Legends Reunion at The Wick Saturday

PN27416
Posts
1096
Joined
6/12/2008
Location
Coopersburg, PA, USA
5
|
Nairb#70
Posts
4041
Joined
2/25/2020
Location
Ivoryton, CT, USA
7/8/2026 12:45pm

Well it looks like Tony Lorusso age 54 will make another attempt at setting the record for oldest national qualifier. Last year he missed it by one place in the LCQ.He probably has completed 1,000,000 laps at MX-338. Would be interesting to find out.

14
lukaitis9
Posts
1090
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
Brick, NJ, USA
7/8/2026 12:54pm

Legends and Heroes of Motocross The Wick 338 Reunion
Date: Saturday, July 11
Time: 11:15 a.m. ET
Location: Legends and Heroes of Motocross display (behind American Legion Post 338)

Fans, families, and friends are invited to join the New England racing icons, who will gather for an autograph signing and some nostalgic bench racing. To honor the occasion, the Legends and Heroes have produced a special commemorative poster featuring many of the riders that can be purchased and signed.

Invited Athletes:

  • Mike Guerra / Bolton, CT – Southwick National Grand Marshal

  • Graham Barber / Lexington, MA

  • Pat Barton / South Dartmouth, MA

  • Dave Clemence / Johnston, RI

  • Jimmy Decotis / Peabody, MA

  • Leo Fauteux / Bedford, NH

  • Doug Henry / Torrington, CT

  • Charlie Iott / Houlton, ME

  • JoJo Keller / Plymouth, MA

  • Robbie Marshall / Stow, MA

  • Jimmy Meenan / Sudbury, MA

  • David Rudnicki / Hubbardston, MA

  • Mike Sottile / Marlborough, MA

  • Mike Treadwell / Rumford, ME

Additionally, special recognition goes out to the New England legends contributing to the event’s success as members of The Wick 338 track crew – Chris Canning (Hartford, CT), John Dowd (Ludlow, MA), Keith Johnson (Pembroke, MA), and Southwick’s own Gary Yellin – each of whom plan to make an appearance. On the racetrack, 54-year-old Tony Lorusso (Brockton, MA) will look to make history as the oldest rider to qualify for a Pro Motocross National.

13
oldnescVet
Posts
170
Joined
12/5/2023
Location
By The Sea, CT, USA
7/8/2026 1:33pm
lukaitis9 wrote:
Legends and Heroes of Motocross The Wick 338 ReunionDate: Saturday, July 11Time: 11:15 a.m. ETLocation: Legends and Heroes of Motocross display (behind American...

Legends and Heroes of Motocross The Wick 338 Reunion
Date: Saturday, July 11
Time: 11:15 a.m. ET
Location: Legends and Heroes of Motocross display (behind American Legion Post 338)

Fans, families, and friends are invited to join the New England racing icons, who will gather for an autograph signing and some nostalgic bench racing. To honor the occasion, the Legends and Heroes have produced a special commemorative poster featuring many of the riders that can be purchased and signed.

Invited Athletes:

  • Mike Guerra / Bolton, CT – Southwick National Grand Marshal

  • Graham Barber / Lexington, MA

  • Pat Barton / South Dartmouth, MA

  • Dave Clemence / Johnston, RI

  • Jimmy Decotis / Peabody, MA

  • Leo Fauteux / Bedford, NH

  • Doug Henry / Torrington, CT

  • Charlie Iott / Houlton, ME

  • JoJo Keller / Plymouth, MA

  • Robbie Marshall / Stow, MA

  • Jimmy Meenan / Sudbury, MA

  • David Rudnicki / Hubbardston, MA

  • Mike Sottile / Marlborough, MA

  • Mike Treadwell / Rumford, ME

Additionally, special recognition goes out to the New England legends contributing to the event’s success as members of The Wick 338 track crew – Chris Canning (Hartford, CT), John Dowd (Ludlow, MA), Keith Johnson (Pembroke, MA), and Southwick’s own Gary Yellin – each of whom plan to make an appearance. On the racetrack, 54-year-old Tony Lorusso (Brockton, MA) will look to make history as the oldest rider to qualify for a Pro Motocross National.

