trp volume 9 // issue 6
DESCRIPTION
Cover: Dylan Slusser by Fred. Features: Red Bull RE-MX, High Point Vet National & PAXC Hare Scramble, 2-Stroke Shootout, Kawasaki Race of ChampionsTRANSCRIPT
1
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 6 // 2012
SLEEPY HOLLOWTWO-STROKESHOOTOUT
FINAL S.C. POINTS•
CERNIC’S•
BROTHERS BALKOVIC•
GOODBYE 2012!
ENGLISHTOWN’SKAWASAKI RACEOF CHAMPIONS
Schaaf Lukaitis
2 THE RACING PAPER
Some new teams joined the podium for this year’s an-
nual Red Bull RE-MX, but nobody was able to knock the Cernic’s Johnstown team out of the top spot for the second straight year.
Plenty of vintage bikes were dusted off and
old gear got unpacked when the Vet National weekend approached. A harescramble also returned to High Point after a long absence.
Brap Braaap! The sweet sound of two-strokes were
back for Sleepy Hollow’s 2012 Two-Stroke Shootout. Gates were open for the entire week-end, but they never let a four-stroke in to contest for the prize money in the Pro-Expert classes.
A handful of Pennsylvania rac-ers made the trip to
Englishtown, New Jersey, to make a name for themselves at the Kawasaki Race of Champions.
EDITOR / ART DIRECTOR: JORDAN ROBERTS
STAFF LENS: CUDBY, FRED
STAFF PENS: JEN KEN, CHASE STALLO
HEAD HONCHO: DAVEY COOMBS
BOSS GUY: BRYAN STEALEY
BOSS GIRL: JULIE KRAMER
ADVERTISING: TIM CRYTSER
ACCOUNTS: JERRI HEADLEE
INTERN: TAYLOR DRESSLER
VOICE OF REASON: RITA COOMBS
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: MIMI GREINER, LAUREN
HALL, KEN HILL, ARLENE LANTZER #98, ZAK LOWERY,
AMY SCHAAF
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: TIMMY COOMBS, TIM CRYTSER,
TYLER NEWCOMER
THE RACING PAPER122 VISTA DEL RIO DRIVE, MORGANTOWN, WV 26508
TEL 304.284.0080 | FAX 304.284.0081 | THERACINGPAPER.COM
The riders appearing in this newspaper are, for the most part, skilled amateurs or highly trained individuals with experience racing and operating motorcycles. Please don’t try to imitate them. When you ride a motorcycle or all-terrain vehicle, always wear a helmet, eye protection and the appropriate safety gear. Never ride beyond your capabilities. Use your head, be safe and enjoy the ride.
The Racing Paper publishes six issues annually by World Sports Holdings, LLC. Our editorial office is located at 122 Vista Del Rio Drive, Morgantown, WV 26508. Copyright ©2012 Filter Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Nothing in this newspaper may be reprinted in whole or in part without the express written permission of the publisher. Editorial contributions are welcomed, but must be guaranteed exclusive to The Racing Paper. We are not responsible for the return of unsolicited material. Letters cannot all be answered, nor can all service inquiries be answered. We appreciate correspondence sent to our editorial office and will use the most interesting and appropriate letters in the newspaper. Email letters to: [email protected] Advertising: Please call Tim Crytser at 407-748-4663
FEATURESCONTRIBUTOR
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NEXT EXIT
FLASHPOINT
FRONT & CENTER
BAR-TO-BAR
VIRTUAL TRAINER
PUBLIC ADDRESS
PREMIX
TAKE 5
INVENTORY
PAMX SCHEDULE
TAPPED OUT
REGULARS
DECEMBER 12, 2012
RED BULL RE-MX
HIGH POINT VET NATIONAL/PAXC
TWO-STROKE SHOOTOUT
KAWASAKI RACE OF CHAMPIONS
Fred
Lukaitis
Fred
COVER PHOTO BY FRED
4 THE RACING PAPER
Schedule subject to change.
WATCH ON
FEATURING
DAY DATE TIME (ET) RACE LOCATION RACE
Sun Nov 18 4:00 PM Hurricane Mills, TN Loretta Lynn’s MX
Sun Nov 25 5:30 PM New Berlin, NY ATVMX
Sun Dec 2 5:30 PM Millfield, OH GNCC ATV
Sun Dec 9 5:00 PM Buchanan, MI ATVMX
Sun Dec 9 5:30 PM Hurricane Mills, TN ATVMX
Sun Dec 16 5:00 PM Millfield, OH GNCC Bike
Sun Dec 16 5:30 PM New Berlin, NY GNCC ATV
Sun Dec 23 5:00 PM New Berlin, NY GNCC Bike
Sun Dec 23 5:30 PM St. Clairsville, OH GNCC ATV
Sun Dec 30 5:30 PM St. Clairsville, OH GNCC Bike
Sun Jan 6 5:00 PM Crawfordsville, IN GNCC ATV
Sun Jan 6 5:30 PM Crawfordsville, IN GNCC Bike
Sun Jan 13 1:00 PM Hurricane Mills, TN GNCC ATV
Sun Jan 13 1:30 PM Hurricane Mills, TN GNCC Bike
Sun Jan 20 1:00 PM Washington, GA GNCC UTV/Utility
Sun Jan 20 1:30 PM Union, SC GNCC UTV/Utility
Sun Jan 27 1:00 PM Masontown, WV GNCC UTV/Utility
Sun Jan 27 1:30 PM Millfield, OH GNCC UTV/Utility
Sun Feb 3 1:00 PM St. Clairsville, OH GNCC UTV/Utility
Sun Feb 3 1:30 PM Crawfordsville, IN GNCC UTV/Utility
CATCH UP ON EPISODES AT WWW.RACERTVONLINE.COM
5
The current points-leader in GNCC Racing’s Women Amateur class also happens to be The Racing Paper’s leading contributor for writ-ten content. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Taylor Dressler began interning at the Racer Productions of-fice in Morgantown to aid in various PR functions for the GNCC series, that is, before TRP managed to steal her. Hey, it’s hard to find good help these days!
The avid two-stroke racer currently resides back in her home-town down in Georgia, but that doesn’t stop her from finding ways to help out with each issue. Taylor will still load up her KTM and travel to various races along the eastern side of the States, all while attending college at Kennesaw State Univer-sity—she majors in Communication with a focus in PR—and working for a local motorcycle shop.
So if you find yourself getting passed in the backwoods of a GNCC by an orange 393 machine, just remember she’s not only riding better than you, but there’s a good chance she writes better than you too! TRP
Sign UpLetters to the Editor
5¢USA
Hi, my name is Dana Luhovey and my son is Vinny Luhovey from Greensburg, Pennsylvania. We just wanted to say thank you very much for posting articles on Vinny and just noticing him out of the many talented riders in the sport. It’s definitely a tough sport to compete in and we try so hard to get noticed. It’s people like you who make a difference by just taking notice and posting things that make a rider feel special. Again, much appreciation and thank you all!
Dana LuhoveyGreensburg, Pennsylvania
I appreciate your appreciation! It makes everyone’s job at The Racing Paper that much more gratifying when we know we’re mak-ing an impact with the individuals that pour their heart and soul (and undoubtedly, piggybank) into motocross. Vinny definitely deserves the recognition. He’s had a great season and it’s hard not to enjoy watching all 70 pounds of him find the fastest way around the track on his 150.
Thanks again,JR_____________________________________________________________
Hello,
I just received my Racing Paper in the mail today, and every time I get mine I’m always excited to see if any of the women who race have pictures riding, rac-ing, or hanging out at the tracks! I honestly don’t think it’s fair enough for the guys to always be in here. Girls are just as good as the guys, even better! I think it’d be nice to see more photos of the women in the paper!
