American Motorcyclist June 2023

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8 PERSPECTIVES

Editorial Director Mitch Boehm on his family’s brain tumor experience

10 GREATLY EXAGGERATED

Columnist John Burns on the deeper meanings of new vs. old

12 BACKFIRES

Membership feedback on recent issues

14 BACK IN THE DAY

Where the photos are blurry but the memories are clear!

16 RIDING INTO HISTORY CONCOURS

A great event that supports a really great cause

26 MALCOLM’S MOMENTS

Malcolm Smith jets off to his first ISDT event in Villingsberg, Sweden

28 COVER STORY: NO-QUIT NEIL

Local legend Neil Fergus is 93 years young, and still rides like the wind

38 ACE IN THE HOLE

Hodaka’s Ace 90 and 100 set the stage for the legendary and best-selling Super Rat

52 THE VOICE

Ex-racer and all-around good guy Scottie Deubler is the voice of professional flat track

70 AMA GARAGE

Tips, tweaks, fixes and facts: The motorcycle ownership experience, explained

74 LAST PAGE

Recalling the legendary “Magic Mile” at Du Quoin

ON THE COVER:

A lot of us grow old. But not many of us grow old and still ride…or ride fast, for that matter. Neil Fergus does all three, and at 93 years young! This guy’s done it all, from racer, Military Policeman, motor cop and dealer to R&D expert, world traveler and more. See page 28 for the scoop. Photo by Casey Spencer.

EDITORIAL AND COMMUNICATIONS

Mitch Boehm Editorial Director

Todd Westover Chief Creative Consultant

Joy Burgess Managing Editor

Kerry Hardin Senior Graphic Designer

Keaton Maisano Associate Editor

Eliza Mertz Digital Content Manager

submissions@ama-cycle.org

Michael Kula Business Development Manager (949) 466-7833, mkula@ama-cycle.org

Lynette Cox Marketing Manager (614) 856-1900, ext. 1223, lcox@ama-cycle.org

All trademarks used herein (unless otherwise noted) are owned by the AMA and may only be used with the express, written permission of the AMA.

American Motorcyclist is the monthly publication of the American Motorcyclist Association, which represents motorcyclists nationwide. For information on AMA membership benefits, call (800) AMA-JOIN or visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com. Manuscripts, photos, drawings and other editorial contributions must be accompanied by return postage. No responsibility is assumed for loss or damage to unsolicited material. Copyright© American Motorcyclist Association, 2021.

AMA STAFF

EXECUTIVE

Rob Dingman President/Chief Executive Officer

James Holter Chief Operating Officer

Jeff Wolens Chief Financial Officer

Donna Perry Executive Assistant to President/CEO

Danielle Smith Human Resources Manager/Assistant to COO

RACING AND ORGANIZER SERVICES

Mike Pelletier Director of Racing

Bill Cumbow Director of International Competition

Michael Burkeen Deputy Director of Racing

Ken Saillant Track Racing Manager

Michael Jolly Racing Manager

Jeff Canfield Racing Manager

Alexandria Reasoner Program Manager

Connie Fleming Supercross/FIM Coordinator

Olivia Davis Sanctioned Activity Specialist

Jensen Burkeen Sanctioned Activity Coordinator

Damian George Sanctioned Activity Coordinator

MUSEUM

Paula Schremser Program Specialist

Ricky Shultz Museum Clerk

Kobe Stone Museum Clerk

AMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Contact any member of the AMA Board of Directors at americanmotorcyclist.com/ama-board-of-directors

Russ Ehnes Chair

Great Falls, Mont.

Gary Pontius Vice Chair

Westfield, Ind.

Brad Baumert Assistant Treasurer

Louisville, Ky.

Jerry Abboud Executive Committee Member

Thornton, Colo.

Mark Hosbach Executive Committee Member

Franklin, Tenn.

Hub Brennan

E. Greenwich, R.I.

Christopher Cox

Florence, S.C.

Tom Umphress

Jordan, Minn.

Faisel Zaman

Dallas, Texas

Shae Petersen

Myrtle Beach, S.C. Clif Koontz Moab, Utah

Steve Drewlo Bismarck, N.D.

(800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) (614) 856-1900 AmericanMotorcyclist.com @AmericanMotorcyclist @ama_riding

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Nick Haris Interim Government Relations Director

Erin Reda Grassroots Coordinator

MARKETING AND MEMBER SERVICES

Amanda Donchess Director of Membership Marketing and Services

Lauren Kropf Marketing and Advertising Specialist

Tiffany Pound Member Services Manager

Joe Bromley Program Development Manager

Pam Albright Member Fulfillment Coordinator

Bob Davis Program Volunteer Specialist

Stephanie McCormick Member Services Representative

Vickie Park Member Services Representative

Charles Moore Member Services Representative

Kelly Anders Member Services Representative

Sarah Lockhart Member Services Representative

Taylor Fluck Member Services Representative

Sieara Thomas Member Services Representative

Margret Baldwin Member Fulfillment Representative

John Bricker Mailroom Manager

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT

Shaun Holloway Director of Information Technology

Joey Brown Application Developer

Ed Madden Systems and Database Analyst

Rob Baughman Support Technician

As the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s Ride For Kids program approaches its 40th Anniversary in 2024 (right along with the AMA’s 100th in ’24…more on that in the coming months), the organization is making some significant tweaks in the ways it goes about raising money for kids’ cancer research and how it interacts with the motorcycle industry.

Over those four decades, Ride for Kids has been a godsend for many of the kids and families struck by this terrible disease, and I’ve no doubt these changes, supported by the RFK’s core mission, will help it put another amazingly helpful 40 years under its belt.

I know a little about the foundational elements and effects of the RFK program firsthand, and not only because I worked at American Honda during the years my friends, RFK founders and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers Mike and Dianne Traynor were building their relationship with American Honda in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The program got supercharged with Honda’s help, and I distinctly remember taking my son Alex on several of the Rides in later years that began and ended at Honda’s Torrance, Calif., campus, one of them in a sidecar rig supplied by the late “Sidecar Doug” Bingham when Alex was about 6.

Things would get a lot more intense for my family on this subject a decade later when I got a phone call no parent ever wants to get while on the field coaching our local high school’s freshman football team one afternoon. All I remember hearing the neurologist say were the words your son Alex and brain tumor in the same sentence after the results of an MRI came back.

It’s about the most crushing news one could hear, as any parent can

PERSPECTIVES close to home

BY MITCH BOEHM

probably imagine.

What ensued was a year-long odyssey of shock, anxiety, depression, surgery (8 hours), chemotherapy (4 months), nausea (every day), and radiation (every day for a month). But we were lucky. Alex’s tumor wasn’t one of the almost-always-deadly types; it was malignant and even deadly if not caught in time, but the MRI, prescribed for a concussion sustained on the football field (he played both ways as a tight end and defensive end), caught it early, and for that we are eternally grateful. Looking back, I have no idea how he had the mental strength to put up with it all… but he did. He dealt with the surgery, the chemo (which had him throwing up every day), the radiation, and the follow-up three-hour MRIs like a trooper — and even played varsity baseball in his senior year, bald head and all.

I don’t know this for a fact, but I gotta believe the amazing treatment Alex got at St. John’s in Santa Monica (surgery) and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (chemo, radiation and follow-up) was in some way affected by the research funded by gracious and generous motorcyclists — that’s you — via the Ride For Kids program. And for that our family is grateful, as well.

What’s more, there’s some significant pediatric-cancer drug news on the horizon relating to RFK-funded research. I’ll let the RFK folks spill the beans in the coming months, but it sounds both promising and exciting for families dealing with this often-horrific condition.

I got to thinking about all this while working with Joy Burgess on the April issue’s inspiring Brooklyn Caudillo story, which if you haven’t read you absolutely must. Alex’s experience

was easily the most traumatic thing in my and my wife Susie’s life (and his, obviously), so I understood a little of what Michael and Brooklyn must have gone through.

All of this, of course, brings me back to AMA Hall of Famers Mike and Dianne Traynor, who, after launching some informal rides in the Atlanta area to raise money for a colleague’s daughter who’d been stricken with a brain tumor, built the effort into the Ride For Kids program and, later, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation — which has raised north of $120 million over the years to fight this deadly disease.

Sadly, Mike died in 2009, and Dianne in 2012, but their legacy lives on in the modern day PBTFUS. Motorcyclists helped build the Foundation into what it’s become today, so please consider supporting the cause in the coming years. After all, you never know how close to home cancer will strike.

More info can be found at curethekids.org.

Mitch Boehm is the Editorial Director of the AMA and a long-time member.

Alex and I enjoying a Ride for Kids event years before we learned of Alex’s own brain tumor.

Ido love where American Motorcyclist is headed, but maybe we could back off just a bit on the really old motorcycles, eh, Boehm? Early CB750 Hondas and the very first XR75? I admit, the first Z1 Kawasaki knocked my socks off too, circa 1973, but do we really want to carbon-date ourselves? 1973 was (give me a second to do the math), ahhh, half-a-century ago.

All this stirs up unpleasant memories of guys waxing on about BSA Gold Stars and things when I was a kid, unpleasant because most of those guys are now deceased. I couldn’t even form an image of what they were going on about. At least motorcycle magazines have pictures now, in color, even.

Listen, in the interest of at least making the appearance of an effort to remain relevant to the kids, it’s important that we embrace the modern motorcycle, too. [Yo, Burnsie… you’re forgetting our recent coverage of the new Tiger 1200 GT Pro, Panamerica, GSX-S1000, Street Triple, Multistradas (2), ZRX1200R, XT250, etc., ya goof. —Ed.] Take my 2000spec Yamaha YZF-R1, for instance. Now that’s a motorcycle. Your old CB750 had an overhead cam? My Yamaha’s got two of ’em — and your Z1’s eight valves are no match for my R1’s 20! Especially when it’s time to adjust them.

Correct, my R1 was the last one before electronic fuel injection ruined everything, forcing people to plug in their laptop to tune their bike instead of simply pulling off the gas tank, airbox, and 30 or 40 other things to get to the carburetors, which are perfectly happy as long as you keep the ethanol out — which means I have my

Greatly exaggerated time warp 2000

BY JOHN BURNS

choice of one gas station, 20 miles away in Long Beach. And as long as all the tiny hoses and seals and springs and nozzles and needles are getting along, which they have been lately as long as you don’t disturb them by, say, starting the engine.

I bought the old R1 I guess 15 years ago for fun and for a magazine project, and I’ve almost but not quite gotten rid of it a few times over the years as it sat taking up valuable garage space among the two or three “test bikes” I’d have in there at any given time. Now that the test-bike flow has mostly dried up, the old R1 has that half of the garage to itself again, and I’ve dusted it off and had a fresh look, and I’m asking myself: What were you thinking, man? How could you ever part with such a piece of history?

Not just motorcycle history, but personal too. Uncle Mitch dispatched me to the very first YZF-R1 launch in Cartagena, Spain, when the ’98 model launched (when I had still not reached the big 4-0, sigh…). What a blast. It really was the first shot in the modern Superbike war — way light and 150 horsepower.

Actually, I kid. The old beast does fire up and run swell, but by modern sportbike standards it does feel as completely alien as a CB750 did 20 years ago — but in a good way. The older long-stroke engine isn’t as powerful as the current short-stroke version, but it probably makes as much torque a few thousand rpm sooner — which is nice on the street, where I ride it. Matter of fact, everything about that first-gen R1 is more comfy than the pure racer the bike has evolved into, which is also not a bad thing.

Putzing in the garage the other day, I noticed that my other favorite

vehicle out there — a new-to-me 2000 Jaguar XJR sedan — was manufactured in the very same month as my R1: February 2000. Coincidence, or something more? That vehicle wasn’t even on my radar 23 years ago, probably because it sold new for 68,000 bucks. But when it surfaced on my Great Disposable Used Cars list a few years ago as its depreciation approached 90 percent, I knew I must have one. (Nothing Depreciates Like a Jaguar! could be their official tagline.)

If I am stuck in a February 2000 time warp, so be it. I feel pretty good about it, really: I’ve got another 30 years to go before my stuff’s as old as Mitch’s CB750, and I won’t be surprised or much disappointed if it gets there without me. Meanwhile, change your fluids often, get in some walking, try to eat healthy-ish, and knock on wood.

