Used to live & race back in Texas in the 70's when racing was cool. Mosier Valley, Whitney, Oak hill could barely run a race at times. It was the golden age of watching it grow and I had no clue.
Grew up and had to get a job & then quit racing.
Story over, almost.
I turned 38 was living in Kenai, Alaska and heard of this thing called a Vet Class.
I still had the will to ride.
Apparently a 1989 KX250 against bikes in 1995 wasn't enough.
I bought a used KTM250 96' and fumbled around a couple of years.
2001 the YZF250 came out and I put a hundred down on the 1st delivery.
During delivery, the dealership went out of business. Lost the bike and no more available
Dejected, I went to Hondas local shop to get a part for a ATV.
After much discussion, I walked out with a 2001 CR250 which I must say is the best bike I ever owned.
2004 I lost my mind and sold my best bike ever to buy a CRF250.
I hated that bike with all of my soul.
Eventually sold it and now have a 2006 RM250.
Haven't been this happy with a bike in a lot of years but I still miss my old CR250 and think it would be competitive even to this day. Man that thing had a motor in it.