Thanks,Tiffany PalackiLatrobe, Pennsylvania
Want to write a letter to The Racing Paper? Send it to:[email protected]
TRP Sign Up122 Vista Del Rio Dr.Morgantown, WV 26508
6 THE RACING PAPER
DECEMBER 1, 2012
Series Eligibility for Awards are as Follows:PAMX Spring Series •TrophyClassesMustRace9of13 •250AOpenA&+40AMustRace11of13
PAMX State Championship Series •TrophyClassesMustRace6of8 •250AOpenA&+40AMustRace7of8
PAXC State Championship Hare Scramble Series •AllClassesMustRace7of10Rounds
Rules •YouMustbeaPAMXorPAXCMemberforawards. •Anytiesinseriespointswillbebrokenbytheriderthathadthebestoverallpositionwhenbothriderslastraced together. •RiderMUSTattendthePAMXNightofChampionstoreceiveawardsandprizes. •Ifyoucannotattend,youmaystillrecieveyourtrophyifyoucontactedPAMXbyNovember4,2012.
Pleaseplantoattendthebanquettoberecognizedforyouraccomplishments.Ticketsare$25eachandwillnotbesoldatthedoor.Donotdelaywedoplantosellout.Additionalprizeswillbegivenonlytothoseracerswhoattendthebanquet.Inordertoreceiveyourticketsandtrophy,youneededtofillouttheformonthewww.gopamx.comwebsite.WeneededtohavethisformpostmarkednolaterthanNovember4,2012andmailedtoPAMX.Ticketswillbeatthedooruponyourarrival.
Youmaycall(412)614-0601orgotowww.gopamx.comtocheckifyourresponsehasbeenreceived.AClassridersmustattendtoreceivetheirchecks.Wewillnotmailyourchecksout.Ifyoudonotattendandsendintohaveyourtrophymailedout,youwillreceiveitapproximately14daysafterthebanquet.
BanquetLocation:
The Aces316 Chestnut St
Johnstown, Pa 15906Hall Number: (814) 536-4176
See you there!
50CC 11. BREYDEN CAMPBEL2. NATHANIAL JACKSON*3. WILLIAM FILIPOVICH III/PHILLIP WILLIAMS/COLE COVERT
50CC 21. GAVIN TOWERS2. TYLER CAPANE3. DONOVAN SANTE4. CODY TAGGART5. TATE ELLIOTT
50CC 31. BREYDEN CAMPBELL2. NATHANIAL JACKSON3. CADE COOMBS4. PHILLIP WILLIAMS*5. BRIAN PIERCE/COLE COVERT
50CC OPEN1. GAVIN TOWERS2. TYLER CAPANE3. DONOVAN SANTE4. BREYDEN CAMPBELL5. TATE ELLIOTT
65CC 7-11 B1. CHRISTIAN MCCAULEY2. ANGELO AGOSTINELLI3. MAXIMUS WHITE*4. COREY PASSIEU/GAGE STINE
65CC 7-11C1. COLTON GORBY2. GAVIN TOWERS3. JACOB INGRAM4. BRANDON BARR5. DONOVAN SANTE
85CC 9-11 B1. CHRISTIAN MCCAULEY*2. CHRISTOPHER TEDESCO/HANK HAYS*4. CAMERON SCHELLER/JASON NEIDIGH/ZAKARY SHAFFER/KORIE STEEDE/ TRAVIS LANGWORTHY
85CC 9-11 C1. JACOB INGRAM2. NOAH CARBEN
POINTS14713722
1881211183432
147141622220
1921191114740
169644725
1911651416046
14647
25
146145
85CC 9-11 C (CONT.)3. SETH ANDRES4. COLTON GORBY5. JACOB POSEY
JR MINI THRU 131. TIMMY CROSBY2. SETH ANDRES3. JACOB POSEY4. MAURO CAUTELA5. JUSTIN NORCO
85/150 12-151. TIMMY CROSBY2. VINCENT LUHOVEY JR3. JUSTIN NORCO4. DEREK CARBERRY*5. HOLT BABICH/KLAY PRAGER
SUPERMINI 12-151. TIMMY CROSBY2. VINCENT LUHOVEY JR3. JUSTIN NORCO4. MAURO CAUTELA5. ALEX SAYLOR
SCHOOLBOY 12-161. BLAKE WADSWORTH2. DEVIN CAFASSO3. GARRETT SMITH4. DANIEL ROSEBOSKY5. CHRISTIAN MIKITA
250 A1. DYLAN SLUSSER2. JOHNATHAN WELLS3. JASON MCCONNELL JR4. TIM SCOUTEN5. NICK FRATZ-ORR
250 B1. MICHAEL FISHER2. ZACH OESTERLING3. CLINTON SCHAFFER4. ZACHARY DIXON5. BLAKE WADSWORTH
250 C1. JARRETT THOMPSON2. DYLAN SHEEN3. TANNER FLEMM
POINTS142139105
14298947266
12297724033
17285716053
152103854745
19716412810938
138137127124101
163153129
250 C (CONT.)4. AARON FENCHAK5. TRAVIS WEST
OPEN A1. DYLAN SLUSSER2. JOHNATHAN WELLS3. JASON MCCONNELL JR4. TIM SCOUTEN5. NICK FRATZ-ORR
OPEN B1. MICHAEL FISHER2. ZACHARY DIXON3. ZACH OESTERLING4. RYAN LECHIEN5. SETH MOORE
OPEN C1. JARRETT THOMPSON2. DYLAN SHEEN3. AERIAN WEAVER4. AARON FENCHAK5. TRAVIS WEST
OPEN D1. JOSH BEDNAR2. IAN WEYER3. TYLER DAVIS4. JOE BLOCK5. CODY GUZZO
COLLEGEBOY 14-241. JOSHUA LISTON2. JAMES FULLEN3. TREY GILDEA4. BEN NAGY5. JUSTIN LISTON
+25 A1. TIM SCOUTEN2. RICK BARRETT3. NICK CAFASSO*4. JASON MARAUGHA JASON HALLER
+25 B/C1. CLAYTON POWERS2. BRETT WHITE3. DAN DERRICO4. JAY WETZEL
POINTS12291
18813712111040
1431271229287
17214313912497
1381341016041
9073715756
164138655555
16913110190
+25 B/C (CONT.)5. MICK D’ATRI
VET B/C1. BRETT WHITE2. DAN DERRICO3. NORMAN LAMACZ4. THOMAS BURNSWORTH5. CHRIS ROMANO
+35 A1. RICK BARRETT2. JASON HALLER3. TAYLOR BARNHART*4. NATHAN MOCNY DANIEL PORTZ
+40 B/C*1. D BOOTH NOMAN LAMACZ3. THOMAS NAGLE4. LOUIS ALI5. WILLIAM FILIPOVICH
+451. RICK BARRETT2. MIMI GREINER3. BILL BRADY4. KEITH MARAUGHA5. RICHARD LISCIO
2 STROKE1. CLINTON SCHAFFER2. MATTHEW BRADY3. JASON MARAUGHA4. RONNIE DEMOREST5. D. GRIMES/B. SHIPLEY
4 STROKE1. CLAYTON POWERS2. AL POTCCHKO3. TYLER MCGOFF4. AERIAN WEAVER5. JAY WETZEL
WOMEN1. GRACE MAJKOWSKI - 1362. RAESLEE WEIMER - 753. TAYLOR LEVIC - 704. TIFFANY PALACKI - 605. ALYSSA ELLIOTT - 38
POINTS81
144116724928
176754725
72
624743
194108856239
145127603625
15182414034
BOMBER1. COLTON RABER - 1222. JACK MACHUTA JR - 120*3. SCOTT KARLUCK - 47 PARTICK ERB5. JEFFREY LABUDA - 34
9
There probably would’ve been snowboarding featured in this last issue if we would’ve waited another week before going to the printer. I’m not sure where you live, but
Mother Nature sent her bewildered second cousin, Sandy, down to Morgantown to give us a closed-fist slap—more commonly known as a right hook—straight to our brain bag.