John Burns is an AMA member and irreverent commentator on all things motorcycling

My happy place. Is it coincidence my two favorite vehicles were both manufactured in February, 2000? Or something more...?

BACKFIRES

LETTERS OF THE MONTH

Desert Dynamo

and adults. Go, girl, go!

Amy Willis

Good for you, Brooklyn. From one female desert racer to another, you go girl!

Paula

Harris

Brooklyn is absolutely awesome. Congrats to her! And good job dad, Michael, for raising such a badass.

Shawna

Mercier

e just got our issue! My daughter also has Chiari malformation and had surgery. She doesn’t race because she also has cervical instability, but she does ride! Her oldest brother, who races, was just diagnosed last summer. No surgery for him yet, and we hope it stays that way. Our middle son, who also races, has a brain tumor and hydrocephalus and is leading the pack with three brain surgeries. Busy household, but what can I say? I love this story, and we’re rooting for you Brooklyn.

Karyn W.

Thank you, AMA, for putting the Brooklyn Caudillo story in your magazine…and on the cover! Girls today deal with so much pressure and craziness in the world around them, and it was wonderful to be able to sit down and read this story

with my daughter, who is just learning to ride. She’s got that magazine in her room now where she can look at it. We need to give our girls more great role models like this who are overcoming adversity and showing other girls that they can do it, too. So thanks from a motorcycle mama who just wants her little girl to grow up to be a strong, confident badass.

Jenna Harris

What a great article and inspiration. I hope we see Brooklyn as a Six Days rider someday soon!

Nick Jones

Great article, inspiring kid, and an awesome family. Keep going hard, Brooklyn!

Lori Taylor

I just read that article to my kids. What an inspiring story, for both kids

Wow, this girl is on fire. Her story is such an inspiration, not only to other girls, but to all of us.

Julie Lee

I read the entire article between my mailbox and my front door. Great piece! Read it to my girls that night, too.

William Preach

The Queen B — Brooklyn — is one of the SoCal MX Series regulars, and front-page news in the AMA member magazine American Motorcyclist Congratulations to Brooklyn on your accomplishments to date. It’s been fun watching your accomplishments the past few years. Keep it up, girl — we’re very proud of you! One day we’ll all be saying, “We knew her when…”

SoCal

MX Series

Enjoyed seeing all the D37 love in the April issue. Marshall Mania with Joel, Micah and Caleb Marshall, and then Brooklyn Caudillo on the cover! Thanks to the AMA for seeing and covering all we’re doing out here in the desert.

Jon Clemson

BRAKE IT DOWN

Regarding J. Burns’ excellent article about use of the rear brake in your April issue’s Garage section, I also discovered that rear braking technique significantly affects the rear shock in a most positive way. Knowing and feeling what the back of my machine is doing helps my cornering confidence tremendously. Welcome to John Burns, by the way, a journalistic hooligan of the first stripe.

One more thing: I have never understood why one of the big motorcycle manufacturers did not approach John Britten’s wife after John passed away for the rights to manufacture a modern-day Britten…the original being one of the most magnificent twins ever created. Sure, it would be costly, but a lot of today’s machines are plenty costly. Harley-Davidson comes to mind. A wiser choice for them than Buell, and can you imagine the sales potential of that ferocious twin sporting an H-D emblem?

Brian Halton San Francisco, Calif.

TO PLUG OR NOT?

My experience with rope plugs differs a bit from your perspective in the March issue’s Garage section. While riding in the hills of Northern California a small piece of metal sliced my rear tire. We were just outside the town of Hayfork and limped to the local tire shop. The owner looked at my tire and shook his head, saying, “We can try.” I was 90 miles from home and convinced him to do his best. He put in three rope plugs and a lot of glue… and I made it home and then some.

Charley Blunt

You are not alone in that assessment, Charley. Thanks for sharing. —Ed.

A HARD LESSON TO LEARN

I was reading Boehm’s April column “A Taste of Things to Come” and wanted to clarify the difference between “cement” and “concrete,” which are two separate things and often used interchangeably. Boehm used

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the former when the latter is actually correct. How do you separate them? Easy. Cement is a component in concrete, just like coarse and fine aggregate, water and chemical admixture. But the total of all those components is “concrete.”

Phil Brandt

Thanks for the heads-up, Phil! I gotta say, though, that regardless, my feet still hurt bigtime in Vegas! —Ed.

FROM BROOKLYN TO MILWAUKEE

Received the April issue and read it cover-to-cover before the day was complete. Great stories, and well-written, too. Particularly liked Malcom’s Moments as I, too, enjoyed the success of Husqvarna’s great machines. Will try to follow the career of phenomenal off-road racer Brooklyn Caudillo, who one day may graduate to Woman’s ISDE team status. The story about Harley-Davidson’s crisis years hit home as I was there from 1979 through 1983 as one of three directors in the Parts & Accessories department.

Michael Vancil

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Eight integrated tie-down points

BACK IN THE DAY

Where the photos are blurry but the memories are clear!

Back in 1972 the biggest race ever held in Kansas was the Florence Grand Prix. It was so big that World MX champion Rolf Tibblin himself competed in it. A small group of motorbike nuts came together and decided it was time to bring back some memories, and 50 years later, in 2022, the Florence Grand Prix became a reality once again, with over 500 entries, a vintage class and a high paying pro class.

Hope you folks can keep the tradition going, Tom. —Ed.

For me, and like so many others in the 1960s and ’70s, it all started with a minibike…which led to all the Japanese bikes that led to most all the European bikes, and of course there were the likes of Sachs-Pentons and then Oregon-made Hodakas with the fun names. And we could not leave anything stock; every bike had to be modified with at least a different pipe that made our Yorba Linda neighbor [Daryl] Bassani so famous. Oh how we could irritate the rest of our neighbors!

I have had the absolute joy of riding in 36 countries, including many in Asia and Europe, and have enjoyed every minute of it. As a third-generation rider I just completed a trip with my son riding around the Alaska Kenai Peninsula, and I hope to keep riding for many more years. Dad and Granddad rode late into their 80s and it’s a joy to ride with my son and to see his kids riding, too. I know riding as

Tom Brunholtz

Love the homage to the Honda ATC90 in the September 2022 issue! So many of us current motorcyclists were bitten by the bug on ATVs in our youth. For me it started with an ATC70 under the Christmas tree as a “safer” alternative to a dirt bike. My parents couldn’t have imagined how history would write that story. Love what’s going on at this magazine, too. Bringing back experience and tradition are often the best examples of progress. Kudos!

Mike Wefers

a young teenager made me so much better behind the automotive wheel, and I know my grandkids will benefit in the same ways. Keep up the great work! You are doing an amazing job with the publication!

Dwayne Dyer

I’ve been hooked on motorized two wheels ever since an uncle of mine took me for a ride on his 1936 Harley when I was 3 years old. Then my dad came home in 1968 with a 1966 Honda S90 in black. I was 12 years old and in heaven! He was supposed to have bought my mother a new washing machine, but for some unknown reason he bought a motorcycle. That street Honda saw many trail miles since I wasn’t supposed to ride on the street (wink, wink).

From there I progressed to a 1971 Yamaha DT1 250 MX I bought used for $200 in 1974. Then on the 1975 Bultaco Pursang 250 you see in these images. And as much as I enjoyed my dirt riding the street was calling, and I purchased my first street bike in 1977…a Yamaha XS650 right off the showroom floor for $1,495 out the door. Upgrading the suspension and tires so it would handle better, I managed to wear the footpegs damn near off the thing. I really wanted to road race. A friend let me ride his WERA open stock class KZ900 at Summit Point, W.Va., in 1978 and damn, that was the biggest two-wheeled high ever! I raced flat track for a short stint, then hare scrambles and motocross up until 2005.

I still ride to this day on a 2014 BMW GS1200 and a 2021 Indian Challenger. I also am restoring a 1980 Yamaha XS1100 Special that is almost done. I have had a slew of bikes over the years, too many to count and remember. I’m 67 now and hope to continue to put the miles under my seat for many years to come.

Bob Stanley

You go, Bob! In 26 years you’ll be a spittin’ image of cover boy Neil Ferugus! —Ed.

The bike that started my motorcycle adventures — a 1971 Yamaha JT1 Mini Enduro. My dad was always looking for a deal and bought the bike with only a few hours on it from a father/son in the city that suddenly realized the kid had no place to ride. My dad came home from work that night, tossed the owner ’s manual in my lap and said, “It’s about time you learn the value of a dollar and a hard day’s work.”

We made up a payment book and I worked around the farm and shop to pay him back. About the time I finished paying it off, I had outgrown it. My dad being the wise man that he was, said “Get used to it, that is how bank loans work.” A short time later, he made me another loan for a well-used 1973 Honda SL125, and the process started all over again.

Fifty years and over 70 motorcycles later, I am still riding off-road, racing vintage motocross and running in the AMA Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials. Life is best on two-wheels!

Shawn Warner

Back in the 1960s my father, Wayne, built several race cars that were campaigned at the local tracks in Southern Wisconsin. In the ’70s, Dad was using his machining/welding/fabricating skills to support his young family when a guy he worked with asked him to help build a chassis for a race car, which he did for no money, and with me in tow. At the end of the project his friend said he had something for me…a roller minibike frame! My dad accepted the gift, gathered up an engine and parts and put a running minibike together for me. I spent many hours riding that thing around, and it fueled my lifelong addiction to two-wheeled fun. Dad still rides at 79 years old, and I cherish every minute I get to spend with him. Thanks, Dad, for introducing me to the freedom and fun of motorcycling.

Darren Slotty

up to speed

News, notes, insight and more from the motorcycling universe

Riding Into History, Revisited

Abeautiful day, a beautiful venue, 300 beautiful classic motorcycles, and thousands of enthusiasts. This — the annual Riding Into History concours — is motorcycle heaven.

The World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla., is a perfect setting for it, too, as the bikes are displayed on a circular, tree-shaded promenade that winds all the way around the lake. During the day I must have made six laps while drinking in motorcycling history.

I have attended this event as a fan, exhibitor and ambassador, but one thing that draws me to the RIH concours year after year is the promise of visiting with many

of my motorcycling friends.

The bikes are special, too, ranging from rare, century-old relics in amazing condition to more recent classics, as well as the exotic stuff we’ve all heard about but rarely, if ever, see...a rotary-engined Norton Wankel, for instance, or a real-deal Kawasaki ELR S-1 racer.

Racing motorcycles were this year’s highlighted genre, and I displayed my 1975 Kawasaki Z1 Superbike. The old “Iron Wagon” is not only a legit veteran of early AMA Superbike racing, but also the holder of several AHRMA Superbike Championships.

Some appreciate the bikes for what they are, while others are triggered to recall motorcycling memories. “Wow, I had a Hodaka just like that, and kept it at my buddy’s house so my folks wouldn’t

A top-tier concours event we just can’t get enough of

BY ARTHUR KOWITZ PHOTOS: JIM DOHMS

While competition

know!” Everyone seemed to have a story, and most were willing to share.

Also on display were iconic streetbikes like CB750s, Triumphs of all kinds, Nortons from every decade, Harleys big and small, Mach IIIs, delicious little Ducati singles, sexy CB400 Fours with their curvaceous pipes, and classic dirt machines — all precious bikes from over 100 years.

My only low light was reflecting on the good friends who have left us in the past year...we miss them all.

Nearby St. Augustine is a bucket list-worthy destination, making RIH hard to pass up.

Be there next year. You’ll be glad you did.

machines were featured, this year’s RIH event hosted just about every type of motorcycle. Upper right: RIH supports the life-saving K9s For Warriors charity, which provides highly trained service dogs (from high-kill shelters) to military vets in danger of suicide due to PTSD. Its track record is excellent. K9sforwarriors.org

BY KEATON MAISANO

The AMA — and its many charters — rely heavily on the work of volunteers to help achieve the mission of promoting the motorcycle lifestyle and protecting the future of motorcycling.

This vital work was certainly evident in the efforts of the three 2022 AMA Volunteer of the Year winners: John Newton, Glenn Sarver and Bradley Smith.

The AMA Volunteer of the Year Award was created in 2019 to recognize the hard work of AMA volunteers. With the award covering three areas of service, Newton received the award in the rights category, and Sarver earned his honor helping with riding-related activities. Smith rounds out the recipients for his work around racing events.

