Cal VMX – Vintage
Glen Helen Raceway
9/6/14
By: Ben Meza
I had always wanted to do a vintage race. I was given the opportunity and decided to take it. I was going to race the Vintage National, part of the Cal VMX series at Glen Helen Raceway. I was going to race an air cooled 1979 CR 125. I was extremely excited and couldn’t wait for race day!
My race was going to be held on Saturday at Glen Helen Raceway. I was signed up in the 125 expert class. I was pretty excited because my friend, Parker Jones, and his dad, Clark Jones, we’re also in the 125 expert class. This made for some great racing.
I hadn’t ridden the bike at all before race day. My first time riding the bike was during practice that morning. I was really impressed with how fast the bike was! Unfortunately due to the air cooled system, the bike would heat up really quickly slowing it down after only a few laps.
I was a little nervous for the first Moto, but after I got started it was just like racing a modern bike. I was in 2nd around the first big turn “Talledega” right behind Clark. I quickly threw down the pass and worked my way into the lead. I took some deep breaths and then got in my groove. I then checked out from Clark who was still running 2nd right ahead of Parker. I had a flawless race and rode all the way to the checkers. I was having a lot of fun on the bike throwing little whips over the finish line jump, just enjoying myself. It was a completely different atmosphere from the type of racing I’m used to. Although it was a national race, I feel like it was a lot more laid-back then the nationals I’m used racing.
After Moto 1, I just sat around in the heat waiting for Moto 2. I couldn’t believe how hot and humid it was at Glen Helen!
It was finally time for Moto 2. I lined myself up on the inside of the gate and had my gate swept for me by my girlfriend, Paige. I stared closely waiting for the gate to drop. At just the smallest twitch, I got on the throttle and accelerated off the concrete. I didn’t get the jump I wanted and fell back to 4th place by the time we got to Talledega. I made a quick pass for 3rd and then another pass for 2nd on Parker before the end of the first lap. Going across the finish line jump, I was right behind Clark. I stayed there the majority of the race. I tried to make a pass on Clark at one point, but it didn’t stick. Parker would end up getting by me. The three of us battled all the way to the last lap with Clark in the lead, Parker in 2nd, as I followed in 3rd. With one corner to go, Clark’s bike would seize and Parker would inherit the lead allowing me to stay in 2nd.
With my 1st place finish in Moto 1, and my 2nd place finish in Moto 2, that allowed me to take the 125cc Expert Overall for the day!
I’m really excited with my result and I can’t thank John Shore enough, for letting me ride his bike. I had a great time at the race and hope to race a few more vintage races in the future. It was nice to race something a little different. Now it’s time to focus on the next AMA National Hare and Hound in Yerington Nevada, Round 9 on September 21!
Be sure to check out our Blais Racing Services Web Store and Engine Services!
No comments yet.