Ponca City national moving

Highsider
Posts
7679
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
Way Toasty, IA, USA
12/10/2011 5:24pm Edited Date/Time 12/10/2011 5:26pm
Back in 2003 I drove by there and saw a guy on a supermoto bike running laps around the kart track. Later that night I logged...
Back in 2003 I drove by there and saw a guy on a supermoto bike running laps around the kart track. Later that night I logged in to RonRonMX.com and saw some photos John Craft had posted. Turns out it was Doug Henry. Does anybody know what John Craft is up to? I think that was his name.
"---314" something.
I met John several years ago on a Blanchard practice day in January.
Nice fellow.

Same time I railed bq365 off the track, so you could say I met him at the same day.
Jarid332
Posts
5360
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
Somewhere north of Toronto, CA
Fantasy
12/10/2011 5:35pm
Cobra314...

I haven't seen John around any forum in a very long time. He was a good dude, and took some awesome pics.
Jammer1
Posts
29
Joined
12/10/2011
Location
Oklahoma City, OK, USA
12/10/2011 7:16pm Edited Date/Time 12/10/2011 7:18pm
Geez! No need in waisting your money.
stash124
Posts
300
Joined
8/3/2010
Location
USA
12/10/2011 7:27pm
DL wrote:
Sure would like to see NMA go away completely and MX Sports compete for those dates and locals........ might be the start of a real amateur...
Sure would like to see NMA go away completely and MX Sports compete for those dates and locals........ might be the start of a real amateur championship series....... Ron Henricksen is an arrogant sum bitch imho.
it's coming......probably after 2012

The Shop

bigborefan
Posts
1472
Joined
3/8/2008
Location
Urbana, IL, USA
12/10/2011 7:45pm
jmar wrote:
It's all about the infrastructure. Hotels, restaurants etc.

Now if the outdoor nats would take notice.
bigborefan wrote:
F&*K infrastructure, MX is supposed out be out in the boonies, sleep in the truck or in a tent. This sport is getting so watered down...
F&*K infrastructure, MX is supposed out be out in the boonies, sleep in the truck or in a tent. This sport is getting so watered down these days. And Loretta Lynns is not exactly in suburbia.

What is the story on the Norman track? Sand track down by the river? That would be nice.
jmar wrote:
The last thing armature racing is getting is "watered down". The kids are better prepared, and faster than ever. If you want to go camping, go...
The last thing armature racing is getting is "watered down". The kids are better prepared, and faster than ever. If you want to go camping, go fucking camping, but that has absolutely nothing to do with racing at the highest level of the sport.

As far as infrastructure? If you want to sport to grow, or even survive for that matter, pro level outdoor races need to be held closer to more densely populated area's where there is infrastructure. As far as Loretta's, we always stayed in Dixon, because you can only eat at Cat Fish Cabin so many times. The other few restaurants were shit holes.

Maybe you should have been a boy scout if you really are in to the camping thing.
Funny, I was a Boy Scout and then a Boy Scout leader. I now combine motorcycling and camping together.

Too each his own, we like what we like.
jmar
Posts
14154
Joined
2/11/2007
Location
Oklahoma City, OK, USA
12/10/2011 7:54pm
DL wrote:
Sure would like to see NMA go away completely and MX Sports compete for those dates and locals........ might be the start of a real amateur...
Sure would like to see NMA go away completely and MX Sports compete for those dates and locals........ might be the start of a real amateur championship series....... Ron Henricksen is an arrogant sum bitch imho.
stash124 wrote:
it's coming......probably after 2012
Don't hold your breath. Ron has been at it many years, and his son Lance is very capable of picking up where his pop's left off.

Both the Coomb's family, and the Hendrickson family have a place in this sport. And to think that this sport would be better if one or the other didn't exist is stupid.

BTW: The Peterson family has a long history in this sport. They are not as active as they use to be, so is that a good thing? I don't think so. Don't forget the name Surber either. Another family that has done a lot for this sport, along with many others from both the past and the present.
CamP
Posts
6826
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Colleyville, TX, USA
12/10/2011 8:04pm
jmar wrote:
Don't hold your breath. Ron has been at it many years, and his son Lance is very capable of picking up where his pop's left off...
Don't hold your breath. Ron has been at it many years, and his son Lance is very capable of picking up where his pop's left off.

Both the Coomb's family, and the Hendrickson family have a place in this sport. And to think that this sport would be better if one or the other didn't exist is stupid.

