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