And many more……good luck Tony, rail the outside!!!!

3
MarkF
Posts
374
Joined
3/18/2013
Location
Colorado Springs, CO, USA
7/8/2026 1:38pm

In the late 70's Jimmy Meenan, Spencer Morrison and Jojo Keller were Nesc gods. I see Jimmy and Jojo on the list but not Spencer?

3

The Shop

lukaitis9
Posts
1090
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
Brick, NJ, USA
7/8/2026 4:53pm

The Legends and Heroes of Motocross, along with The Wick 338 and MX Sports Pro Racing, has announced a commemorative Legends and Heroes of The Wick 338 gathering to coincide with 50 years of Pro Motocross Championship racing at Western Massachusetts' famed sand track. The special occasion will take place during the 45th running of the Crestview Construction Southwick National, this Saturday, July 11th.

The Southwick National carries a long and storied tradition of local racers delivering legendary performances, a byproduct of the most unique and challenging racing surface in American motocross. The ever-changing sand carries a celebrated history of favoring local riders who possess both the knowledge and stamina for one-off heroic performances. Over the span of The Wick 338’s five decades there are numerous stories highlighting local competitors who have taken advantage of their home track advantage to produce memorable underdog performances that are entrenched in the lore of Southwick. This gathering of local legends and heroes is designed to celebrate those iconic performances while also serving as an informal reunion for the New England racing community.

Headlining this group of racers is Mike Guerra, who will serve as Grand Marshal of the Southwick National. A native of Bolton, Connecticut, Guerra helped put New England on the map in mid to late 1970’s as an NESC Champion and a one of the top professional racers in both AMA and Trans-Am Nationals. In Pro Motocross competition Guerra shined at Southwick and captured the best finish of his professional career with a runner-up effort at the 1979 event in the 250cc class. During the late stages of his career in the early 1980’s, Guerra made the move overseas to compete in the GP circuit, where he broke through with a landmark victory at the 1982 Spanish GP. As Grand Marshal, Guerra will be celebrated for his incredible career and his role in making New England one of the country’s most prosperous motocross regions. He’s a fitting figure to commemorate 50 years of racing at The Wick 338.

“Southwick has perhaps the deepest history of locals having breakout rides and it seems like nearly every year there is at least one incredible story to talk about,” said Pete Nomen from Legends and Heroes of Motocross. “I personally was here when JoJo Keller won a moto in 1982 and when Pat Barton got the holeshot and led the 125cc class for more than 30 minutes in 1988. And who can forget Mike Sottile, a virtually unknown guy outside New England, who put in a hero lap in 2014 when he posted the fastest qualifying time with his three-digit number, beating guys like Chad Reed and Ryan Dungey. There are so many stories like those from the past 50 years. We want to honor all the fast locals over the last five decades who gave it their all when the National rolled into town, representing the pride of the NESC.”

“Back in the day, our New England guys were often overshadowed by the factory riders from California. So, when the National rolled into town, you had a bunch of highly motivated locals who had one shot to prove exactly how fast they were,” said Rick Johnson, General Manager of The Wick 338. “We wanted to give our local heroes the proper recognition they deserve and give them a chance to reconnect with the fans who cheered them on from the fences over the years. We hope to make this a new annual tradition at the National.”

3
lukaitis9
Posts
1090
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
Brick, NJ, USA
7/8/2026 4:55pm

I've been working with the Legends and Heroes for many years now, and it's always awesome to see people light up when they see a bike from their past and relive the memories.

 

9
MarkF
Posts
374
Joined
3/18/2013
Location
Colorado Springs, CO, USA
7/9/2026 7:03am

Can I nominate Steve Burdette for the list? National #'s 36, 40, 41 and 74. He was wicked fast also!