Newton is the founder of the Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders and

Above and Beyond

Three AMA members earn 2022 AMA Volunteer of the Year Award

winner of the 2018 AMA Recreational Off-Road Riding Organizer of the Year Award.

“[Newton] deserves recognition for his dedication to the sport of motorcycling,” Julie Vandre said in her nomination of Newton. “Many club members don’t know what they would do without him.”

Humbled to receive the honor, Newton said he is just going about his business and having a good time along the way.

“There’s a big part of me that doesn’t feel like I’m doing anything above and beyond,” Newton said. “When you’re doing all this stuff with your friends and the people that

show up are always happy to be there and having fun and you get to throw two parties a year for 200 of your closest friends, it’s kind of hard not to say that you feel like you’ve been doing anything other than just having

In 2018, the Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, which John Newton (far right) founded, won the 2018 AMA Recreational Off-Road Riding Organizer of the Year Award. Far right, top: Glenn Sarver. Right: Bradley Smith (foreground).

a really good time.”

Sarver’s journey into service and helping motorcycling started after discovering the Georgia Recreational Trail Riders Association and the community that permeates all aspects of motorcycling.

“People need to know that there’s a community,” Sarver said. “That just put me on a path to help.”

Founder of the Georgia Dual Sport Riders, Sarver previously hosted AMA National Dual Sport and AMA National Adventure Ride Series events.

“[Sarver] has helped the off-road community immensely with his time and effort through the years promoting and helping promote numerous rides throughout the Southeast, such as the Skull Shoals Dual Sport, Broxton Bridge Dual

community and the local series,” said Jud Barlow, who nominated Smith. “It is time for him to be recognized for what he is — a true hero of our sport!”

For Smith, the importance of volunteering looms large in his mind, and he urges others to donate their time, too.

“The only way we keep our sport alive is by finding people that are volunteering and willing to give back and make their local riding spot [or] venue better by being involved,” Smith said.

Looking to make an impact as an AMA volunteer? Visit

Sport and Armenia Dual Sport, working to hang arrows, helping at registration and generally doing anything asked of him,” AMA member Marvin Grant said.

Smith, a former board member for both the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition and Rocky Mountain Enduro Circuit, was crucial in getting the forest service to approve the Shady Burro Enduro in South Fork, Colo., following heavy rains.

“While he is almost never in the limelight and does almost all of his work behind the scenes and unnoticed, he is noticed by our

AmericanMotorcyclist.com/serve-as-

a-volunteer

If you see someone going above and beyond and want to nominate them for 2023 AMA Volunteer of the Year, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com/ ama-volunteer-of-the-year-awards.

RIGHTS Roundup

What’s trending in government relations and legislative affairs

BY AMA GOVERNMENT RELATIONS TEAM

N.Y. SENATE BILL 4102

WOULD REDUCE CONGESTION PRICING FOR MOTORCYCLES BY 50 PERCENT

Riders Against Congestion and the American Motorcyclist Association need your help! The Traffic Mobility Review Board, controlled by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), released their Congestion Pricing Plan in late summer 2022, and would charge motorcyclists the exact same rate as passenger vehicles, which will be as high as $23.

In an effort to ensure motorcyclists are charged a fair and equitable rate, New York State Senator Leroy Comrie (D-Queens) introduced Senate Bill 4102 that would authorize the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority to impose tolls and fees for congestion pricing for motorcycles in the Central Business District in the amount of 50 percent of the charges for the tolls and fees of other vehicles.

The AMA appreciates everyone who participated by submitting comments and testifying during the Traffic Mobility Review Board public comment period in September 2022. However, we must pivot our efforts to help pass S.B. 4102 to ensure that motorcycles are only charged

50 percent the rate of passenger vehicles when entering the Central Business District when congestiontolling is implemented.

So if you live in New York, please contact your state Senator and asking them to co-sponsor S.B. 4102.

HOUSE BILL 1112 PUNISHES NEGLIGENT DRIVING

Washington House Bill 1112, after passing both houses of the legislature unanimously, has been sent to Governor Inslee for his consideration. It creates the new offense of Negligent Driving with a Vulnerable User Victim in the first degree as a gross misdemeanor. A person commits the offense if the person operating a vehicle in a manner that’s both negligent and endangers — or is likely to endanger — any person or property, and proximately causes the death of a vulnerable user of a public way.

The offense is punishable by up to

364 days of imprisonment; a $5,000 fine, which may not be reduced below $1,000; and suspension of driving privileges for 90 days.

The offense of Negligent Driving in the second degree with a Vulnerable User Victim is renamed to Negligent Driving with a Vulnerable User Victim in the second degree, and the scope of the offense is modified. A person commits the offense if the person operates a vehicle in a manner that is both negligent and endangers or is likely to endanger any person or property, and proximately causes great bodily harm or substantial bodily harm of a vulnerable user of a public way.

For the purposes of this legislation, a Vulnerable User is defined as:

• A pedestrian

• A person riding an animal

• A person operating or riding a farm tractor or implement of husbandry, without an enclosed shell

• A bicycle or electric-assisted bicycle

• An electric personal assistive

In an effort to ensure motorcyclists are charged a fair and equitable rate, New York State Senator Leroy Comrie (D-Queens) introduced Senate Bill 4102

AMA INVITED BY TENNESSEE LEGISLATORS TO ADVOCATE FOR LANE FILTERING

Tennessee Representative Jeremy Faison and Senator Todd Gardenhire introduced companion legislation that would allow lane filtering under certain circumstances in the state. The AMA sent Government Relations staff to Nashville to meet with legislators, Governor’s staff and the Department of Public Safety to help advocate for the benefits of the practice. The AMA testified in the Senate Transportation Committee, but ultimately the committee chose to not advance the legislation this session, and the bill was placed on the first calendar to be revisited in January 2024. We look forward to continuing work with the Tennessee General Assembly to legalize lane filtering.

California Club’s Centennial

Stockton Motorcycle Club Inc. nears its 100th year in 2024

BY KEATON MAISANO

For nearly 100 years, Stockton Motorcycle Club has both endured and thrived in the motorcycling hotbed that is California.

Founded in April of 1924 by Jake and Pete Bayer and 22 other friends, Stockton Motorcycle Club has built its reputation on catering to both racing and riding events.

“The Stockton Motorcycle Club, as most old clubs, has gone through different stages,” said Bill Harr, a club life member. “More racers than road riders, and then more road riders than racers. But the love of motorcycles was always at the front.”

Today, the club’s membership fluctuates between a few dozen and 40 members at any given time.

Stewart Barber, a member for more than 30 years, has grown up in Stockton, Calif. The first in his family to join the club, Barber has seen his son get involved with

Stockton Motorcycle Club — a club that has certainly leaned on family involvement over the years.

“They would always be doing something involved with motorcycles,” Barber said, “and it was always family oriented. They always brought their kids along. A lot of the people in the club now, their parents were in the club many, many

years ago, so you kind of pass it on.”

Involved in short track, hillclimb, observed trials and more, Stockton Motorcycle Club has been putting on racing events since its inception in the mid-1920s.

For years, Stockton Motorcycle Club’s clubhouse was located on land loaned by the Bayer family. Eventually moving to a space bought

Located less than 90 minutes from San Francisco, the Stockton Motorcycle Club clubhouse has a rich history and is the site of the club’s weekly meetings.

by the club, the current clubhouse includes a pool table and bar, and its walls are decked with pictures from the club’s decorated history.

The club hosts weekly meetings every Wednesday night.

“It’s like any other club,” Barber said. “There are always gonna be people who agree or disagree, but that’s what it’s kind of all about. We can go and discuss at the bar motorcycles or whatever we want to, and we can agree to disagree, and

we still show up the next week.”

In addition to its involvement in racing, the club hosts annual riding and social events, including the High Sierras Overniter, the Sonora Pass Ride, and the Hare and Hound Run. The Hare and Hound Run began in the 1940s and evolved into the club’s Hoot and Owl Poker Run.

“That’s an eclectic group,” Barber said on the club’s riding members. “Some guys are getting older and [they’re riding] three-wheelers now.

The younger guys are riding the sport bikes. And it’s just fun. If you want to go for a ride, there are different levels of riding and you just go for a ride.”

With the club’s 100th year less than a year away, Barber said they are still figuring out what to do to honor Stockton MC’s impressive history.

“We would like to do something special,” Barber said. “We’re always doing stuff, and to plan something special, it’s like we’re doing something special all the time.”

up to speed

Racing Roundup

What’s what in the world of AMA amateur competition

RACER SPOTLIGHT

Craig Delong

Craig Delong fulfills childhood dream with AMA GNCC overall win

Entering the 2023 AMA Grand National Cross Country season, Craig Delong had certainly established himself in the sport.

The 2020 XC2 Pro class champion, Delong turned his love for motorcycling into a viable career, but there was still something missing on the 29-year-old’s resume: an overall GNCC win.

Delong’s patience paid off March 10 when the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

rider claimed a critical holeshot and navigated muddy conditions aboard his Husqvarna FX350 to claim his first overall victory at The General GNCC.

“I just stayed smart and didn’t get stuck and brought it in for the win,” Delong said. “When I was a kid growing up, [I thought] it’d be awesome just to win an overall race. To do it, it was awesome. A big sigh of relief and big weight off my shoulders just to know I could actually do it.”

Delong’s exposure to riding and racing came by way of his father and

older brother. Racing since age 7, Delong sought to race GNCC because of the opportunity to make a living from it.

“It’s cool to look back and see where we came from,” Delong said. “Racing on the weekends for fun and now it’s all business. Definitely a cool transition, that’s for sure.”

Delong said his dream of being a racer began to truly materialize his senior year of high school when a solid season in the XC2 class propelled him to supported rides the

following year.

A calm and collected rider on race day, Delong has grown into who he is today with the help and support of his parents, who many times spent their weekends off from work driving Delong to races up and down the East Coast.

“Having a supportive family is everything,” Delong said. “I’m a dad and I don’t know how [my parents] did it. It’s cool to look back and see. Now, they can enjoy it and be able to come to the races and not have to,

not necessarily worry about me, but they don’t have to get me or get my bike ready or anything like that. I have people for that, and they just come and hang out.”

At the time of publication, Delong has collected three podium visits to put himself in second in the season standings after five rounds of the GNCC season.

As for his goals for the rest of the season? Delong said he is focused on remaining consistent and getting back to the podium.

—Keaton Maisano

HISTORIC AMA

NATIONAL AMA

GYPSY TOURS

...got their start more than 100 years ago at places like Weirs Beach near Laconia, N.H., and Harley-Davidson Motor Co. in Milwaukee, Wis.

AMA Gypsy Tours have always been about riding and sharing the camaraderie of two wheels with like-minded enthusiasts at great destinations.

And that continues with the 2023 Gypsy Tour schedule, where riders can meet, share experiences and even grab their collectible AMA National Gypsy Tour pin dated with the year.

REMAINING EVENTS

Laconia Motorcycle Week

JUNE 10-18

Thunder in the Valley

June 22-25

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

July 21-23

Four Corners Motorcycle Rally

Aug. 31 - Sept. 4

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

www.americanmotorcyclist.com/gypsytour

After tallying his last win in the XC2 Pro class at the John Penton AMA GNCC event in May of 2021, Craig Delong won again less than two years later — this time taking the top spot on the overall podium.

malcolm’s moments

ISDT, HERE I COME

Off to Villingsberg, Sweden, for my very first Six Days competition

BY MALCOLM SMITH

As summer rolled on and Husky sales improved by the day, I asked Edison Dye constantly about his promise to send me to the ISDT, set to begin in August, and he’d always say, “It’s coming, don’t worry!” Finally, with just a couple of days left, he told me to meet him at LAX the following morning, and handed me an air ticket when we did. But it was for Oslo, Norway, not Sweden, where the 1966 ISDT would be held.

me. “Here are the keys…don’t lose ’em!”

PART TWELVE

“I need you to pick up a VW van at the Oslo airport and drive it to the Husky factory in Sweden,” he told

This didn’t bother me. After all, I was on my way to Europe — my first trip there — to compete in the ISDT on a factory-prepared Husky, and Dye was paying my way! I picked up the VW, and two days later found my way to the factory in the town of Huskvarna, just east of Jonkoping, which lies at the southern end of Lake Vattern in southern Sweden. Husqvarna the company (hus meaning “house” in Swedish, kvarn meaning “mill”) was originally a builder of military hardware, but also

produced sewing machines, building equipment, bicycles and mopeds over the years before getting into motorcycles.

