Hangtown 125 Race

JM485
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Davis, CA US
Edited Date/Time 6/14/2022 8:06am
I figured I would take the liberty to start the first non-controversial Hangtown thread, everyone likes 125s right? The only thing better than a 125, is a gate full of 125s!

I was lucky enough to talk my way into the 125 invitational race this year, and let me just say that was one of the coolest experiences I've ever had. I always dreamed of racing a pro national, but I just never made it happen, so this was the next best thing that I can think of (plus I didn't have to ride 35min on that bomb zone of a track so that's an added benefit). These tracks get ROUGH, keep in mind this was just before the first motos started and the track was already brutal, I can't even imagine riding it in the final 450 moto. In the end I think I ended up 10 or 11th, not sure exactly, but the whole point of the race was for us to "throw whips and put on a show" so that was really the only goal!

41
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SLAPAHO
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Newport Beach, CA US
Fantasy
6/9/2022 5:37pm
Too bad there's no drone footage
10
6/9/2022 5:49pm
JM485 wrote:
I figured I would take the liberty to start the first non-controversial Hangtown thread, everyone likes 125s right? The only thing better than a 125, is...
I figured I would take the liberty to start the first non-controversial Hangtown thread, everyone likes 125s right? The only thing better than a 125, is a gate full of 125s!

I was lucky enough to talk my way into the 125 invitational race this year, and let me just say that was one of the coolest experiences I've ever had. I always dreamed of racing a pro national, but I just never made it happen, so this was the next best thing that I can think of (plus I didn't have to ride 35min on that bomb zone of a track so that's an added benefit). These tracks get ROUGH, keep in mind this was just before the first motos started and the track was already brutal, I can't even imagine riding it in the final 450 moto. In the end I think I ended up 10 or 11th, not sure exactly, but the whole point of the race was for us to "throw whips and put on a show" so that was really the only goal!

Get to experience that every year at the 125 dream race @ washougal end of August.
3
KTMBRO362
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WEST COAST, CA US
6/9/2022 5:53pm
I thought I saw the 485 out there winning practice.. looked good
2
6/9/2022 8:19pm
When was the race ? The day after the national . All amateur classes race ? Awesome seeing another cr125.
1

The Shop

SLAPAHO
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1918
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Newport Beach, CA US
Fantasy
6/9/2022 8:22pm
When was the race ? The day after the national . All amateur classes race ? Awesome seeing another cr125.
Friday before the race. My friend Kevin on the 852 was out there 👍
2
6/9/2022 9:00pm
JM485 wrote:
I figured I would take the liberty to start the first non-controversial Hangtown thread, everyone likes 125s right? The only thing better than a 125, is...
I figured I would take the liberty to start the first non-controversial Hangtown thread, everyone likes 125s right? The only thing better than a 125, is a gate full of 125s!

I was lucky enough to talk my way into the 125 invitational race this year, and let me just say that was one of the coolest experiences I've ever had. I always dreamed of racing a pro national, but I just never made it happen, so this was the next best thing that I can think of (plus I didn't have to ride 35min on that bomb zone of a track so that's an added benefit). These tracks get ROUGH, keep in mind this was just before the first motos started and the track was already brutal, I can't even imagine riding it in the final 450 moto. In the end I think I ended up 10 or 11th, not sure exactly, but the whole point of the race was for us to "throw whips and put on a show" so that was really the only goal!

Props my brother. I've raced every track in Norcal BUT Hangtown, I know and heard of way too many guys getting hurt there back in the day. My Dad always tried to get me to race there, but I flat out refused. Obviously I would've if I ever went pro. But it was alot different back in 99 to 2005. Back then it was a hard packed clay track outside of the National. You looked good out there though and threw some nice whips.
2
FWYT
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San Diego, CA US
6/9/2022 11:42pm
Awesome!!
1
Mick 22
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Cranberry Twp, PA US
6/10/2022 7:44am
looking great Josh!

Man that brings back the memories.

125's was where it was back in the old days.
3
6/10/2022 8:01am
The 125 is still the big class to race 12 yr olds to 55 yr olds. If you know how to ride a 125 you can dust off your 95 cr or 04 yz and b competitive. A chance at a top 10 at least.
CDA331
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331
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Coeur D Alene, ID US
6/10/2022 8:03am
JM485 wrote:
I figured I would take the liberty to start the first non-controversial Hangtown thread, everyone likes 125s right? The only thing better than a 125, is...
I figured I would take the liberty to start the first non-controversial Hangtown thread, everyone likes 125s right? The only thing better than a 125, is a gate full of 125s!

