d14 news aug14

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ERIN KRELL / SPEEDPUNKSIMAGES.COM #523 Noah Willbrandt takes the holeshot and wins Polka Dots MC Mini Challenge POLKA DOTS MOTORCYCLE CLUB (Midland, MI) | July 27 INSIDE: Moto Musings Thunder Fest in Canada Fundraiser Success for FCA Ride-a-Thon What's Wrong with Racing Today? Becker Chronicles Other Division News & Updates WILLBRANDT WINS PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ROYAL OAK, MI 48068 PERMIT #792 10450 Enterprise Dr. Davisburg, MI 48350 August 2014 Michigan’s Motorsports

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Page 1: D14 news aug14

����� ����� �������� �� ERIN KRELL / SPEEDPUNKSIMAGES.COM

#523 Noah Willbrandt takes the holeshot and wins Polka Dots MC Mini Challenge

POLKA DOTS MOTORCYCLE CLUB (Midland, MI) | July 27

INSIDE:Moto Musings

Thunder Fest in Canada

Fundraiser Success forFCA Ride-a-Thon

What's Wrong withRacing Today?

Becker Chronicles

Other Division News & Updates

#523 Noah Willbrandt takes the holeshot and wins Polka Dots MC Mini Challenge#523 Noah Willbrandt takes the holeshot and wins Polka Dots MC Mini Challenge

WILLBRANDT WINS PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDROYAL OAK, MI

48068PERMIT #792

10450 Enterprise Dr.Davisburg, MI 48350

August 2014

Michigan’s Motorsports

Page 2: D14 news aug14

2 August 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports News

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Page 3: D14 news aug14

August 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports News 3

PLEASE RECYCLE.This publication is printed on recycled paper using soy-based inks.

SEPTEMBER 2014MATERIAL DEADLINES:Materials need to be submitted by the following date. Sorry, but late submis-sions are subject to prevailing space and time restrictions and may, if neces-sary, be left out of the deadlined publi-cation until the following edition.

Advertising & Editorial:Due AUGUST 25

SPACESpace is reserved in every issue for ev-ery division in the District. Please, pro-mote your sport by contributing stories and photos about your events, past and/or upcoming. This is FREE adver-tising for your division. Take advantage of it!

When submitting a story or photo please ensure to include event dates and locations, and photos MUST in-clude captions. Event results are al-ways nice to include as well.

For detailed information on submission policies for editorial content and adver-tising, please go to www.D14News.net.

DELIVERYThe delivery goal of District 14 News is normally around the middle of the month. However, due to varying factors of submissions, printing, and mailing, there is no guarantee the newspaper will reach readers by a specifi c date in the month. It is recommended and good practice to think at least 1 or 2 months ahead when promoting special events or other time sensitive dates. For example, if your special event is in August, you should consider promoting that event no later than the July edition.

For more info:[email protected] | 810.496.0069D14News.net

AUGUST2014

August unfortunately marks about a three month count down to the end of our fun in the dirt (at least as far as the offi cial D14 schedule is concerned). So while the get-ti ng is good, you had bett er get out there and enjoy the awesome weather we (unlike most other folks around the country) are fortunate enough to have. While this season has seemed a litt le cooler than most... I for one, am DIG-GIN IT! While perusing these pages, be sure to especially read the opinion piece on page 11 ti tled "What's wrong with racing today?" Hopefully this anonymous writer's thoughts will resonate with you. If it doesn't, read it again! To this month's generous contributors... I hope ya'll (no, I'm a nati ve Mitt en Mutt ) know how much I appreciate what you do. You are a great example to others. Thanks for all you conti nue to do for District 14 and your division!

DON’T WAIT!Ensure continued

delivery of the

District14 News direct to your

home mailbox &

SAVE TIMEAT SIGN UP! Complete this form & send in

your membership dues today!

Important!Keep a Copy Before Mailing

mail to:HEATHER SOENKSEN

3155 Prescott Dr, Howell MI 48843

Michigan’s Motorsports

a few words from the editorStarting Lines

Don’t have your card in 30 days? Call 517-775-5897 to fi nd out where it is.

MEMBERSHIPAPPLICATION

$15 – REGULAR MEMBERSHIP

$30 – Two (2)-Year MEMBERSHIP

$45 – Three (3)-Year MEMBERSHIP

Must be AMA Member; includes Competition Card and Newspaper Subscription. All memberships are non-refundable.

Please check ALL riding disciplines that apply: Road ______ATV _____MX ______Ice ______Hill ______

Enduro _______Hare Scramble _____ Flat Track _____

$13 – FAMILY MEMBERSHIP

(Canadian Residents NOT eligible)

Must be AMA Member; Must have One (1) Full District FamilyMember; includes Competition Card Only. Your card will expire one-year from the issue date.

Indicate Name of Member with Full Membership:

Name

AMA#

$40 – CANADIAN MEMBERSHIP

Required if you have Canadian Residence. Must be AMA Member; includes Competition Card and NewspaperSubscription.

Your card and newspaper subscription will expire one-year from the issue date.

$6 – LOST/REPLACEMENT CARD You must have previously been issued a card that has not yet expired, otherwise your privileges to compete in theDistrict could be forfeited completely.

Indicate your AMA# or your Original District#:

AMA# DISTRICT#

You must be an AMA Member to join District 14PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY and fill out COMPLETELY to receive your paper and membership card.

Name: First Middle Last

Address: Apt.#

City: State: or Canadian Province: Zip: If you have a Canadian address, you must choose “Canadian Membership” above!

County: e-mail:

YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE PROCESSED WITHOUT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION

AMA NUMBER: ( all 6 digits or temporary number from application ) EXPIRATION DATE: DISTRICT 14 NUMBER: (all numbers or write NEW/RENEW)

BIRTHDATE: PHONE: ( home / cell )

I understand that this membership is for the right to participate in a District 14 points paying event and I am required to follow theBy-laws, policies and procedures of District 14 Club Council as well as the applicable policies of the participating promoter.

Signature Date:

Attention D14 Members: Your copy of this application may be used to sign-up in AMA/District 14 Events for 60 Days. If you have not received yourDistrict 14 Membership card in 30 days, contact District 14 Membership Administration with information as to where you purchased your membership.

DISTRICT 14 MEMBERSHIP ADMINISTRATION INFOto find the current contact info, visit us on the web at www.ama-d14.org

For Club/Promoter use only - must have club and event date name for credit - ALL sold applications must be turned into Membership Administration within 14 days of purchase.

Club / Promoter Name & Charter Number Event Date

D14 Membership App10.26.2013 Rev. 10/2013COPIES: White = D14 Admin Yellow = Club/Promoter Pink - Member

AUGUST 2014 - D14 NEWS

Bring your copy of this completed form with you to EVERY race until you receive your card!

To this Month’s Rockin'

Contributors

‘Til next ti me . . . take care, STAY cool, but mostly, be sure to enjoy the ride 'cuz it all goes by in a blink.

– In order of appearance – Erin Krell / SpeedpunksImages.com, Thomas Dunn, Dick

Ranney, Jeana Car�asco, Steve Baginski, Sharon Visger, Car�ie Leddy, Anony�ous, Mike Maurer,

Jennifer Marentett e, Chris Rahm/Erie Ramblers,Team Freelin, Mark Becker, Steve Beane, Nick Fisher,

Melanie Poirier, and last, but not least ... Talon Soenksen

Page 4: D14 news aug14

4 August 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports News

2014 District 14 Board of Directors & Division ChairsPRESIDENT

Thomas Dunn [email protected](517) 896-9757

VICE PRESIDENT Neal [email protected](313) 244-6827

SECRETARYHeather [email protected](517) 775-5897

TREASURERSteve [email protected](313) 805-2285

LEGISLATIVE DIRECTORThomas Dunn [email protected](517) 896-9757

AMA CONGRESS – OFF ROADDick [email protected](586) 677-0456

John Zwerican989-871-3008

AMA CONGRESS – ROADKaye [email protected] (248) 459-1777

RIDER REPS – OFF ROAD Tim [email protected](989) 751-8073

Brian Kidner(231) 670-7418

RIDER REP – ROAD Laney Johnsonphone & email – not provided

ATV CHAIRPERSONRobert [email protected](517) 282-4373

VICE CHAIR – ATV MXNeil Sutfin (989) 223-7890

POINTS KEEPERTerri [email protected](517) 719-6264

RIDER REPS - XCLarry Seeley(269) 986-2197

ENDURO CHAIRPERSONBill [email protected](248) 891-1400

VICE CHAIRMark [email protected](517) 304-0726

POINTS KEEPERTom [email protected](989) 245-6812

RIDER REPSA/AA CLASSScott [email protected](248) 925-6468

B CLASSFred [email protected](586) 246-3156

C, 60+ & WOMEN'S CLASSESTina [email protected](989) 875-8186

FLAT TRACK/TT CHAIRPERSONRobert [email protected](248) 763-3623

VICE CHAIRAndy [email protected]

POINTS KEEPERJanet [email protected]

HARE SCRAMBLE CHAIRPERSONMark [email protected](248) 672-1224

VICE CHAIRNeal [email protected](313) 244-6827

VICE CHAIR – ATV-XCDan Brendel [email protected](810) 217-7404

POINTS KEEPERMark [email protected](248) 672-1224

RIDER REPSJames Cook (ATV)[email protected](586) 855-7827

Rudy Richardson (HS)[email protected](616) 422-1094

Kevin Fleszar (HS)[email protected](734) 735-3717

HILL CLIMB CHAIRPERSONTom [email protected](616) 813-7322

VICE CHAIRRoger Bibbler(616) 813-0646

POINTS KEEPERSeth [email protected](616) 902-7110

ICE RACE CHAIRPERSONJeremiah [email protected](989) 621-8701

VICE CHAIRPatty [email protected](810) 327-1062

POINTS KEEPERPatty [email protected](810) 327-1062

MX CHAIRPERSONKreg [email protected](810) 965-8764

VICE CHAIR - VINTAGE MXSteve [email protected](586) 321-5680

POINTS KEEPERJenny Johnson(989) 871-3356

ROAD CHAIRPERSONTerri [email protected](517) 719-6264

VICE CHAIR Jim Charleboisphone & email – not provided

POINTS KEEPERDon [email protected]

VISIT US AT WWW.AMA-D14.ORG

Page 5: D14 news aug14

August 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports News 5

33 Motosports Pk .................989-889-1785Baja MX ......................................989-871-3356Battle Creek MC................... 909-806-5149Bent Wheels CC .................... 248-626-3140BigAir Motocross ..................231-578-3828Boulis Racing ......................... 810-686-7083Bulldog Riders MC ............. 248-284-5570Cadillac MC ............................ 231-884-0996Flint MC .................................... 810-687-4284Freelin MX ................................ 989-761-1301Goshen IronHorsemen ... 574-514-1894Grand Kankakee TR ............ 219-221-0900Grattan Raceway ................. 616-788-4454Hill & Gully Riders ................708-261-3433H&L Racing ............................ 989-415-2808I-96 Speedway ...................... 616-642-0555KnuckleBusters Rider’s Club ...... 989-287-0120Lansing MC ............................. 517-763-9406Lucky Thumb MC ................ 810-404-2895

If your Charter is not listed, you need to submit a Charter Application and $25 Charter Fee. If your application is

currently pending, your listing will appear once your status has cleared. If you believe this information is incorrect, please verify your status with the D14 Secretary, Heather Soenksen at 517-775-5897 or via email [email protected].