Next Exit is always the last section to be com-pleted in each issue of The Racing Paper, so there’s always a common theme from column to col-umn: spontaneity (kind of like that switch from the last paragraph). It’s not a recipe for success every time, but at least it stays true to the for-mula. During the conception of this last issue, however, a consciously planned theme from front cover to back cover was endeavored. Unfortunately, our previously mentioned uninvited guest would later ruin that evening of planning and prepa-ration with a “blirricane”. That’s right. We got snow. We got rain. We felt the pain. I’ll be wait-ing for the royalties to roll in from that termi-nology any day now.This issue was supposed to feature some of the
more fun, laid back events—which it did—and then
give you guys some sort of a send-off to fall fun and play riding at your favorite practice track with your friends. So not only did Sandy ruin the last issue, she ruined everyone’s chance at hav-ing a somewhat enjoyable fall season. Oh well, at least I’m not going down alone. On second thought, perhaps the worst has passed and we’ll have a late season fall revival for a brief moment. I particu-
larly remember wearing a t-shirt dur-ing random days in February this past year. I’m also from Michigan, though, so I have yet to find out what a nor-mal winter is around here. Either way, some of the scattered fall themes in this issue are staying as a focus towards good superstition. If it ends up working, you’re welcome.Speaking of moving in from
Michigan, I’ve had the joy of being able to meet a lot of new people this season by covering what all of you do best. I began this season knowing you by the number on your bike, and then looking at the sign-up sheets for the matching name. It’s a task that would’ve been a lot easier if I were, say, Rain Man or maybe even Alan Garner. I take that last part back. Arlene and Mimi helped speed up that process quite a bit. I can’t express how much they helped me get acquainted with the usual suspects that frequent the races around here. I’m now proud to say I’ve gotten to know quite a few of you. For example,
I recently learned Joey Deneen enjoys destroying cars and blowing stuff up in his spare time. Maybe I’ll get him M80’s for Christmas. After 15 minutes, I learned Charles Bright has the vocabulary of a sailor raised by strippers. Soap for you, Charles. Chad Sanner doesn’t have an off switch. Is Ambien an acceptable stocking stuffer? Of course all of that’s a joke. I’m too cheap to be going out and buying novelty gifts. As it stands, my sister will be upset enough when she gets her old Furby again for Christmas. I mean, they’re rising in popularity again, right?For those I haven’t had the chance to meet this
year, I look forward to doing so when we get back to the track next season. I hope everyone enjoyed this season as much as I did. See you in 2013… if the Mayan calendar is indeed a hoax. TRP
Unfortunately, our previously mentioned un-invited guest would later ruin that evening of planning and preparation with a “blirricane”.
NEXT EXIT BY JORDAN ROBERTS
10 THE RACING PAPER
Timmy Crosby raced his new KTM 125 in Schoolboy for the first time in the PAMX State Championship Series at Round 6. He bested everyone else with 3-2 moto scores and walked away with first overall. Schoolboy just got a little faster.
PHOTO BY: MIMI GREINER
11
Brad Esper raced his new Suzuki 250 in Schoolboy for the first time in the PAMX State Championship Series at Round 6. His first moto didn’t go so well, but he bested everyone else in the second moto with a win. In case you were unaware, Schoolboy just got a little faster.
PHOTO BY: MIMI GREINER
12 THE RACING PAPER
Here’s a little then and now for you. The top photo is the 125 class at the ‘91 Steel City national, while the bottom is this year’s 250 class. A lot has changed in 11 years, but the red starting gate is still running strong.
PHOTO BY: TOM VEETY (TOP), SIMON CUDBY (BOTTOM)
13
14 THE RACING PAPER
Raeslee Weimer didn’t make it to every round of the PAMX State Championship Series, but she won the rounds she did make it to. She’s part of a small group of riders that entered a class on three separate occasions and won. Check out the stats on page 29 to see who else joined this group.
PHOTO BY: MIMI GREINER
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Jeff Cernic sent in some photos of a few vintage bikes he has collected over the years. (Bottom-right, clockwise) Pictured is a 1974 KX 400, 1975 RM 125, Ron-nie Tichenor’s 1995 RM 250, and buried under this caption is a 1974 Suzuki TM 75. Cool stuff, Jeff!
PHOTOS BY: JEFF CERNIC
16 THE RACING PAPER
17
TRP: How does it feel to win the Red Bull RE-MX at Steel City two years in a row?Slusser: It’s pretty cool. It’s not your everyday event and it only comes around once a year. It’s definitely fun and it gets your blood pumping pretty quick for the one lap—last year was two. So yeah, it’s definitely cool to win it.
Which win did you have to fight for more, last year’s or this year’s?This year for sure. Last year they started out with the 60s and kind of made it to where I didn’t have to do much, to be honest. The speed is more spread out with the 60 and 80 riders, and the better riders of that group pulled away before it even came to the A riders. This year they started the A class first, so we had four or five good A riders to go off at the same time. That kept everything a lot closer and made this year more fun.
Red Bull, Oakley and Skullcandy sponsored the event. Did they hook it up for placing first?Yeah, the headphones were sick. Just for entering, everyone got Skullcandy earbuds and an Oakley keychain, and then we got the big new-style Skullcandy headphones for winning. The Oakley goggles are pretty sick, too. Each rider on our team also got $500 for the win, which was definitely a big bonus.
That’s a pretty good payout for doing, what, three laps?[Laughs] Yeah, it’s pretty good.
The RE-MX is still in its early stages. Is there anything you can think of that would improve it for next year?It could be longer, maybe two laps or something. Or, it could go through all the
classes and then go back to the A riders again for the last lap—maybe something to that effect, and maybe just for the main event.
Switching gears a little bit, you got your best pro national finish [25th place] in the second moto at High Point this year. How do you feel about that?I guess I’m just happy I qualified; that’s definitely an accomplishment. I feel like I could’ve done better. It was actually the second moto where I didn’t get tired and I was stronger towards the end. It’s the only time I could see myself saying, ‘I wish there were two more laps’! I really
think I could’ve gotten inside the top-twenty because everyone else was fading.
What are your goals for next year’s pro nationals?I don’t know if I’d get back out to California and Texas and do those two again. Those wouldn’t have even been possible this year without Eleven10. I’d really like to do Colorado again, and then maybe the rest from there—besides the ones really far away. Colorado was really fun though. I’d like to go back out there again if possible.
You were only five positions away from a points-paying position this year. What class do you think you have a better chance at making it inside the top-twenty: 250 or 450?It’s pretty even. The 250 class has a higher pace throughout the moto, yet the 450 class has a lot of guys that are really consistent that don’t necessarily charge real hard like all the 250 guys do. I’d have a better chance staying consistent in the 450 class, but I feel like I’m better on a 250. At the same time, I’m kind of a bigger guy so it’s more realistic for me to stay on a 450.
Who have you been riding with at the practice track mostly this year?I’ve rode with Alex [Martin] quite a few times, but more recently I’ve been riding with Nick Fratz-Orr and Brady Kiesel a good bit. I haven’t really practiced that much this year, not as much as I should have, at least. I haven’t had a practice bike put
together for most of the year. I’m going to start practicing a lot more next year to set myself up better for the racing season.
Sponsors and help?My mom and dad, for sure, for helping me as long as they have; Jeff Cernic helps me out a lot; Chad Sanner helps me have the fastest bikes; John Knowles at Scott hooks it up with gear all year long and keeps me looking good; definitely Wayne from Total Image Autosport; Justun from In The Blood Tattoo—he’s been behind me for a while; and Chris from PR2—he’s been helping my ride stay smooth. TRP
AGE: 20 // DOB: 2-10-92 // HOMETOWN: BUTLER, PACLASSES: 250 A, 450 A
18 THE RACING PAPER
W e l l , i t ’s been a recess i ve season and money has
dec ided whe the r many o f us can make i t t o t he r aces o r no t . The wor ld
economy i s unsu re to say the l eas t and so i s t he f u tu re . Who wro te tha t?
S tee l C i t y ’s l as t r ace was a l ong one fo r me , espec ia l l y a f t e r I soaked ha l f t he campers i n t he p ro p i t s on my way to t he s tag ing a rea Sa tu rday n igh t a round 10 pm, and the o the r ha l f on my way back . I t was due to a r i gh t - rea r sp raye r t ha t I d idn ’ t know was tu r ned on—and l e f t on—by m is take the who le t ime , even as I was s topped and ge t t i ng ye l l ed a t by a soaked pa ren t who
was i n t he p rocess o f ex tend ing h i s camper ’s f ron t sec t i on . Boy, we re they p i ssed , bu t t hey go t ove r i t as soon as they go t some d ry c lo thes
on and even tua l l y f e l l as l eep .
