Anyone race the Mammoth Motocross?

casper
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San Diego, CA, USA
Edited Date/Time 6/19/2014 8:45am
I'm thinking about qualifying to race there this summer and I would either race a Vet class or the 450 class. The Vet classes race on one weekend and the 450 class on the following weekend. I could probably qualify for both but I'm only going to drive there once. It's going to be my first time at Mammoth and I think watching the racing and walking around will be just as fun as being in a race there. For anyone who has gone, is one weekend better to attend then another?
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IceMan446
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Sacramento, CA, USA
4/9/2014 11:59am
Great event. I can only speak for the normal week not the vet week. You will see some seriously fast guys there and some Pros.

Track is brutal but so much fun. I would go there and get all the practice in you can and get used to the elevation. It does make a difference. Great area surrounding mammoth and there are some condos you can rent for the week with a garage which helps keep your bike safe and working on them is easier.

Have fun man. I just turned 30 so I may have to check out the vet weekend now! lol
BAMX
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Fallbrook, CA, USA
4/9/2014 12:12pm
It is a super fun event, at least as far as the Vet weekend goes. A lot of the regulars race REM in the month or two before to get used to the long motos and rough track.
NV825
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Carson City, NV, USA
4/9/2014 12:31pm
Never been the vet weekend, but some of my favorite memories are from the pro weekend. The town of Mammoth is completely taken over by moto and you may certainly see the future stars of tomorrow racing there.
moto314
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Mooresville, NC, USA
4/9/2014 12:57pm
I have only been for the vet weekend and there is plenty going on and well worth it.

The Shop

Falcon
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Menifee, CA, USA
4/9/2014 1:02pm
I've been there twice and had a blast both times. I doubt anyone will ever say anything different, because that race rules!

Don't forget to bring your mountain bike to tool around on the trails between races.
The Rock
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HAIKU, HI, USA
4/9/2014 2:26pm
Race the Vet weekend for sure. If you are going to have one nice meal out I highly recommend Slocum's for dinner.

Drink plenty of water before going there and don't run high octane fuel at elevation. Took me years to get it but when I finally did man my bike ran so much better.
BAMX
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4/9/2014 2:31pm
The Rock wrote:
Race the Vet weekend for sure. If you are going to have one nice meal out I highly recommend Slocum's for dinner. Drink plenty of water...
Race the Vet weekend for sure. If you are going to have one nice meal out I highly recommend Slocum's for dinner.

Drink plenty of water before going there and don't run high octane fuel at elevation. Took me years to get it but when I finally did man my bike ran so much better.
They sell the proper fuel at the track. Try The Stove for breakfast it is awesome. Oh and start running right now, the altitude is a killer and the motos are long.
slipdog
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Nor Cal, CA, USA
4/9/2014 4:37pm
I think you want the normal race weekend.

They are both great times, just different. The Vet weekend is more laid back with an older crowd. The next weekend is like an Amateur National.
Brent
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Temecula, CA, USA
4/9/2014 5:54pm Edited Date/Time 4/9/2014 5:59pm
Ive raced the Vet weekend several years, and it is tons of fun to watch either week. A lot of retired national pros race the vet race, and they are not slow. The track gets extremely rough at the end of the day, so prepare yourself.

If you can hit up the practice days before the event you should do so, as you will need time to dial in your bike and body to the altitude, and bring extra gearing. The first laps of practice when the track is like smooth chocolate cake are the most fun IMO.

Lastly make sure you get in line at the track EARLY, like before the sun comes up, or else you get pitted where you can't see the racing from your pit.