2014 DIRECTORYCHARTER CLUBS & PROMOTERS

All D14 membership and charter registrations/renewals, address changes,

card replacements, missed newspapers and other membership related issues

should be directed to the MEMBERSHIP ADMINISTRATOR:

HEATHER [email protected]

3155 Prescott Dr, Howell MI 48843 • 517-775-5897

MI Off Road Events ............ 517-896-9757Muskegon MC ....................... 231-733-9856NAAS ...........................................989-871-3356Ogemaw Hills Bike Week .......989-312-1312Owosso Kart Speedway ... 810-691-5781Plymouth Blackhawks .......574-904-3006Para-Dice M/C ........................616-893-3542Polka Dots MC ...................... 989-205-8807Port Huron MC ...................... 810-327-1062Portland Trail Riders........... 517-294-6161S.O.R.E. ....................................... 989-370-6791Tri-City Motor Speedway ..... 989-550-8403Tri-City Travelers ................. 989-501-0911Twin Bay Trail Riders ......... 231-645-7905UP Sandstormers ................ 906-228-7010Valley Motocross ..................517-881-8756Valley Trail Riders ................ 989-890-1411White Lake Racing .............. 989-621-8701White Trash Racing ............. 989-274-7243

4185 Blood Road, PO Box 65 • Metamora, MI 48455

810.678.2617

MATT CROWN RACING{ Suspension + Performance }

Over 25+ Years Providing Support to Local & International Riders!

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Page 6: D14 news aug14

6 August 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports News

Deadlines!A day in the life! Deadlines, we all have them, most times, we do not have the time for them, and we all have to deal with them! My days, almost, always start be-tween 4:00-4:30 a.m. I get up and let our puppies out; by puppies, I mean Turbo a 7 year old Dalmatian, Pit Mix, and Hooch a 4 year old Pit Mix. Pour a cup of coffee and until three months go outside myself and light a cigarette to get me started. Nowadays, I forego the smoke and go right to the com-puter. Checking the emails received

overnight, which surprisingly, are more then you would expect. Answer those that need answering and filing those that just need to be read and kept for later reference. I generally check the DNR and State Legislative sites for legislation changes or bill updates that I need to be aware of, Facebook where I do a lot more “lurking” than posting to see what you are all talking about and which way the wind blows. This helps to decide how and when to react, and/or ignore is-sues, problem real or just perceived. Then it’s downstairs for a workout, consisting of weights and cardio to try and keep this 50 year old body moving (which is proving harder then I thought it would).

Visions by Thomas Dunn, 2014 District 14 President

Work begins at 8:00 a.m. but being a bit over zealous, I think I am late if I am not there by 7:15. Throughout the workday I take and make phone call that pertain to either District 14, AMA, Michigan Off Road Events, or State legislation, ORV/DNR business that needs to be addressed during business hours. (Surprisingly enough the DNR and State will actually call after their normal hours nowadays and even on weekends). Most of the time I spend traveling in a vehicle, is spent on the phone. Don’t worry, I have "hands free" on my phone where I do not have to touch anything, only speak to get or receive messages or make calls leaving my hands on the wheel or handle bars... yes I do this on my road bike as well but will pull off the road so you can hear me. Evenings are spent writing letters/emails and making more calls. When events are coming up, then there is computer set up, programming, route sheets, backup sheets, bike prep, trailer, and van loading and set up.

Maybe not one person in your circle of friends has ever done it, except in a full size four wheeled plated vehicle. October 10th, 2015, we, as ORV us-ers, will have the opportunity to ride our ORV across the Mackinac Bridge. Yup, for real and plans are in the mak-ing. The first two machines will leave the south side at 8:30 a.m. and head across at a speed of 20 mph and hun-dreds, if not thousands will follow. The third planning meeting will be held in September to determine if there will be a cap on entries, what the entry fee will be and they are talking on the cheap side. In your entry you will pay the bridge toll, get a lunch, free shuttle service around St. Ignace until 6:00 p.m. Saturday evening and a “Money Bag” which has a bunch of discount tickets for various things, including the ferry lines to Mackinac Island. Those of us working on the “hap-pening” are looking at factory trailers with the new models on display, various vendors and we are open to your sug-

gestions. It is even possible we will have a shot at breaking the world record for the most ORV’s ever assembled in a pa-rade. Record is 1,870, set in 2009. All kinds of ideas are popping up, group ATV rides from various parts of the state, some discussion of starting something for motorcycles too, maybe start downstate, run to the bridge, get across and run all the way up to the Soo and head home from there. Before the dust settles on this one, some folks will be making plans of taking vacation days. A lot of different types of events such as this, the walkers, tractors, Gold Wings, semi tractors, we have plenty of knowledge to draw from. Watch as things unfold, we hope to have entries available early October for just the bridge crossing. If they put a cap on entries, DO NOT HESITATE, get it mailed in. We have come a long ways, a few years back, they refused us service in restaurants, now we see the red carpet out for us. Enjoy!

Be sure to visit these websites often during the season and o -season to make sure you’re up to date on the latest and greatest!

AMA – AmericanMotorcyclist.comD14 – AMA-D14.org

D14 News – D14News.netENDURO – D14Enduro.org

MX – D14MX.comICE – ICE.s3webcenter.com

_______________________33MotosportsPark.com

BajaMX.com BattleCreekMotorcycleClub.com

BentWheels.comBigAirMotocross.com

BullDogMX.comBundyHillO� Road.com

CadillacMC.comFlintMotorcycleClub.com

FreelinMX.comGKTrailRiders.com

GrattanRaceway.com I96Speedway.com

LansingMotorcycleClub.orgLuckyThumbMotorcycleClub.com

MidwestEnduros.com (Hill & Gully)MichiganVintageMotocross.com

MuddobbersMC.orgMuskegonMotorcycleClub.com

NAActionSports.comPHMC-USA.com

PolkaDotsMC.netPortlandTrailRiders.com

RidersMC.orgTheValleyTrailRiders.org

ValleyMotocross.comUPSandStormers.comWhiteLakeRacing.com

Club wEb

A Thrill Like No OtherComing Our Way

Story by Dick Ranney

Do not get me wrong, I am not complaining! I love what I do! I make time for my kids, my new grand children and even more so, my loving wife that allows me to do all of this without too much complaint, and helps me do a lot more then people re-alize. I walk the dogs; I take care of the lawn and yard. I have friends outside of racing and motorcycle events. My wife and I ride our BMW all over the State and see different things and people. We all have lives. We all have work. We all have families. We all have deadlines! Mine are important to me! Yours are important to you! I think yours are just as important as mine are, just different! I thank you for entrusting me to meet the deadlines of District 14! See ya at the races!

Page 7: D14 news aug14

August 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports News 7

FREELIN MX (Brown City, MI) | July 19story by Jeana Carrascophotos courtesy of SpeedPunksImages.com

The Michigan Fellowship of Christian Athletes MX hosted the first ever Ride-A-thon fundraising event at Freelin MX on July 19th, 2014. Two endurance motos were run after the day race program. All mini bikes rode 25 minutes. Big bikes completed 40 minutes. In all, forty four riders rode the event. 24 campers attended and also participated in the fundraiser. FCA MX Michigan was thrilled to raise $6801 to support kids registered go to camp August 11-15th, 2014. The amount raised provided $295 per camper present. Top fundraisers were: Chase Carrasco, Matthew Sape, Brac Weir and Jakob Wilson. A full scholarship was awarded to Matthew Taylor for raising $600 toward camp. Imme-diately following the event, a potluck and award ceremony was held for all Freelin MX guests and staff.

First Ever FCA Ride-A-thon Huge Success!

RIDE-A-THON continued on page 21

Mandingo Pickles

Garrett Simpson wins the Josh Grant autographed gear Austin Brodie excited for camp

Page 8: D14 news aug14

8 August 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports News

VALLEY MX (Stanton, MI) | July 06Story by Steve Baginski | Photos as noted

Aft er many years of name changes and dif-ferent owners, Valley MX is fi nally where they belong back in District 14! Everyone may know this track as Moreland’s MX, but that name is in the past as Valley is here to stay. It has been many years since I have ridden there, but aft er one lap, it was like I never left . They have done an amazing job to the track and the enti re facility. Steve and Amy do their best every weekend and it shows with all the smiling faces and great racing. We had two injuries but I am glad to report that both are doing well. One is already back racing and the other is opti -misti c for a quick recovery.