BTW: The Peterson family has a long history in this sport. They are not as active as they use to be, so is that a good thing? I don't think so. Don't forget the name Surber either. Another family that has done a lot for this sport, along with many others from both the past and the present.
Surber's retirement definitely set back racing in Texas.
bigborefan
Posts
1472
Joined
3/8/2008
Location
Urbana, IL, USA
12/10/2011 8:08pm
I still have a vintage GNC patch, in mint condition. Wonder what that's worth these days?

GNC, Gerry Needs Cash, that's what I remember, He seemed alright to me, I can't say I knew him really well. He put on some good races.
drmarkr
Posts
3226
Joined
8/21/2006
Location
Tucson, AZ, USA
12/10/2011 8:40pm
Jarid332 wrote:
Cobra314...

I haven't seen John around any forum in a very long time. He was a good dude, and took some awesome pics.
I talk with John (Cobra314) pretty regularly....I'll let him know you guys were asking about him.
jmar
Posts
14154
Joined
2/11/2007
Location
Oklahoma City, OK, USA
12/10/2011 8:43pm
bigborefan wrote:
I still have a vintage GNC patch, in mint condition. Wonder what that's worth these days? GNC, Gerry Needs Cash, that's what I remember, He seemed...
I still have a vintage GNC patch, in mint condition. Wonder what that's worth these days?

GNC, Gerry Needs Cash, that's what I remember, He seemed alright to me, I can't say I knew him really well. He put on some good races.
GNC, Gerry Needs Cash, that's what I remember

But that's my point. Why do you remember that?

All, I repeat, ALL AMATEUR nationals are a shitload of cash. Not a single one of the promoters are godlike, and are in the business for no other reason than doing what's best for the sport. Each and everyone of the sanctioning bodies are both business men and enthusiast of the sport.

GNC, CMC, NMA and MX Sports have all been good for the sport. Non of them are the saviors, or demons of the sport.
herbs906
Posts
184
Joined
3/11/2009
Location
USA
12/10/2011 8:46pm
jmar wrote:
It's all about the infrastructure. Hotels, restaurants etc.

Now if the outdoor nats would take notice.
bigborefan wrote:
F&*K infrastructure, MX is supposed out be out in the boonies, sleep in the truck or in a tent. This sport is getting so watered down...
F&*K infrastructure, MX is supposed out be out in the boonies, sleep in the truck or in a tent. This sport is getting so watered down these days. And Loretta Lynns is not exactly in suburbia.

What is the story on the Norman track? Sand track down by the river? That would be nice.
Sand track? these rich spoiled kids dont wanna ride sand! its too hard!
jmar
Posts
14154
Joined
2/11/2007
Location
Oklahoma City, OK, USA
12/10/2011 8:54pm
jmar wrote:
It's all about the infrastructure. Hotels, restaurants etc.

Now if the outdoor nats would take notice.
bigborefan wrote:
F&*K infrastructure, MX is supposed out be out in the boonies, sleep in the truck or in a tent. This sport is getting so watered down...
F&*K infrastructure, MX is supposed out be out in the boonies, sleep in the truck or in a tent. This sport is getting so watered down these days. And Loretta Lynns is not exactly in suburbia.

What is the story on the Norman track? Sand track down by the river? That would be nice.
herbs906 wrote:
Sand track? these rich spoiled kids dont wanna ride sand! its too hard!
Rich spoiled kids don't like to ride sand because it's to hard?

I don't know of a top armature that can't ride what ever is put in front of them. Some of you guys are really ate up with the hardcore, camping at the track, eating shit food and riding a roach bike deal.

I am begining to think that hardcore means old and slow. Cool
wardy
Posts
1794
Joined
3/31/2008
Location
USA
12/10/2011 9:14pm
DL wrote:
Sure would like to see NMA go away completely and MX Sports compete for those dates and locals........ might be the start of a real amateur...
Sure would like to see NMA go away completely and MX Sports compete for those dates and locals........ might be the start of a real amateur championship series....... Ron Henricksen is an arrogant sum bitch imho.
yea like there isn't already to many eggs in one basket.
12/10/2011 9:55pm Edited Date/Time 12/10/2011 10:16pm
DL wrote:
Sure would like to see NMA go away completely and MX Sports compete for those dates and locals........ might be the start of a real amateur...
Sure would like to see NMA go away completely and MX Sports compete for those dates and locals........ might be the start of a real amateur championship series....... Ron Henricksen is an arrogant sum bitch imho.
stash124 wrote:
it's coming......probably after 2012
jmar wrote:
Don't hold your breath. Ron has been at it many years, and his son Lance is very capable of picking up where his pop's left off...
Don't hold your breath. Ron has been at it many years, and his son Lance is very capable of picking up where his pop's left off.

Both the Coomb's family, and the Hendrickson family have a place in this sport. And to think that this sport would be better if one or the other didn't exist is stupid.

