Press Release

Classis Machines Reign @ Perris






CLASSIC MACHINES REIGN AT PERRIS


Perris, CA. Sept. 17, 2011

By Steve Caro, Photography by Kathryn Caro 


Bonita, CA ~ Sept. 26, 2011: Round 3 of the 2011
CALVMX/AHRMA/JT RACING Vintage Motocross series saw the classic machines
from the golden era of American motocross return to Southern
California’s oldest race facility in Perris for another day of
traditional outdoor motocross competition.  Excellent weather
conditions, along with one of the best vintage oriented courses used
this season welcomed a healthy mix of vintage and post-vintage machines.



Prior
to the start of the racing day, the traditional riders meeting included
numerous announcements regarding the upcoming 2012 season. The most
important announcement was in regards to a renewed emphasis on vintage and post-vintage
racing. A concerted effort will be made to get the older machines
(premier and classic era) back onto the track with courses more suitably
configured to their time period. It was also announced that a modern
bike support class will still be on the schedule. However, with the main
emphasis being vintage machinery, priority will be directed in their
direction.



One other announcement was the pending creation of a “fun” class for the
legendary Honda XR-75 machine. Although final rules are still pending,
suffice it to say all years of manufacture of this diminutive bike will
be welcome.





Race action on the day featured plenty of close racing action. Defending
IRONMAN champion Kyle Winton continued his march towards a second
consecutive title as he once again dominated the GP Expert division.
With many of his most serious challengers missing on the day, Winton
added valuable points to his tally as the season winds down.






The class that has become the standard bearer for the pre-’75 machines
is the Vintage Sportsman 250 Intermediate division.  As it has all
season, the class once again had the most machines queuing up at the
starting gate. The first moto saw veteran campaigner Roger Kokos (CZ)
returning to vintage racing after being away from the sport for many
years. Kokos showed his skill on a vintage bike by snaring the lead
exiting the first turn to establish a multi-bike lead on the pack.
Keeping Kokos in range was Scott Piddington on his Ossa followed by
Wendell Clark on his fast (and loud) Yamaha. At the mid-point of the
race, Koko’s had extended his lead, while behind him Piddington and
Clark vied for second. At the checkers, Koko’s took the win followed by
Piddington and Clark.



The
second moto saw Alex Toth (Hus) negotiating the tricky first turn the
best to take an early lead as the pack headed to the back portion of the
course. Clark moved into first as the riders sped over the set of jumps
on the back straight, trailed by Toth and Kokos.  Approaching the front
part of the course near the end of lap one, Kokos blitzed his way into
the lead as they approached the final corner before the finish line
jump. As he attempted to rail the outside berm, Kokos’ front wheel
tucked under and he crashed hard just past the apex. Unfortunately, he
was struck by a fellow racer who had no time to avoid the downed racer.
Several tense minutes followed as the race was red flagged to attend to
Kokos. To the relief of everyone, a shaken but unbroken Kokos stood up
and took a welcomed ride back to his pit area.



At the restart, Clark positively rocketed into the lead and was
essentially unchallenged for the remainder of the moto. Piddington made a
valiant effort to keep Clark in sight as did third place runner Mark
Reeder (CZ). At the checkers, Clark had the moto win along with the
overall victory. Piddington’s fine performance garnered him a second
overall, with Reeder (4-2) in third.





Other class winners on the day included Eric Casas (Hon) in GP-4 125
Expert, Can-Am racer Steve Ellis in +50 Vintage Expert, and Honda
mounted Jerry Reyes in   the GP-2 250 Intermediate division.



Round four will see another race at the Perris facility on October 8.
With the end of summer and its heat, weather and track conditions should
be ideal. Competitors who have opted out of racing lately are
encouraged to attend and show support for the club and the sport.



Condolences are extended to the family of CALVMX member Phil Hungerford
who passed away earlier in the month. The CZ mounted racer who always
seemed to have a smile on his face will be sorely missed.


Next Race:  RACE 4 JT Racing Vintage Series

October 8, 2011

Perris Raceway

CALVMX/AHRMA

Carlsbad Old Timers





Photos of this event can be found by clicking herePhotography by Kathryn Caro 


 




























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