Such is Life: GH Two Stroke Race Recap

For the time oppressed, here’s the Short Version:

My main two smoke squeeze is a 96’ CR250 and the weekend goal was to qualify for the Glen Helen National two-stroke exhibition race on May 27th. The promoters advertised that the top-20 riders in the Open Pro division would receive invites to the National, to race in front of the fans and on the same track as the real Pros. I fell short of this goal, going 19-19 for 21st O/A, but had a blast, regardless.

GoPro footage can be found below…


Long Version:

The elephant in the room: Yes, you read that right, I race a 1996 CR250R and expect to be fairly competitive on it. Call me crazy, but honestly, most of us who choose to race 2T’s are a bit, shall one say, unique? The better part about it, this is a bike I purchased for $600 back when the economy was still on life support in 2011, and it’s been ravished ever since. The only real investments have been the addition of Showa A-Kit forks, modern triple clamps (in OE 24mm offset) to house them, a Varner modded cylinder and head, fresh ProX pistons, while running quality fuel (50/50 blend of Sunoco 110L and 91). Steve P. over at Shock Therapy Suspension went through his notes and found a superb setting for both the forks and OE shock, and I’ve been running them ever since. With fresh Dunlop tires and new A’ME Grips installed, the old girl was ready.

I’ve attended the GH National ‘Exhibiton Race’ every year they have been kind enough to have it; both in 2009 and once again in 2015. In 2009, I made the top-10 after falling on the first lap and working my way forward. In 2015, I finished 18th after losing my rear shock halfway through the race and simply limping it home (on one of the roughest tracks I’ve ever had the enjoyment of riding!). This year, with 20 minute plus one lap motos, I knew I’d have to be on my game for even a chance at the top-20.

First moto went fairly well: I got a good jump and was about top-10 into Talladega and down Shoei Hill. Went outside at the bottom like a rookie and tipped over. Originally thought it was all me, but the bruising on my right torso and inner arm confirm I was clipped by a faster passerby. No worries, just jumped up (with no stall because it’s a 2T!) and powered down. First lap shows 25th position, with a high of 17th for a bit, then a final three lap fade to 19th. Going into the second moto, I figured that another top-20 would be a solid ride for this 30+ weekend warrior. I was happy to see both the white and checkered flags with so many fast riders in attendance; Not being lapped is always a good thing in any A-class for me.

Second moto rolled around and I had another decent jump off the start, running top 12/15 out of the mix of open class bikes, modern bikes, and all-around faster racers. First lap shows 13th position, which was higher than anticipated. In all honesty, those guys were flyin’ and much too gnarly for me. After settling into a comfortable pace around 15/16th positions mid-way, my mental game was pushed over the edge. G-ing out down the Saddleback peaks, I thought I had a front flat. Entering turns at speed yielded a roll and inconsistency I wasn’t prepared for, so I backed it off for the final four laps. Had I kept pace, an 18th or better could have been in the cards.

Final tally on the day: 19-19 for 21st Overall. One more spot in the second moto and I would have held off Kyle Partridge for 20th. Just goes to show that one should never throw in the towel and fight for every last position. All in all, I’m happy with the rides. Top-20 without getting lapped was a personal goal, and I achieved it both motos. The Overall didn’t pan out, but the way I see it, I’m simply the first alternate…


In all the coverage I’ve seen, not one of the publications has accurately conveyed the vibe of this race. Whether you’re 60+, on an 85, or chasing Top 20’s, this event was a success. The track was dialed in, and a majority of the racers I spoke with truly enjoyed the day. Many weren't happy with the second motos being shortened by a lap, and I wouldn’t have been either. All said and done, this is an event I’d encourage everyone to check out at least once. If not for the racing, for the unadulterated sounds of two stroke bliss blasting off every gate drop!


Full results and lap-times from every class can be found here: http://www.glenhelen.com/results/



Moto1:

https://youtu.be/fS8drXZN_3Y


Moto2:

https://youtu.be/smXNQ8xYSUU



Thanks for reading!