I found the Husky factory very interesting. A nearby river and waterfall powered a shaft that ran the belts, lathes, gun-drilling equipment and other machinery. I remember the distinct smell of the place; the metal-working machines, the oil and smoke, that peculiar odor of metal being worked.

My primary contact there was race manager Bror Yauren, an engineer who spoke several languages. Yoran and colleague Ruben Helmin

had helped fashion Husky’s first motocross bikes, which were developed during the late 1950s and early 1960s. I sensed that they expected me to be a prima donna racer, but I won them over by knowing Huskys inside and out and working energetically on the bikes we’d be using at Six Days.

The site of the 41st ISDT was Villingsberg, a rural and heavily wooded town about 75 miles north of the factory. When I arrived I knew right away I’d be competing in an environment much different than I was used to. I was a desert racer, used to dry, hard and dusty terrain that you could basically run wide open over much of the time. But Villingsburg had mud…and lots of it — pretty much a new concept to me. Also, many of the routes ran through dark forests, and hidden there were rocks covered with slimy green moss. Traction was terrible, and I had trouble coping from the very first day of competition.

Instead of learning the terrain, and what it would take to negotiate the course quickly, I basically ran wide open, just as I would have done in the desert. My gung-ho attitude was more than just me trying to prove myself; I also didn’t want to embarrass myself.

Of course, I crashed so hard and so often in the first few miles it’s amazing I was even able to finish the week. I watched as the other European riders carefully wove their way over and around the slick parts while keeping their momentum up and staying on time. I was shocked at how well they rode, and knew I had to learn to do the same.

On Day 1 I crashed and bent one of my shocks nearly in half, which lowered the bike by four inches and kept it there. It was like riding a chopper, but I somehow managed to stay on schedule and finished the day of my first ISDT. I was a day older, but a lot smarter.

The following morning I had a few minutes to try to straighten

the shock (rules didn’t allow me to replace it), so I yanked the top bolt, turned the damper 180 degrees, and stood on the thing to mostly straighten it. Youran was unable to physically help me by rule, so he gave me rapid-fire instructions over the fence in several different languages, which was pretty funny. I knew what I was doing, and had done it before, so I got the thing fixed as well as I could. My bending job worked like a charm, and I was back in business!

Despite that, I was able to stay on

notice, and by the last few laps were gathered along the fences, waving and yelling and pointing.

I ended up winning that test, and for my efforts got a big, beautifully engraved crystal vase at the banquet, a special award organizers had made specially for me that afternoon. The win didn’t get me a gold medal (I got a silver that first year), but it did cap off a wonderful week on a very high note. One interesting tidbit: The gold medals in ’66 were actually solid gold; afterward, they were gold plated.

Looking back, it was an amazing

Previous page: Dirt tracking on asphalt during that road-race special test. Left: Standing in my driveway before leaving for LAX and my first Six Days. Boy, was I excited!

For the complete story of my wonderful and sometimescrazy life, grab a copy of my 400-page autobiography at themalcolmbook.com.

time into Day 3…until I snagged a tree with my throttle cable. The throttle was stuck at about a third throttle, so I used the kill button to regulate things and try to maintain my pace. It didn’t work. I was slowing down, and other riders were catching me. I finally stopped and swapped the cable, but I’d lost a lot of time. And that’s basically how I lost my gold medal that first year.

In the special road race test on the final day I staged a bit of a comeback. I got a bad start and was mad about it, so I rode like a crazy man, sliding through all the corners and catching the others at a good pace. I was back on a California TT course, foot down, dirt track-style, leaving black marks, and feeling comfortable. And as I began to catch the other riders, passing two or three in every corner at times, the fans began to take

week, and on many levels. The riders, mechanics and managers were so friendly and supportive, and I will never forget the wonderful Swedish ladies who ran the checkpoints; they’d have coffee and this amazing hot blackberry soup waiting for us when we stopped, cold, tired and hungry.

The Villingsberg ISDT made a huge impression on me. It was my first trip to Europe, and my first trip on a jet. I got to work at the Husky factory, and learned that I loved going to some place completely new and different. My experience there led to a lifelong passion for travel and meeting people from all over the world, and racing in vastly different environments: muddy Six Days competitions, the ParisDakar and Roof of Africa rallies, the East Africa Safari, etc.

But there was more to come…

NO-QUIT

BY DUKE LAMBERT, WITH NEIL FERGUS PHOTOS: CASEY SPENCER AND THE NEIL FERGUS ARCHIVE

We’ve been riding for three hours; my odo shows we’ve done just over 100 miles (all on pavement), with most of the roads so small they have no centerline. Just tight and narrow twisties that snake through the amazing Sierra Nevada foothills.

And the guy I’m following knows all the best ones.

We turn right at the American River confluence and head towards the Foresthill Bridge.

I’m marveling at the bridge, the highest in California with a spectacular span 730 feet above the river, when I notice that the taillight I’m following is pulling away. I throttle up and soon I’m scraping footpegs hard in every corner, my BMW 1200GS clearly not used to this much speed. The bike ahead of me is a Suzuki DR650 single with street tires, and it’s really flying, leaning into corners at a steep angle and accelerating away smoothly. It’s the fastest I’ve ever been up this road, and I shake my head in wonder. And no wonder! The guy piloting the DR650 is Neil Fergus… and he’s 93 years old

We started this ride at The Local Cafe in Meadow Vista, Calif., just north of Sacramento. It’s our community hangout, where folks come on foot, car, bicycle and motorcycle for great food and conversation. It’s a classic spot with a diverse clientele that reminds one of the bar in Cheers. Fergus is one of the regulars

NEIL

During his 76 years in motorcycling, 93-yearold Neil Fergus has done it all, from rider to dealer to R&D specialist…and he still rides the wheels off a motorcycle. He’s a window on our world, past and present, and an inspiration for all of us to keep on riding.

there; he rides in nearly every day, year ’round, has coffee with a blueberry scone, and hangs out to talk.

There’s always a lively conversation at the Local Cafe, and there are always people who want to chat with Neil. He’s a legend in these parts, and when folks express amazement that he’s still riding, he tells them, simply, “I’m too old to drive, so I ride!”

As we hit the stop sign at Foresthill Road, we turn left and the pace slows to something more reasonable, something local law enforcement won’t frown upon. Shortly, we pull up once again to The Local Cafe, order coffee and scones, and I set my phone on the table in front of Neil as I start asking questions.

I need to find out what makes this 93-year-old tick, why he’s still so damn fast, and how his history of being a rider, racer, military policeman, motor cop, Honda dealer, aftermarket owner, R&D test rider, motorcycling ambassador and much more has molded him into the industry legend he’s become.

Duke Lambert: We just ripped 110 miles of awesome roads, and you ride better than a lot of racers. How did you get started?

Neil Fergus: I was 6 or 7 when I got interested in motorcycles. We lived in a little town called Sierra Madre, between Arcadia and Pasadena, up against the mountains. Our neighbor had a brand-new Harley and I was fascinated by it, just mesmerized. He’d wash it every Saturday morning, and I’d be sitting on his porch with a sponge in my hand waiting for him to come out so I could help. I loved looking at and touching that bike. This would’ve been about 1936 or ’37.

When did you start riding?

In 1946. It was an ex-police bike, an 80-inch flathead Harley. Once the war was over, new bikes once again became available, and no one wanted used police bikes, so they were everywhere, and cheap, too. I was 16 and paid $50 for it. I rode it a lot. SoCal didn’t have a lot of population at the time; our town had just a main paved road or two, one east/west and one north/south, and everything else was dirt. So I rode around on all the vacant lots and dirt roads and trails in the foothills.

How long before you started racing?

That was later, ’55 or ’56, after my military service.

I was drafted into the Army in 1952 during the Korean War and stationed at Fort Baker, near San Francisco. The Army saw I had been riding for years and decided I ought to ride a motorcycle for them, so I became Military Police and was put in charge of convoy escort. I loved it. That lasted two years, and near the end I was used as a guinea pig in three, 3.5-megaton atomic bomb tests. They took us out to the Nevada desert and put us in a five-foot deep trench about 2,000 yards from where the bomb went off. They wanted to know how much radiation a human got, and told us it was safe. Right. I’m not sure why I’m even alive! Because I took part, they burned my records; I guess they were getting lawsuits over it, like Agent Orange. A lot of people say I have stayed healthy because of it, and maybe that’s why I’m still riding motorcycles!

That’s a heck of a story. And you were a motorcycle police officer?

After the military I joined the Pasadena Police — a job that paid me to ride a motorcycle, and that was all I cared about. My best times were when someone didn’t want to stop and I had to chase them down; they were always surprised when the cop that pulled them over was happy he’d had to do it! Those were crazy days. I would ride my police bike all week, and on weekends I was racing a 200cc Dot in the desert. I loved desert racing, and the Dot was a great bike. I was a motor cop from 1954 to 1960; it was a great job for an unmarried single guy, but when I got married in ’57 and we had my daughter in ’58, I realized this was not a job for a married guy, working weekends and holidays and nights. So I resigned and that’s when I became a Honda dealer.

Did you open Honda of Pasadena from scratch?

No. My partner and I first bought a tiny little shop in 1960, but we soon moved to a much larger building in Pasadena, and that’s when it really started to grow. When we started out, no dealer wanted a Japanese dealership, or anything Japanese. Many dealers had been in World War II, they wanted nothing to do with them, thought they were junk. But then overnight they took over. In the beginning it was mostly the little step-through 50s, which came two to a crate, and it got to the point where we could not uncrate them fast enough. We sold hundreds of them, but Honda wanted us to double our size or they’d

Previous page and left: Fergus doing the Military Police thing in the late 1950s. Above: Desert racing in SoCal in 1961. Here: Being a Pasadena motor cop was a natural.

“My best times were when someone didn’t want to stop and I had to chase them down; they were always surprised when the cop that pulled them over was happy he’d had to do it! Those were crazy days.”

NEIL FERGUS

put another dealer in town. We didn’t want to do that, so we sold the shop. It was a good time, things had changed, and now everyone wanted a Honda dealership. You meet the nicest people on a Honda.

And then more racing?

While we had the Honda shop I was still racing desert. In 1963 I finished second overall, and in 1964 I won the District 37 overall championship on a Honda 250 twin. I had been working to make that bike competitive for years; we cut the frame, changed the steering-head angle, moved the pegs and a few other mods. The motor was stock except for downswept straight pipes. The big performance gain came when we switched the gearbox around. The service manager at America Honda showed me how to swap the gears around so that 3rd and 4th were closer together, and the big gap was between 1st and 2nd. It helped tremendously in the sand, and we won the title. That ’64 championship was the first time a small bike had ever won the title, and it was the first No. 1 plate American Honda had ever won.

Didn’t you have some involvement with Yamaha later?

We sold the Honda shop in 1965, and then I partnered with Gary Griffin to open Fergus & Griffin Motorcycle Service Center, selling Bultaco and Hodaka. I continued to race desert and was very successful on a Bultaco. In ’68 we sponsored a young rider named Larry Berquist and helped him to win a lot of races, including the District 37 No. 1, 1968 Baja 1000 and the Mint 400. When Larry switched to Kawasaki we tuned his factory Bighorn, as well. Some of the headlight setups we made in those days were really cool; we used three light assemblies and made them rotate to see around turns.

I’d been a member of the Buzzards MC for quite a while and everyone knew I could make a motorcycle handle right. Back in those days, people thought about horsepower but not handling. We were making a lot of bikes work a lot better, and that’s when my work on the Yamaha DT-1 started.

A top Yamaha R&D guy in the States was Jack Hoel from Sturgis, S.D. His father was Pappy Hoel, who got the Sturgis rally started back in the ’40s. Jack was a highly qualified dirt bike rider who’d won a German national championship while stationed there. Big guy, like six-four, and really knew his way around a motorcycle. He got a

Previous page: Racing a Honda CL72 Scrambler. Top: A Fergus-built desert special. Above: The spoils of a desert Championship. Here: Fergus and his Bultaco racer.

“We sent the changes back to Japan and they sent us new parts to test. And we finally got it to where the thing really worked beautifully.”