Three of our classes were out at once with the Innovati on and Transiti on classes dropping together. Chad Morehouse was quickest out of the gate with George Me-kjian and myself fi ghti ng for second. Mark Cook, Tom Clarehout, Joe Sangster and Lance Shelton were all side by side. Austi n Visger was back running with Brad Bolz-man and Jeff Harms. Tom Lee, Jeff Doneth, Mike Poirier Sr. and Jason Colon all were a second back dealing with the sandy up-

hill start. Chad was out front and pulling away as it took me a few turns to take over second. Lance was quickly leading Trans and third overall. Clare-hout was up to fourth and looking to pass for the lead. Brad was currently holding off Austi n just ahead of Joe. Tom was holding down third in Inno just ahead of Jason. Then disaster struck on lap two and Chad and I saw it as we started lap three. Harms had gone down before the tree turn and we were forced to take it slow as the medics att ended to him for the remainder of the race. He would eventually be placed on the backboard and taken to the hospital. I was in formed of a few broken ribs and other injuries but is healing quickly and has not lost his sense of humor. Get

well soon Jeff . OK, back to racing and it was Chad putti ng in solid laps as I was ti red of getti ng roosted. Clarehout had made the

pass on Lance for the Trans lead. Austi n had some bike issues and was forced to pull off just aft er Brad had his own issues. As

VINTAGE MX

HOMECOMINGOF SORTS

AT VALLEY MX

Bryan Hoeldtke was fast all day but could only manage a second in Evoluti on ~ photo by Steve Bagisnki

Dylan Lorenz (909) and Al Doneth (839) were this close for both Iron Man motos~ photo by Sharon Visger

Page 9: D14 news aug14

August 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports News 9

VALLEY MX continued on page 19

we received the white flag, I had gained a little on Chad and had a passing place in my head. As we went through last chance straight, he went wide and I took the inside and the lead. We went through the next left and we bumped, I held it on and looked to have the win. He railed the second to last turn and I was forced to take the inside. I knew I had to go fast into the last turn but still protect the inside. I carried too much speed and was forced to the middle of the turn and he snuck to the inside for a photo finish. He blasted around the outside of the final turn and we crossed the finish virtu-ally together with a photo finish. When the results were posted it was Chad at the top of the list. Lee would earn the final spot on the podium with Jason in fourth. Doneth and Mike continued their battle with Doneth getting the edge in fifth. Clarehout would end up with his own moto win with Lance only a few seconds back with a little gap back to Mark in third. Joe would take over fourth after George slowed to fifth after a great start. Moto two was almost a repeat on the start with Chad getting another great start. I was into second by the end of the second straight. After we dropped back down from the 110, I went around the outside of Chad and made the pass for the lead. Clarehout was close and also made the pass. Lance was also mov-ing up as he passed George, Joe and Mark. Brad was back out after his first moto DNF, even though it was on Claerhout’s back up bike. As I was slowly pulling a lead, Chad made a little mistake on lap two and stalled

Mark rode strong to another third for third overall. Joe took another fourth holding off Brad on a borrowed bike. George slipped again after another great start back to sixth, but Brad’s first moto DNF hurt him in the overall.

The Iron Man class was out with us with some new young blood. Dylan Lorenz grabbed moto one holeshot with Al Doneth a close second. Cory Sutherland went wide as Kevin and Rick Stone were next. Dale Darling had a slight edge over Randy Stone just ahead of Brian Briggs. Dylan jumped to an early but small lead and Al hounded him for the entire race. Cory was a lonely third with Kevin and Rick fighting for fourth. Dale had the edge over Randy and Brian but Randy would have troubles late and drop to eighth. The main battle was out front as Dylan had the motor but Al would gain in the corners and hard pack sections. This race would also be a photo finish with Dylan getting the win. Al had a blast finish-ing second with Cory a distant third. Kevin held on to fourth only a few seconds in front of Rick. The Second moto start went to Dylan once again with Al right where they finished moto one. Kevin took over third for now with Cory in fourth. Rick was fifth as Randy was trying to pass Dale for sixth. At the start of lap three, Al was push-ing the pace and showing a wheel in every turn. Cory had taken over third as Randy settled into sixth. On the last lap, Dylan

and Al both ran into lappers and made mis-takes but it was Dylan with a slight edge. At the finish, he had a three second lead over all and his first overall in the Vintage series. Al was disappointed with not win-ning but had a good race finishing second. Cory rounded out the podium with his 3-3 and Kevin was a little ways back in fourth. Rick was close both moto’s but settled for fifth. Randy would end up sixth for seventh overall as Dale would top him with 6-7 mot scores. Brian would slip back to eighth with his 7-8 moto finishes.

The Evolution guys were the last vintage class to see the track and it was Kirk Big-elow making his return and taking the moto one holeshot. George Mekjian continued his good starts in second followed by Bryan Hoeldtke, Ray Brooks and Tom Lee. Derek Brooks and Joe Sangster went up the in-side while Mark Havalda took the middle with Steve Walters and Randy Stone giving chase. After lap one, Kirk had opened up a nice lead with Bryan having a hard time making clean pass on George for second. Ray was in third pulling away from his son Derek while Joe was pressuring him. Tom was also keeping pace with Derek and Joe in seventh. Mark was a few seconds back as he was putting some distance on Randy and Steve. Bryan would finally take over second on lap two and slowly gain on Kirk. The rest of the racers would all have bat-

Kirk Bigelow came out swinging to a 1-1 in Evolution ~ photo by Steve Bagisnki

Randy Stone having some fun before the start of moto one~ photo by Steve Bagisnki

in the tree turn. Lance al-most hit him as well. He would re fire and get back up to pace quickly. When the white flag, Clarehout was all over me and I was about to waive him by. Then I dug deep and want-ed to win, it caught me in the next turn as I tucked the front and went down. He was close enough to me that he almost ran into my bike. I heard Lance go by as I was getting back to my feet and hoped to not hear Chad. I re-started just as he caught me but still had the lead. He made the pass a few straights later and I was digging deep. As I was running out of time, I was hoping to make the pass where I did in moto one. I wasn’t close enough but dove to the inside of the final turn. He had a little too much momentum and railed the outside of the berm for another photo fin-ish win and the overall. Lee rode smart to another podium finish as Doneth took home fourth just ahead of rival Mike in fifth. Jason would drop to sixth after his moto two DNF. Claerhout would hold on out front for another moto win with Lance about the same distance behind in second.

Page 10: D14 news aug14

10 August 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports News

POLKA DOTS MOTORCYCLE CLUB (Midland, MI) | July 27Story by Carrie Leddy | Photos by Erin Krell with SSI

On Sunday, July 27, 2014 Polka Dots had their second annual Mini Challenge. This year’s race included eighteen 85cc racers that competed in a twenty minute moto, plus one lap. These litt le youngsters deserve a lot of credit. They compet-ed aft er the morning session was fi nished, which meant the track was already

underway to becoming rough. Deep sand, holes, and twenty-some minutes, equals ex-hausti ng ti mes. However, these kids made this race look easy. At the end of the moto, they were sti ll fl ying by, not looking too ti red. I stood on Honda Hill to watch the race. #523 Noah Willbrandt took the holeshot and won the race. If you haven’t watched this kid race, check him out! He was charging hard the enti re race. By the eighteen minute mark he had a ten second lead ahead of second place. As another Polka Dots member and I watched, we noti ced this kid re-ally knew how to pick out the perfect lines. It amazes me that at young ages they are already taking steps to become what it takes to be a top notch rider. #672 Tres Mckee had a good holeshot and pulled out a second place win. He also charged hard the enti re race, without running out of energy. Behind #672 Mckee, was #269 Blake Hazen, followed by #973 Erick Essenburg. Hazen and Essenburg were closing the gap on Mckee right up to the fi nish. Unfortunately, Hazen went down during the last lap, which set him back a few places. I must point out that this dad did not get upset with his son, he gave him the thumbs up and encouraged him to keep racing hard that last lap. That is what we all love to see, the positi ve father-son racing! Watching these kids not give up and push to the end sure is fun to watch!

I would like to thank everyone that played part in this race, racers, spectators, and sponsors! Without the sponsors this race could not happen, so be sure to thank and support the following companies: US 27 Motorsports, Bay Cycle, JP Speed, Tech-Care Suspension, MCR Suspension, Poor Boy Woodworks, Wide Open Industries, R. Ober-litner Well Drilling & Repair, Soluti ons 4 Automati on, Dubay’s Body Shop, SpeedPunks Specialized Images, Best Choice Auto 1, and McArdle. I hope to see everyone next year!

Top Ten: #523 Willbrandt, #672 Mckee, #973 Essenburg, #501 Tilma, #357 Hanner, #269 Hazen, #38 Rockafellow, #971 Essenburg, #22 Dewald, #229 Visger.

Polka Dots MINI

Challenge

#672 Tres McKee

Holeshot

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August 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports News 11

It's the million dollar questi on. Cost is an obvious issue, and an even easier answer. Some think greedy promoters, and overpowering series are a problem. They may be, they may not be.

The truth is, WE are the problem. The kind of people that love racing so passionately we would give anything to be at the track instead of being elsewhere. We spend our last dime to see a big race, have hundreds of dollars in apparel, on races and events, and fi ght with others about weekend plans because we are defi nitely going to be at the races regardless of what they say.

Why are we the problem? The age of communicati on, and the lack of will power to bite our tongues instead of putti ng a racetrack or a racer on blast for the world to see because of our great passion. I’m 100% guilty of this myself over previous years, but I came to the conclusion that my internet ti rades were pointless, because – I was going back the next race. So all I was doing was hurti ng the sport and the track that I love so dearly.

A few weeks ago I was at a local track, not my home track, and not a track I frequent very oft en. They did the most bizarre, and disrespectf ul thing to the racer I was there supporti ng. It was awful, and extremely unprofessional. I would have loved nothing more than to come home, get on Facebook and tell everybody that could see just how terrible it was. What would it have done for me? I wasn’t going back, I knew the racer probably wasn’t going back. What would I have to gain by trying to make them suff er?

We are the problem.

If we could all collecti vely sett le ourselves just long enough to take a breath and think, “Is this really the right thing to do? Is it going to do me any good at all?”, racing wouldn’t be suff ering quite as bad as it is.

Are we 100 percent of the problem, lord no. But as we all watch the sport we love, that we’ve spent our lives following dwindle off to nothing, all we can do is hurt it with harsh and quick reacti ons. Fans, racers, pit crew members, and even track staff are included.

Every litt le nook and cranny of rules, procedures, or policies that tracks have to end up giving somebody the wrong end of the sti ck, eventually. The absolute second it does, we blow up the internet like the world is going to end. And then we turn around, drive right back down that same road to the same racetrack we swore was the worst place in the country. And even go as far as to say “Well I’m going but I hope they don’t have anybody there.” How backwards is that? You want to go and pay your hard earned money to watch nobody race, have none of your friends there from over the years to socialize with? Sounds insane doesn’t it? But it’s truthfully a weekly occurrence all over the country.

The worst part? 90 percent of it isn’t anything that’s relati vely important. We take a policy that we didn’t like and we act like a track got a racer hurt on purpose, and the promoter just looked on and started laughing at the guy as he was crawling off the track. It’s madness! A rule that’s been in place all season long, that everybody’s been going by all year long, bites the wrong guy, and the racer and all of the race fans just brutalize the track publicly. Whatever happened to just going elsewhere?