I was lucky enough to talk my way into the 125 invitational race this year, and let me just say that was one of the coolest experiences I've ever had. I always dreamed of racing a pro national, but I just never made it happen, so this was the next best thing that I can think of (plus I didn't have to ride 35min on that bomb zone of a track so that's an added benefit). These tracks get ROUGH, keep in mind this was just before the first motos started and the track was already brutal, I can't even imagine riding it in the final 450 moto. In the end I think I ended up 10 or 11th, not sure exactly, but the whole point of the race was for us to "throw whips and put on a show" so that was really the only goal!

Props my brother. I've raced every track in Norcal BUT Hangtown, I know and heard of way too many guys getting hurt there back in the...
Props my brother. I've raced every track in Norcal BUT Hangtown, I know and heard of way too many guys getting hurt there back in the day. My Dad always tried to get me to race there, but I flat out refused. Obviously I would've if I ever went pro. But it was alot different back in 99 to 2005. Back then it was a hard packed clay track outside of the National. You looked good out there though and threw some nice whips.
I grew up in sac/Elk Grove 15 min from hangtown until 07. I never liked hangtown. Always sucked there too. Dry, hot, ugly lol I always loved marysville especially Thursday nights, and Livermore was great.
5
Flipsid33
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11/24/2011
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Canyon Country, CA US
6/10/2022 9:13am
When was the race ? The day after the national . All amateur classes race ? Awesome seeing another cr125.
SLAPAHO wrote:
Friday before the race. My friend Kevin on the 852 was out there 👍
This video is the moto on Saturday after the pros 1st motos. They raced one moto Friday.
5
C12&Blendzall
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Huntington Beach, CA US
6/10/2022 10:37am
The 125 race happened because of Pasha. He's the cat who throws the Pasha 125 races together in SoCal. He received an invite and brought up a bunch of his buddies from SoCal to do the race. Moto 1 on Friday, moto 2 between first and second motos on Saturday.

Tony Pasha puts up large purses for the SoCal races, most of which is out of his own pocket. If he could garner more support the races would continue to grow. Pasha is a unique bright spot in the world of MX with the selflessness and energy he brings to the pits. If you get the chance to meet him- take it! He's the guy who was also behind the MX movie Bennet's War.

Hopefully this will turn into something more, and the more noise that's made about 125 racing the more likely it will happen. It would be so cool to see a 125 series like was Don Schnieder did at the 4 Stroke Nationals.

I had heard that the Washougal 125 Dream Race was cancelled- but am hoping someone knows something more and my info is just bad info. I love Washougal, and it's on my bucket list to race there again.
6
6/10/2022 11:22am
If you’re talking about the OG 125 dream race at washougal, details are already on the website. It’s in August.
1
JM485
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Davis, CA US
6/10/2022 11:33am
KTMBRO362 wrote:
I thought I saw the 485 out there winning practice.. looked good
Racing is cool, but practice is where true legends are born. . .
5
JM485
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5800
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Davis, CA US
6/10/2022 11:37am
The 125 is still the big class to race 12 yr olds to 55 yr olds. If you know how to ride a 125 you can...
The 125 is still the big class to race 12 yr olds to 55 yr olds. If you know how to ride a 125 you can dust off your 95 cr or 04 yz and b competitive. A chance at a top 10 at least.
If you're racing faster guys it's pretty tough to compete on anything but a European bike, these old Hondas are fun and handle well but holy hell are they SLOW. You can see off the start, I'm honestly shocked I got out of the gate as well as I did but those orange bikes just out pull everything. Mine has the Keihn carb swap as well as some cleaned up ports but that's about it, zero chance of getting over that big step-up they added in the back section this year after the rollers.
3
6/10/2022 11:40am
JM485 wrote:
I figured I would take the liberty to start the first non-controversial Hangtown thread, everyone likes 125s right? The only thing better than a 125, is...
I figured I would take the liberty to start the first non-controversial Hangtown thread, everyone likes 125s right? The only thing better than a 125, is a gate full of 125s!

I was lucky enough to talk my way into the 125 invitational race this year, and let me just say that was one of the coolest experiences I've ever had. I always dreamed of racing a pro national, but I just never made it happen, so this was the next best thing that I can think of (plus I didn't have to ride 35min on that bomb zone of a track so that's an added benefit). These tracks get ROUGH, keep in mind this was just before the first motos started and the track was already brutal, I can't even imagine riding it in the final 450 moto. In the end I think I ended up 10 or 11th, not sure exactly, but the whole point of the race was for us to "throw whips and put on a show" so that was really the only goal!

That was AWESOME! Thanks for sharing this, Josh! I forgot how fast a 125 COULD go.................
1
6/10/2022 11:44am
The 125 race happened because of Pasha. He's the cat who throws the Pasha 125 races together in SoCal. He received an invite and brought up...
The 125 race happened because of Pasha. He's the cat who throws the Pasha 125 races together in SoCal. He received an invite and brought up a bunch of his buddies from SoCal to do the race. Moto 1 on Friday, moto 2 between first and second motos on Saturday.