NEIL FERGUS

sales job with Yamaha out of the service, and then took a position in R&D back in California and was working with a member of Buzzards MC named Dave Holman. Holman was racing a lot of desert and showed up at work every Monday with a dirty Matchless single in his truck, and when Hoel asked him what he was up to — Hoel not having any experience with desert racing — Holman explained how popular desert racing was and took him to the desert the next weekend to watch. Jack said, “My god, there are hundreds of people out here; we need a bike to compete in this market!”

After some discussion they decided that rather than building an all-out race bike, a street-legal dirt bike would be a better bet, so folks could ride on-road or off. They called them enduros at the time. They wrote up what they wanted, describing all the characteristics, and also bought several different kinds of dirt bikes, and sent everything to Japan. Yamaha Japan made a couple of prototypes and sent them over. Jack looked at them and asked Dave, “How are we going to find out if it’s any good?” That’s when Dave suggested they hire me to test it.

And how was it?

Horrible! The wheelbase was too short and the rest too tall, and was frightening to ride. I ended up lengthening the swingarm and cutting the frame to change the rake. We spent three months testing and changing things, then sent the changes to Japan and they sent us new parts to test. And we finally got it to where the thing worked beautifully. Yamaha U.S. sent that final bike back to Japan with instructions to “duplicate, but not modify.”It wasn’t three weeks later a shipload of bikes came. They were in a hurry to get to market and hadn’t waited for the final prototype; they’d taken the previous version and made it production.

Then Ducati got hold of you, right?

That was Cosmopolitan Motors, on the East Coast… the Berliner brothers, from Germany. The West Coast distributor for Ducati was ZDS motors, which stood for Zundapp, Ducati, and Sachs. It was owned by Bob Blair, who in the 1930s and ’40s was a world-class speedway guy. They decided they wanted the same type of bike as Yamaha, a street-legal off-road bike. They already had a 450 Desmodromic single-cylinder road bike, which was pretty popular and a decent starting point, engine-wise. They built a few frames and had me go to Italy to test them. No desert there, so I rode around a motocross course. They decided on one chassis and sent two protos to the U.S.; I got one, and Blair got the other. Once I started riding it in the desert I knew it wasn’t right, so I cut the frame and moved the steering head back and changed some angles. It started working well and I went for a ride

Top: Fergus (arms folded) wi+h Larry Berquist (green jersey). Above: Fergus with Gary Preston. Below: Astride a Hodaka Ace 90 in the post-Pasadena Honda years when he and partner Gary Griffin opened a Bultaco/Hodaka shop.

“I cut the frame and moved the steering head back and changed some angles. It started working well and I went for a ride with Bob. We traded bikes and he was blown away.” NEIL FERGUS

with Bob. We traded bikes and he was blown away how much better mine worked; he kept mine and had me take his home to make the same modifications. As with Yamaha, Ducati had jumped the gun and built a bunch of production bikes, and after he rode mine they dropped all the unsold production bikes at our shop and we modified all the brand-new bikes that hadn’t been sold yet. They ended up calling it the 450 R/T and overall it was a good ride, it handled and had a great motor, but the transmission ratios were wrong and that kept it from winning.

Today you rode a Suzuki DR650. What other motorcycles do you have?

I have a Honda NX650 and a 1964 Panther 650 single. Panther made bikes from 1898 until 1964, and mine is the last year. It’s a tractor; lots of torque and built specifically to be a sidecar bike. Family transportation. They’d have a sidecar that would take four people. Mom and Dad would sit on the bike and the four kids would

be in the sidecar. They were very, very popular until the Japanese tiny cars came out and put them out of business. I don’t have the sidecar for mine; it would be neat to have it, though they designed it only on the left side of the bike, which is the wrong side. If you want to pass a car in traffic, you gotta hang your passenger out in the oncoming lane before you can see around the car ahead of you. Also, I have one of the last-model Matchless bikes, which is a 1988 500; came with a Rotax motor, and those were only made for two years.

I had no idea Matchless made motorcycles that late. Well, technically they didn’t; it was a revival of the company, and when it turned out that most of their customers were in the U.S., somebody in Washington decided it had never been sent in for EPA approval. And it costs so much to get one approved, they couldn’t do it. So, I don’t know how many were sold here. I also have several 500 Yamaha singles, too. There are about 17 bikes in my garage, total.

I saw a neat picture of a customized Yamaha TT500. I still have it. I think I’ll have it running by the end of spring. It’s probably my favorite bike of all time. Kickstart only. My wife Jane and I had hundreds of thousands of miles on that thing. Yamaha gave it to me in 1975, and 1976 was the first official year for sale.

Where do you like riding best? What’s a typical day of riding for you?

I never know. I never have a pre-designed route. When I get to the end of my driveway, I don’t know if I’m gonna go right or left. Depends on traffic. And I do more exploring than touring. There’s nothing more boring on a bike than a straight road. Instead, I find all the crooked roads and ride maybe 40 miles to breakfast, then I will ride some more and maybe stop for lunch, then head back home. Pretty much between 50 and 100 miles a day, weather permitting, I ride every day. I ride 20- to 30-thousand miles a year. I use up a lot of tires, four or five rears a year and I go through two rears for each front. I’ve been riding for 76 years now and I think I am getting pretty close to 2 million miles.

You and your late wife Jane rode two-up for a long time, right?

Yeah, quite often. I never went on any rides where my wife was not allowed to go. If people asked me to go on a ride and said, “no women,” I wouldn’t go, and if I went anywhere at all without her it was because she wanted to stay home, not because I told her to stay home. So we would ride tandem everywhere. We’d enter an antique motorcycle ride someplace and people would line up behind us just to watch; they’d always say it looked like it was only one person on the bike, you didn’t even know she was there. She really loved it; we were like a two-man bobsled team. We were together for 42 years and rode the whole time. Let me tell you a story about a ride we did in Escalante, Utah, down by Lake Powell…

We pulled into a campground. We had a little Airstream trailer and we’d take a bike wherever we went. No reservations; we just looked for two-lane roads in small towns. We pulled into this town and Jane’s reading the AAA tour book and there was a Hole-in-the-Rock monument where the Mormons took their wagons apart to cross the Colorado River and then reassembled them on the other side. She wanted to see that historical landmark, so we pulled into a campground and there were a bunch of motorcyclists there. We got talking and they were asking us where we wanted to go and when we told them they said, “you’ll never make it because they just had 11 days of rain and it turned the road into a deep sand wash, and we have guys still coming late back to camp now. One of ’em is being towed because

Continued on page 72

Top and middle: Fergus loves the Yamaha TT500 single and has built several. Below: Fergus with his two favs: Wife Jane and his No. 1 TT500 special.

“they looked at her with her gray hair and then looked at me and said, “How old are you people?” I was 78 and she was like 73.”

NEIL FERGUS

BY MITCH BOEHM PHOTOS: JOE BONNELLO AND PAUL STANNARD

When you consider the nuclear-esque explosion of motorcycling in North America during the middle and late 1960s, you generally think of big-bore British and Harley-Davidson twins, tubeframed Tecumseh- and Briggs & Stratton-engined minibikes…but also the sudden rise of Japan, Inc. and, in particular, Honda Motor Company and its “You Meet The Nicest People” campaign.

ACE IN THE HOLE

The dual-purpose Ace 90 and 100, and the race-focused Super Rat they conceived, epitomized what made Hodaka so successful in the ’60s and ’70s

The Ace 90 and 100 dual-sports of the mid- and late-1960s were a revelation, mid-sized go-anywhere motorcycles that could be street ridden and, with lights removed, raced off road. They offered superbly designed elements, such as a dual-cradle frame, large fuel tank, folding pegs, a foam air cleaner, etc.

It was a clash of old and new, the established American and British players being elbowed aside in important ways by upstart Asian firms with strange names but cheap, quite reliable and seriously fun motorcycles. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha seemed funky and new to many in those days (like many of today’s Chinese makers do), but it didn’t take long for them to become household names.

One of those disruptive upstarts you don’t hear mentioned often enough when this slice of moto history is discussed was a hybrid company of sorts — a mix of Japanese engineering and production linked directly to American-based product planning and design. That company was PABATCO — or, Pacific Basin Trading Company, out of the tiny rural town of Athena, Ore.

And its nameplate?

Hodaka.

“Ahhhh, yes,” you say, “the motorcycle company that built bikes with funny names, right? It’s all coming back now. Wombat. Combat Wombat. Super Combat. Road Toad. Dirt Squirt. And Thunderdog.”

Each of those motorcycles was famous in its own way, but it was the company’s initial efforts with a couple of small motorcycles in the early and latter 1960s that really forged the company’s modus operandi, and set the stage for more than a decade of significant impact in the North American motorcycle market.

And those motorcycles were? The Ace 90/100 and Super Rat, of course.

IT’S A PLAN, STAN

You can hear Soichiro Honda delivering this message to his R&D design team in Japan in the early 1960s, and maybe also to some U.S.-based product planners:

“First, keep the machine simple. The fewer [the] components, the fewer things to break… [and] service will be easier. Second, [understand] what the machine must do. Never [feel] something must be changed just to

be different. Third, build the motorcycle in a size that will perform hot enough to satisfy most enthusiasts, yet be light and nimble enough to be enjoyed by the weekend pleasure rider. And finally, keep the price [reasonable]. Motorcycling is fun. No one should have to strain their budget to enjoy it.”

As design briefs go, it’s pretty succinct. But it didn’t come from Mr. Honda. It came instead from a small cadre of folks from PABATCO in their little alcove of Athena, Ore. All of which provides a clue or two (or four) as to why Hodaka and its first couple of motorcycle efforts — the Ace and Super Rat — were able to elbow their way so forcefully onto the biggest stage in the world — the U.S. market — against seriously stiff competition.

These two little buzz bomb motorcycles perhaps best embody the guts of that design brief: Simplicity. Solid design. Correct sizing. Affordability. And fun. It’s no stretch to say these two rival the impact of, say, Yamaha’s DT-1, or Honda’s Elsinores.

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

The story of PABATCO and Hodaka is multi-layered and involved, and one told comprehensively in Ken Smith’s excellent 2014 book, “Hodaka — The Complete Story of America’s Favorite Trail Bike,” which you can find just about anywhere online, and should. But the foundation is basically this:

PABATCO was formed as a subsidiary of a company called Farm Chemical in the very early 1960s, ostensibly to generate revenue from U.S. sales of Japanese imports. One of those products was Yamaguchi Motorcycles, an established maker in Japan and a company wanting to break into the U.S. market. A dealer network of sorts was set up, and during the rest of ’61, throughout ’62 and into ’63, roughly 5,000 Yamaguchis — mostly 50cc and 80cc models — were sold Stateside. For PABATCO, it was good business.

Unfortunately, Yamaguchi went belly-up due to

These two little buzz bomb motorcycles perhaps best embody the guts of that design brief: Simplicity. Solid design. Correct sizing. Affordability. And fun.

mismanagement in ’63, and PABATCO began looking for a new source of lightweight motorcycles. It need not look far, as one of Yamaguchi’s engine suppliers — Hodaka, founded in ’51 — seemed a promising partner.

Still, PABATCO General Manager Hank Koepke wasn’t about to let a Japanese engine builder — as good as it might be — dictate the type of motorcycle it’d build for the U.S. market. So Koepke negotiated a deal whereby Hodaka would build a bike of PABATCO’s design using one of Hodaka’s already-in-production engines.

It was a brilliant move. As off-road enthusiasts themselves, Koepke and some colleagues had a good feel for what the market wanted, and their productplanning decisions were spot-on. This new motorcycle would be a small-displacement scrambler/trail machine, one with a proper, twin-downtube steel frame, not a pressed-metal unit like other smaller bikes. It would also have a handsome chrome tank with plenty of capacity, along with folding pegs, above-average ground clearance, a foam (and thusly easily cleanable) air-cleaner, highmount fenders and a high-mount exhaust.

In other words, a functional and proper trail machine.

ACE IN THE HOLE

By using an engine already in Hodaka’s arsenal — its 3-speed 80cc two-stroke, which was quickly and easily upgraded to a 4-speed 90cc unit — rolling-chassis

Yamaguchi went belly-up due to mismanagement in ’63, and PABATCO began looking for a new source of lightweight motorcycles. It need not look far, as one of Yamaguchi’s engine suppliers — Hodaka, founded in ’51 — seemed a promising partner.

development moved along rapidly, and by the summer of 1964, the first 800-bike shipment of what were called Ace 90s arrived Stateside.