Taking your business elsewhere is point enough without blowing up the internet with your negati ve thoughts.

“What’s wrong with racing?” I AM. But I won’t be anymore, will you?

- Caring and loving fan of dirt racing. - Anonymous

What's wrong with racing today?

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12 August 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports News

2:14 AMA D14 EVENTSatv MX

CHAIRPERSON ....................Bob MillerVICE CHAIR – MX................ Neil Sutfin = Michigan State Championship RaceAUGUST

09 Battle Creek MC .......BattleCreek 30 M33 Motosports Park ............ Mio 31 M33 Motosports Park ............ Mio SEPTEMBER 07 Battle Creek MC ........BattleCreek 13 Open Practice................ Portland 14 Portland Trail Riders ....... Portland

enduroCHAIRPERSON .................... Bill SmithVICE CHAIR.................... Mark Beltinck

AUGUST02 Weed Wacker FES .......... Bentley

Valley Trail Riders 03 Bark Buster .................... Bentley Valley Trail Riders 10 Summer Bummer #1 ....Roselawn, IN Hill & Gully MC 23 Pine Cone FES ......... Moorestown Lansing MC 24 Jack Pine Enduro ........Morestown Lansing MC

SEPTEMBER06 Baby Bear FES .............. Fairview

Singletrack Off-Road Events (S.O.R.E.) 07 Grizzly Enduro ..................Fairview Singletrack Off-Road Events (S.O.R.E.) 14 MUDDOBBER NATIONAL ENDURO Muddobbers MC .........Matthews, IN ?? Loose Moose TrailFest .... Marquette UP Sandstormers ?? Loose Moose TrailFest .... Marquette UP Sandstormers 28 Travers City FES ........Traverse City

NOVEMBER01 Turkey Gobbler FES ...New Paris, IN

Riders MC (Backup Date) 02 Turkey Creek ......... New Paris, IN Riders MC (Backup Date)

flat track CHAIRPERSON ..............Robert Brinker

VICE CHAIR.....................Andy NicholsAUGUST02 ST ......................Polka Dots MC

03 TT ......................Polka Dots MC 09 ST .................. Lucky Thumb MC 10 TT .................. Lucky Thumb MC 16 ST ................. Tri-City Speedway

17 TT ................. Tri-City Speedway 23 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP 1/2 Mile..............Croswell–PHMC 24 RAIN DATE – State Championship 1/2 Mile..............Croswell–PHMC

SEPTEMBER06 ST ..................... I-96 Speedway13 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

ST .......... Owosso Kart Speedway 14 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TT ......... Owosso Kart Speedway

15 RAIN DATE – State Championship ST ...........Owosso Kart Speetway

21 RAIN DATE – State Championship TT ..............Owosso Kart Speedway

hare scrambles

CHAIRPERSON ................ Mark Becker VICE CHAIR..................Neal Soenksen VICE CHAIR (ATV) ............ Dan Brendel AUGUST 15 PolkaDots MC ................Midland SEPTEMBER 21 Valley MX ......................Stanton 28 BattleCreek MC ........Battle Creek OCTOBER

05 Portland Trial Riders ........Portand 12 33 Motorsports .................... Mio NOVEMBER

09 Plymouth Blackhawks ....Culver, IN

hill climb CHAIRPERSON .................... Tom Ruid

VICE CHAIR....................Roger Bibbler SEPTEMBER

13 Timber Ridge (tentative) .....Gobles 19 Muskegon MC ..............Bridgeton 20 Muskegon MC ..............Bridgeton 21 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Muskegon MC ..............Bridgeton

motocross CHAIRPERSON ............... Kreg Bigelow = Vet Series - Max Points All Vet Classes

= Fall Series – Max Points All Classes AUGUST 02 Big Air MX .................... Newago 03 Big Air MX .................... Newago 09 Valley MX ......................Stanton 09 Battle Creek MC .......Battle Creek

10 Valley MX ......................Stanton 10 Battle Creek MC .......Battle Creek 16 Freelin MX .................Brown City 16 Cadillac MC ...................Cadillac 17 Freelin MX .................Brown City 17 Cadillac MC ...................Cadillac 23 33 Motorsports Park ............. Mio 24 33 Motorsports Park ............. Mio 30 Baja Acres ...................Millington 31 Baja Acres ...................Millington

SEPTEMBER 01 Baja Acres ...................Millington

06 Big Air MX .................... Newago 07 Big Air MX .................... Newago 07 Battle Creek MC .......Battle Creek 14 Portland Trail Riders ....... Portland 14 Cadillac MC ...................Cadillac 21 Polka Dots MC ...............Midland 27 Freelin MX .................Brown City 27 Big Air MX .................... Newago 28 Freelin MX .................Brown City 28 Big Air MX .................... Newago

OCTOBER04 Great Lakes Grand Prix ....... TBA

05 Great Lakes Grand Prix ........ TBA 11 Valley MX ......................Stanton 12 Valley MX ......................Stanton 12 Bulldog Riders ..............Millington 18 Freelin MX .................Brown City 19 Freelin MX .................Brown City 25 Baja Acres ...................Millington 26 Baja Acres ...................Millington

vintage mx CHAIRPERSON ............. Steve Baginski

AUGUST03 Big Air MX ...................Newaygo

17 Cadillac MC ...................Cadillac 31 33 Motorsports .................... Mio

SEPTEMBER20 Polka Dots M/C ..............MidlandOCTOBER11 Bulldog Riders ..............Millington

26 Baja MX ......................Millington

roadCHAIRPERSON ..................Terri SweetVICE CHAIR ................. Jim CharleboisSEPTEMBER

20 Toys for Tots ABC Harley ................. Waterford 28 Tri City Turkey Run Crump Fox ...................... Linden

OCTOBER 05 Color Tour & Steak Fry Para Dice ..............Grand Rapids

story submitt ed by Mike Maurer

FESNews

FAMILY ENDURO SERIES

We had 235 riders in Matt hews, Indi-ana for the Covered Bridge Family Enduro. This att endance level is the most for a FES so far this year. The Muddobbers MC did a wonder-ful job of introducing a new format to the Family Enduro Series. They had the older riders (9 years old and older) ride the 18 mph loop fi rst – no 12 mph warm up. You had to be ready to ride. The club set up a small grass track so the younger parti ci-pants could ride their motorcycles while the others rode the fi rst loop. Based on the feedback, the FES parti cipants may see this format at future events in Traverse City in September and New Paris in November. Mother Nature cooperated the morn-ing of the event and we had dry riding conditi ons. We could have used some rain earlier in the week as it was dusty in some areas. The club gained access to some new secti ons of private property and in-cluded this new trail in the 20 miles of the fi rst loop. I am sure this trail will get used again at the Nati onal enduro at the Cov-ered Bridge in September. Michigan Off Road Events (MORE) as-sisted the Muddobbers with the scoring of the event. The last rider was due at the fi nish at 3:20, but it was the younger rid-ers completi ng a 16 mile loop. The results were posted and trophies were delivered before 5:00. Class winners were: Hunter Harter (4-6 yo), Kaylee Krmunacker (7-8 yo), Cadin Alcorn (9-11 yo), Race Vollmar (12-13 yo), Sky Knisely (14-15 yo), Megan Nannenga and Taylor Carpenter won the Women’s classes. Race Vollmar had the best score for the riders under 16 years of age. The adult classes were won by Asa Abel, Tony Vollmar (Race’s slower uncle), and Floyd Allen. Unfortunately, no pictures are avai-labe as CaptureMe Photography was not able to att end this event. August is going to be a busy month for the Family Enduro Series with events in Bentley, Lawton (rescheduled) and the Pine Cone on August 23. We will be in Fairvew and Traverse City in September. See you at the races!

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August 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports News 13

ERIE RAMBLERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB (Leamington, ONT) | July 19Story by Jennifer Marentett e, CAM Racing #112Photos courtesy of Chris Rahm, Erie Ramblers Member

The weather did not look to promising on the Saturday morning of Thunderfest in Canada on July 19, 2014. The famous ½ mile in Leamington was waiti ng for these riders to tear it up. Aft er some

long waits at the border, of course for us being Canadian, it’s a short 20 minutes from our home, the D14 racers were sure getti ng anxious to race, especially the few who had never been on this awesome ½ mile pea stone gravel track. The sky cleared and with the clouds sti ll hovering above, racing began only a litt le more than an hour behind schedule.

By the end of the night D14 had been well represented by Cody Marentett e #112 / #21, Kyle VanConant #90, Parker Norris #24, Devin Pfeiff er #98p and our lovely lady of the group, Morgan Monroe #32p. They sure showed who was boss and that they were a force to be reckoned with this Thunderfest weekend. The DTX Intermediate and the Open Intermediate had some clean, fun racing to watch with Morgan, Cody and Kyle batt ling out at the front of the pack in both races. Kyle fi nished the night with 6th in the DTX Intermediate and a 3rd in the Open Intermediate, Cody with 4th in the DTX Intermediate and 6th in the Open Intermediate and Morgan with 2nd in the DTX Intermediate and 4th in the Open Intermediate. Devin and Parker, having both rode the Thunderfest weekend before, raced with the big guns in the DTX Expert and Open Expert classes. You could easily fi nd them both riding the high line along the hay bales to some impressive fi nishes. Parker took home 5th in the DTX Expert class and 6th in the Open Expert while Devin rode to a well deserved 2nd in the DTX Expert and 6th in the Open Expert classes.

Sunday morning brought sunshine and blue skies to the Wheatley track making for an awesome day of racing. Being our home track, Cody has been waiti ng to race this track for a few weeks now. Parker and Devin both being here before, knew it is a fast litt le short track that makes for some great batt les. It was a new track to Morgan and Kyle but sure didn’t stop either of them from racing to some more amazing results. Cody rounded out the weekend with a 3rd in the DTX Intermediate and 6th in the Open Intermediate, Morgan swept the weekend with two 2nd place fi nishes in the DTX Intermediate and Open Intermediate and Kyle rode an amazing race fi nishing with 4th in the DTX Intermediate and 4th in the Open Intermediate . Our day of racing rounded out with the Expert classes where Devin and Parker sure left their mark on those pro riders. Devin fi nished off with a 5th in the DTX Expert and 6th in the Open Expert and Parker with a 4th in the DTX Expert class and 5th in the Open Expert. So... aft er some tear off issues, fogged up shields, mishaps at the starti ng line and run in with the boards in Wheatley, it is safe to say D14 was “ IN THE HOUSE” this Thunderfest weekend, well represented and we sure are proud of being a part of this great racing team!