A round 1 :24 am, the w ind k i cked up and r i pped the awn ing up ove r ou r moto rhome . Abou t t he same t ime , a b ig ga rage ac ross the road f rom the en t rance exp loded and caugh t f i re . Soon the a i r was f i l l ed w i th s i rens and I had a mu le , so o f f I wen t to obse rve the chaos .
The chaos was 14 f i re t r ucks l a rge . I d idn ’ t l ook ve ry na tu ra l f i lm ing the f i re w i th my iPhone i n t he m idd le o f t he n igh t when
the cops showed up , and the l ady whose ya rd I was f i lm ing f rom s ta r t ed tu r n ing he r backya rd l i gh ts on and o f f i n t he wors t Mor r i s code I ’ ve
eve r t r i ed to dec iphe r. Cu t . D i spe rse . F l ee .
So a t 2 am i n t he mor n ing the n igh t be fo re a r ace , I ’m up on top o f my moto rhome t r y i ng to sa l vage wha t ’s l e f t o f t he awn ing on my moto rhome a long w i th t he he lp o f t he guy pa rked nex t to us . I l a t e r f ound the exac t pa r t s I needed to f i x i t w i t h i n t he dumps te r. I wou ldn ’ t l i e abou t a dumps te r, o r i n one fo r t ha t ma t te r.
The pee wees we re runn ing up the uph i l l doub les fo r t he f i r s t
t ime… and the l as t . Gav in Towers was j ump ing the f i r s t se t and i t was ne rve - rack ing each t ime he made a l ap w i thou t b reak ing h i s neck . Eve ryone made i t up okay bes ides the pa ren ts who we re su re the i r k id wasn ’ t go ing to f a l l i n t he tu r n a t t he top o f t he h i l l . I dec ided tha t my k id wou ldn ’ t e i t he r and I was on a quad .
Oh , I a lmos t f o rgo t to men t ion the Red Bu l l RE-MX race on Sa tu rday a f t e r p rac t i ce . I t ’s bas i ca l l y a re l ay r ace w i th r i de rs f rom d i f f e ren t c l asses , even i nc lud ing the 85cc c l ass . I t was a good t ime fo r eve ryone who pa r t i c ipa ted , excep t fo r t he f l agmen and f l agwomen . They we re k i nd o f bo red s i nce the re we ren ’ t many c rashes and the re we re on l y t h ree r i de rs on the t r ack a t a t ime . I hope i t becomes an annua l even t f o r t he nex t twen ty yea rs—mean ing tha t we ’d a l l s t i l l be r ac ing and the t r ack wou ld s t i l l be open . I t ’s f unny how I hea r f rom va r i ous peop le a t t he end o f t he season tha t t h i s w i l l be ou r l as t yea r r ac ing . Whe re do they ge t t he i r i n fo rma t ion f rom, and i f i t was t rue , don ’ t you th i nk I ’ d be the f i r s t one to know abou t i t ? We l l i t ’s no t t r ue , so the re ! See you a t t he banque t . I f you ’ re go ing to d r i nk , don ’ t d r i ve . And i f you ’ re go ing to d r i ve , don ’ t d r i nk . Banque t adv ice . TRP
I LATER FOUND THE EXACT PARTS I NEEDED TO FIX IT WITH IN THE DUMPSTER. I WOULDN’T LIE ABOUT A DUMPSTER, OR
IN ONE FOR THAT MATTER.
BAR-TO-BAR BY TIMMY COOMBS
19
PERFORMANCE FIRST
Over 45 Years of Service in the Shenango Valley
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PHONE: (724) 342-5378FAX: (724) 342-5530
265 E. CONNELLY BLVD.SHARON, PA 16146
ROBERT BORNICK OWNER
20 THE RACING PAPER
Motocross and road cy-cling have a lot in com-mon. Two of our sports
top trainers are ex-Olympic cycling athletes, another has trained with Tour De-France winner Lance Armstrong, and countless professional riders prefer cycling as their main source of cardio training. Most of the top bicycle manufactur-ers like Specialized, Trek, Scott, and Giant sponsor top riders like Ryan Villopoto, Chad Reed, Broc Tickle, Andrew Short, Jus-tin Brayton, and James Stewart just to name a few. So what if you’re not a cycling enthusiast and just want to learn the ba-sics so you can buy a bike and get started with your training?
Choosing the right road bi-cycle for training is probably just as hard as picking your new steed for the motocross track. There are no less than four popular frame materials, several component groups, and an un-imaginable amount of wheelsets available to cloud your deci-sion-making.
The very first and most impor-tant thing to consider is frame sizing and geometry. Frames are sized by seat tube length by convention. This is the vertical dimension of a frame. Equally important is the top tube length, or virtual top tube on frames with a non-horizontal top tube. This is the horizontal dimension of a frame. A square frame has a seat tube length that is equal to the top tube length. This is a standard size. These frames work fine if you have normal tor-so and leg length proportions. It gets more complicated if your torso is relatively long com-pared to your legs or vice versa. This is when you have to really
look at frame specifications. A person with long legs compared to the torso length will require
a frame with a relatively longer seat tube compared to the top tube. These non-square frames also require compensatory changes in normal frame ge-ometry such as shorter or taller head tube, differing fork rakes, changes in seat tube angle, etc. to make the frame handle cor-rectly.
The next thing to consider is frame material. The big four are titanium, carbon, aluminum, and steel. These materials vary greatly in characteristics from cost, weight, stiffness, and how they dampen different kinds of vibration. Carbon fiber can be manipulated in tubing thick-ness, shape, resin/air amount (non carbon components) and even fiber orientation. The other
materials can do the same but to a much lesser extent by uti-lizing changes in tubing wall
thicknesses, shapes and diam-eters and the extent of materials overlap at their connections. Almost all the bikes, no mat-ter what the frame material, will now come with a carbon fork due to the above advantages. Since the manufacturing of car-bon doesn’t limit the designer to tube sets, forks can have the optimal lateral stiffness while also possessing great vibra-tion dampening characteristics, which greatly improves handling and comfort.
The next step will be to choose which component group will be hanging off your new frame. There are two major manufacturers: Shimano and Campagnolo. Both Shimano and Campagnolo offer com-
ponent groups at several price points. For the motocross racer it would be very hard to justify the big cost difference in their premier products for a small gain. Think of their premier groups the same as you would a titanium bolt kit for your MX bike—yeah, you do get a slight weight savings, it costs a lot, it looks trick, and man is it cool but what about actual perfor-mance gain? It is hard to deny how cool and how trick Dura Ace and Record are, but…
Now you will have to choose a wheelset. Over the last 10 years the gains made in this department are huge. Wheels have lost a lot of weight and gained durability at the same time. Cost is still an issue here and again, a lot of what you get is directly related to how much you are willing to empty your wallet. If there were one place to splurge a bit, it would be here. A big reason is weight. Any rotating mass has to be lift-ed against gravity just like any-where else on the bike but you also have to work to accelerate it around in a circle. Spending a little more on wheels to save a few ounces is worth tons more than the same money spent to save the same weight anywhere else on the bike. For the moto-cross athlete that will train and maybe occasionally hit a race or two, going for the middle of the road may be the best advice. You can get a very light wheel-set that will also be very durable and fairly aerodynamic.
You are delving into a whole other sport with all its own tech-niques, goals, social quirks, and mechanical issues just like motocross! Now get out on the road and enjoy! TRP
IT IS HARD TO DENY HOW COOL AND HOW TRICK DURA ACE AND RECORD ARE, BUT…
VIRTUAL TRAINERBY COACH SEIJIRACERXVT.COM
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22 THE RACING PAPER
The newest member of the Coombs family.
...and it totally worked on Luke.Vinny practices psyching out the competition...
Joey and Clint are saving up for the sidecar. Football pads... Not a bad idea if you plan on racing a Maico on a modern MX track.
Update: Jason got some new sunglasses and is feeling fresher than ever.
