| Author | Message | ||
     Rasta_dog |
I was at Scioto Downs in Columbus, Ohio last night with my dad and some of his buddies for the last AMA Dirt Track race of the season. Hell, I don't know, but it might have been the last AMA motorcycle race of the season, period. With the Devil's Staircase hill climb last weekend, it's been a good two weekends in a row to start to transition into the cold weather hear in Ohio. We bought pit passes and they weren't cheap...$40...a piece! And let me tell ya, the "pit" area was a far cry from Laguna or Mid Ohio. Literally, it was a grass area around the side of the grand stands, before you got to the horse stalls, where all the race teams had there RV's (Chris Carr), or box trucks (the Super Trapp team). It was not glamorous, except for the fact that there were about 50 race ready XR 750's (probably my favorite motorcycle of all time) sitting in the sunlight, lookin' like they were going 100 mph on their race stands. We sat there and watched some kid named Dominic who, I believe, rode for Staten Island H-D, cut extra grooves in his rear Bridgestone tire, and then go out and put a beat down on the field in heat race #1 (he finished 4th or 5th in the main). It was a little chilly, but for my money, there is nothing like the smell of race fuel and the sound of a pack of angry v-twin's thundering down the back straight at 100 mph. I imagine that it must sound similar to a formation of WWII bomber's flying past you at low altitude. Thanks, pop, for another cool motorcycle memory. | ||
| Blake |
Great report! Thanks! I really enjoy going to dirt track races. One of these days, I've got to get out there and give it a try, just for fun. A friend keeps offering to let me use his bike. I chickened out once when Brian Nallin suggested I take out their 350 LB 120 RWHP, dirt tracker. Probably not the best bike to learn on.  It was frightening enough taking it for a spin on pavement. Kinda tough to get used to the no front brake thing. ![: ]](http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/clipart/proud.gif) | ||
| Davegess |
Blake, you should sign up for one of the American Supercamps. A real blast, you will learn how to slide a bike more than you would have ever thought possible, it will improve your road racing, and you might even have a chance to get embarassed by the likes of Chris Carr. | ||
| Blake |
I would really enjoy that. | ||
| Davegess |
Find one that is running before a AMA flat track race and at the same place and you will be surprised who shows up. Or one that is before an AMA road race national. I did Springfield for two days before the Labor day races. Carr drove the water truck, Willy McCoy knocked guys down. I here that id there is raod race in town the same week you will get some of those guys coming to have some fun and get loose. | ||
| Blake |
Springfield! You got a bike sliding at Springfield! Wow! I'm impressed! I'm thinking more along the lines of a 1/8 mile track to start. | ||
| Davegess |
Well it was the fairgrounds at Springfield and Chris Carr was out there sliding around too BUT it was not the mile. I am not nuts. The class was held in a sorta indoor horse show ring. I doubt that we even had a full 1/8 mile oval. Still loads of fun even is we never got over 40 mph. Getting to watch Carr show off in the mud was very impressive. The guys balance is not normal  | ||
| Blake |
Even more fun since you weren't in constant fear for your life! That's what I'm talking about. | ||
| Davo |
RastaDog, I was there too. The race was cool but the temperature was cold! Do you attend many flat track races? Let me know the next time you go to one I might be there too. I never miss them online if I can't go which is most of the time. | ||
| Rasta_dog |
I live in Cincinnat. I have been to both the races at Scioto Downs the last three years(I did get to Laguna Seca in 2005). Somehow, I missed the race just across the river in Kentucky last year(I think because one of my kids had something going on). I used to go to Louisville Downs when I was a kid in the late 70's early 80's. I'll keep posting in here when the season starts up again next year and maybe we can meet at a race. | ||
| Davo |
Sounds like a plan. I am going to try to make it to more events next year. Nothing is as cool as watching twins run on dirt! | ||
| Crusty |
If you've never seen the Springfield Mile, you've missed the most exciting race of any kind anywhere. Twice a year, I travel 1200 miles each way to see the Mile. No other race compares with it. Once you hear the sound of a pack of XR-750s turning 9400 RPM coming off Turn Four, you'll be hooked. Once you see a 25 lap Main, you'll suffer withdrawals until the next Mile Weekend. Last Labor Day weekend, I got to take my Uly out for two "Parade Laps". Words can not express the rush it was to ride that track; even at a slow 50 MPH. If you even faintly enjoy Flat Track racing, go to Springfield. You'll leave as an addict. | ||
| Davo |
Crusty and others, Have you ever watched a flat track race online? I never miss a race during the twin's season. You can find out about coverage on the AMA website. I hope the online coverage continues this year. | ||
| Crusty |
Davo, yes, I have a subscription to Live I Sports. I usually attend 5 or 6 races per season, depending on available time and funding. Living in the Northeast, I have to travel a ways to see any event. The nearest race is Hagerstown, and that's 450 miles. However, every Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekends, I'll be found sitting in Row 1 Section MM (Front row on the finish line)at the Springfield Mile watching the best racers in the world competing on the best track in the world. | ||
| Davo |
Interesting twist, twingling is no longer permitted by AMA. I wonder how this will effect the field? Be there or stay tuned in for a great season. I can't wait! (Message edited by davo on January 06, 2007) | ||
| Blake |
test |