CANADA THUNDER FEST

Cody Marentett e #21, Morgan Monroe #32p, Kyle VanConant #90

Devin Pfeiff er #98p

Parker Norris #24

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14 August 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports News

FreelinMX – September 27/28

FREELINFALL SERIƒ

Story by Team Freelin | Photos by SpeedPunksImages.com

FreelinMX – September 27/28

FREELINGet ready to rumble and get those MAX points you’ve been waiti ng to get. FreelinMX plays host to the Fall Series event on September 27/28. Along with Honda & Yamaha conti ngencies, MAX points towards the Michigan State Championship are on the line. You’re assured of the most points possible even if the gates are not totally full.

Every racer is out there, on that date, striving for the best possible positi on. Some have a higher goal and look towards the end of the season standings. This is what the Michigan State Championship is all about. But whether you are racing just one weekend, or every weekend, you don’t want to miss a series event. They are the best att ended events of the season. You can put all your skills towards racing some racers you don’t usually see at your favorite tracks.

FreelinMX would like you to experience our racer friendly track, with new enhance-ments just completed by Mike and his crew. Most have already seen the new bowl turn and whoops. If you have not had a chance to check out the new back secti on you need to. Not only does this secti on add lap ti me, it allows for some, faster riders, to have another line to take in order to get the positi on advantage.

On the Gas!

Double Vision

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We’ve been blessed with some great weather this season, not the scorching summer heat we have been used to in recent summers. It almost feels like fall. Well, come September 27/28 it will offi cially be fall and we can all enjoy the great weather in the Thumb. We know the bikes like cooler weather!

If you’re interested in learning more about conti ngency you need to visit the manu-facturer’s websites directly. For this event, FreelinMX will secure conti ngency from both Yamaha & Honda. To register for the expanded 2014 YZ/WR Conti ngency Pro-gram use this website www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport/racing/2014_YZWR_Conti ngency.aspx. Once at the website you can click the [Register HERE] butt on. If you click the Amateur Motocross link below a list of classes will appear showing which ones pay conti ngency for D14 Fall Series. To learn more about the Honda Red Rider Rewards Conti ngency Plan use this website to start - powersports.honda.com/racing/conti ngency.aspx. Here you can read about the plan and click the link at the bott om to view their 2014 program and supported series.

Air Time

Intense Concentrati on

Mark your calendars and plan to att end the Fall Series event at FreelinMX, you will not be disappointed. The track now stands at over 1.5 miles in length, with singles, doubles, tabletops, berms, bowl turn, off camber, whoops and long straight-aways. You can gather your speed. You can show off your jumping skills, you can do it all at FreelinMX. For more informati on visit FreelinMX.com, fb , or call 989.761.1301. We can’t wait to see you Stroke It On the East Side!!

Ware are you (questi on mark)

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16 August 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports News

POLKA DOTS conti nued from page PB

ATV SCENE

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August 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports News 17

figured my competition just gapped me by another 30 seconds. However, mud has a way leveling the playing field. My first lap had riders roosting past me with no regard for the conditions. I was im-pressed but unwilling to give chase. It was the first lap and saw no reason to get overly excited. I heard a bike come up on me in the middle section of single track and tried to get over. In doing so I almost center punched a tree. The rider laughed hysterically at my “near miss”. To quote another movie line, “I will find you.”

The Euro section (when I finally did find it) was super fun. The new wagon wheel of logs was a hoot. It replaced the rock garden and proved to be my demise. I ex-ecuted the logs by hugging the inside and jumping all of them. However, on my last lap I went down hard and tweaked my left radiator. It’s only money right?

The back 40 with the big log jump was fast and rough. That was the section where we rode through a gate onto pri-vate property. The owner is a club mem-ber and fellow competitor in the senior class. Steve is his name, good man.

First laps are where most mistakes are made. As I rode through the woods there was an abrupt right turn heading us toward the Back 40, some riders went straight and had to circle back. Those blue/white arrows made my day, again thank you. The only time I lost trail was the section along the moto track on quad trail. We had to transition from it back on to the singletrack. I stayed with the quad trail but quickly realized my error and made a hard right back on course. Dedicated club workers fixed this after the first lap. I like when clubs can made corrections on the spot. The key is having the manpower to do so.

As the day progressed the track started to dry out and get tacky. That was wel-come but by then a six inch rut had de-veloped. So the majority of the time was spent playing a game called, “ Avoid the Rut.” I usually lost but did notice some

BattleCreek

NationalBattle Creek MC (Battle Creek, MI )

July 13

This was the event everyone was look-ing forward to. The club even offered an open ride the day before to hone our MX skills. Only the MX track was available to ride, not any of the woods. Regardless, it proved to be a winning formula. I’d like to see more tracks offer this up.

Saturday was an epic day for riding and weather conditions. Saturday night and early Sunday morning dumped 3” rain in the area. This became a game changer. This is the time when true hare scramble racers rise above any whiney, crybaby behavior and use it as an opportunity to excel. Yes, it was gnarly but still fun. The early hours had a slight drizzle in the air but nothing to worry about. For those that see the glass as half-empty, it could have rained the 3” during the race. Enough said.

I assisted with scoring during the ATV program and was amazed at how filthy they were. Reading their numbers was difficult and the back up scoring people earned their keep. It was so bad that I had to move the checker flag 50 yards in front of scoring to help identify who or what was fast approaching. The quads did splash off a majority of the water on the track, which was a nice fringe benefit for the coming mini classes. Hey, what-ever your opinion of quads is, they do help with track grooming! Quoting Daniel Tosh, “And for that we thank you”.

My rider rep(s) earned their keep assist-ing the mini program. The slick off-cam-bers proved more than challenging for 12” wheels. Michael Beeler was the over-all fast kid of the day. I raced against his dad in the afternoon and this father/son team is impressive. That’s what is so cool

about national events. We get to race against different riders. I would love to be able to travel around and ride the na-tionals but alas, I’m a poor clock puncher with limited vacation and resources. Al-lysa Bennnet was the last rider to come through scoring. This young lady (and her sister Kylie) impress me every time. These two girls have more guts and drive than most adults.

The BC club gave us 8 miles of the most well laid out course ever. Yes it was mud-dy, get over it. I want to give the club my official salute for their arrowing. They not only placed the arrows well but chose to use blue/white colored arrows. This was a huge benefit for me on a personal level. Most clubs use those ugly black/orange arrows because they’re cheaper and most people can see them. Not this guy, my color challenged eyes don’t rec-ognize feminine rainbow colors like or-ange. Those arrows allowed me to stay on course 98% time, more on that later.

The start was typical for me. Last one to start my bike and last to leave the line. I’ve been told that consistency pays off in the end. Perhaps, but I do miss the the ease of a two-stroke start in gear. Very quickly I realized that this was going to be a “ride” and not a race. The moto track still had a few soupy spots and the woods were a greasy slime fest with a mixture of teflon thrown in. The pine section in the southeast corner is always the rough-est section. It becomes so choppy that I want to put helium in my tires to float over that nonsense.

I’d say the scariest part for me was the transition piece going on to the MX track for the first time. Leaving the pine sec-tion you had to ride through what looked like a quagmire of pig slop and wet con-crete mix. It was only 30 feet long but appeared to be bottomless. As it turned out, it did have a bottom and very few riders got stuck there. The Euro section was invisible to me on my first lap. It sort of snuck up on you. I of course played follow the leader right into the bypass. I

THE BECKER CHRONICLESby Mark Becker #184, Hare Scramble Chairperson

impressive skid marks along the trail. That is where a rider uses his legs/feet as outriggers while riding the rut. This creates 2 perfect skids along the rut. I thought it best to explain this from the other “skid mark”.

With each passing hour I started catching and passing riders in my class. It was sur-real. I have struggled this year and was shocked to be doing so well. Low end torque and an auto clutch are amazing. Sometimes fate works with you and not against you. I’ll take it!

Moto Tally has all the sordid details. The big guns came and put a clinic on for us amateurs. Congrats to Nick Fahringer on the OA. Mike and Byron of Battle Creek did a superb job of giving us 8 miles of playground worthy trail. Thank You.

Valley Trail

RidersValley Trail Riders (Bentley, MI )

July 20

This was the surprise event of the season. First, we had perfect weather conditions which created perfect trail conditions. Then we were treated to a revised course from their last event in June. The club ran sections in reverse with new trail linking them together. It was brilliant. The riders seemed to dig it. I know I did.

Valley Trail Riders gave us 7 miles of chal-lenging but fun trail. This club has been busy putting on 2 hare scrambles and an enduro within a month’s time. I’d say they have been stretched thin. And yet, the track was well thought out. Well done VTR. You will always get my support.

I rolled in Saturday afternoon and set up camp in the new white trash luxury ac-

HARE SCRAMBLES continued on page 24

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18 August 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports News

BATTLE CREEK MOTORCYCLE CLUB (Battle Creek, MI) | July 13

If you’re a D14 off-road rider and you missed the Battle Creek National you were either struggling mightily at the Knuckle Buster Enduro or stuck under a rock.

On a bright and sunny Sunday in July, hundreds of riders from Michigan and numerous other east-of-the-Missis-

sippi states gathered for a race of epic proportions. OK, I made that last part up, but it was a really great day to race, and some really fast guys brought their A-games to the storied race track just north of Battle Creek, MI.

Excitement bristled in the sign-up line when Nick Fah-ringer popped his head into the Battle Creek Motorcycle Club’s club building. Fresh off the Loose Moose National in Marquette, Fahringer brought his Husqvarna TE300 south carrying the NEPG number one plate ready to do battle on the nearly 8 mile, largely virgin terrain, course.

There’s a certain amount of pageantry associated with any national event, and this one was no dif-ferent, as represented not only by the course prepa-ration but also by the di-versity of the machines competing. Strolling through the pits revealed that riders from D14 and farther afield had their bikes primed and ready for the day ahead – let’s have a look at what could be found.

The race rig hauling Jedediah Haines’ bike may well have been a late 70s Econoline camper, but the Yamaha un-der the awning was proudly sporting the number one plate. Under all of the armor and reinforcements was a well-tuned WR450, not the typical off-road-modded YZ450s typically seen at GNCCs, or the much more nim-ble blue two-strokes, typical in this neck of the woods.