This was a common theme on the starting gate at the Red Bull RE-MX.
Lantzer #98
Fred
Lantzer #98
Lantzer #98
Lantzer #98 Fred
Fred
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Mauro and Blake practice forging their parents’ signatures. Red Bull girls at Steel City’s RE-MX.
Laurie and Timmy are all smiles.Steve Roman looks like he’s getting along with his new Suzuki.
Jake gets all unabomber during morning practice.
Rodney “Golden Voice” Tomblin
Coming up next: A CR 500 and one broken leg.
Fred
FredFred
Lantzer #98
Fred
Fred
Fred
24 THE RACING PAPER
Heinz raced Vet B/C. Some people just can’t handle their Red Bull.
Charles and Dylan laugh it up in staging.DJ Zimmie pumped out the music for Red Bull.
Ellie takes Logan for a walk.
The K9 unit was called upon after Trey wassuspected of smuggling Brap Bars.
Just your average Toth family photo.
Would you like your photo in
Public Address?
Emailjordan@
racerxonline.com
Snail MailTRP Public Address122 Vista Del Rio Dr.
Morgantown, WV26508
Lantzer #98 Lantzer #98
Fred
Fred
Fred
Fred
Lantzer #98
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26 THE RACING PAPER
Stat CityStat, stat, city.
Style CheckIt’s a blast!
Shop TalkHeard of this place?
FB WinnerEarly Christmas Present
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Courtesy Cernic
Fred
Roberts
Rick BarrettAaron FenchakColton GorbyJacob IngramSeth MooreDylan SheenDylan SlusserJarrett ThompsonGavin TowersJohnathan WellsIan Weyer
Kevin BednarNoah CarbenTimmy CrosbyZachary DixonMichael FisherTanner FlemmRyan LechienChristian Mccauley
Jason Mcconnell JrZach OesterlingClayton PowersTim ScoutenBlake WadsworthAerian WeaverTravis West
AMERICAN SUZUKI STATE CHAMPIONSHIPPRESENTED BY FLY RACING
JohnathanWells
As you know, the PAMX State Championship Series is under wrap. The last event we have to look forward to is the Night of Champions banquet in Johnstown, Pennsylvania on December 1st. In the meantime, check out some of these stats we dug up from the recent series. Our team of mathema-ticians worked overtime to double the amount of statistics from the Spring Series.
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Corey PassieuCorey PassieuCorey PassieuGage StineJosh HooverCameron SchellJason NeidighZakary ShafferKorie SteedeTravis LangworthyDavid LisowskiChase BalthersDavid LisowskiPj FarrellCody WagnerWalter PodporaAnthony ThomasTimmy CrosbyRanden LandrumSteve RomanJarek BalkovicSteve RomanShane DurhamJarek BalkovicKyle SkinkisJared LesherRobert BercoskyGreg BladelJoel BarnettJoe BlochBrendan KutschTyler HolmSteve RomanBenjamin RitterMichael FoorMark BraderJason BenkowitschDan NowakowskiNathan MocnyDaniel PortzBrian SemderEric PetersBrad SteppMike JonesDavid GrimesBret ShipleyBroc StreitBob HessJasmine DeitchDavid GrimesLance Bailey
50cc 250cc Open65cc 7-11 B65cc 7-11 B65cc 7-11 C85cc 9-11 B85cc 9-11 B85cc 9-11 B85cc 9-11 B85cc 9-11 B85cc 9-11 C85cc 9-11 CJr. Mini Thru 13Jr. Mini Thru 1385/150 12-15Supermini 12-15Schoolboy 12-16Schoolboy 12-16Schoolboy 12-16250 A250 BOpen AOpen AOpen BOpen BCollegeboy 14-24Collegeboy 14-24Open DOpen DOpen D+25 B/C+25 B/C+25 A+25 A+25 A+25 AVet B/CVet B/C+35 A+35 A+40 B/C+40 B/C+45+452 Stroke2 Stroke4 Stroke4 StrokeWomenBomberBomber
Breyden CampbellTimmy CrosbyClayton PowersClinton Schaffer
50cc 3Supermini 12-15+25 B/C2 Stroke
Gavin Towers 50cc 2, 50cc Open
DYLAN SLUSSER250 A
TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE
RICK BARRETT+45
GAVIN TOWERS50cc OPEN
COLTON GORBY65cc 7-11 C
GAVIN TOWERS - 50cc 3DYLAN SLUSSER - OPEN A
DYLAN SLUSSER 250 A76
5
GAVIN TOWERSTIMMY CROSBYRICK BARRETTBREYDEN CAMPBELLCHRISTIAN MCCAULEYCOLTON GORBYCLAYTON POWERSCLINTON SCHAFFER
50cc 2, 50cc OpenSupermini 12-15+4550cc 1, 50cc 265cc 7-11 B65cc 7-11 C+25 B/C2 Stroke
Gavin Towers
Rick Barrett
Colton Gorby
3 WinsJared Lesher
250 BJason Haller
+35 ARaeslee Weimer
Women
2 WinsAlexander O’Dell
Collegeboy
Undefeated in a class.
Greiner
Greiner
Greiner
28 THE RACING PAPER
I’ve been makin’ Ron
nie Mac look
like a fool since he
was on 85s.
Showcase your finest skills by sending your photo to [email protected]
Chris Romano Paul Dylewski
The other side.Todd Streit
EVENT: HIGH POINT VET NATIONAL // BY FRED
Name Artist Album
Jared Lesher’s Playlist 1 Looking at the Sky 2 Back for More 3 Loud 4 Cali Dreamin’ 5 Where I Belong
Tiffany Palacki’s Playlist 1 Headstrong 2 I’m Feeling This 3 Up, Up and Away 4 Click, Click, Boom 5 Dirtbike Rider
Aaron Fenchak’s Playlist 1 Mercy 2 Right Above It 3 Hell Yeah 4 Santeria 5 Soundtrack 2 My Life
Huey MackFive Finger Death PunchMac MillerKid InkCalvin Coolidge
TraptBlink 182Lil WayneSalivaHot Action Cop
Kanye WestLil WayneRev TheorySublimeKiD CuDi
Freshman 15American CapitalistMacadelicDay DreamerNow That’s What I Call Swag
TraptBlink 182Tha Carter IVEvery Six SecondsHot Action Cop
MercyI Am Not a Human BeingLight It UpSublimeMan on the Moon: The End of the Day
Who’s listening to what before the gate drops...
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After 43 years in the business, Cernic’s has become one of the most well known shops in the east. In 1969, Ed Cernic Sr. set out to tackle his dream of owning a motorcycle dealership. He and another fulltime employee ran the shop out of a one-room building while Ed Cernic Jr. came in after school to work part-time. Three years later, Ed Sr. purchased land in Armagh, Pennsylvania, to give his sons Ed Jr., Craig and Jeff a practice track. The Cernic family has hosted sanctioned racing on that property—which is now known as Pleasure Valley Raceway—for the past few decades to this day.
In 1977, the shop faced a major setback after the Johnstown Flood wiped out most of their inventory. However,
the shop was rebuilt, business began to flourish and they actually outgrew their newly built building by the early 80s. By 1991, Cernic’s Suzuki became home to Honda as well. In 2001, a second location was opened in Duncansville, Pennsylvania, as a Suzuki and KTM dealership. By 2005, they opened the third location in Somerset, Pennsylvania, and Kawasaki was introduced to the rest of the line-up. Yamaha finally became part of the Cernic’s family of dealerships in 2008.
After doing business out of the three original locations, the family decided combine the Somerset store with the new Johnsontown location. The company continues to do business out of two modern facilities, offering Honda,
By Taylor Dressler
Courtesy Cernic’s
Yamaha, KTM, Suzuki, and Kawasaki products. The Cernic’s value the fact that the shops have remained family owned. “Family is important to us. We treat our employees like family and they treat our customers the same. Without either of them we would be nothing,” says Jeff Cernic.
