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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1992-08-19, Page 14PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19,1992. TRRNS CRN NATIONAL MOTOCAOSS CHAMPIONSHIPS ‘92 Top riders to race in Walton motocross in Canada throughout the 1980's. Coming from Medicine Hat, Alberta, Ross's incredible talent and speed has taken him all over North America. He has amassed , more wins and titles than any other rider of his generation. At 31 years of age though, Ross is a rarity. Most would have retired from the spotlight as the stress and First finish All racers' aim is to be the first to cross the checkered flag in their heat which signifies a winner. Vintage motocross race, new attraction at Nationals BY DON DAVIDSON One of the new racing cate­ gories that the Lee family of Wal­ ton have added to this year's Trans Can National Motocross Champi­ onship is the Vintage Motocross. Vintage Motocross revives old motorcycles which were thought to be out-dated and obsolete for rac­ ing. Usually these bikes were left to grow old in sheds and fields. In the past few years, particular­ ly in the United States, riders have revived these old bikes to race under various organizations, as people want to bring back the good old days. In order to qualify for vintage class racing, these bikes are restricted to 1974 and older with limits on the suspension of seven inches travel on the front end and four inches on the rear. The bike has to be basically in the same con- dition it was when manufactured, which means essentially that it is air-cooled and no frame modifica­ tions have been made. Interest has grown so rapidly in vintage racing that events in the U.S. have grown from a start of 10 machines to 300 at one race in 1992. The majority of the motor­ cycles being raced are irreplaceable as the manufacturers are no longer in business. Supplies must be dug up from existing stocks or remanu­ factured. These vintage bikes represent an older, more simplistic and more enjoyable (nostalgia always seems better) period of racing history. The vintage bikes present at the Trans Can National Motocross Championship have all been restored and are from Ontario, New York and Michigan. This race is possibly the first full size race of vintage bikes (motocross) in Cana­ da to date and hopefully will bring growth of vintage dirt racing in Canada. The organizers of the Trans Can National Motocross races in Wal­ ton are pleased to announce that two of Canada's top riders will be appearing to partake in the event— Ross Perderson and Carl Vaillan­ court. Ross Pederson was ranked num­ ber one in Canada at the end of the 1991 season. At 31 years of age, he has dominated the sport of Riders to watch for BY BRUCE SCOTT At the upcoming Trans Can National to be held at the Lee fami­ ly farm in Walton, there will be hundreds of racers gathering to compete for the tremendous awards and prizes up for grabs. To be successful at this event, a rider will need a lot of skill, endurance and a little luck. The competition will be very tough in all the classes from the 50cc Pee Wee class right up to the Pro class­ es. Beginning with the Pro class, there will be tremendous battles to garner the lion's share of the $10,000 purse. Two Ontario riders, Marty Burr and Chris Lemon will be strong runners for the title. The two Yamaha riders, Marty #10 and Chris #6, both from the Hamilton area, are rivals on the track, but good friends off the track. In the Intermediate class, #28 Allan Strickert on his Odessey Honda just finished wrapping up the summer series in the 250 class. The Woodstock native is a serious contender for a title. Suzuki mounted #26 Terry Rothmaier from Paisley, Ont. could also be a con­ tender especially in the 125 Inter­ mediate class, if he can stay ahead of Kawasaki rider #58 Brett Lee of Walton. The Junior classes could present some upsets, with the large rider turnout expected, but Kyle Gee #317 on a Kawasaki, or #24 Jason May could top the 125 class. Strong placings should also come from 250cc riders #781 Richard Samways, and #179 Jeff Sykes. The 80 expert class will provide exciting racing between #233 Sean Martland and #80 Matt Lee of Wal­ ton. In the age divisions, #93 Rob McLaughlin of Toronto, will be riding in the Up the Hill class and is expected to place well this week­ end. The vet class title could go to a number of different riders. Expect to see #22 Paul Kingsley aboard a KTM battling with #478 Mike Hamden. Chris Lee, #55 of Walton, could be at the front of the pack in the Oldtimers class. A large turnout of riders in the Ladies' class should provide some exciting race action. Suzy Roth- maier from Paisley, Melanie Hinde of Paris, and Lorice Begin will be challenging fpr positions all week­ end long. This weekend's racing will pro­ vide some fantastic race action, so come out and cheer for the locals and have a good time. injuries of the sport catch up with them, along with the younger experts hungry for his title. Carl Vaillancourt, age 22, from Drummondville, Quebec, was ranked number five in Canada after the 1991 season. Carl is the leader of a number of young Canadian rid­ ers who are sure to make a name for themselves in the years to come in International Motocross. He was ranked number one rider in Canada in 1990 and is looking to regain his #1 plate for 1992, finish­ ing on the tail of Ross Pederson in most of the early Nationals this sea­ son. In 1991, Carl was unstoppable until he suffered a separated shoul­ der while leading at the Aldergrove National. His chances to regain the championship were lost. Over the winter, Carl competed in the Florida Winter AMA Series and several Supercrosses. He cur­ rently carries National #57 in the U.S. WELCOME TO WALTON AND GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF THE PROFESSIONAL & AMATEUR MOTOCROSS RIDERS from your friends at -DAUPHIN rFEED&SUPPLY LTD Walton 887-6023 Dungannon 529-7951 529-3133 Toll Free 1-800-665-5675 Congratulations To Chris Lee & Family Hosts of the 1992 Trans Can National Motocross Championships and BRUSSELSMOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS From the council of the to all the participants with Congratulations to the hosts & participants of the 1992 TRANS NATIONAL Food & Grocery Supplies Available at: Serving you Better JASON MAY Jason comes from the Guelph area and wears the junior number 24. In the 1992 summer series he placed third in the 125 Junior class, and came in as runner-up in the 250 Junior.