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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1994-08-17, Page 13THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 1994. PAGE 13. Event marks return of Vintage Challenge By Don Davidson This year's race marks the return match of the Canadian-American Vintage Challenge whereby the Americans are trying to avenge the defeat of last year. The teams are comprised of riders in the prc-74 class and the 75-81 air cooled class. Here in Ontario, the majority of riders seen on the track have been riding a regular race series with a view to getting ready just for this event as these old bikes require a little getting used to in comparison to the new ones. Such items as suspension travel and engine performance are vastly different requiring a different riding style to get the most out of the older bikes. Where the new bikes have a speed differential of 10-15 mph greater around a particular track, the old bikes tend to look like they arc plodding along, when in reality, these bikes arc very close to newer lap times. The pre-74 bikes have travel of seven inches in front and four inches in the rear compared to 12 inches and 13 inches respectively found on most new bikes, while the 75-81 bikes are around 10 inches both ends. Most 250s had about 33-36 hp (54 new) and the open bikes had 45-53 (65 new) Given these differences, it is not uncommon to sec an old scoot giving the new ones a hard time, depending on the track. Walton is an old style, natural, grand prix type of track on which most of these riders grew up on and as such, go quite well on, as a comparison of some lap times might indicate to you. Vintage racing is experiencing a major revival worldwide with Canada beginning to catch on and catch up to the Americans, who have really revived the lifespan of the older bikes by creating a major scries. We arc slowly catching up, but do not seem to experience a lack of skilled riders for the population. These bikes can be obtained for relatively little money and investment of time to restore, and, as such, arc great value to own and ride. The challenge has become an event within an event and is sponsored by Brampton Cycle for the class and annual trophies. We hope you enjoy the races held here al Walton and invite you to talk to the riders about their bikes as there is a lot of history regarding motocross represented here. Starting can be As with many sports, the cost of participating can be a deterrent. Motocross is no different. Brian Hoy of Lynn Hoy Enter­ prises in Wingham, says new bike prices vary greatly depending on the size. A 50 cc can start at $1,500 and the larger bikes can be as much as $5,000. Personal safety gear is also required to protect the riders. Gov­ ernment standards are set to protect the racers and up-to-date equipment must be wom to qualify for compe­ tition. The average cost to outfit a rider would be $2,000, says Mr. Hoy. Helmets range from $150 to $600; chest guards, $150 to $300; pants, $200 to $400 and boots, $170 to $400. As explained by some of the rid­ ers though, it is not necessary to get new equipment before getting involved. Much of the equipment needed can be purchased second-hand. Some of the local racers pass their used bikes on to younger family members or to relatives, once they advance to the next class. Chris Lee, host of the Trans Can National Championships to be held in Walton from Aug. 19 to 22, says a season's worth of entering compe­ titions usually runs around $2,000 per racer. He says with himself and two sons racing, they manage to break even after a summer full of competition. A few good finishes in costly the races and some of the expenses are paid. Travel cost can add a consider­ able amount to expenses. Events are held across Canada and the United States so the number of races one enters is only limited by cost considerations and travel time. Mr. Lee and Mr.Wernham, another motocross parent from Winthrop, say they attend races almost every weekend. Welcome Motocross Competitors Visit us today for • Groceries • Pop • Chips • Tobacco • Film • Snacks • Ice • and more B/ RUSSELS ARIETY Open 7 days Mon. - Sat. 8 a.m. -10 p.m. Sun. 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. LOCAL RACERS 777 Lome Wernham Winthrop 80cc Beginner 555 Steve Wemham Winthrop 60cc PeeWee Jeremy Wemham Winthrop 80cc Beginner Conrad Wernham Winthrop 80cc Beginner 500 Rob Mitchell Walton 60cc PeeWee 53 Jeremy Lee Stratford 80cc Expert 553 Tim Lee Stratford 50cc PeeWee 58 Brett Lee Walton 125cc Intermediate 60 Matt Lee Walton 125cc Junior 250cc Junior 55 Chris Lee Walton Old Timer/Vintage 49 Joel Richert Seaforth 80cc Beginner 60cc PeeWee Tom Wheatley Seaforth 125cC Junior 812 Tracy Bisback Seaforth Ladies 701 Dan Morgan Clinton 125cc Beginner 101 Justin Jankowski Clinton 80cc Expert 127 Steve Eddy Wingham 125cc Beginner 225 Steve Boyd Kurtzville 125cc Junior Rob McIntosh Walton Veterans Jamie Me Dougall Goderich 80cc Beginner Gord Whitely Atwood Veterans Graeme Whitely Atwood 80cc Beginner 208 Harley Davis Centralia 60cc PeeWee Chad Holz Teviotdale 125cc Junior Jason Steinman Zurich 125cc Beginner Dean Martin Zurich 125cc Junior Craig Gingerich Zurich 125cc Beginner Kevin Gingerich Zurich 125cc Beginner Welcome to the 1994 Trans Can National Championships Brussels Optimist FOOD BOOTH Open every day of racing Beef BBQ Thursday & Friday 5 - 7 p.m. Pork BBQ & Corn Roast Saturday 5 - 7 p.m. Don't Get Caught Behind Lead The Pack On A 1995 HONDA CR250 CR 250R Good Luck Have A Great Weekend from all of us at: LYNN HOY ENTERPRISES LTD. Hwy. #86, E. WINGHAM, ONTARIO 519-357-3435 WELCOME TO MOTOCROSS RIDERS & FANS Your Ford New Holland & Short Line .1^ Farm Equipment Specialists McGAVIN FARM EQUIPMENT L. ,, Walton. Ont (519) 887-6365, (519) 527-0245 "Your short line specialists" Established in 1936 S£RV/C£ WITH A SMILE 527 0245 WALTON 887 6365