3
oldnescVet
Posts
170
Joined
12/5/2023
Location
By The Sea, CT, USA
7/10/2026 8:45am
lukaitis9 wrote:
Legends and Heroes of Motocross The Wick 338 ReunionDate: Saturday, July 11Time: 11:15 a.m. ETLocation: Legends and Heroes of Motocross display (behind American...

Legends and Heroes of Motocross The Wick 338 Reunion
Date: Saturday, July 11
Time: 11:15 a.m. ET
Location: Legends and Heroes of Motocross display (behind American Legion Post 338)

Fans, families, and friends are invited to join the New England racing icons, who will gather for an autograph signing and some nostalgic bench racing. To honor the occasion, the Legends and Heroes have produced a special commemorative poster featuring many of the riders that can be purchased and signed.

Invited Athletes:

  • Mike Guerra / Bolton, CT – Southwick National Grand Marshal

  • Graham Barber / Lexington, MA

  • Pat Barton / South Dartmouth, MA

  • Dave Clemence / Johnston, RI

  • Jimmy Decotis / Peabody, MA

  • Leo Fauteux / Bedford, NH

  • Doug Henry / Torrington, CT

  • Charlie Iott / Houlton, ME

  • JoJo Keller / Plymouth, MA

  • Robbie Marshall / Stow, MA

  • Jimmy Meenan / Sudbury, MA

  • David Rudnicki / Hubbardston, MA

  • Mike Sottile / Marlborough, MA

  • Mike Treadwell / Rumford, ME

Additionally, special recognition goes out to the New England legends contributing to the event’s success as members of The Wick 338 track crew – Chris Canning (Hartford, CT), John Dowd (Ludlow, MA), Keith Johnson (Pembroke, MA), and Southwick’s own Gary Yellin – each of whom plan to make an appearance. On the racetrack, 54-year-old Tony Lorusso (Brockton, MA) will look to make history as the oldest rider to qualify for a Pro Motocross National.

I just have to say I think Doug was the greatest NESC rider ever but Jimmy Ellis was somewhere between him and the junk yard dog imo. You had to see it to believe it, before he broke his pelvis it was absolutely incredible. Even after but as a 17 year old on that canned ham it was awesome. That day at southwick george was holding Jimmy back on the line till everyone cleared the second turn in four classes that day, Gary Yellen was on a Maico and was flying but Ellis came from the back and pasted him on the last lap. Great stuff

2
7/10/2026 9:39am
Nairb#70 wrote:
Well it looks like Tony Lorusso age 54 will make another attempt at setting the record for oldest national qualifier. Last year he missed it by...

Well it looks like Tony Lorusso age 54 will make another attempt at setting the record for oldest national qualifier. Last year he missed it by one place in the LCQ.He probably has completed 1,000,000 laps at MX-338. Would be interesting to find out.

He was on a stock engine last year too! Hope he gets some motor work done for this year!

2
Nairb#70
Posts
4041
Joined
2/25/2020
Location
Ivoryton, CT, USA
7/10/2026 9:43am Edited Date/Time 7/10/2026 9:48am

I think John Finkeldey is worthy of being on that list too. 8th overall in '82 and '83 500 National Series  before injury ended his pro career.

3
7/10/2026 10:00am
lukaitis9 wrote:
Legends and Heroes of Motocross The Wick 338 ReunionDate: Saturday, July 11Time: 11:15 a.m. ETLocation: Legends and Heroes of Motocross display (behind American...

Legends and Heroes of Motocross The Wick 338 Reunion
Date: Saturday, July 11
Time: 11:15 a.m. ET
Location: Legends and Heroes of Motocross display (behind American Legion Post 338)

Fans, families, and friends are invited to join the New England racing icons, who will gather for an autograph signing and some nostalgic bench racing. To honor the occasion, the Legends and Heroes have produced a special commemorative poster featuring many of the riders that can be purchased and signed.