Just across the driveway another Yamaha rider was pit-ted. Paul Guy’s bike of choice was YZ250. The last re-maining Japanese two-stroke was replete with a large tank and steering damper aimed at allowing the D14 veteran a shot at the AA podium.

Hare Scrambles chairman Mark Becker has fully em-braced yellow bikes, keeping a 1978 RM250 for vintage racing, a somewhat modern RM250 for certain off-road events and piloting the boisterous RM-Z450 in others. A Rekluse clutch is fitted to attempt to tame the power of the big four-stroke. Not that long ago Becker was terror-izing the woods on a CR125!

The Beane ReportStory and photos by Steve Beane

Another Look at the Battle Creek Hare Scrambles National

Most off-road riders own, have owned, or will own a KTM300 at some point in their riding careers. Brett Becker brought out his in an attempt to secure some of the club’s pro pay-out, but his day didn’t last long.

The world’s fastest schoolbus

Two off-road mainstays – Paul Guy and the YZ250

Rolling thunder

Ubiquitous woods weapon

Swedish by way of Austria

Page 19: D14 news aug14

August 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports News 19

tles and be within sight of the next racer. Bryan would gain a lot of ground on Kirk, but he had too much of a lead and would have to be happy with second. Kirk was on the gas all moto wondering where Bryan was at, but never had to fight him for the win. George rode great rounding out the podium with Ray closing the gap in fourth. Derek was also very close to ray at the fin-ish in fifth. Joe rode a great race no more than a few seconds behind Derek for sixth. Tom didn’t give up either and crossed a few bike lengths behind Joe in seventh with Mark only a few back as well in eighth. Randy cruised home in ninth with Steve taking tenth. Moto two was more of the same as Kirk started where he left off with another holeshot. George was again second with Bryan a close third. Tom slid into fourth ahead of Ray, Joe and Derek. Steve had a slight edge over Mark as Ran-dy was a little slow of the start. Kirk was out front and setting the pace but was going to have to fight for the win this time as Bryan was into second early. George was hold-ing onto third as Ray was making time. Derek had fifth but Tom and Joe were all within three seconds. Mark was next with Steve still in front of Randy. Derek would have troubles on lap two dropping a few spots as Joe would move into fifth.

Then on lap three, more disaster struck as the Non-Current riders were getting into the back of the pack. The leader came over the blind tunnel jump and landed on Randy and he went down hard. His bike would also land on him and we would make a trip to the hospital. It didn’t look too good at first, but later that night I heard that he had no broken bones, a minor concussion and some bumps and bruises. It was purely an accident and all parties are ok with one an-other. I’m sure he will be back on the bike very soon. Meanwhile out front, Kirk was doing his best to stay in the lead with Bryan pressuring in every corner. Ray was gain-ing on George and had one more lap. Joe and the rest of the pack were lapped right at the end of the race and I bet Joe was the

most happy. He would end up fifth barely ahead of Tom. Mark was a few lengths be-hind holding off Derek after his earlier mistake. With the leaders coming around it was still Kirk out front tak-ing his first 1-1 of the season over Bryan’s 2-2. Ray would dig deep and make the pass for third with only two turns to go. That would put him into third overall ahead of George’s 3-4.

After round seven, I have come to realize that this season is going by way too fast! As I am writing this we have already completed round eight at Freelin MX and are preparing for Big Air on August third. After that it’s up to Cadillac on the 17th

and we make our first trip to 33 Motosports Park on the 31st. For any other informa-tion please check out www.michiganvintagemotocross.

com. Thanks for checking in and I hope to see you at the races.

Results 07.06.14 – Iron Man: 1. D. Lorenz (Suz); 2. A. Doneth (Yam); 3. C. Sutherland (Hon); 4. K. Stone (Suz); 5. Ri. Stone (Hsk); 6. D. Darling (Kaw); 7. Ra. Stone (Kaw); 8. B. Briggs (Hod) Evolution: 1. K. Bigelow (Yam); 2. B. Hoeldtke (Yam); 3. R. Brooks (Suz); 4. G. Mekjian (Mai); 5. J. Sangster (Suz); 6. T. Lee (Ktm); 7. D. Brooks (Yam); 8. M. Havalda (Suz); 9. S. Walters (Yam); 10. R. Stone (Kaw) Innovation: 1. C. Morehouse (Hon); 2. S. Baginski (Hon); 3. T. Lee (Ktm); 4. J. Doneth (Hon); 5. M. Poirier (Yam); 6. J. Colon (Kaw) Transition: 1. T. Claerhout (Suz); 2. L. Shelton (Yam); 3. M. Cook (Hon); 4. J. Sangster (Hon); 5. G. Mekjian (Hon); 6. B. Bolzman (Kaw); 7. A. Visger (Ktm); 8. J. Harms (Kaw)

Derek Brooks (468), Tom Lee (130) and Joe Sangster (849) had a great battle in Evolution ~ photo by Steve Bagisnki

The transition class had some good battles all day long ~ photo by Sharon Visger

VALLEY MX continued from page 9

“New Husqvarna” rider Jimmy Wood-ford dropped a class (from Vet A to Vet B) and gained a position (3rd to 2nd) since his 2012 trip to the Battle Creek National Hare Scrambles. There were red, white, and black Huskys in the pits as well, as long-time track sponsor and “Italian-and-German Husqvarna” dealer JT Cycles’ sponsored rider Andrew Bennett was one of several riders repping the now de-funct brand.

Italy’s off-road honor is now upheld by Beta, a brand relatively new to the US market but one with over a hundred years of continuous operation. The Plu-sOnePerformance / www.afterhour-scycle.com Beta 250RR pictured here was concieved in Florence but has had a variety of Dearborn-generated modifica-tions aimed at sharpening it’s prowess in Michigan’s woods. On this particular day the combination worked out as well as could be hoped, allowing me to capture my first class win of the season.

There’s no doubt that the people in-volved are some of the most compel-ling reasons to race, but I love to see the hardware behind the effort as well. The event at Battle Creek brought out lots of great machines, as well as interesting people.

At PlusOnePerformane and afterhour-scycle.com we strive to help you achieve your off-road riding goals, whether they be capturing a 1st place trophy, buying the very best set-up Beta or GasGas around, or simply enjoying a smooth and trou-ble-free ride with your pals. Check out our bikes and services on-line or track us down at an upcoming D14 hare scrambles or Family Enduro event.

Class-winning Beta, happy writer

Page 20: D14 news aug14

20 August 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports NewsAugust 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports NewsAugust 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports NewsAugust 2014August 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports NewsAugust 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports NewsAugust 2014

From the Scoring Tower

Story and photos submitt ed by Nick Fisher

PORTLAND TRAIL RIDERS (Portland, MI)

Fantasti c, I fi nally got a lett er in on ti me to Linda at D-14. We here at PTR have not stopped working on improvements while we have been in between our racing events. Some of the changes you will see and hear when you come back to us at our next event which is not unti l September 13th and 14th will be a new pit bike track. That way we can keep our Young Wipper Snappers out of trouble and entertained while they are not racing. Next we are putti ng in a new sound system, because I know you want to hear me.

On Saturday September 13th we are having our open practi ce from 10am-5pm. Then comes the Fierce Power Sports Hole Shot Contest. If you were not at this event last year you missed a great ti me and good racing. You can sign up via Brandy Miller you can fi nd her on face book. It is $15 for pre-registering or $20 the day of the show plus you get a free t-shirt for signing up. Did I menti on there is cash prizes!!

Sunday September 14th we are starti ng out our aft ernoon program with our MONEY MOTO it has a $2500.00 purse. The hole shot alone is worth $100 and I am sure that number will go up by race day. First place is paying $1000, second $750, third $400 and we are paying back to 7th place. It is $35 to enter and you have to sign up for one other class.

Gosh I know Lorett a's is coming up next week cannot wait to hear how our Michigan conti ngent will do. By the ti me this comes out I guess you will be getti ng a belated good luck.

Now here comes the Hicks and Hill show in the two man team on the hare scramble circuit. Out of the 8 events that Tyler Hills and Jacob Hicks have been in they have taken

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August 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports News 21

BEANE conti nued from page 21

seven fi rsts and just one second dominati ng the fi eld. Their only loss was to Masti n and Masti n team and the Hicks and Hill Show took second. With one hundred and thirty three points over Ratcliff and Ratcliff currently second in points with 103. The Hicks and Hill Show took the Valley Trail Riders hare scramble off leaving room for the Edgecomb brothers to show case their talents and snatching a fi rst place. The Edgecomb Brothers are setti ng third in points with 82.

On to Motocross, we have our own Jerry Lorenz leading the open A class winning all eleven events that he has made it to the line giving him a total of 198 points. Just fi ft een back from Lorenz is Shane Larsen from Grand Rapids running second in the points. Shane so far has just missed that top step on the podium but has nine second place fi nishes, with a couple of thirds and fourth mixed in there.

This last Saturday we had our annual dog run. Which is basically a big riding and party for our club members. Had a huge turnout, lots of riding. Cannot thank Heather Hansen enough for planning this event, Bruce Barber for all the cooking, I think he has a second calling, cooked over 120 steaks that you could cut with a plasti c knife. Also want to thank Pete Hansen, Steve Rogers, and Steve Nicholson for watering and preparing the track. It was awesome to ride. I am sure I missed several other that helped out as well so thank you to all not menti oned.

The Announcer

FCA MX Michigan would like to thank all the sponsors for making the event a success. Huge thanks to Mike and Ann Konarski at Freelin MX for the use of the facility, track and scoring staff . A number of businesses stepped up to help with the Ride-A-thon in-cluding T-shirt sponsor Custom Ink and Steel, hot dog sponsor Amazing Deli Midland, and backpack sponsor X-treme Mini Motors-ports. Many businesses in the MX indus-try in Michigan provided prizes including Tech Care Suspension, Mandingo Pickles, Speed-punks Specialized Images, JT Cycle, Outdoor Motorsports, No Limit Powersports, Rocky’s

Outdoor Sports, Championship Powers Sports, Magic’s Racing, MCR suspension, Portland Trail Riders, Big Air, Bulldogs Motorcyle Club, Ray C’s, CMP suspensions, Batt lecreek Motorcycle Club, EVS, Pit Posse and JT Racing USA.