The Ace 90 was an immediate hit and a motorcycle very much ahead of its time, as there was nothing quite like it available anywhere. It was mid-sized physically, meaning both adults and kids could fit on it. It was lightweight, had decent front and rear suspension, and handled pretty well, on-road or off. Although not all that speedy, it was a true do-it-all machine, like the best dual-sports of the 1970s, and it sold like free beer at a summer concert, all for around $350.

You could ride an Ace 90 on the dirt and the street, or strip it down and race it, in scrambles, motocross, desert, enduros or even dirt track and trials. By the summer of 1966, just two years after its release, PABATCO/Hodaka had sold 10,000 Ace 90s, making handfuls of modifications along the way, always improving where necessary, and always sticking to the brief.

COMPANY INSIDERS IN ATHENA AND JAPAN KNEW A PURPOSE-BUILT RACER SHOULD BE OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC, AND IT FINALLY HAPPENED IN 1969 WITH THE DEBUT OF THE ACE 100 MX — A STRIPPED-DOWN, RACE-ORIENTED ACE 100.

In 1967, the 90 was replaced by the Ace 100, and it was more of the same. A little faster, a wide-ratio 5-speed gearbox in place of the original 4-speed, improved suspension, a skosh more refinement and a lot more street — or trail — credibility. Guys and gals were winning motocross, scrambles, desert and TT events on the things around the country every weekend, and Hodaka’s clever, humorous and downhome marketing trumpeted that fact to customers.

Hodaka’s Marvin Foster helped boost the Ace’s cred, too, when he and Lancaster, Calif., fireman Frank Wheeler rode a pair of Ace 90s from So Cal to the Southern tip of Baja and back. Their exploits were chronicled in cute Hodaka advertisements during the following year, and Cycle World even published a cover story about their trip.

Speaking of media attention, the magazines of the day had plenty to say about Hodaka’s little buzz bombs. “Most trail bikes today have good engines,” wrote Cycle Guide in its December ’68 issue, “so the main feature that sets one apart from the other is [handling]. The Ace’s suspension is fantastic, considering the bike is made in Japan.”

Dealers agreed. “The Ace 90 and 100 were awesome little bikes,” off-road legend, AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend and longtime

Hodaka dealer Malcolm Smith told us for this story. “They were simple, never seemed to break, and handled pretty well. We sold a ton of them over the years.”

True to form, and following that specific design brief yet again, Hodaka refined its Ace 100 over the next few years, and by 1970 had sold nearly 25,000 of the 90 and 100cc bikes in the six years since the Ace 90’s debut. And still the things didn’t have any serious competition. Harley tried (and pretty much failed) with its 100cc Baja model, but Hodaka’s Japanese competitors were basically invisible in this category.

RACE SUNDAY, SELL MONDAY

With racing being an important component of the Ace’s success, you’d expect a lot of race modifications to become public knowledge across the country, from owners, dealers and within Hodaka itself…and you’d be right. The most aggressive of these came from Hodaka’s R&D chief (and racer) Harry Taylor, who’d been crafting Acebased racebikes from the start. Taylor’s tweaks and mods would find their way to Hodaka Japan, which led to special-edition versions of the 90 and 100 with “SR” (Special Racer) written on the fuel tanks. Hop-up “SR” parts were also offered for the Aces.

Company insiders in Athena and Japan knew a purpose-built racer should be offered to the public, and it finally happened in 1969 with the debut of the Ace 100 MX — basically a stripped-down, raceoriented Ace 100 — featuring special porting, carburetion and exhaust, high fenders, number plates, and a larger airbox and cover upon which a name appeared — “Super Rat” — in bold, funky typeface.

Hodaka lore says the name came from Hodaka Parts Manager Roger Phillips, who after seeing the SR designation jokingly asked if the “SR” designation stood for Super Rat. Wherever it came from, the nickname stuck, with the Super Rat becoming the first of the many curiously named models mentioned at

Hodaka hit a home run with the Super Rat, ridden here by R&D Chief Harry Taylor, by integrating the mods being done by the best racers — high-compression heads, stiffer suspension, larger carburetors, ported cylinders, etc. The result was an out-of-thebox winner for about $500.

the beginning of this story.

“The Super Rat was the answer for a lot of people,” Malcolm Smith told this author. “Everyone — women, kids, full-grown guys, experts and beginners alike — could ride the thing, and it was really competitive. Not too expensive, either.”

“Hodaka hit a home run with the Super Rat,” vintage racer and restoration guru Rick Doughty told us. “They’d done their homework, integrating some of the modifications the best racers had been doing for years. The result was an out-of-the-box winner for under $500 — a bike that stormed onto the scene with an impact not unlike that of the Honda Elsinore four years later. Simply put, if you raced in the Trail Bike desert class, you either rode a Super Rat — or wished you did.”

“I remember thinking I’d do anything to get on a Super Rat,” said ex-AMA Superbike racer and American Motorcyclist contributor Thad Wolff. “It was the coolest thing going.”

“It was one of those bikes that did a lot really well,” said photographer Joe Bonnello, who shot many of the Super Rat images for this story — a bike owned by the late AMA Hall of Famer Tom White. “It was a bridge bike between a minibike and a full-sized machine. It could be trail ridden or raced, and it came with some cool bits — the dualcradle frame, the folding pegs, stuff even larger and more expensive bikes lacked. It was cool!”

“Suggested retail in late ’69 was $495,” Hodaka guru Paul Stannard said, “and the bikes literally flew through showroom doors. Everyone had to have a ’Rat, and very shortly a massive aftermarket appeared. Companies like Webco, Van Tech and others sold high-compression heads, expansion chambers, high-flow airboxes, pleated footpegs, all of which were scooped up by excitable enthusiasts looking for an aesthetic or performance edge. Magazine editors swooned, races were won in large numbers, and folks were breaking fun meters all over the country, all of which added to the bike’s do-it-all — and do-it-well — mystique.”

“If you wanted to win in MX, Scrambles, TT or desert racing in the 100cc class,” Stannard continued, “you had to be on a Rat, and many of today’s legends and AMA Hall of Famers got their starts on them: Tommy Croft, Brad Lackey, Jim Pomeroy, Gary Bailey, Don Castro, Mark Blackwell, Chuck Sun and others, to name just a few.”

“The Super Rat was the answer for a lot of people. Everyone — women, kids, fullgrown guys, experts and beginners alike — could ride the thing, and it was really competitive. Not too expensive, either.”

MALCOLM SMITH

The late Hall of Famer and industry legend Tom White graciously allowed us to photograph his pristine Super Rat at his home and museum several years ago. T.W. raved about the impact the Rat had when introduced, the bike storming onto the scene with an impact not unlike that of the Honda Elsinore four years later.

Hodaka engines were used in a wide range of custom specials, including this beautiful Webco-built, Rickman-framed 125cc project bike that appeared on the cover of Modern Cycle magazine. A Ceriani fork, Koni shocks, 26mm Mikuni…Yummy!

LEGACY BIKES

Many consider the Super Rat to be the finest example of Hodaka’s substantial contribution to motorcycling, and given the impact Athena, Ore., had on our sport during the 15 or so years of Hodaka’s existence, that’s saying a mouthful.

“Today,” says Paul Stannard, “the Super Rat is arguably the most widely recognized symbol of Hodaka and its legacy. Rats have also gotten more valuable; a clean original or restored version pulls in 10 times its original price.”

As an extension of Hodaka’s legendary Ace 90 and 100, the functional and fun Rat proved the Hodaka credo of simplicity, savvy design, affordability and fun was just exactly what the company needed to survive and thrive against its Japanese competitors…at least for a while.

Increased competition from the Big Four in the late 1970s, the falling value of the dollar, and Hodaka’s inability to invest in more factory space to gain production efficiencies finally did the company in back in 1979 despite an emergency loan from the Japanese government. Still, it was a darn good couple of decades for this Japanese/U.S. hybrid, and a company that made a lot of motorcyclists smile for a lot of years.

So the next time you get into a discussion about motorcycling’s explosive growth and popularity during the glory days of the 1960s and ’70s, don’t forget to toss Hodaka’s Ace and Super Rat into the mix. After all, they elbowed their way in fairly and squarely.

Don’t forget to check out Hodaka Days 2023 on June 22 — 25 in Athena, Ore. Visit hodakadays.org for more information. AMA

“If you wanted to win in MX, Scrambles, TT or desert racing in the 100cc class, you had to be on a Rat, and many of today’s legends and AMA Hall of Famers got their starts on them.”

PAUL STANNARD

HODAKA: A FAMILY AFFAIR

AMA Board Chair Russ Ehnes on the impact Hodakas had on his family and upbringing

BY RUSS EHNES

My dad’s first experience with Hodaka motorcycles came in 1965 at the local Triumph/Honda dealership, where he was head mechanic. The shop had picked up the brand to have a less-expensive line on the floor. Modification and performance were a central part of the culture at Hodaka, and they would send bulletins to dealers recommending mods and parts changes. My dad tried the mods to the shop’s demo bike, and to most everyone’s surprise, that Ace 90 would outrun a stock Triumph Cub 200! The shop owner, fearing the little Hodaka would steal sales from his more profitable line, demanded, “Take that crap off that bike and don’t tell anyone about it!”

But it was too late…nothing could keep the impressive performance of this little bike under wraps. The combination of my dad’s very independent nature, his dislike of his boss’ new wife, and his enthusiasm for the lightweight, highperformance Hodaka motorcycles, prompted him to quit his job to open his own motorcycle dealership, Vic’s Cycle Service, selling Hodaka motorcycles and doing repair and service on all brands.

As you would expect, the first couple years were pretty tough. My dad sold a few Hodakas, but the mechanic work paid the bills.

Agriculture is the biggest driver of the Great Falls, Mont., economy, and while he sold bikes to trail riders and local cross-country and scrambles racers, about half were sold to local farmers and ranchers for herding cattle, irrigating, and transportation on the farms and ranches.

In 1969 my parents and some of their customers took a weekend trip to Boise, Idaho, to watch a new thing called motocross. There were a number of European riders at the event, including Joel Robert and Sylvain Geboers, who became my mom’s lifelong secret crush. The year 1970 was a tipping point for motorcycling in Montana, because motocross was suddenly “a thing.” That’s about when Hodaka introduced the Super Rat. It was

light, durable, fast and affordable. My parents had also taken on Jawa and CZ motorcycles in 1969, so they sold a few CZ MX bikes…but they sold dozens of Super Rats. Many young riders couldn’t afford a CZ, Husky or Maico, but they could afford a Hodaka.

At the local track it was common

Vic’s Cycle Service in its 1960s heyday. Clockwise from above: AMA Motorcycle HOFer Mona Ehnes on the Montana ranch. Bringing back the spoils of a successful hunt on an Ace. The Ehnes family exploring Big Sky country on a handful of Hodakas.

for the 100cc class to be bigger than the 250 and Open classes combined. The 100cc class was comprised of about 75 percent Super Rats, with their distinctive chrome-toaster tanks glistening in the sunlight.

Those were the heydays for Vic’s Cycle Service. Many of the young racers became friends and were

like family to my folks. Some are still lifelong friends. Hodaka was more than an affordable Japanese motorcycle; it played a big role in establishing motocross in the U.S. by offering the right bike for the right price when the sport was taking root.

My folks continued to sell Hodakas until the company went out of business in the late 1970s. The company never built a motocross bike that matched the original magic of the Super Rat. The later race bikes were not competitive with the Japanese bikes on an MX track without extensive

modifications. They were, however, very good cross-country and enduro bikes, so between the cross-country racers, trail riders and cow-chasers, my folks continued to do well with Hodaka until owner Shell Oil shut things down.

A couple decades after the demise of the brand, my dad and I made it our mission to collect one of every model Hodaka had ever made, which over time we did. The only other person to assemble a collection like ours, I believe, is Hodaka guru Paul Stannard, who now handles Preston Petty Products.

“Hodaka was more than an affordable Japanese motorcycle; it played a big role in establishing motocross in the U.S. by offering the right bike for the right price.”