The Cernic’s family also understands that supporting local riders is what has allowed the industry to become what it is today. They hold the title of being the shop that “has helped more riders reach the professional ranks than any other motorcyclist company in the US.” Riders such as Travis Pastrana,
Nico Izzi and Davi Millsaps have all been a part of the Cernic’s racing team early in their careers. When asked about how he feels about Cernic’s being so heavily involved in amateur racing, Jeff Cernic said, “I do it because I enjoy helping talented young riders make their way up through the ranks and working with the families.” Their amateur support program has become to be known as one of most successful in the history of the sport.
Cernic’s132 Belmont Street
Johnstown, PA 15904814-539-4114
www.Cernics.com
Dakota Kessler Mike McDade
Shane DurhamSteve Roman
EVENT: TWO-STROKE SHOOTOUT // BY AMY SCHAAF
Q: Who will win the Monster Energy Cup?
ryan dungey
chad reed
ryan villopoto
j-law
other
12.5%
50%
Visit facebook.com/theracingpaper to tilt the scales!
And the winner is... Sarcasm!
12.5%
12.5%
12.5%
30 THE RACING PAPER
Like The Racing Paper on Facebook to learn how you can win cool prizes while sitting on your butt.
Rider: Troy HerringtonBike: YZF 250
Prize: That’s The Way (DVD)
Courtesy Herrington
Brought to you by:
mm production
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You may remember Jarek from the first cover we came out with this season. We catch up with him and his brother, Joe, to see what they’ve been up to this year. According to the movie Stepbrothers, it’s always better to interview as a team.
What classes have you raced this year?Jarek: Schoolboy 1 & 2Joe: 85 Stock & Mod, Schoolboy 1Which race(s) really stood out for you this season?Jarek: Daytona Amateur Supercross. I won three classes.Joe: I had fun at the Doublin Gap Regional.Funniest road-trip story?Jarek: When Joe was around ten, he made friends with someone named Fudgie at a truck stop, that was funny and scary at the same time.Joe: Fudgie was a good guy.Between the two of you, who would win in a hot dog eating contest?Jarek: Joe, hands down.Joe: Me, for sure.Favorite place to eat? Jarek: The Tavern in State College, PA.Joe: Fager’s Island in Ocean City, MDWorst place to eat?Jarek: Any fast food. Popeyes is the worst.Joe: There is no bad place to eat.
What’s your favorite track?Jarek: Davie’s farm in Alabama.Joe: Monster Mountain in Alabama.Who’s better at wheelies?Jarek: Joe, easily.Joe: Me.When did you start riding?Jarek: Four.Joe: Four years old.What was your first dirt bike?Jarek: A Yamaha PW 50.Joe: Same, the PW 50.Who’s your favorite pro rider?Jarek: Chad ReedJoe: Ryan VillopotoHow many times do you go riding in a normal week?Jarek: Between four and five times.Joe: Once a week, normally.If you had to describe Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, in one word, what would it be?Jarek: Home.Joe: Friends.Which one of you has a better taste in music?Jarek: We pretty much have the same taste.Joe: Yeah, we listen to the same music.Who lets you get away with more, Mom or Dad? Jarek: Mom, easily.Joe: Yeah, I’d have to say Mom does.
Brothers Balkovic By Jordan Roberts
32 THE RACING PAPER
Anything could’ve been better than last year’s Red Bull RE-MX, right? Sure, the concept was solid, but the weather certainly wasn’t. When the rain poured down and turned Steel City into a mud bog, it wasn’t only dif-
ficult for all of the riders to complete a lap, it was nearly impos-sible to prevent most of the sixty-five riders from sinking. Hank Hays was the only exception. As one of the four members of the Cernic’s Johnstown team, Hays had quite a solid team backing his efforts, but never relied on their help since he plowed through the mud and separated himself from the rest of his 65cc compe-tition. It was apparent that the range of the 65 riders’ skill levels varied much more in comparison to that between the 85, B/C, and A riders. For that reason, event organizers decided to drop the 65 class for the second annual RE-MX. The 2012 teams consisted of an A, B/C, and 85 rider for each team. Thirteen teams of three signed up for the event: Car-ben Racing, Cernic’s Duncansville, Cernic’s Johnstown (defend-ing champions), In the Blood/Hillview Motorsports, J Michaels Racing, Morgantown Powersports, PAMX, Pittsburgh Raceway, Plum Contracting, Pro Action Suspension, Racer X, Steel City Honda, and Team #357. As morning practice came to an end—practice was open to all riders, not just the competing teams—riders gathered around the Red Bull tent to collect their bibs and see what teams they would be racing against in the first round. The RE-MX has a tournament-style double-elimination format, with four motos in the first round and three teams racing against each other in a relay-style race in each moto—except for Moto 4, which had four teams in it.
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The tournament-style relay race opened its doors to thirteen teams at Steel City for the second annual RE-MX. Fortunately, the weather cooperated for this year’s installment.
WORDS BY JORDAN ROBERTS
PHOTOS BY FRED
Ronnie Demorest may have possibly had the fastest lap times of any mini rider, but things got a little too close be-tween Luhovey and himself in LCQ 1, re-sulting in a crash that knocked PAMX out of the running.
34 THE RACING PAPER
ItwasthetwoCernic’steams—whichtookfirstandsec-ondoveralllastyear—thatwerepittedagainsteachotherinMoto4.Cernic’sJohnstownadvancedtothenextround,sendingCer-nic’sDuncansvilleandtwootherteamstotheLCQbracket.PlumContracting,RacerX,andJMichaelsRacingweretheotherthreeteamstoadvancetothenextroundforMoto5. NextupwasthefirstroundfromtheLCQbracket.WithtwoseparateLCQsinthefirstround,eachracewouldonceagainadvancethewinningteamandsendthethreeremainingteamspackingafteracquiringtwolosses.InTheBlood/HillviewMotor-sportsandCernic’sDuncansvillewontheirrespectivefirst-roundLCQandkepttheirheadsabovewater. AfterthefirstroundofLCQs,racingshiftedbacktowardthewinners’bracket.TheundefeatedteamswentbacktolineforMoto5afterabriefintermission.Thetoptwofinishingteamswouldadvancestraighttothemainevent,whiletheothertwohadtodukeitoutwithIntheBlood/HillviewMotorsportsandCernic’sDuncansvilleinthesecond-roundLCQ3forthefinalspot. TheAriderstookoffupthestartstraightandCernic’sJohnstown’sDylanSlussergrabbedaconvincingleadinMoto5.RacerX’sCharlesBrightstartedlastoutofthefourbutwasabletomoveuptosecondbeforethehalfwaymark.Brightdidn’tquitecatchuptoSlusserbeforetheendofthelap,soCernic’sB/CriderJaredLeshergotthejumponRacerX’sMattToth.TothclosedinonLesher,whosufferedfromafewmistakeslateinthelap,whichallowedRacerX’s85rider,BrockPapi,tostartclosebehindCernic’sTimmyCrosby.CrosbyandPapiexchangedtheleadinthefirstfewcorners,butCrosbywasabletoputaslightgaponPapibyjumpingsomeadditionalfeaturesonthetrack.Cernic’sJohnstownandRacerX’sfinisheswereratherclose,whichinevitablybuiltupexcitementfortheMainEvent.
(Clockwise from right) Lesher lead Cernic’s Johnstown’s B/C efforts on his YZ 250; J Michaels Racing’s Joe Michaels and Pro Action Sus-pension’s Billy Kibler set up their B/C teammates, Cody Carlock and Shane Smallwood, with solid starts in Moto 3; Brock Papi is all focus in staging; Timmy Crosby rode the 85 class for Cernic’s Johnstown, probably for the last time this year; In The Blood/Hillview Motorsports’ Steve Roman leads the charge in LCQ 1; LCQ 2 holeshot went to Cernic’s Duncansville’s Daniel Lippman.