Tony Pasha puts up large purses for the SoCal races, most of which is out of his own pocket. If he could garner more support the races would continue to grow. Pasha is a unique bright spot in the world of MX with the selflessness and energy he brings to the pits. If you get the chance to meet him- take it! He's the guy who was also behind the MX movie Bennet's War.

Hopefully this will turn into something more, and the more noise that's made about 125 racing the more likely it will happen. It would be so cool to see a 125 series like was Don Schnieder did at the 4 Stroke Nationals.

I had heard that the Washougal 125 Dream Race was cancelled- but am hoping someone knows something more and my info is just bad info. I love Washougal, and it's on my bucket list to race there again.
Tony sounds awesome. Why can’t someone else step up and do the same . Red Bud practice Thursday race Friday on the pro track. Then race Fri and sat night. Then Sunday on the pro track again. Millville has 2 days of am racing. All the aftermarket co.s I,ve been dealing with r excited to hear a rider that,s racing a 04 cr125 and has a practice 04 and a 05.
2
6/10/2022 12:35pm
The 125 is still the big class to race 12 yr olds to 55 yr olds. If you know how to ride a 125 you can...
The 125 is still the big class to race 12 yr olds to 55 yr olds. If you know how to ride a 125 you can dust off your 95 cr or 04 yz and b competitive. A chance at a top 10 at least.
JM485 wrote:
If you're racing faster guys it's pretty tough to compete on anything but a European bike, these old Hondas are fun and handle well but holy...
If you're racing faster guys it's pretty tough to compete on anything but a European bike, these old Hondas are fun and handle well but holy hell are they SLOW. You can see off the start, I'm honestly shocked I got out of the gate as well as I did but those orange bikes just out pull everything. Mine has the Keihn carb swap as well as some cleaned up ports but that's about it, zero chance of getting over that big step-up they added in the back section this year after the rollers.
What yr is your bike ? My 2 04,s run different just with small changes. I know the 04 is down 5hp from the 05. But the 04 hits harder and the mid pull is great and sounds awesome. On yt - 04 cr125 old video LTM gives a good look at how they run . Time it rt coming off a corner using the bottom hit then shift as fast as you can in the upper mid. He finished 2nd against 125,250 2st . You get things rt on the 04 and it feels so Good. 05-06,s improve a lot with hgs 03 kx125 pipe there sold out tho.
1
jgmxdad251
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Simi Valley, CA US
6/10/2022 12:42pm
We were cheering you on by the old Fly 150 jump. You were styling up over that jump each lap. Pretty cool to see a fellow Vitard out there.
3
quiknic
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6/10/2022 10:54pm
Tony or Pasha as I know him is truly one of the great guys in this sport and has really put a ton of work and money into the sport and especially all of the Pasha 125 events. I have been buddies with Pasha dating back to the early 90’s and LACR heydays when he also put together a big money three day Arena Cross event at the LA Sports Arena with some Monster Trucks thrown in for good measure. Damn, those were the days!

I have also been lucky enough to work with Pasha and help him sponsor some of the recent Pasha 125 races at the World Two Stroke Championships and the early Pasha 125 Open events. I was also lucky enough to get an invite for my son and I to race the 125 Invitational last week at Hangtown with a group of 16 of us coming up from So Cal with Pasha. That was definitely a weekend to remember and a killer time was had, Thursday we did autograph signings, Friday we raced the first Moto of the 125 Invitational plus two motos of the 125 Open (amateur MX day) and Saturday the 2nd Moto of the 125 Invitational as part of the Hangtown National. The (36) 125’s was a sight to hear and see.

Can’t wait to actually put together some more of these Pasha 125 Races, as described by others earlier in this post there is nothing like a gate & track full of screaming 125’s!