FCA MX Michigan was tremendously humbled by the turnout and support of this event by the District 14 MX community and all the sponsors. This success of this event made camp possible for a number of young riders who may not oth-erwise been able to att end. Plans are already in process for next year…stay tuned. FCA MX #Bringing the Cross to Motocross.

RIDE-A-THON conti nued from page 7

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22 August 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports News

FREELIN MX (Brown City, MI) | July 20Story by Steve BaginskiPhotos by as noted

Well the crazy schedule worked out that we made our return trip to Freelin MX just over a month from our previous vis-it. This ti me it was for their Christmas in July race with weather completely the opposite! There were some clouds dur-ing the day but nothing ever came from them. Practi ce was quite wet and some people had issues with one of them be-ing Tim Anderson. He fi nally made his return to racing, but aft er a crash before the super double, he was forced to pack up and head home for some ice and rest. I hope we will see him again soon. Other than that, we had some good racing and always feel welcome at Freelin MX.

gaining ground as well. George slipped back to fi ft h as a 500 doesn’t have any real advantage against those 125’s. Al came through out front as usual with Kevin giving chase in second. Rick wasn’t far back in third as Randy had moved in front of Dale. Lance was credited with leading lap two but as they crossed to start lap three, Dean was into the lead as they went passed the fi rst turn. Aus-ti n was also on the move as he took over the last podium spot at the end of lap two. Al waived as he started lap three with a sizable lead over Kevin and the rest of the pack. Dean and Lance came through next as the riders were start-ing to get lapped. Rick was sti ll in a top three with Randy a steady fourth. With the white fl ag out, Dean had a lead but Lance was close enough if he made a

mistake. Austi n sti ll had an edge over Joe as Al was sti ll on the gas catching them. The fi rst rider across with the checkered was Dean and then a few seconds back to Lance. Kevin crossed next and was locked in as second Iron Man. George came by next with his goggles off being a lap down in fi ft h. Rick held on to third with Austi n taking his own third place. Randy gained on Rick on the last lap but was back in fourth. Joe also took fourth as Dale came by in fi ft h just as Al was crossing with his moto victory. Brian and Nolan came by next as Nolan was fi nish-ing his fi rst ever MX race with a win in the Schoolboy class. Moto two start was a copy of moto one with Lance out front. Dean was closer this ti me though and into second by the second turn. Al took another start with Kevin getti ng the edge

FREELIN MX (Brown City, MI) | July 20Story by Steve Baginski

gaining ground as well. George slipped back to fi ft h as a 500 doesn’t have any

mistake. Austi n sti ll had an edge over Joe as Al was sti ll on the gas catching them.

Vintage MXMX-mas in July at Freelin MX

The fi rst classes lined up were Transi-ti on, Iron Man and Schoolboy. Transiti on went fi rst with Lance Shelton taking the holeshot in front of George Mekjian, Joe Sangster, Dean Taylor and Austi n Visger. Al Doneth was the fi rst through turn one on the second gate drop. Rick and Kevin Stone were second with Dale Darling and Randy Stone in fourth. Randy was a litt le nervous on this start as it was if fi rst race back aft er being landed on at the previ-ous round. Everyone was glad to see him on the track. Brian Briggs came through next as he was riding with his son No-lan. This was his fi rst race and Dad was showing him the track a bit. Lance came through to start lap two with a few sec-ond lead over Dean but he was gaining fast. Joe was holding down a top three with Austi n on his brothers “new” 125

Transiti on had some great batt le for the lead with the 125's of Lance Shelton (097) and Dean Taylor (082) ~ photo by Steve Bagisnki

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August 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports News 23

VINTAGE MX conti nued on page 25

over Rick as Randy and Dale followed. Brian started with Nolan again but pulled away as he knew Nolan would do just fi ne in his second moto. Lance once again was leading as they started lap two with Dean on his rear wheel. Austi n was up to third this ti me with Joe right on his rear wheel. George slipped back to fi ft h as Al was coming across to start his second lap. Once again as the riders started lap three, Dean took over the lead in Trans. as Austi n had pulled a small gap on Joe. All the other racers were holding posi-ti ons with Al out front. With the check-ered fl ag waiving, Dean took another 1-1 aft er opening a small gap on Lance in second. Austi n would round out the top three making it an all 125cc podium. Joe came across in fourth with George in fi ft h making it an exact copy of the moto one results. The Iron Man moto scores would also be a copy of moto one with Al taking the win with another comfortable lead. Kevin, Rick and Randy would keep the Stone names together in 2nd through 4th

as Dale took another fi ft h. Brian fi nished

for moto two, George Mekjian was fi rst to turn one followed by Bryan Hoeldtke. Ray Brooks was a close third just ahead of Mark Havalda. Skyler Brooks stalled as he crossed the gate but restarted quickly and was on the gas. Aft er lap one, I had on ok lead but Kris was riding great and forcing me to keep pushing. Eli was hold-ing down third and Bryan was jumping passed Ryan in fourth. George started

closer to the pack this ti me as he rode his own race and let Nolan do the same tak-ing his fi rst ever 1-1 and overall in his fi rst ever race. Congrats Nolan and we hope to see you out again soon.

The next classes out were Innovati on and Evoluti on with the Inno riders in the fi rst drop. I grabbed the holeshot with Eli Hovorka and Kris Gillett in second. Ryan Baeder was just ahead of Jeff Doneth and Mike Poirier Sr. When the gate dropped

Big Mike Poirier conti nues to love his new class ~ photo by Melanie Poirier

Skyler Brooks made his debut on his brothers bike and improved all day ~ photo by Melanie Poirier

Joe Sangster put up a fi ght but could only manage a fourth ~ photo by Steve Bagisnki

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24 August 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports News

Here’s a shot that was heard around the world – 250 MX GP points leader and presumptive title winner Jefery Herlings broke his femur just days before he had hoped to clinch yet another MX world ti-tle. The kicker is that he did it on an 85cc bike at Stefan Evarts’ charity ride … good thing (perhaps) that Evarts is his boss at KTM.

I’m typically a slow adopter of tech-nology, but when something as ground-breaking as the 6D helmet comes along I’ve got to jump on it. The US-designed and developed lids contain a multitude of elastomeric hour-glass-shaped ele-ments between a conventional outer shell and a suspend-ed inner liner. The goal of the design is to reduce angular and low-g impact transmission to the rider’s brain in the case of a low-speed crash like those dirt bike riders are prone to.

Chad Reed re-cently ended his rela-tionship with Dunlop Tires and immedi-ately raced on Pirelli knobbies. Reed’s title sponsor Discount Tire sells a lot of the Italian-sourced rub-ber, and Chad’s looking at the bigger pic-ture these days.

Can you believe the racing action in the 450 class this summer? Ken Roczen absolutely dominated Red Bud, but the battles at Budds Creek and Millville sug-gest that Ryan Dungey, Eli Tomac, and Trey Canard can also lay claim to alien status.

If you’re a fan of fast four-strokes the Kawasaki KX-F introduction was sure to make your day. From the super-adjust-

able Showa Air Fork to the upsized Brak-ing rotors, the green bikes look serious in their attempt to overpower the competi-tion.

Jonny Walker was the first contes-tant to cross the finish line in this year’s Red Bull Romaniacs hard enduro, wrest-ing the champion’s crown from Graham Jarvis. Highlights abound on www.en-duro21.com.

Beta introduced their 2015 enduro line-up, with minor changes for the 2Ts and major modifications on the 4 stroke

range. The biggest news was the incor-poration of Synerject fuel injection on the 350RR, which also shares most of the powertrain features of the 2014 350 Fac-tory bike. The larger 4Ts got smaller, drop-ping in displacement to 390/430/480cc while retaining the tried-and-true Keihin FCR carburetion. Beta claims their pri-mary goal was to make the bikes super-easy to ride. Watch for a detailed story to come.

Klim is introducing some new off-road gear August 1, but somebody forgot to convey that to Dirt Bike Magazine. De-tails of the new threads showed up in

print mid-July at my local Meijers news-stand.

The best chance you have of getting your bike to run the way you want is to spend sometime dialing it in. It cost a day’s va-cation but I was able to dial in jetting, power-valve settings, and find an opti-mum fork tube height one beautiful af-ternoon in July. The riding was fantastic as well.

Say a prayer for Cory Buttrick. The su-per-fast Ohioan managed to wad up se-verely at a local supercross event when he

tried to triple-single what was more properly a double-double. While he wasn’t a threat to Nick Fahringer in the National Enduro title-chase, the Beta 300RR-mounted Buttrick was working his was towards the top-five in one of America’s premier off-road series.

It may seem like summer is al-most over but the Michigan “warm weather” riding season is only about half done for the year.

David Knight and Sherco have parted company mid-season, leav-ing ‘Knighter’ to buy and campaign privateer KTMs. For their part the Spanish-French trials and enduro bike manufacturer has said they want to concentrate their race ef-

forts on the Enduro World Champion-ship.

Have we seen the last of James Stew-art? Once dubbed as ‘the fastest man on the planet’ Stewart was forced to miss the Washougal round of the MX Nation-als for undisclosed reasons.

At PlusOnePerformance we’re into all things dirt-bike. Whether it’s getting your Husky’s fuel-injection sorted or finding the best steer-ing damper to tame the headshake of your KTM, our passion is in finding ways to help you enjoy your riding experience more. Check up on us at www.afterhourscycle.com or find us at one of the D14 off-road events.

commodati ons. I surveyed the course and tried to set up barriers of crude sti cks and logs to help direct traffi c fl ow. I know how those brain dead M riders charge through anything to earn that $2.95 tro-phy. I prefer to see more ribbon but that is my constant gripe, and only one.

We sti ll had a few high speed straights with those infamous abrupt corners, but there were fewer of those this ti me. I’ve gott en to the point where I like them now or at least tolerate. As always, there were a few moist spots but nothing to get my panti es in a twist. I have come to expect and like wet spots. This is VTR, not some manicured, well-groomed hipster track. This track appeals to riders that want the challenge of woods racing while never being more than a mile from your vehi-cle. Their property is unique in that it is a ¼ mile wide and a mile long. That pres-ents it’s own set of problems for the trail boss to lay out a worthy course.

I enjoyed every inch of this track. The ti ght single track had fl ow and the stutt er bumps forced me to look for new lines. I found myself weaving from side to side on the fast secti ons looking for anything that appeared fl at or smooth. There was none but I’m cursed with opti mism. My bars only touched ground once and of course I buried my yellow tanker on the last lap in the one and only mud hole that was ribboned to prevent such a bone-head move. Good ti mes.

