's the move to the south been for you? Wouldn't mind doing it myself southern maryland even has became too...
Hey Steve long time no see, how's the move to the south been for you? Wouldn't mind doing it myself southern maryland even has became too congested for my tastes. I belive NC97 family were the owners prior to the Yentzers'.
100% love it down here......saw your mom and your little (LOL) brother at steel city.

I do recall a family living in the house at the track with a 8 or 9 YYO (?) boy.......wow that was a long time ago
nc97
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USA
11/16/2011 8:19pm
Day602 wrote:
Hey Steve long time no see, how's the move to the south been for you? Wouldn't mind doing it myself southern maryland even has became too...
Hey Steve long time no see, how's the move to the south been for you? Wouldn't mind doing it myself southern maryland even has became too congested for my tastes. I belive NC97 family were the owners prior to the Yentzers'.
Aaron .. I think you guys got my track confused with another.. Mine was Dublin MX , about 25 minutes from Lumberton. NC. I operated it from 1991 to 1995., We had a night track , and then we built an outdoor sand track. Wow that's been along time ago.
MPM64
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Rochester, MI, USA
11/16/2011 8:35pm
TomZ wrote:
Mark........some Mustang Acres stories would be fun also.

Think of the guys that have raced there over the years.

Sorry.....no thread hijacking intended.
mustang acres

You can have a pass on the thread hijack TZ as this old pic is from a LL area qualifier from Mustang Acres. Unfortunately I don't have any good stories from that track. Only thing I can recall is the boys from the Iron Mustangs biker club getting a little crazy and dragging an old aluminum fishing boat behind a beat up old truck all night long. That was a good classic District 14 track and I enjoyed racing there.

Dave Tambling #177, I'm #14, Greg Nesler #45, Keith Bowen also getting a bad start directly behind DT. I'm sure he had blown by us all within a few laps. Must have been 125 expert stock class. Hard to beleive we could ride in that gear. I don't think it is possible to get pants any tighter than the stuff we all wore back then. Those two guys spectating in the background are classic. Guy in the yellow shirt looks half in the bag from tipping Budweiser's all day. LOL.

By the way...Do I know you?
shunter986
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Augusta, NJ, USA
Fantasy
11/17/2011 7:27am
TomZ wrote:
Mark........some Mustang Acres stories would be fun also.

Think of the guys that have raced there over the years.

Sorry.....no thread hijacking intended.
MPM64 wrote:
You can have a pass on the thread hijack TZ as this old pic is from a LL area qualifier from Mustang Acres. Unfortunately I don't...
mustang acres

You can have a pass on the thread hijack TZ as this old pic is from a LL area qualifier from Mustang Acres. Unfortunately I don't have any good stories from that track. Only thing I can recall is the boys from the Iron Mustangs biker club getting a little crazy and dragging an old aluminum fishing boat behind a beat up old truck all night long. That was a good classic District 14 track and I enjoyed racing there.

Dave Tambling #177, I'm #14, Greg Nesler #45, Keith Bowen also getting a bad start directly behind DT. I'm sure he had blown by us all within a few laps. Must have been 125 expert stock class. Hard to beleive we could ride in that gear. I don't think it is possible to get pants any tighter than the stuff we all wore back then. Those two guys spectating in the background are classic. Guy in the yellow shirt looks half in the bag from tipping Budweiser's all day. LOL.

By the way...Do I know you?
hahahaha thats so sick. Reminds me of all the years I spent at dilla lol. That place was out of control lol. I got stories for days but I think some of them might follow a small stint in jail haha!
TomZ
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708
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West Bloomfield, MI, USA
11/17/2011 8:02am
TomZ wrote:
Mark........some Mustang Acres stories would be fun also.

Think of the guys that have raced there over the years.

Sorry.....no thread hijacking intended.
MPM64 wrote:
You can have a pass on the thread hijack TZ as this old pic is from a LL area qualifier from Mustang Acres. Unfortunately I don't...
mustang acres

You can have a pass on the thread hijack TZ as this old pic is from a LL area qualifier from Mustang Acres. Unfortunately I don't have any good stories from that track. Only thing I can recall is the boys from the Iron Mustangs biker club getting a little crazy and dragging an old aluminum fishing boat behind a beat up old truck all night long. That was a good classic District 14 track and I enjoyed racing there.

Dave Tambling #177, I'm #14, Greg Nesler #45, Keith Bowen also getting a bad start directly behind DT. I'm sure he had blown by us all within a few laps. Must have been 125 expert stock class. Hard to beleive we could ride in that gear. I don't think it is possible to get pants any tighter than the stuff we all wore back then. Those two guys spectating in the background are classic. Guy in the yellow shirt looks half in the bag from tipping Budweiser's all day. LOL.

By the way...Do I know you?
Nessler brothers Dad was my math teacher in high school. Remember to look at Nessler's goggles.......remember that ? Still talk to Bowen from time to time.

We have met a few times........i put on the AMA Supermoto Championship and have been racing with all our Michigan Mafia buddies since the early 70's as a little kid. Owned a couple shops around town and have enjoyed staying close to the racing stuff. Wednesday night comp club at Mustang is a good memory. Raced some national stuff as an am......just good enough to SPEND a living at it. Still race a handful of races each year....just to hang out with all our old friends.

As goofy as this sounds...i have a small jar of the dirt from mustang on the last race day.

Is that pic from 81 or 82 ??