RUSS EHNES

BY JOY BURGESS PHOTOS BY TIM LESTER AND MARIAH LACY

VOICE THE

AMA Life Member and third-generation flat tracker turned announcer Scottie Deubler is “the voice” of flat track

For 15 years, third-generation flat-trackerturned-announcer Scottie Deubler has been the voice you hear at every American Flat Track (AFT) National. In addition, he’s announced a handful of the AMA’s Flat Track Grand Championships, as well as at Monster Jam, X Games, ICE races, the Kicker AMA Arenacross Series and handfuls of amateur events.

Listen to him announce for a few minutes and you’ll quickly realize that Scottie has insider knowledge — the kind that only comes from having thrown a leg over a racebike and having done countless laps in anger around a dirt oval.

Born into a family of racers in South Dakota, there was never a question that Scottie would race.

“My grandfather raced,” he told American Motorcyclist, “my dad raced, my uncles raced, my aunts raced…it was just in my blood. I went to the racetrack for the first time when I was just a week old, and I practically grew up at the track.”

He started racing go-karts at age 6, did a bit of cross country racing and then some BMX, and when that wasn’t fast enough, switched to motocross. But after

taking the gig full-time in 2009. He started out down on the track doing podium and race interviews, and eventually he ended up in the booth doing the play-by-play announcing, and now he’s back doing his 15th year with American Flat Track.

Listen to Scottie at the track and it’s sure to sound smooth and easy and natural, but there’s a whole lot going on behind the scenes over and above the actual racing experience that most people never realize. That smooth play-byplay and the excellent color commentary results from plenty of preparation.

“I have a notebook that I update after every race with stats,” Scottie told us. “I also have a spreadsheet where I record racers’ best wins, total wins and keep track of bikes they’re riding and new sponsors. If I type it or write it, it’s easier for me to remember, too, so I’m able to recall it all and talk about it later.”

“Announcing means talking about what’s going on, why it’s going on, and how it happened,” he continued, “and while a lot of my knowledge comes from being in

breaking his collarbone and five ribs, his dad asked him if he’d thought about racing flat track.

“My first real flat track bike was a 600cc Rotax,” he recalled, and since he had a good motocross resume, he quickly went pro at 19 years old. While he never raced the full circuit, he raced at the pro level for about 10 years. But in June of 2000, his cousin was killed right in front of him while racing flat track.

“That took the wind right out of my sails,” he said. “I didn’t want to leave my daughter without a dad, so my dad and I sorta hung it up for a while, and I’ve only raced a handful of times since then.”

But despite hanging up his steel shoe, Scottie just couldn’t stay away from flat track and the family that’s such a significant part of the sport.

Scottie never dreamed of being a racing announcer. “I never thought growing up I’d do this job,” he said. “It’s surreal — it just sorta happened.”

“I was at a local race in Oklahoma,” he remembered, “and the announcer didn’t show up, and they asked if I’d do it. So I did! I went to a couple other local races and did the announcing, and it just seemed like a lot of fun.”

Soon he got his foot in the door working with Monster Jam, and then in 2008 he got the chance to announce his first Grand National Championship event in Kansas,

“I went to the racetrack for the first time when I was just a week old, and I practically grew up at the track.”

SCOTTIE DEUBLER

the sport so long, the rest comes from knowing as much about each rider as possible. Where did they grow up? Have they raced the track before? Have they done well here? I spend a lot of time finding the backstories and talking to as many people as I can to prepare.”

Preparation also means stocking up on his go-to booth essentials: Cough drops to keep his throat moist all day long as he talks; ibuprofen in case he has to stand all day and his knees start hurting; allergy medicine “because you never know what you might be allergic to;” a clear clipboard, so you can see what’s on both sides of the paper; a phone charger; and sunglasses for daytime races.

Not surprisingly, there isn’t a lot of food or drink on that list. “I sip on water to stay hydrated, and I might munch on some fruit snacks,” he said, “but I try to eat as little as possible because I never know when I’ll get a break to use the restroom when announcing.”

With two telecasts happening at the same time — American Flat Track records “live to tape” on race days for the series’ FS1 Broadcast, and then there’s the live-as-it-happens telecast on AFT’s FansChoice.tv streaming service — there’s a lot going on before the racing begins.

“There’s usually a pre-production meeting the day before,” Scottie said, “and sometimes a call earlier in the week to decide on the storylines we think are relevant for TV. Sometimes there’s a sound check, too, if it’s not already handled.”

On race day, Scottie’s in the booth announcing qualifying and practice sessions, sometimes joined by FS1 trackside reporter Kristen Beat or one of the racers.

“After opening ceremonies,” Scottie said, “Ralph Sheheen joins me in the booth and becomes the lead guy and I become the flat track expert and color commentator. It’s been different doing the live-to-tape

Scottie Deubler (No. 43), Michelle Disalvo (No. 97) and Brian Krmoroy (No. 84) battle it out on the legendary Du Quoin “Magic Mile” back in 1999. Bottom left, Scottie interviewing the winningest AFT Singles Rider Shayna Texter. Below, Scottie (right) in the announcer’s booth with Grand National Champion Brad Baker.

broadcasts for FS1. Earlier in the day we might record the intro, after the race we might be staying behind to record a short highlight clip for each main event, and we might have to record transitions coming in and out of commercials. Sometimes we have to go back and record something to add in if we miss something.”

And while all that is going on, the camera in the booth is running. “Luckily, they only come to us in the booth so often,” Scottie said, “and they give us a heads-up and a countdown before coming to us. I take off my cheater glasses [laughs] and then they tell us when they’re going out of the booth, too.”

In the middle of all the chaos, Scottie’s main goal is focusing on what he needs to talk about — whether that’s at an AFT or amateur race. “When bikes come on the track, no matter if it’s a practice, heat or main,” he said, “I make sure to mention every person’s name and their number. When you say their name, you say their number. What’s going through my mind is letting people know who’s on the track, what’s going on, what’s significant about the race…there’s so much going through my mind. I try to pay attention to everything that’s going on, because it doesn’t matter if the leader is the favorite, there’s someone watching the race for third or a rider that’s in the back of the pack.”

While Scottie is best known for announcing professional flat track, he loves announcing amateur

Above: Chatting with First Impressions Husqvarna Racing’s Singles class rider Chad Cose in the pits at the Arizona Super TT. Right Top: Scottie with his grandmother Kathy Deubler — affectionately known in the flat track paddock as “Gram” — in photos taken about 40 years apart.

events every bit as much. “Every race is important!” he told us. “Even if there are only two kids out there, they are someone’s kids. Every race I do gets the same amount of attention.”

And he’s excited to be headed back to the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds — where he’s previously raced the legendary “Magic Mile” as a pro — to announce the Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship this year. And not only will he be calling the races there, something he’s done a handful of times in the past, he’ll also be the event’s Grand Marshal, something he calls an “unbelievable honor”…one that made him get a little emotional when AMA Track Manager Ken Saillant called him asking him to serve as Grand Marshal.

When we asked Scottie what he’s most excited about, it had nothing to do with him — typical of the kind, humble man that the flat track community calls “the nicest guy you’ll ever meet.”

“I really can’t wait to see the kids who were on 85s last year,” he said. “The 85cc class last year was awesome, and those kids are moving up to 250s and 450s, and I can’t wait to see how they do, especially on the Mile. It’s so fun to see how kids change and adapt to the mile, since most haven’t been on one before.”

“I’m also excited to see who will win the [Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track] Horizon Award,” he added. “Who will be up for it this year? How will they perform? Are they ready to make the next step to professional racing in American Flat Track?” See? Deubler is already prepping for his dual role at the Flat Track Grand Championship in June. It’s what he does.

Scottie’s favorite part of the job — no matter what race he’s announcing — is just being with his “family.”

“I love just being at the track,” he said, “and being with my flat track family. It’s a close-knit community, and racing is always in my head. I talk about flat track every day. This is my life!” AMA

“I love just being at the track, and being with my flat track family. It’s a close-knit community, and racing is always in my head. I talk about flat track every day. This is my life!”

SCOTTIE DEUBLER

2023 MISSION FOODS FLAT TRACK

Grand

Championship PRE VIEW!

BY JOY BURGESS PHOTOS ANNALEICE BIRDSONG

et ready for the ultimate adrenaline-fueled experience as the Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship (FTGC) roars back to life from June 14-20 at the legendary Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in Du Quoin, Ill. Brace yourself for an action-packed seven days of left-turnin’, bar-bangin’ competition as the country’s fastest amateur flat trackers vie for national titles.

This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with “the voice” of flat track, Scottie Deubler, leading the charge as Grand Marshal and announcer. As the premier amateur flat track event since the mid-1970s — the only event where you can earn a national No. 1 plate in amateur flat track racing — the FTGC has become a beloved staple on the racing calendar, drawing flat track enthusiasts from all corners of the country.

The Du Quoin State Fairgrounds is a racer’s paradise, offering a variety of courses, including a smooth-cushion halfmile, indoor short-track racing, an enhanced TT course and, of course, the legendary “Magic Mile.” And if that wasn’t enough, the expansive, picturesque and legendary grounds provide ample space for family-friendly activities and entertainment beyond racing, including plenty of camping and a riders’ dinner sponsored by Mission Foods, Turner Racing, Roof Systems of Dallas and Vinson Construction.

Whether you’re a die-hard racer or simply a fan, we’ve got all the information you need to make the most of this electrifying event right here. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to experience the thrill of the FTGC at Du Quoin State Fairgrounds like never before!

Pre-Register and save!

Registering early means big savings. Along with the time saved at the track checking in, preregistered riders save money, with discounted fees for the AMA Flat Track Grand Championship at $80 per class — $20 off the price of regular entry.

Riders who pre-register before the May 31 deadline will also have their names printed on a special 2023 Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship T-shirt.

Wristbands for gate entry can be purchased with online or on-site registration for $15 per day or $75 for the entire week. Pit bike passes are $20. Both can be purchased online in advance of the event.

AMA FTGC Special Awards

fter the dust settles and the final race is won at the Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship, the best of the best will be recognized for their outstanding achievements and dedication to the sport.

EVENT SCHEDULE

Tuesday, June 13 – Rider Registration

Wednesday, June 14 – Amateur TT

Thursday, June 15 – Youth/Vet TT

Friday, June 16 – Amateur/Vet Mile

Saturday, June 17 – Youth/Vet Short Track, AFT Mile

Sunday, June 18 – Youth/Vet Half-Mile, Amateur Short Track

Monday, June 19 – Amateur Half-Mile

Tuesday, June 20 – Youth Short Track

GROUP 1 CLASSES: YOUTH/VET

50cc Production Chain Drive Jr. (4-6)

50cc Production Chain Drive Sr. (7-8)

50cc Production PW Shaft Drive (4-8)

50cc Production Chain Drive Shifter (4-8)

65cc Production (7-11)

65cc Modified (7-11)

85cc Modified (9-11)

85cc Production (9-13)

85cc Modified (9-13)

85cc Modified Supermini (12-15)

Veteran (30+)

Senior (40+)

Super Senior (50+)

Masters (60+)

GROUP 2 CLASSES: AMATEUR

Women 86cc and Up (12+)

250cc Production

250cc Modified

250cc – Open Singles (12+)

450cc Production

450cc Modified

Open Heavyweight

Hooligans

For more information on the vintage classes, visit https:// americanmotorcyclist. com/flat-track-racing

At the forefront of these special awards is the Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award, the most coveted accolade of the event. Honoring the legacy and success of the late Nicky Hayden, this award recognizes an amateur racer with the potential to make a significant impact at the professional level. Think you have what it takes? Submit a letter of intent https://form.jotform. com/221018728565155 and grab your chance to follow in the footsteps of a legend.

The Bill Werner AMA Fast Brain Award recognizes the perfect combination of speed and smarts, and is awarded based on a racer’s performance at the event and official school transcripts supplied during the application process. If you’re ready to put your brain and brawn to the test, submit an application at https://form.jotform.com/221017634407145 and show the world what you’re made of.

The distinguished AMA Vet/Senior Racer of the Year and AMA Youth Racer of the Year awards are presented to outstanding riders in their respective categories. So whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a young up-and-comer, there could be a special award waiting for you at the AMA FTGC.

Don’t miss your chance to be recognized among the best — contact AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant at ksaillant@ama-cycle.org for more information today!

MAKE IT YOURS

The AMA offers a variety of card types and designs for members. In addition to our standard card, we offer a number of themed cards that identify you as belonging to a specific group or speak to your passion as a motorcyclist.