Invited Athletes:

  • Mike Guerra / Bolton, CT – Southwick National Grand Marshal

  • Graham Barber / Lexington, MA

  • Pat Barton / South Dartmouth, MA

  • Dave Clemence / Johnston, RI

  • Jimmy Decotis / Peabody, MA

  • Leo Fauteux / Bedford, NH

  • Doug Henry / Torrington, CT

  • Charlie Iott / Houlton, ME

  • JoJo Keller / Plymouth, MA

  • Robbie Marshall / Stow, MA

  • Jimmy Meenan / Sudbury, MA

  • David Rudnicki / Hubbardston, MA

  • Mike Sottile / Marlborough, MA

  • Mike Treadwell / Rumford, ME

Additionally, special recognition goes out to the New England legends contributing to the event’s success as members of The Wick 338 track crew – Chris Canning (Hartford, CT), John Dowd (Ludlow, MA), Keith Johnson (Pembroke, MA), and Southwick’s own Gary Yellin – each of whom plan to make an appearance. On the racetrack, 54-year-old Tony Lorusso (Brockton, MA) will look to make history as the oldest rider to qualify for a Pro Motocross National.

No John Dowd on the list ?? 

3
oldnescVet
Posts
170
Joined
12/5/2023
Location
By The Sea, CT, USA
7/10/2026 10:05am
lukaitis9 wrote:
Legends and Heroes of Motocross The Wick 338 ReunionDate: Saturday, July 11Time: 11:15 a.m. ETLocation: Legends and Heroes of Motocross display (behind American...

Legends and Heroes of Motocross The Wick 338 Reunion
Date: Saturday, July 11
Time: 11:15 a.m. ET
Location: Legends and Heroes of Motocross display (behind American Legion Post 338)

Fans, families, and friends are invited to join the New England racing icons, who will gather for an autograph signing and some nostalgic bench racing. To honor the occasion, the Legends and Heroes have produced a special commemorative poster featuring many of the riders that can be purchased and signed.

Invited Athletes:

  • Mike Guerra / Bolton, CT – Southwick National Grand Marshal

  • Graham Barber / Lexington, MA

  • Pat Barton / South Dartmouth, MA

  • Dave Clemence / Johnston, RI

  • Jimmy Decotis / Peabody, MA

  • Leo Fauteux / Bedford, NH

  • Doug Henry / Torrington, CT

  • Charlie Iott / Houlton, ME

  • JoJo Keller / Plymouth, MA

  • Robbie Marshall / Stow, MA

  • Jimmy Meenan / Sudbury, MA

  • David Rudnicki / Hubbardston, MA

  • Mike Sottile / Marlborough, MA

  • Mike Treadwell / Rumford, ME

Additionally, special recognition goes out to the New England legends contributing to the event’s success as members of The Wick 338 track crew – Chris Canning (Hartford, CT), John Dowd (Ludlow, MA), Keith Johnson (Pembroke, MA), and Southwick’s own Gary Yellin – each of whom plan to make an appearance. On the racetrack, 54-year-old Tony Lorusso (Brockton, MA) will look to make history as the oldest rider to qualify for a Pro Motocross National.

No John Dowd on the list ?? 

John is one of the track personnel. He’ll be there running his dozer 

2
TG130
Posts
1266
Joined
4/13/2008
Location
USA
7/10/2026 10:01pm

He'll be there

jyd
6
PN27416
Posts
1096
Joined
6/12/2008
Location
Coopersburg, PA, USA
7/13/2026 5:37am
MarkF wrote:

In the late 70's Jimmy Meenan, Spencer Morrison and Jojo Keller were Nesc gods. I see Jimmy and Jojo on the list but not Spencer?

We had no luck finding the Morrison bros. If you know either, please let me know.