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But before the Main Event could drop, the last four teams with one loss each had to fight for the last Main Event spot in LCQ 3. Cernic’s Duncansville, In the Blood/Hillview Motorsports, J Michaels Racing, and Plum Contracting all had solid teams, but front-of-the-pack racing came down to Cernic’s and In the Blood/Hillview Motorsports. Vinny Luhovey ended up crossing the finish line before Hank Hays, resulting with In the Blood/Hillview Motor-sports earning a ticket to the Main Event. Slusser, Charles Bright, and Steve Roman lined up as the A riders for their respective teams in the Main Event. Slusser and Roman went toe-to-toe for the entire first lap, but Bright made a few mistakes early on and finished more than five seconds be-hind the two. Lesher and Aaron Fenchak blasted off the gate as soon as Slusser and Roman passed under the Red Bull arch. Toth started a full corner behind the two but looked determined to catch up as he put his head down and charged. All three B/C riders were close around the halfway mark of their lap, and at that point it seemed like anybody’s race. Toth neared Fenchak
and prepared to set up a pass but crashed going into a downhill corner. Lesher continued to extend his gap, and Cernic’s John-stown’s chances of a repeat win increased while Racer X’s hopes of a come-from-behind victory dwindled. Lesher passed under the Red Bull arch with a cushion between himself and Fenchak, allowing Crosby to ride the last lap with little pressure. Vinny Luhovey’s distance from Crosby wasn’t too overwhelming off the start, but Crosby had consistently faster laps times throughout the day. Racer X’s Brock Papi was out of the hunt by the time he got the signal to start, but he kept his KTM 85 pinned the entire lap with a never-give-up attitude. However, the running order never changed. Cernic’s John-stown secured their title as reigning champion, while In the Blood/Hillview Motorsports and Racer X joined them on the podium for the first time. Each team won purse money and received cool prizes from Red Bull, Oakley, and Skullcandy. The unique Red Bull RE-MX provided a fun atmosphere throughout the entire day and will hope-fully be a staple in the racing community for years to come. TRP
TEAM NAME
CerniC’s DunCansville
CerniC’s Johnstown
team #357
in the BlooD/hillview motorsports
plum ContraCting
pittsBurgh raCeway
morgantown powersports
steel City honDa
raCer X
pro aCtion
pamX
J miChaels raCing
CarBen raCing
RIDER NAME
a - Daniel lippmanB/C - trey gilDea85 - hank haysa - Dylan slusserB/C - JareD lesher85 - timmy CrosBya - hunter hoffmanB/C - Corey CroCCo85 - ty kestena - steve romanB/C - aaron fenChak85 - vinny luhoveya - mark millsB/C - Brian ausele85 - mauro Cauteloa - luke himlerB/C - miChael fisher85 - austin legga - JorDan martinB/C - Josh stanley85 - Blake shaffera - frank aliB/C - Dan DerriCo85 - Chris mCCullougha - Charles BrightB/C - matt toth85 - BroCk papia - Billy kiBlerB/C - shane smallwooD85 - Colton gorBya - John wellsB/C - garrett smith85 - ronnie Demoresta - Joe miChaelsB/C - CoDy CarloCk85 - seth anDresa - Jeff mCCarrenB/C - Corey leinenBaCk85 - noah CarBen
BIB #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
36 THE RACING PAPER
September 22 marked the beginning of the two-day, 22nd Annual DC Vet National Championship at High Point Raceway. Anyone over 25 years of age was eligible to race, but practice motos were also of-
fered for 50, Mini, 250, and 450 classes. Needless to say, you didn’t have to be a vet rider to participate in any of the practice motos. A, B, and C classes were offered from age groups 25+ to 50+, and Vet 55+ and 60+ were offered as well.
In addition to the run-of-the-mill classes, the Vet National also offered 25+ Four-Stroke, Vintage Pre-1995 (25+), and Vintage Pre-1985 (25+). The Vintage classes brought some old spectacles out of the woodwork once their owners dust-ed off the classic bikes and apparel. For some, it revitalized memories of racing motocross during a simpler time, but the presence of the vintage bikes and apparel also provided the opportunity to witness the classics in action for those who didn’t live through those generations. You can look at the black-and-white photos of our motocross forefathers, but some may find a little bit more satisfaction from watching a CR500 blast through a deep, sandy berm at a national-caliber track.
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Some of the racers were able to make a solid sweep in their class—some for the day, others through the weekend. Lamont Hunter was flawless in Vintage Pre-1995 over both days of racing. Cody Longwell won Saturday’s Vintage Pre 1985, while Todd Streit won it Sunday on a David Bailey replica 1987 Honda CR500. GNCC XC1 Pro rider Jimmy Jar-rett was also on hand Saturday and had no problem sweeping every moto in Vet A 25+, 30+, and 35+. An appearance by Jimmy Jarrett wasn’t the only facet of off-road racing during the weekend.
PAXC, in collaboration with Racer Productions, held a hare scramble on Sunday. This is PAXC’s first year as an or-ganization, and they brought off-road racing back to High Point for the first time since Moto X Country in 2008. PAXC directors Kelly Fritchman and Ron Stetz got the approval from Rita Coombs, and things began to fall in place shortly after.
When asked how difficult it was to get an off-road race back at High Point, Fritchman said, “Not too hard. Rita was willing to help us out and she got Barry to lay the track out.”
That Barry was none other than Barry Hawk, multi-time GNCC Champion. He plotted out the course, beginning with the motocross starting gate and following most of its length before shooting off into the woods and open fields.
The race even attracted one GNCC XC2 Pro rider. AJ Stewart was one of the 150 riders to sign up and the only rider to complete eleven laps in the two-hour race. PAXC hopes to return to High Point in 2013 with the help of Racer Productions for another suc-cessful off-road racing event. TRP
(Clockwise from top left) The PAXC race started on the motocross track; Paul Dylewski won the Vet A 35+ over-all on Sunday; the creek section was one of the more difficult sections to navigate; Tim Kuhns won Vet B/C 30+ in the PAXC race; the hare scramble utilized most of the motocross through the first lap; AJ Stewart showed up to win the PAXC hare scramble in the Pro class and was the only rider to com-plete nine full laps.
38 THE RACING PAPER
Many may know the 2012 U.S. Sleepy Hollow 2-Stroke Shootout as the inaugural event that at-
tracted top riders such as Mike Mc-Dade, Shane Durham, Steve Roman, Broc Schmelyun, Dakota Kessler, and many more. In a way, that could be a correct assumption, but the 2012 2-Stroke Shootout certainly wasn’t the first of it’s kind at Sleepy Hollow.
Jere Swarr actually hosted the event last year at Sleepy Hollow, but under a different event name. The event was then called the North Ameri-can Two-Stroke Championships, or NATSC for short. After running the event as NATSC in the first year, Swarr felt the name needed to be changed to promote future growth. “From a marketing standpoint, it was kind of cumbersome. That’s why we changed it to the U.S. 2-Stroke Shootout, or just ‘The Shootout’ for short. It’s simple and catchier.”
With help from DEP Pipes, Moto Tas-sinari and Boyesen, Swarr was able to raise a $7,000 purse and plenty of prizes for 125 A, 250 A and more. Wiseco also awarded the best sound-ing two-stroke and best smelling two-stroke with $250 each. The event also gained support and recognition from Braap Creative, TwoStrokeMo-tocross.com and Bob Albright Mo-tors. The goal for next year will be a $10,000 purse for the A classes.
Sleepy Hollow welcomes you to a weekend full of sweet sounds and snappy throttles.
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY AMY SCHAAF
(Above) Shane Durham, aboard Darryn’s old Eleven10 Mods CR, works on chasing down Dakota Kessler in 125 A. (Left) Steve Roman secured fifth overall in 125 A, but a DNF in the first 250 A moto didn’t help his overall. He came back with a third in the second moto for an eleventh overall, respectively.
(Cont. on page 40)
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337 Coldstream Rd. • Phoenixville, PA 19460 Toll Free 1.866.845.1531 • www.powersealusa.com
Fast TurnaroundDealers Welcome
40 THE RACING PAPER
If the purse is indeed raised by an additional $3,000, the likeliness that top talent will travel in from farther areas will increase as well. However, those who plan to travel from great distances to race the A classes should be aware of the odds. This year, Mike McDade swept every moto in 125 and 250 A against some already stiff competition. Shane Durham and Dakota Kessler were able to split runner-up positions in 125 A, while Casey Clark and Dustin Kendall captured next best in separate 250 A motos. The race also brought out former pro and current presenting sponsor Dag Boyesen. Boyesen competed in 40+ A and swept both motos as well.