BTW: The Peterson family has a long history in this sport. They are not as active as they use to be, so is that a good thing? I don't think so. Don't forget the name Surber either. Another family that has done a lot for this sport, along with many others from both the past and the present.
I didnt know that Lance Moorewood was Ron Hendricksen son , I thought the late Ted Moorewood was Lance's dad. I like how Lance shows up for a day or two and never gets his white shirt dirty or messes up his hair, yeah he is real capable.
12/10/2011 10:05pm Edited Date/Time 12/10/2011 10:07pm
jmar wrote:
It's all about the infrastructure. Hotels, restaurants etc.

Now if the outdoor nats would take notice.
Good thing Loretta Lynns is right in a huge population center with a massive infastructure or it would have never made it as a amateur national.
bigborefan
Posts
1472
Joined
3/8/2008
Location
Urbana, IL, USA
12/10/2011 11:05pm Edited Date/Time 12/10/2011 11:13pm
GNC, Gerry Needs Cash, why do I remember that? No ideal, maybe it just had a good ring to it.

I obviously never took MX to seriously. I rode Ponca in 1980, Lorettas in 84, Rode a bunch of GNC stuff, OK and TX if I recall correctly. I was an AMATEUR, a hobbyist as the Euros would say. I had no dreams or plans of being a pro, it was just a hobby for me. Still is. Motorcycling that is, I don't ride MX anymore. I still follow the Pro scene, go to a few outdoor nationals when I can. I don't follow the amateur scene at all. If and when Johnny Rocket goes pro, I'll check him out then.

And I did a lot of camping over the years at those races. Did Loretta Lynns in a tent. I still go to Lorettas and trial ride twice a year. Still take a tent or sleep in my van. I wouldn't say that makes me core, it is just what I enjoy, part of the trip and the weekend for me.

Like i said earlier, to each his own.

I think you take this stuff a little to seriously sometimes Jim. Relax, we are all friends here.

Oh and my bikes, I always have some of the nicest stuff at the track. It may not be uber trick, but my stuff is clean, tight and well maintained. I remember tech inspection at Ponca 1980, the inspector told me everyone's stuff should be this clean. And I was on a 79KX, so a year old bike at least.
12/10/2011 11:16pm Edited Date/Time 12/10/2011 11:36pm
bigborefan wrote:
GNC, Gerry Needs Cash, why do I remember that? No ideal, maybe it just had a good ring to it. I obviously never took MX to...
GNC, Gerry Needs Cash, why do I remember that? No ideal, maybe it just had a good ring to it.

I obviously never took MX to seriously. I rode Ponca in 1980, Lorettas in 84, Rode a bunch of GNC stuff, OK and TX if I recall correctly. I was an AMATEUR, a hobbyist as the Euros would say. I had no dreams or plans of being a pro, it was just a hobby for me. Still is. Motorcycling that is, I don't ride MX anymore. I still follow the Pro scene, go to a few outdoor nationals when I can. I don't follow the amateur scene at all. If and when Johnny Rocket goes pro, I'll check him out then.

And I did a lot of camping over the years at those races. Did Loretta Lynns in a tent. I still go to Lorettas and trial ride twice a year. Still take a tent or sleep in my van. I wouldn't say that makes me core, it is just what I enjoy, part of the trip and the weekend for me.

Like i said earlier, to each his own.

I think you take this stuff a little to seriously sometimes Jim. Relax, we are all friends here.

Oh and my bikes, I always have some of the nicest stuff at the track. It may not be uber trick, but my stuff is clean, tight and well maintained. I remember tech inspection at Ponca 1980, the inspector told me everyone's stuff should be this clean. And I was on a 79KX, so a year old bike at least.
One thing about Jim is he never lets facts stand in the way of his opinion, but most of the time he stays over in non moto.
bigborefan
Posts
1472
Joined
3/8/2008
Location
Urbana, IL, USA
12/10/2011 11:29pm
Jim and I knew each other years ago. We ran in the same circles for a while. He's a good guy, passionate,, that's the word.
JustMX
Posts
5295
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
12/11/2011 12:24am
There is so much more to what is going on with Ponca........The stuff will hit the fan soon enough.........when it does there are a lot of people that are going to get stains on their shirts..............
cobra314
Posts
70
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Owasso, OK, USA
12/11/2011 4:35pm
Back in 2003 I drove by there and saw a guy on a supermoto bike running laps around the kart track. Later that night I logged...
Back in 2003 I drove by there and saw a guy on a supermoto bike running laps around the kart track. Later that night I logged in to RonRonMX.com and saw some photos John Craft had posted. Turns out it was Doug Henry. Does anybody know what John Craft is up to? I think that was his name.
I'm still around, just not like I used to be. I stopped taking photos back in 2006. Those were some really great days, but I have moved on in life.
jmar
Posts
14154
Joined
2/11/2007
Location
Oklahoma City, OK, USA
12/11/2011 5:41pm
stash124 wrote:
it's coming......probably after 2012
jmar wrote:
Don't hold your breath. Ron has been at it many years, and his son Lance is very capable of picking up where his pop's left off...
Don't hold your breath. Ron has been at it many years, and his son Lance is very capable of picking up where his pop's left off.