At the start I was impressed with the front row. It was stacked with talent. We had 10 guys running M class. Only the R class had more entries. Numbers ti me. We had a low turnout. 48 real men (3 hr), 40 transvesti tes (2 hr), and 11 minis. That adds up to 99 entries. I want to see a larger att endance at this event. This is a club that cares about the riders and their hard work should be recognized. If you sat this one out because the mud from Batt le Creek scared you, well then you are a whimp. Enough said.

Our next event is Polka Dots and I know that will have a huge att endance. Our season is rolling along well. Stay true, stay upright, and most of all… have fun.

Fresh take on helmet technology

August 2014 – by Steve Beane

HARE SCRAMBLES conti nued from page 17

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August 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports News 25

lap two as Bryan was still within sight with Inno rider Ryan splitting them. Jeff was next with Ray closing ground bring-ing Mark with him. Skyler was making the pass on Big Mike and was up to speed and catching Mark. With a few laps in the books, the only riders to make a move were Jeff taking over fourth from Ryan and Skyler was closer than ever to Mark. So at the finish I had less than a ten second lead over Kris with Ray cross-ing between us as he was third in Evo. Skyler was just behind Kris as he took fourth from Mark in Evo as well. Eli took third with Jeff making his pass stick on Ryan for fourth. Big Mike would end up sixth. I got another great jump for moto two with Kris a very close second this time. Eli was third with Jeff getting the edge over Ryan and Big Mike. Bryan got the start in Evo this time with George a close second. Skyler was off to a better start in third just ahead of Mark and then Ray. After the first few laps of excite-ment, we all filed into our usual spots. I was able to gain a little more time on Kris this moto but he was still close enough if I had made a mistake. Eli was a solid third and Jeff held down fourth the entire race even though he had a fight on the last lap. Ryan ended a close fifth and Big Mike had pulled over to wait for me on the last lap

so he could end earlier. Bryan had a fight as well as George was a very close second. Ray wasn’t far back either in third as Skyler crossed just as close in fourth. Mark was a few bikes back with a consistent 5-5 on the only Evo 125.

So now we are officially over the half way point of the season. The points are clos-ing up and the battles are get-ting even bet-ter. We are now headed to make our return to Big Air on August 3rd. After that it’s up to Cadil-lac on the 17th and we make our first trip to 33 Motosports Park on the 31st. For any other information please check out www.michiganvintagemotocross.com. Thanks for checking in and I hope to see you at the races.

Results: Freelin MX 7/20/14 – Iron Man: 1. A. Doneth (Yam); 2. K. Stone (Suz); 3. Ri. Stone (Hsk); 4. Ra. Stone (Kaw); 5. D. Darling (Kaw); 6. B. Briggs (Hod) Evolution: 1. B. Hoeldtke (Yam); 2. G. Mekjian (Mai); 3. R. Brooks (Suz); 4. S. Brooks (Yam); 5. M. Havalda (Suz) ��Innova-tion: 1. S. Baginski (Hon); 2. K. Gillett (Kaw); 3. E. Hovorka (Hon); 4. J. Doneth (Hon); 5. R. Baeder (Kaw); 6. M. Poirier (Yam) Transition: 1. D. Taylor (Kaw); 2. L. Shelton (Yam); 3. A. Visger (Suz); 4. J. Sangster (Hon); 5. G. Mekjian (Hon) Schoolboy Innovation: 1. N. Briggs (Hod)

VINTAGE MX continued from page 23

Kevin Stone put in some great laps but could only get to second ~ photo by Steve Bagisnki

Kris Gillett was on the gas on a former national pro practice bike ~ photo by Melanie Poirier

Dean Taylor was feeling it all day with his 1-1

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26 August 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports News

DIRTWISE conti nued from page PB

One of D14’s Largest Kids’ Track for the Youngsters

with a pavilion nearby

21758 Waubascon RoadBattle Creek, MI 49017

ClubHouse 269.964.0778General Info 269.729.9691

GPS Coordinates: Lat. 42.3879N Long. 85.2108W

LOCAL SPONSORS: Custom Connecti on Motorsports George Danke Motorcycle Company • JT Cycle

Katz Well Drilling • Seyberts Kubota Kings • Shortys Cycle

For 2014 MX Classes & Rules visit D14MX.com

BATTLECREEK MOTORCYCLE CLUB

• Traditional, yet very modern & pristine club.

• Plenty of parking & camping on lush grounds.

• Track is one of the state’s best with little dust and plenty of good racing.

• Very safe track design.

• Plenty of personnel to help with sign up, safety, parking, & rider assistance. safety, parking, & rider assistance.

www.BattleCreekMotorcycleClub.comwww.BattleCreekMotorcycleClub.comwww.BattleCreekMotorcycleClub.com

SPLIT PROGRAM FOR MXQuads Always Welcome!

2014 EVENTS

Gates open at Noon on Friday prior to races. 7 a.m. sign up with Practice at 9:00 a.m.

Racing approx. 10:30 a.m.

SINCE 1928!

Open MX Practice Saturday, June 07 (11am)

SUNDAY 06.08 – MX / VintageOpen MX Practice Saturday, July 12 (11am)

SUNDAY 07.13National Hare Scramble

SATURDAY 08.09 – MXSUNDAY 08.10 – Money MotoOpen MX Practice Saturday, September 06 (11am)

SUNDAY 09.07 – MX SUNDAY 09.28 – Hare Scramble

UP SANDSTORMERS (Marquett e, MI) | June 28story and photos submitt ed by Talon Soenksen

Hi Everyone:

Round 6 of the Nati onal Enduro Series was in Marquett e, MI. Even though this race is in my home state of Michigan it was sti ll 8 hours away. The day started off rainy and I was kind of nervous about the moon rocks that the U.P Sandstormers would put us through because rocks and water do not create a very sti cky situati on. I was signed up for row 36 with pro Tanner Thomas. Test 1 was rough and had lots of wet ferns making the trail extremely hard to

see. When I came out of the test I knew I was going to have a slower ti me and I had to put the hammer down to catch up in test 2. Test 2 was a mix of fast open fi elds and fl owing secti ons of woods. I came out of the gate pushing real hard and made it through crash free. Test 3 was fairly whooped out and had some secti ons of prett y ti ght saplings. I knew I was going all right but I got off the trail a few ti mes and hit some stumps. Going into test 4 my dad noti ced I had a fl at ti re so being the best mechanic ever he adjusted some things so it wouldn't have as much of an eff ect. This test had some fairly tricky

moon rocks if you didn't choose the right line. Even with the fl at ti re I had a fairly good ti me. Aft er test 4 was gas u, so I put my dads trials ti re on so I didn't have a fl at one and great tracti on through the moon rocks! Test 5 was the B secti on, this was my fi rst year of B class so I had never had experience with this secti on. I was surprised by some of the moon rocks we went up but I guess that's normal. I got stuck on one fairly hard moon rock with roots in it. Thanks to Jacob Cairl for helping me positi on my bike to get up it. Aft er the B secti on I was done and headed back to the pits. I ended the day with 1st place in the B-200 class and 4th overall which i am very happy with.

Thank you to all who have supported me this year: Safety First Motorsports, MSR, Galfer, Motorex, Lake Cycle, Acerbis, Skorborz, Enduro Engineering, Twin Air, Gaerne, Factory Connecti on, Leatt , Renthal, EVS, FMF, Powersport Graphics, 100% Goggles, God, and my Parents. Looking forward to round 7 in Pennsylvania.

RACE REPORT – Marquette National Enduro

Page 27: D14 news aug14

August 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports News 27

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Ribose is a fi ve-carbon sugar that is naturally produced in every cell and is the back-bone of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a fundamental energy compound that drives nearly all chemical reacti ons in human cells. Although it is a sugar, it is metabolized diff erently than sucrose or glucose and is absorbed instantly into the bloodstream. Unlike other sugars, excess ribose isn’t converted into fat by the body; instead, it is saved for use in ATP energy producti on. This vital diff erence is key to the importance of supplementi ng; and doing so supports cellular energy levels, energy recovery, and energy reserves. It also supports healthy energy levels in the heart and muscles.

By uti lizing Bioenergy Ribose®, Young Living delivers ribose that is: 1. non-GMO; 2. naturally occurring; and 3. Kosher and Halal certi fi ed

If that isn’t enough to convince you of the power of this product, Bioenergy Ribose®

is currently part of the training regimens of many Olympic athletes. These athletes not only undergo extreme physical stress, but they are also limited to natural sup-plements and subjected to extensive test-ing. If ribose can help top athletes sup-port their energy levels, just think of what it can do for you on and off the track.

NO CRASH!

5272 Dixie HighwayWaterford MI 48329 248.673.3366

[email protected]

WHOLESALE MEMBER 1356931

FOR MORE INFO OR TO ORDER YOURS:

BUSINESS CARD

SpecialProfessional Artwork (NO templates)

& Sales Tax Included!

$125– for details –

810.496.0069or [email protected]

BUSINESS CARD

SpecialBrian Jenkins, Owner

SALES & SUPPORT

HP - LEXMARK - DELL - SAMSUNG

printerWORKSLLC

810.397.0769 P

810.695.7865 FSALES & SUPPORT

HP - LEXMARK - DELL - SAMSUNG SALES & SUPPORT

HP - LEXMARK - DELL - SAMSUNG Secured Private Funding

Brian Jenkinspresident | ceo

2200 Grove Park road | Fenton, MI 48430

810-397-0769810-695-7865 f

p

Secured Private lending

Brian Jenkinspresident | ceo

2200 Grove Park road | Fenton, MI 48430

810-397-0769810-695-7865 f

p

Walter Grenkowitz

5995 Metamora, Metamora MI 48455Cutting Edge

SCAPE & SNOW LLC

º 586.524.3233

p 248.628.9650

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5995 Metamora, Metamora MI 48455

EESCAPE & SNOWSCAPE & SNOW

AMA D-14 Off-Road Legislative Director

[email protected]

DICK RANNEY

4120 Branham RoadNational City, MI 48748

www.ama-d14.org

1,000 Full Color • 2 Sides

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2014

$100Gino [email protected]

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Page 28: D14 news aug14

28 August 2014 – Michigan’s AMA/D14 Motorsports News

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