You will also have sandbaggers in your class who drop down to get a Bear, so don't be surprised.
COAL-TRAIN
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Harbor City, CA, USA
4/9/2014 6:20pm
casper wrote:
I'm thinking about qualifying to race there this summer and I would either race a Vet class or the 450 class. The Vet classes race on...
I'm thinking about qualifying to race there this summer and I would either race a Vet class or the 450 class. The Vet classes race on one weekend and the 450 class on the following weekend. I could probably qualify for both but I'm only going to drive there once. It's going to be my first time at Mammoth and I think watching the racing and walking around will be just as fun as being in a race there. For anyone who has gone, is one weekend better to attend then another?
You race sat and sunday on the vet weekend for combined 4 moto results.
I know Ill get some shit from saying this but the track is to rough by the finals. Its dangerous...I have seen multiple people carted off from landing and coming into the braking bumps to fast after the big table and on the down hill....my buddy knocked himself out cold right in front of me. Im not saying make it a freeway but there are a couple areas that should be looked at as the day goes on.
My feeling when racing there is I am being tortured lol!
DA498
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Milliken, CO, USA
4/9/2014 6:25pm
Big Events = Sandbaggers... Fact of life in moto....Have fun.... I want to do Vet Nats this year at GH...Bucket List deal...
Brent
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Temecula, CA, USA
4/10/2014 8:46am
COAL-TRAIN wrote:
You race sat and sunday on the vet weekend for combined 4 moto results. I know Ill get some shit from saying this but the track...
You race sat and sunday on the vet weekend for combined 4 moto results.
I know Ill get some shit from saying this but the track is to rough by the finals. Its dangerous...I have seen multiple people carted off from landing and coming into the braking bumps to fast after the big table and on the down hill....my buddy knocked himself out cold right in front of me. Im not saying make it a freeway but there are a couple areas that should be looked at as the day goes on.
My feeling when racing there is I am being tortured lol!
I agree with you, it gets a little treacherous at the end of the day, I always have trouble with the bomb holes that develop in the back section before the tabletops. But then again, all us crusty old geezers have to race on the same track, so everybody gets their ass kicked by how rough it is.

If you are lucky your motos are first or second off the gate.
Falcon
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Menifee, CA, USA
4/10/2014 11:32am
Yeah, don't run your nice wheels at Mammoth! Go with the practice set for sure.

Go with the lean coupler, map, or jets. Definitely maximize your available power - new tires, clutch, top end, etc. Good luck and have fun!
casper
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San Diego, CA, USA
4/10/2014 1:12pm
casper wrote:
I'm thinking about qualifying to race there this summer and I would either race a Vet class or the 450 class. The Vet classes race on...
I'm thinking about qualifying to race there this summer and I would either race a Vet class or the 450 class. The Vet classes race on one weekend and the 450 class on the following weekend. I could probably qualify for both but I'm only going to drive there once. It's going to be my first time at Mammoth and I think watching the racing and walking around will be just as fun as being in a race there. For anyone who has gone, is one weekend better to attend then another?
COAL-TRAIN wrote:
You race sat and sunday on the vet weekend for combined 4 moto results. I know Ill get some shit from saying this but the track...
You race sat and sunday on the vet weekend for combined 4 moto results.
I know Ill get some shit from saying this but the track is to rough by the finals. Its dangerous...I have seen multiple people carted off from landing and coming into the braking bumps to fast after the big table and on the down hill....my buddy knocked himself out cold right in front of me. Im not saying make it a freeway but there are a couple areas that should be looked at as the day goes on.
My feeling when racing there is I am being tortured lol!
For the Vet weekend, how does that work with racing 4 motos? There is no schedule of how the races proceed on race day. Are there qualifying motos on Saturday and then the main racing on Sunday?
urbanlift707
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Humboldt, CA, USA
4/10/2014 9:43pm
Vet weekend has practice Friday racing Saturday and Sunday. Depending on your class size there are different options on how your moto's are run. If there are 40+ entries, which is pretty much every class, then you run heats, lcq's and a main each day. They combine your main event from sat and sun to determine the weekend overall champ. If your class has 40 or less then its standard two moto format both sat and sun, and they take the lowest moto score from all four to determine who gets the bear.
I've raced both regular week and vet and IMO vet weekend is way better, just more laid back.
This is what it looks like if you win your heat, first gate pick!!!
OW38B
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Coto de Caza, CA, USA
4/13/2014 9:55am
I have raced both the regular 4 day and the Vet weekend and both are nothing but extreme fun. Try not to let yourself get caught up in the winning and losing of the race and enjoy Mammoth and all it has to offer.

Far an away the best times were from 1998 to 2002 when we put on the Vet weekend but my perspective of then is slightly skewed.Smile

casper
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San Diego, CA, USA
5/29/2014 7:14pm
Well, I'm in for the Vet weekend. I'll be up from the 19th to the 22ond, just booked my hotel tonight.
kzizok
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USA
5/29/2014 7:30pm
Can anyone comment on qualifying for the event? I really want to go, however, I live far enough away that going to qualifiers a month (or whatever it is) is prolly out of the question. I have heard both ways. You have to do the qualifiers, no exceptions. I have also heard that there is a way to race without doing the qualifiers. Which way is it? Btw, OP, keep us posted on your experience. Thanks!
casper
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San Diego, CA, USA
5/29/2014 8:18pm
Qualifiers are already over. This is what's posted at the registration:

Announcing the 2014 Monster Energy Mammoth Motocross

Entry will re open for racers on May 27th at 8am for all +30/+40/+50 classes, 12 noon for all mini classes, and 2 pm for all remaining classes.