Both the Coomb's family, and the Hendrickson family have a place in this sport. And to think that this sport would be better if one or the other didn't exist is stupid.

BTW: The Peterson family has a long history in this sport. They are not as active as they use to be, so is that a good thing? I don't think so. Don't forget the name Surber either. Another family that has done a lot for this sport, along with many others from both the past and the present.
lostboy819 wrote:
I didnt know that Lance Moorewood was Ron Hendricksen son , I thought the late Ted Moorewood was Lance's dad. I like how Lance shows up...
I didnt know that Lance Moorewood was Ron Hendricksen son , I thought the late Ted Moorewood was Lance's dad. I like how Lance shows up for a day or two and never gets his white shirt dirty or messes up his hair, yeah he is real capable.
Lostboy

My bad. It's Kurt that is Ron's son. Lance is Ted and Patty's son, and my guess is that the Moorewoods still have some ownership in the NMA.

Although you don't seem to think much of Lance, he's been around for many years at many different levels of the sport. Between he and Kurt, NMA will continue to go on for many years to come.
jmar
Posts
14154
Joined
2/11/2007
Location
Oklahoma City, OK, USA
12/11/2011 5:57pm
jmar wrote:
It's all about the infrastructure. Hotels, restaurants etc.

Now if the outdoor nats would take notice.
lostboy819 wrote:
Good thing Loretta Lynns is right in a huge population center with a massive infastructure or it would have never made it as a amateur national.
What you don't seem to have the ability to do is understand that a race like LL, WMGP, or the old Ponca City race is a race that amateurs would attend if it were held in Death Valley, in the middle of August. That doesn't mean that it's the best place for the race to be held. It just mean's that some are going to attend no matter where it's held. For many, it's a tool to reach the next level.

With that said, Norman OK will be a better place because it, and the surrounding area has the infrastructure to support these types of crowds much better than Hurricane Mills, or Ponca City. From my experience, my wife and youngest son would have loved to have more options for things to do when they were stuck at races like this, that were held out in the middle of nowhere.

Same goes for those spectators that go to an outdoor national. Joe moto want's to hang at the track and watch the race, and his wife, girlfriend etc want's to have lunch with her friend and shop.

It's simple marketing, nothing more, nothing less.
WFO
Posts
601
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Terrell, TX, USA
12/11/2011 10:11pm
JustMX wrote:
There is so much more to what is going on with Ponca........The stuff will hit the fan soon enough.........when it does there are a lot of...
There is so much more to what is going on with Ponca........The stuff will hit the fan soon enough.........when it does there are a lot of people that are going to get stains on their shirts..............
Ahhhh,...+1!
12/12/2011 10:01pm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12/12/11
ABC Race Association Severs Ties with NMA, Interview New Race Promoters
After 33 years, the ABC Race Association, Inc. has terminated their relationship with the National Motosports Association. According to Race Board Chairman Tom Burg, “It was time to move forward. We had no choice but to sever our ties with NMA.”
The ABC Race Association Inc. was established by the AMBUCS in 1961. Although the corporation was initially responsible for the creation and operation of the Ponca City Grand Prix Sports Car Race, it later also created a venue for motocross races. They teamed with NMA promoters in 1978 and began hosting the Ponca City Grand National Motocross Race. This event has grown into the single largest tourism attraction in Ponca City and it brings millions of dollars in revenue to the Community each year.
“As word got out concerning our separation, promoters from all over the United States began calling. We have one of the top ten tracks in the Country, and the riders enjoy coming to Ponca City. We constantly receive many comments regarding the friendliness of not just the AMBUCS but the entire Community,” commented Chairman Burg.
“We are very excited to be selecting a new promoter to carry on the tradition of championship racing here in Ponca City,” said Burg. Resumes are coming in from all over the country, and our selection committee will be meeting to review and make a final decision next week.
We will also be working with the City, the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism to discuss new opportunities for growth and promotion. Issues involving track safety and improved spectator access and along with a new track design will also be addressed.
The Ponca City AMBUCS charted in 1927 is a civic organization dedicated to creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities. All income from the Ponca City Grand National Motocross event is used to purchase AmTrykes, provide scholarships for therapists, and to sponsor local projects such as AMBUC Pool and AMBUC Park.
JustMX
Posts
5295
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
12/12/2011 10:53pm Edited Date/Time 12/12/2011 10:54pm
Interesting,

They are "Interviewing" new race promoters.