Aside from the classes conventionally ran during the two-stroke era, the U.S. 2-Stroke Shootout also offered vintage classes to the lineup. The vintage classes offered were Pre ’75, Evo ’75-’80, ‘80s and ‘90s. An impressive 23 entries were recorded for the solo day of vintage racing.
Jere Swarr is already planning the third annual U.S. 2-Stroke Shootout for 2013. The event will be held once again late in September. Visit www.sleepymx.com to check out this year’s results and to stay updated on next year’s 2-Stroke Shootout. TRP
(Clockwise from left) Durham packs the gate for some 250 love; vintage bikes were plentiful; Broc Schmelyun went 5th overall with 7-4 moto scores in 250 A, but he faired better in 125 A with 3rd overall; Mike McDade was untouchable the entire weekend, as he swept every 125 A and 250 A moto.
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Wow, that was a short season. Rain poured down every weekend throughout the spring. Money was scarce dur-ing the summer, and we basically got our butts kicked at
Loretta’s—PAMX riders that is.The season ended kind of abruptly, putting an end to this publi-
cation just when I was getting on a roll. Where can I write my stuff now? We’ve got plenty of upside-down marking-paint left over from the GNCC races. Maybe I should find a wall that’s laying on the ground so the paint will come out better. My shoes are already white, and so are my work boots from painting the barrels in Ten-nessee. I paint them white there instead of green like at High Point and Steel City. By the way, the exact color of my green paint is called “My Favorite Green”—easy to remember and especially easy to back into after it gets dark in your pit area.
Once again, please place full bags of garbage beside the barrel, not in it. Barrels are meant for loose garbage and half-sticks of dy-namite when placed upside-down. Please feel free to try this at any racetrack in the U.S., besides mine. Thank you.
It’s kind of like practicing holeshots. By the time you get to a track on raceday, you’re as good as you’ll ever get. What are you going to accomplish with a meaningless number of spectator-endangering, clutch-dulling, rut-forming, grass-shredding, noise-making, tire-wearing, goggle-fogging (or even dangling) holeshots in the pits?
How many chances of falling do you need to make yourself believe that you’re better prepared for a start that’s not even going to be in grass? The best-case scenario is you overshoot the first turn, now making all the practice you got in the pits from avoiding fence lines and moving targets an immediate advantage, unless you heated up your brakes in the process.
Once on my CR 500, I jumped over Cody’s truck at the top of the last uphill at High Point (to impress my son) when it came straight up from the bottom and made an S-turn before the finish. I cleared
the windshield, but when I landed I had nowhere to go but through the fence. I got five scars across my body from my face down. That’s why I always try to use springs with all my high-tensile wire around the tracks. Besides, you can’t always get thirty drunks to stand and hang on the fence at the same time to create the right tension unless there are sheep involved—scratch that—unless the FMF water truck mysteriously starts spraying out beer just a foot short of the fence line. Yeah, that’s it. TRP
BAR-TO-BAR BY TIMMY COOMBS
42 THE RACING PAPER
A small handful of southwestern Pennsylvania riders took off to Englishtown, New Jersey, to make a name for themselves at the thirty-sixth annual Kawasaki Race of Champions.
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY SCOTT LUKAITIS
Despite some inclement weather, Jake Weimer was on hand for the 2013 KXF demo ride.
Old Bridge Township’s Raceway Park has long been recognized as one of the premier tracks in the Northeast. For thirty-six years, the Englishtown, New
Jersey-based facility has hosted a classic October motocross race known as the Race of Champions. In the beginning it was sponsored by a local country club, but Kawasaki has been the title sponsor since the early ’80s.
Over the years, the Kawasaki Race of Champions has transitioned from an event where factory rac-ers competed against the local racers to more of a showcase for privateers looking to make a name in the professional ranks. The race is an AMA Pro Am points-paying event, so racers looking to qualify for a pro card often use the KROC to get the required
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points for that license. For 2012, several Pennsylvania and West Virginia racers took
the trip east to see what they had for the Jersey locals. Saturday racing was for amateur, mini, and vet racers, while Sunday was reserved for the pro motos. With more than 600 racers signed up, the competition was sure to be intense in every class.
The most successful of the group was KTM rider Brock Papi, whose first overall in 85cc 9-11 was backed up by a second overall in Junior Mini, while Yamaha rider Cameron Scheller fin-ished ninth overall in 85cc 9-11 and third in Junior Mini. Another Pennsylvanian in the minibike ranks was Ty Kesten. A sixth in 80/150 12-15 was backed up with an eleventh overall in Super Mini and third place in the Town and Country Cycle Center/Fox Top Gun Mini Cycle Shootout.
The top minibike racer for the Shootout was Missouri’s Austin Forkner. The Team Green racer won five of six motos for overall victories in Junior Mini and Super Mini, as well as the Town and Country Cycle Center/Fox Top Gun Mini Cycle Shootout.
A few familiar names showed up on the opposite side of the spectrum for the Vet Expert classes, as Suzuki rider Barry Carsten and Team Green racers Scott Sheak and Mike Treadwell battled in both 25+ Expert and 30+ Expert. The overall in the 25+ class went to Sheak, while Carsten got the top spot in 30+. Carsten and Treadwell continued the battle in 40+ Expert, with Treadwell earning the top spot in that class.
In amateur-class racing, Matthew Toth won two of his four mo-tos, taking the top spot in an Open B moto before scoring third overall. Toth was also a close second in the Iron Man Classic after being forced off the track by Josh Osby early in the moto; he then fought back to challenge for the victory.
In pro racing on Sunday, Mike McDade started well by winning the one-lap Traxxas Dash for Cash and ended well by finishing second overall in Open Expert. Josh Clark won that class, with Ohio’s Steven Mages rounding out the podium. New Jersey na-tive Luke Renzland won both 250 Expert Motos and the overall, followed by Josh Clark in second and Joey Peters in third.
Mark the first weekend of October on your 2013 calendar for the thirty-seventh annual Kawasaki Race of Champions. You won’t be disappointed! TRP
(Top left to bottom right) Papi scored two overall podiums; Mc-Dade won the Traxxas Dash for Cash; Nick Fratz-Orr; Ty Kesten; Cam-eron Scheller got third overall in Junior Mini; Matt Toth goes for the holeshot
44 THE RACING PAPER
45
Renthal Twinring // $89.99
Thor Core Volcom Gear // $259.85
Fuel Giraffe Socks // $14.00
100% Racecraft // $75.00
Have you ever noticed just how many of today’s professional riders run Renthal hard parts? Virtually all of them do, and it’s no coincidence. Renthal’s Twinring chainwheels offer the best of both worlds with a light aluminum inner ring and a durable steel outer ring. Now they even come in a bunch of different colors.
There’s a good chance you’ve never seen a red giraffe, but hey, Billy Madison never saw a blue duck, right? You’ve probably never seen a pink zebra, red leopard, or blue cheetah before, but Fuel makes those animal-themed socks too. Check out their website if you want to get your wild animal on.
Thor has always made quality gear and apparell, so you’re guaranteed to get a winner when you mix in Volcom’s unique clothing influence. The designs are somewhat chaotic, yet they somehow still balance out. The sleeves of the jersey are slim fit like last year, but they’re not restrictive at all.
When 100% first came back, I wasn’t sure if they were going to get all vintage on us or not. It turns out that wasn’t the case. By now you’ve probably seen some of there products, like the Tuxedo shown here, and know they produce some good looking stuff. Their frames run pretty large, so you’ll also beable to use your peripherals under those mirrored lenses.
By Jordan Roberts // Photos by Fred
www.Renthal.com
www.ThorMX.com
www.FuelClothing.com
www.Ride100Percent.com
46 THE RACING PAPER
As the season draws to an end, any pressures from training and performing well at the races tend to dwindle.Fall riding is all about going out with your friends and having fun before the snow moves in. This is the side of riding
Southern California never gets to see. Enjoy the moment. See you at the races next Spring.
Photo by Jordan Roberts
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