PN27416
Posts
1096
Joined
6/12/2008
Location
Coopersburg, PA, USA
7/13/2026 5:38am
Nairb#70 wrote:
I think John Finkeldey is worthy of being on that list too. 8th overall in '82 and '83 500 National Series  before injury ended his pro...

I think John Finkeldey is worthy of being on that list too. 8th overall in '82 and '83 500 National Series  before injury ended his pro career.

He was with us Smile

2
PN27416
Posts
1096
Joined
6/12/2008
Location
Coopersburg, PA, USA
7/13/2026 5:39am

You guys had some great ones to add to the list! If you know how to get in contact with them. Please let me know for next year. Will post pics later today.

PN27416
Posts
1096
Joined
6/12/2008
Location
Coopersburg, PA, USA
7/13/2026 11:09am
7132.jpg?VersionId=eTUc2X74WskUoyuKc.Hsc8X6i71337134.jpg?VersionId=nNqMeKz5trrefPk3Re7135713671377138.jpg?VersionId=9L8rOu3I.dtGJZeUp6vN47139
3
PN27416
Posts
1096
Joined
6/12/2008
Location
Coopersburg, PA, USA
7/13/2026 11:12am
713107131171312.jpg?VersionId=PhOP3YVHfACR8qopitzQ5fcOrA9w7p
4
PN27416
Posts
1096
Joined
6/12/2008
Location
Coopersburg, PA, USA
7/13/2026 11:15am

So great to see the line for these guys. They signed for an hour and a half + and wore out more than 2 sharpies each

2
oldnescVet
Posts
170
Joined
12/5/2023
Location
By The Sea, CT, USA
7/13/2026 11:32am
PN27416 wrote:

So great to see the line for these guys. They signed for an hour and a half + and wore out more than 2 sharpies each

50 years later and still lookin good😎

oldnescVet
Posts
170
Joined
12/5/2023
Location
By The Sea, CT, USA
7/13/2026 11:47am
PN27416 wrote:

So great to see the line for these guys. They signed for an hour and a half + and wore out more than 2 sharpies each

Tell Leo to stand on a milk crate 

Nairb#70
Posts
4041
Joined
2/25/2020
Location
Ivoryton, CT, USA
7/13/2026 12:10pm
PN27416 wrote:
713107131171312.jpg?VersionId=PhOP3YVHfACR8qopitzQ5fcOrA9w7p

Who is the guy in the neck brace?

lukaitis9
Posts
1090
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
Brick, NJ, USA
7/14/2026 6:55am

Great job by the Legends and Heroes of Motocross crew for putting this together. It was so great seeing the guys that built the sport we all love enjoying their time in the sun with so many fans. 

1
PN27416
Posts
1096
Joined
6/12/2008
Location
Coopersburg, PA, USA
7/14/2026 7:14am
PN27416 wrote:
713107131171312.jpg?VersionId=PhOP3YVHfACR8qopitzQ5fcOrA9w7p
Nairb#70 wrote:

Who is the guy in the neck brace?

Bill Bergen, JoJo's longtime friend and Honda wrench.

1
lumpy790
Posts
11608
Joined
9/18/2007
Location
York, SC, USA
7/14/2026 9:06am
lukaitis9 wrote:
Great job by the Legends and Heroes of Motocross crew for putting this together. It was so great seeing the guys that built the sport we...

Great job by the Legends and Heroes of Motocross crew for putting this together. It was so great seeing the guys that built the sport we all love enjoying their time in the sun with so many fans. 

Thank them for all the great work that the Leggends & Heroes does at every round!

2
Wandell
Posts
7847
Joined
12/17/2008
Location
Cairo, GA, USA
7/14/2026 12:24pm

 

RCand RDC 0.jpg?VersionId=xb.bgrsiZMVML.CpYE
1
Nairb#70
Posts
4041
Joined
2/25/2020
Location
Ivoryton, CT, USA
7/15/2026 12:56pm

Is Paul Buckley still active photographing in New England??

1

Post a reply to: Legends Reunion at The Wick Saturday

The Latest