Good stuff !!
motox505
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52
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Swarthmore, PA, USA
11/17/2011 8:07am
Day602 wrote:
Yeah man that would be me, I belive I know who you are. Had some good times at LL and have some crazy stories that involve...
Yeah man that would be me, I belive I know who you are. Had some good times at LL and have some crazy stories that involve your bro lol. I don't think Chris made it that year he was real hit or miss with that and when he did make it he crashed out anyway. That was a crazy year at the ranch on and off the track.
Fleece192 wrote:
I remember you and my son Jeff battling it out at Walden in the 125c class many years ago. You guys were way out and on...
I remember you and my son Jeff battling it out at Walden in the 125c class many years ago. You guys were way out and on the last lap Jeffs bike seized on the I95 double...I think he would have finally beat youWhistling
Day602 wrote:
I actually remember that day.... Walden was one of my favorite tracks but I only made it up there a few times. Chris its been a...
I actually remember that day.... Walden was one of my favorite tracks but I only made it up there a few times. Chris its been a while, I think the last time I remember racing you was mini o's in 2003. Before that i can't think of a big race that we weren't at together and you also introduced me to the sand pits of Jersey, that alone is unforgettable. Great pictures on the blog those brought back many memories for me also. Pretty fascinating what you've been up to, update that blog a bit more and let me know when you wanna break out the crf and make a trip south to maryland.
Yeah Aaron, last time I saw you I think was at budds creek pro national in 2003, I think we finished near each other too, where I always finished 20-25th, haha. I remember riding claytons sand pit with you in the day too, I practically lived at that place for many years. Back in your bumpsticks days. And for the record I think it was you that stomped the gas pedal on that golf cart, you were a laugh riot back then! We were lucky we got to race that year at LL, after that little incident, I think I'd be dead right now if we had to pack it up and go home. I can also remember you putting in some clutch rides at Budds over the years too. I think you won the regional there in 1997 in a very stacked schoolboy class, back the year the big gulp was a step down (sick) and the track went backwards with that crazy wide open start that went straight into the dip before what is now henry hill (97'?). Good times!

I'll let you know when I get my act together to go riding moto, I just got a new VFX helmet for Downhilling, I need a set of knee braces and I'm pretty good to go, I'll let you know.
shunter986
Posts
240
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Location
Augusta, NJ, USA
Fantasy
11/17/2011 9:16am
Fleece192 wrote:
I remember you and my son Jeff battling it out at Walden in the 125c class many years ago. You guys were way out and on...
I remember you and my son Jeff battling it out at Walden in the 125c class many years ago. You guys were way out and on the last lap Jeffs bike seized on the I95 double...I think he would have finally beat youWhistling
Day602 wrote:
I actually remember that day.... Walden was one of my favorite tracks but I only made it up there a few times. Chris its been a...
I actually remember that day.... Walden was one of my favorite tracks but I only made it up there a few times. Chris its been a while, I think the last time I remember racing you was mini o's in 2003. Before that i can't think of a big race that we weren't at together and you also introduced me to the sand pits of Jersey, that alone is unforgettable. Great pictures on the blog those brought back many memories for me also. Pretty fascinating what you've been up to, update that blog a bit more and let me know when you wanna break out the crf and make a trip south to maryland.
motox505 wrote:
Yeah Aaron, last time I saw you I think was at budds creek pro national in 2003, I think we finished near each other too, where...
Yeah Aaron, last time I saw you I think was at budds creek pro national in 2003, I think we finished near each other too, where I always finished 20-25th, haha. I remember riding claytons sand pit with you in the day too, I practically lived at that place for many years. Back in your bumpsticks days. And for the record I think it was you that stomped the gas pedal on that golf cart, you were a laugh riot back then! We were lucky we got to race that year at LL, after that little incident, I think I'd be dead right now if we had to pack it up and go home. I can also remember you putting in some clutch rides at Budds over the years too. I think you won the regional there in 1997 in a very stacked schoolboy class, back the year the big gulp was a step down (sick) and the track went backwards with that crazy wide open start that went straight into the dip before what is now henry hill (97'?). Good times!

I'll let you know when I get my act together to go riding moto, I just got a new VFX helmet for Downhilling, I need a set of knee braces and I'm pretty good to go, I'll let you know.
Chris Ill get you a set for x-mas if you will actually come ride with us lol. Im looking at a 2010 CRF450 left over in the city right now. 5500. I think thats what im going to do instead of the 12 kawi its just too much money. I cant afford 7000 and thats a cash price
Hando
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1571
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11/13/2011
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USA
11/17/2011 9:41am
MotoX505 ...Claytons Pit in NJ is where all the fast guys from Jersey train/used to train

It was also featured in MotoXXX 3 I think with Deegan on an RM125

The track there is GNARLY! knee deep sand whoops that are endless.

Damn, I miss riding!
shunter986
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Location
Augusta, NJ, USA
Fantasy
11/17/2011 9:47am
Hando wrote:
MotoX505 ...Claytons Pit in NJ is where all the fast guys from Jersey train/used to train It was also featured in MotoXXX 3 I think with...
MotoX505 ...Claytons Pit in NJ is where all the fast guys from Jersey train/used to train

It was also featured in MotoXXX 3 I think with Deegan on an RM125

The track there is GNARLY! knee deep sand whoops that are endless.

Damn, I miss riding!
We grew up in those sand pits. I stated riding there on a Z50 all the way thru 250A lol. Its pretty weak out there now a days though. A lot of the dunes are all gone now. They have been taking sand out of there like crazy.

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