Don't forget to sign up for your practice too. its listed on the right near your class entry tab.

You will have to be a AMA Member to compete in our events. You can buy a full membership or a one day event pass at the event.

May 27th non RTM qualified riders may register online on a first come basis. Non-qualified riders registering for any class for the Mammoth Motocross final online prior to May 22nd will forfeit all fees and not be entered in to the event.


Please call 2Xpromotions at 559-761-0897

Questions for the Mammoth Motocross finale, call the Mammoth Motocross office at 760-934-0605
kzizok
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5/29/2014 8:48pm
Casper, thanks for the info in the reply. Good luck and keep us posted on your experience!
urbanlift707
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Humboldt, CA, USA
5/29/2014 8:52pm
kzizok wrote:
Can anyone comment on qualifying for the event? I really want to go, however, I live far enough away that going to qualifiers a month (or...
Can anyone comment on qualifying for the event? I really want to go, however, I live far enough away that going to qualifiers a month (or whatever it is) is prolly out of the question. I have heard both ways. You have to do the qualifiers, no exceptions. I have also heard that there is a way to race without doing the qualifiers. Which way is it? Btw, OP, keep us posted on your experience. Thanks!
I've raced the last three years in a row and have not done one qualifier.
TeamGreen
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Thru-out, CA, USA
5/29/2014 8:55pm
I'm thinking about going.

Anyone got a Factory KTM I can borrow?

What's the Competition like in O-50?
Coyote
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Santa Cruz, CA, USA
5/29/2014 9:24pm
TeamGreen wrote:
I'm thinking about going.

Anyone got a Factory KTM I can borrow?

What's the Competition like in O-50?
Manny, they were already talking bout your "kind"...ie sandbaggers earlier, lol. My family and I have ONLY been there 14 times..got 3rd 500 pro behind Bell and Staten one year....definitely bucket list item for any rider!!
CarlinoJoeVideo
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Portland/Los Angeles, CA, USA
5/29/2014 11:49pm
Do you guys recommend 2 classes for Vet weekend? Just to get the most bang for the buck on the travel there?
TeamGreen
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5/30/2014 8:05am Edited Date/Time 5/30/2014 5:19pm
TeamGreen wrote:
I'm thinking about going.

Anyone got a Factory KTM I can borrow?

What's the Competition like in O-50?
Coyote wrote:
Manny, they were already talking bout your "kind"...ie sandbaggers earlier, lol. My family and I have ONLY been there 14 times..got 3rd 500 pro behind Bell...
Manny, they were already talking bout your "kind"...ie sandbaggers earlier, lol. My family and I have ONLY been there 14 times..got 3rd 500 pro behind Bell and Staten one year....definitely bucket list item for any rider!!
Well, I don't know about Sand-Bagging...just the other day I had to race against Rodney, you know? The King of Sandhill.

This O-50 crowd ain't easy. It's kinda like Pimpin'.
BAMX
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Fallbrook, CA, USA
5/30/2014 10:33am
Do you guys recommend 2 classes for Vet weekend? Just to get the most bang for the buck on the travel there?
Only if you are in really good shape......rough track, long motos and thin air.
Alex_Smith
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San Marcos, CA, USA
5/30/2014 10:43am
Weekend one is def the a good week if youre thinking about going
Falcon
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Menifee, CA, USA
5/30/2014 2:24pm
Do you guys recommend 2 classes for Vet weekend? Just to get the most bang for the buck on the travel there?
BAMX wrote:
Only if you are in really good shape......rough track, long motos and thin air.
x2. I ran one class and was absolutely cooked!

I had a big class.... had to run the LCQ on Saturday but made the main from my heat on Sunday. That was still 35 laps of full-tilt racing (7 per race,) plus at least 10 laps of practice. I definitely felt like I got my money's worth!
5/30/2014 2:56pm
Thanks for all the great info! I'll be there running the 30B class. Extremely excited as this is my first time going!
BobbyM
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5/30/2014 3:45pm
it is a MUST attend event if you are even slightly moto.

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