I know of one that might be surprised by that....Haha

So it would appear that there may end up being two events, one in Ponca, and the other the NMA race in Norman.

Interesting how that will play out if they are head to head.

How do you pick the winner, the one that loses the least money?

Doing something like this in the current economy might be like having a pissing contest after a week lost in the desert.
12/12/2011 11:42pm
“As word got out concerning our separation, promoters from all over the United States began calling. We have one of the top ten tracks in the Country..."

not to be "that guy" but the Ponca track was in NO WAY one of the top ten tracks in the country. period!!! Maybe top ten Am events in the country, ok. But the track itself is nowhere, remotely, close to a top track.
kris5407
Posts
3
Joined
12/13/2011
Location
Cherryvale, KS, USA
12/13/2011 8:49am
jmar wrote:
It's all about the infrastructure. Hotels, restaurants etc.

Now if the outdoor nats would take notice.
bigborefan wrote:
F&*K infrastructure, MX is supposed out be out in the boonies, sleep in the truck or in a tent. This sport is getting so watered down...
F&*K infrastructure, MX is supposed out be out in the boonies, sleep in the truck or in a tent. This sport is getting so watered down these days. And Loretta Lynns is not exactly in suburbia.

What is the story on the Norman track? Sand track down by the river? That would be nice.
jmar wrote:
The last thing armature racing is getting is "watered down". The kids are better prepared, and faster than ever. If you want to go camping, go...
The last thing armature racing is getting is "watered down". The kids are better prepared, and faster than ever. If you want to go camping, go fucking camping, but that has absolutely nothing to do with racing at the highest level of the sport.

As far as infrastructure? If you want to sport to grow, or even survive for that matter, pro level outdoor races need to be held closer to more densely populated area's where there is infrastructure. As far as Loretta's, we always stayed in Dixon, because you can only eat at Cat Fish Cabin so many times. The other few restaurants were shit holes.

Maybe you should have been a boy scout if you really are in to the camping thing.
Jim, I have been doing this since 1969 and you are exactly correct.................
kris5407
Posts
3
Joined
12/13/2011
Location
Cherryvale, KS, USA
12/13/2011 8:57am
Facility is awesome, people are awesome, the Norman group was world cart team of the year several times. They know big racing, they are racers themselves, they have money, resources and they own the entire facility. Rodney is a great dude works hard for the racers. The area is a ideal location, the track can be viewed entirely nearly from every vantage point, they own their own construction equipment, the entire course has a lighting system for night time, pitting is nearly 360 of the track itself. Hotels and dining are plentiful as well next to the new casino that offers great dinning and lodging. The location is perfect in respects to travelers and convenience and I have no doubt that NMA bettered themselves long term. Ponca city was there a long time, there will always be your die hard Ponca fans but when Jack died the race died its over end of story. I am 100% behind Rodney, and NMA for the move to Oklahoma City, we racers will benefit the most and I welcome the new exciting change that will bring a new much needed interest into the race... The location itself is a 100% bulls eye move as well Oklahoma City has the power to grow the promotional part of the race. I been doing this since 1969 so I have seen em come and I have seen em go... News of this move in my view if and when it fully develops will be a very good one for the racers themselves, families and their importance in the long term growth of quality MX facilities...... Smile
rocrac
Posts
2454
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
Indianapolis, IN, USA
12/13/2011 9:02am Edited Date/Time 12/13/2011 9:05am
NM
kris5407
Posts
3
Joined
12/13/2011
Location
Cherryvale, KS, USA
12/13/2011 9:15am
“As word got out concerning our separation, promoters from all over the United States began calling. We have one of the top ten tracks in the...
“As word got out concerning our separation, promoters from all over the United States began calling. We have one of the top ten tracks in the Country..."

not to be "that guy" but the Ponca track was in NO WAY one of the top ten tracks in the country. period!!! Maybe top ten Am events in the country, ok. But the track itself is nowhere, remotely, close to a top track.
The whole Ponca deal has become a butt joke among everyone....... the facility is a out dated dinosaur that still has the same problems it had when it was poorly designed. How bout this year where the entire track was prepped by a single backhoe and watered by antique methods wasn't that special.......

Post a reply to: Ponca City national moving

The Latest