8
6/11/2022 12:15am
The 125 is still the big class to race 12 yr olds to 55 yr olds. If you know how to ride a 125 you can...
The 125 is still the big class to race 12 yr olds to 55 yr olds. If you know how to ride a 125 you can dust off your 95 cr or 04 yz and b competitive. A chance at a top 10 at least.
JM485 wrote:
If you're racing faster guys it's pretty tough to compete on anything but a European bike, these old Hondas are fun and handle well but holy...
If you're racing faster guys it's pretty tough to compete on anything but a European bike, these old Hondas are fun and handle well but holy hell are they SLOW. You can see off the start, I'm honestly shocked I got out of the gate as well as I did but those orange bikes just out pull everything. Mine has the Keihn carb swap as well as some cleaned up ports but that's about it, zero chance of getting over that big step-up they added in the back section this year after the rollers.
Need a Euro bike?
The top 125 class in the world the EMX125. Top 4 bikes are Japanese (technicality on fantics)
2
6/11/2022 8:02am
The 125 is still the big class to race 12 yr olds to 55 yr olds. If you know how to ride a 125 you can...
The 125 is still the big class to race 12 yr olds to 55 yr olds. If you know how to ride a 125 you can dust off your 95 cr or 04 yz and b competitive. A chance at a top 10 at least.
JM485 wrote:
If you're racing faster guys it's pretty tough to compete on anything but a European bike, these old Hondas are fun and handle well but holy...
If you're racing faster guys it's pretty tough to compete on anything but a European bike, these old Hondas are fun and handle well but holy hell are they SLOW. You can see off the start, I'm honestly shocked I got out of the gate as well as I did but those orange bikes just out pull everything. Mine has the Keihn carb swap as well as some cleaned up ports but that's about it, zero chance of getting over that big step-up they added in the back section this year after the rollers.
Need a Euro bike?
The top 125 class in the world the EMX125. Top 4 bikes are Japanese (technicality on fantics)
Yup and that’s basically a 05 yz. The 05 cr was released late it wasn’t in any shoutout. Dirt rider with a young Keefer tested the cr against the shoutout winner the yz. There pretty even moto wise the cr loads up if putting around not sure why they putted around. Finicky jetting , needs more clutch to get going, basically you hv to ride it a little harder.. you can find the test yet. The cr,s front end sticks a lot better. You can get the 04 headstem tighter than a 05 or 06. So you hardly hv to hang on, chassis is more stable, the 1st yr of inner honed fork tubes. Ktm is faster on top but it takes too long too spool up. Get a cr to respond quicker and you beat them off a corner then take the line. You can enter corners a lot faster. Your faster in, threw and out of a corner, jumps better but straight aways Ktm has a advantage. Thereymore corners on a track than long straights.
1
6/11/2022 8:41am
JM485 wrote:
If you're racing faster guys it's pretty tough to compete on anything but a European bike, these old Hondas are fun and handle well but holy...
If you're racing faster guys it's pretty tough to compete on anything but a European bike, these old Hondas are fun and handle well but holy hell are they SLOW. You can see off the start, I'm honestly shocked I got out of the gate as well as I did but those orange bikes just out pull everything. Mine has the Keihn carb swap as well as some cleaned up ports but that's about it, zero chance of getting over that big step-up they added in the back section this year after the rollers.
Need a Euro bike?
The top 125 class in the world the EMX125. Top 4 bikes are Japanese (technicality on fantics)
Yup and that’s basically a 05 yz. The 05 cr was released late it wasn’t in any shoutout. Dirt rider with a young Keefer tested the...
Yup and that’s basically a 05 yz. The 05 cr was released late it wasn’t in any shoutout. Dirt rider with a young Keefer tested the cr against the shoutout winner the yz. There pretty even moto wise the cr loads up if putting around not sure why they putted around. Finicky jetting , needs more clutch to get going, basically you hv to ride it a little harder.. you can find the test yet. The cr,s front end sticks a lot better. You can get the 04 headstem tighter than a 05 or 06. So you hardly hv to hang on, chassis is more stable, the 1st yr of inner honed fork tubes. Ktm is faster on top but it takes too long too spool up. Get a cr to respond quicker and you beat them off a corner then take the line. You can enter corners a lot faster. Your faster in, threw and out of a corner, jumps better but straight aways Ktm has a advantage. Thereymore corners on a track than long straights.
I had an 06 yz125 brand new and my friend had an 06 cr125 brand new. I've ridden both back to back many times even with the pwk swap. And even after I had gorr make mine a 144 and he had gorr make his a 139 both ported for more mid top and same high compression head.

My yz125 was still way easier to ride over the cr and it still had more power in the end. I have a 21 150sx now totally stock cept for the pwk swap. The cr isn't even close even when I compare it as the 139.

Sure drinking the cr handling Kool aid there buddy. I've owned plenty of cr's they are good but not the best.
1
6/11/2022 10:02am
Stock carb is better RC did the same carb swap and went back to the mikuni. You should rejet twice a day tho very finicky jetting. 125,s run better with a stock bore. Quickness always beats strength. John Goodman the winningest college coach will tell ya. The same is true with a bike. Old video 04cr125 Ltm that,s a 30 hp bike beating all but 4 to the 1st turn and finishing 2nd to a yz250. Local tracks r about quickness not hp. I love a upper mid top end screamer but there slower on the local track. I raced Jeff Wilohs 97 national yz125 in 98. Chad Johnson,s team green JM racing kx125 quick strong and long mid pulled me off every corner. I had it pinned 11k plus rt there I knew what type of engine is track faster.
1
183Matt
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856
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Mineral, CA US
6/14/2022 8:06am
Thanks for the video!

The soil at Hangtown has improved a lot over the years.

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