DEALS AND DISCOUNTS

THE ESSENTIALS

Lodging

Save 15% at participating Choice Hotels Properties.

Up to 10% off at Motel 6.

Use code: M64AMA

20% discount off available rates, call (800) REDROOF and use the code VP+ 503343. To make reservations online use code: VP+ 503343 in the field labeled “VP+/ID#”

AMA Roadside Assistance Roadside assistance coverage for eligible members. Car Rentals

Up to 25% off at any Avis or Budget. Avis Code: D388100 Budget Code: Z942000

Motorcycle Shipping Call Federal Companies at (877) 518-7376 for at least $40 off standard rates.

AMA members receive $50 off each bike one way or $100 off round trip or $50 each, multiple bikes, same addresses. AMA Gear Find patches, pins, T-shirts, hats and more.

PRODUCT DISCOUNTS

EagleRider

For Club EagleRider AMA members receive 2 free rental credits. Use code AMACLUBER Evans Cooling System 25% discount on Evans Coolants and Prep Fluid. Use code AMAFUN at evanscoolant.com.

EVS Sports

10% discount and free shipping on all orders. Use code AMAEVS20

Gryphon Moto

Blendzall AMA members can save 20% at blendzall.com. Use code AMA20 at checkout.

AMA members receive a 15 percent discount on Gryphon Moto orders at gryphonmoto. com. Use code AMA at checkout.

Haynes

Save an additional 15% on all Haynes & Clymer print and online repair manuals. Use code AMA15

Medjet

Air medical transport and travel security protection – visit Medjet.com/AMACycle or call 1.800.527.7478, referring to American Motorcyclist Association.Annual rates are reduced by 20% and start at $235.

MotoAmerica

20% off 2-day and 3-day passes at select MotoAmerica events. Use discount code AMA20

Motool

AMA members can save 10% at motool.co. Use code AMASAVE20 at checkout.

MX Boot Repair

Rider Magazine

AMA member exclusive discount: $19.99 for 1 year (12 issues) + 1 extra free issue.

Butler Maps AMA members receive a 20% discount at butlermaps.com. Use code AMAMEMBER

California Dual Sport

Heli

Helix Racing Products

AMA members save 20 percent on all products at helixracingproducts.com. Use code AMA20 at checkout.

Cardo Systems

20% discount online with valid AMA membership card. Use code AMA20

Helite Moto AMA members get 15% off every order at helitemoto.com. Use code HELITEAMA

HertzRide

AMA members save 10 percent on rentals in all locations globally at hertzride.com/us/ promo/American-motorcyclistassociation-1065 or use code AMA10

Legacy Track Dayz

15% discount on Legacy Track Dayz events. Use code AMARideLTD

Liberty Sport Eyewear

30% discount on all “motorcycle collection” frames. Discount code AMA30.

10% discount. Use code AMADISCOUNT

MX Mounts 10% off on our mounts Use AMADiscount at checkout

MYLAPS

20% discount off MSRP or current sales price on weborders or orders coordinated by the AMA. Use code AMA-789HJK

Nelson Rigg 20% AMA Member Exclusive Discount on all products! Use promo code AMA-NR20

The Quail MC Gathering AMA members recieve a discount on tickets using the code AMA2023

Quin Design Helmets 10% off crash detection, SOS beacon, Bluetooth communication & more with your new intelligent helmet. Use code AMAQUIN10

Rockwell Time

Save 20% on select products. Rockwelltime. com. Use code AMA20

Spot LLC

Exclusive service credit on SPOT Gen3, SPOT Trace or SPOT X device

STKR Concepts 15% off products at stkrconcepts.com. Use

Third Eye Design

10% discount on inView, a wireless brake and signal light. Use code AMA at thirdeyedesigninc.com

US Chrome $30 discount on cylinder plating and dealer pricing on Wiseco, Wossner, ProX and Vertex piston kits.

Warm & Safe 20% discount. Use code AMA

For more information and the most recent listing of AMA Member Benefit Partners and discount codes visit americanmotorcyclist.com/deals-and-discounts

COMING EVENTS

Be sure to check the event website or call the organizer for the latest information, including postponements or cancellations.

ARIZONA

Enduro: June 3. Flagstaff. Arizona Motorcycle Riders Association (AMRA), Arizona Trail Riders

Observed Trials: June 16 - 18. Kingman. Hualapai Mtn Park, Central Arizona Trials Inc., 602-370-7546, mike@dirtriderswest.com, centralarizonatrials.org

Dual Sport:June 25 - 29. Williams. Mexico 2 Canada, Countdown, 775-884-0399, Jerry.counts@sbcglobal. net, mex2can.com

CALIFORNIA

Motocross: June 1 - 2. Rancho Cordova. Hangtown Motocross Classic, Dirt Diggers North M.C. Inc., info@ hangtownmx.com, www.hangtownmx.com

Motocross: June 3 - 4. Pala. Fox Raceway Southwest Youth/Amateur Regional Championship, 2X Promotions LLC, 559-500-5360, www.2xpromotions. com

Motocross: June 10 - 11. Rancho Cordova. Prairie City OHV Midwest Youth/Amateur Regional Championship, 2X Promotions LLC, 559-500-5360, www.2xpromotions.com

Motocross: June 16 - 25. Mammoth Lakes. Mammoth Motocross, 2X Promotions LLC, 559-500-5360, www.2xpromotions.com

Road Ride/Run: June 17. Campbell. Fun Ride, P & D Promotions Inc., 408-249-4336, heartoncl@aol.com

Family Enduro: June 17. Grizzly Flats. 49er Family Enduro, Polka Dots Motorcycle Club, 916-701-7687, tustinmbc@comcast.net, http://results.ama-d36. org/2023/ENDURO/

Enduro: June 18. Grizzly Flats. 49er Sprint Enduro, Polka Dots Motorcycle Club, 916-701-7687, tustinmbc@comcast.net, http://results.ama-d36. org/2023/ENDURO/

Road Ride/Run: June 24. Livermore. June Club Ride, BMW Motorcycle Club of Northern California, 408-464 8094, safetydirector@bmwnorcal.org, bmwnorcal.org/ events

Hare Scrambles/Cross Country: June 24. Ridgecrest. Desert MC Summer Classic Team Night Race, Desert Motorcycle Club, Inc., 760-833-7100, blm_ca_web_cd@blm.gov

Flat Track - TT: June 24. Lodi. 2023 AMA/D36 Dirt Track Championship Series, Lodi Motorcycle Club, 209-368-7182, lodimcemail@gmail.com, lodicyclebowl.com

Recreational Event: June 24 - 25. Big Bear Lakes. Big Bear Run 2023, Big Bear Trail Riders, Inc., 818391-3031, miguel.burgi@gmail.com, www.bigbeartrailriders.com

Recreational Event: June 24 - 25. Big Bear Lakes. Big Bear Run 2023, Big Bear Trail Riders, Inc., 818391-3031, miguel.burgi@gmail.com, www.bigbeartrailriders.com

COLORADO

Supermoto: June 3. Dacono. AMA Supermoto National Championship Series, DRT Racing, 909-7147470, info@drtracinginc.com, amasupermotonational. com

Supermoto: June 4. Dacono. AMA Supermoto National Championship Series, DRT Racing, 909-7147470, info@drtracinginc.com, amasupermotonational. com

Observed Trials: June 24. Cotopaxi. RMTA Series Event #4, Rocky Mountain Trials Association, 719239-1234

Observed Trials: June 25. Cotopaxi. RMTA Series Event #5, Rocky Mountain Trials Association, 719239-1234

FLORIDA

Motocross: June 3 - 4. Alachua. Gatorback Cycle Park Southeast Amateur Regional Championship, Unlimited Sports MX, Inc., info@unlimitedsportsmx. com, www.unlimitedsportsmx.com

Off-Road/Trail Riding School: June 5 - 8. Ormond Beach. Fuel FL Camp, Fuel Ministry

GEORGIA

Road Ride/Run: June 9 - 10. Hiawassee. British in the Blue Ridge Rally, Greater Atlanta British Motorcycle Association, 404-394-7708, gabmanewsletter@gmail.com, www.gabma.us

Dual Sport: June 10 - 11. Suches. The ‘Hooch’ Dual Sport Ride, Georgia Recreational Trail Riders Association, 770-517-8358, straitarrow_john@yahoo. com, www.gartra.org

Field Meet: June 10. Hiawassee. British in the Blue Ridge Rally (Field Meet), Greater Atlanta British Motorcycle Association, 404-394-7708, gabmanewsletter@gmail.com, www.gabma.us

Enduro: June 11. Greensboro. Cherokee National Enduro, Cherokee Cycle Club Inc.

IDAHO

Enduro: June 3. Idaho City. Idaho City 100, Boise Ridge Riders, 208-384-5141, prez.boiseridgeriders@gmail.com, boiseridgeriders.org

Enduro: June 4. Idaho City. Idaho City 100, Boise Ridge Riders, 208-384-5141, prez.boiseridgeriders@gmail.com, boiseridgeriders.org

Extreme Off-Road: June 23 - 24. Kellogg. Silver Kings Hard Enduro, Inside Enduro, 406-219-1788, admin@silverkingshardenduro.com, silverkingshardenduro.com

ILLINOIS

Enduro: June 4. White City. CCDR Sprint Enduro, Cahokia Creek Dirt Riders, cahokiacreekdirtriders. com

Grand Prix: June 4. Bartonville. Peoria Grand Grip, Peoria Motorcycle Club Inc., 309-697-4981, jdebmwalker@gmail.com, www.peoriamotorcycleclub.com

Trail Ride: June 4. Ottawa. Egg Hunt, Variety Riders Motorcycle Club Inc., 815-434-3669, varietyriders@yahoo.com, varietyriders.com Motocross: June 10. Mendota. Megacross Shootout Series, Moto Pro Inc., 815-539-9021, wardy@ mtco.com, megacross.com

Observed Trials: June 11. Loran. Loran Trials Event, NITRO-Northern Illinois Trials Riders Organization, 815-703-6555, warrenlange@yahoo.com, nitrotrials.com

Flat Track - TT: June 14 - 15. Du Quoin. Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship - TT, American Motorcyclist Association, 614-856-1900, americanmotorcyclist.com

Flat Track - Mile: June 16. Du Quoin. Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship - Mile, American Motorcyclist Association, 614-856-1900, americanmotorcyclist.com

Flat Track - Short Track: June 17 - 18. Du Quoin. Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship - Short Track, American Motorcyclist Association, 614-856-1900, americanmotorcyclist.com

Grand Prix: June 17. Wedron. Fox Valley Off Road Series, Moto Pro Inc., 815-884-9361, megatraxs. com

Flat Track - Half-Mile: June 18 - 19. Du Quoin.

Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship - Half Mile, American Motorcyclist Association, 614-856-1900, americanmotorcyclist.com

Hare Scrambles/Cross Country: June 18. Wedron. Fox Valley Off Road Series, Moto Pro Inc., 815-884-9361, megatraxs.com

Flat Track - Short Track: June 20. Du Quoin. Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship - Short Track, American Motorcyclist Association, 614-856-1900, americanmotorcyclist.com

Flat Track - Short Track: June 24. Macomb. 2023 District 17, Lamoine Ramblers, 309-837-9436, lamoineramblers@gmail.com, lamoineramblers.net

Motocross: June 24 - 25. Casey. Lincoln Trail Motosports North Central Youth Regional Championship, Lincoln Trail Motosports, 217-932-2041, info@ridelincolntrail.com, www.ridelincolntrail.com

Motocross: June 24. Mendota. Megacross Shootout Series, Moto Pro Inc., 815-539-9021, wardy@ mtco.com, megacross.com

Motocross: June 25. Byron. Nuclear Sunset Power Series Round 2, Motosports Enterprises LTD, 815-234-2271, motobyron@mac.com, motobyron.com

Trail Ride: June 25. Ottawa. Off Road Poker Run/ Trail Ride, Variety Riders Motorcycle Club Inc., 815-434-3669, varietyriders@yahoo.com, varietyriders.com

INDIANA

Hare Scrambles/Cross Country: June 4. Columbus. Stoney Lonesome Harescramble Series, Stoney Lonesome Motorcycle Club, 812-343-4411, info@stoneylonesomemc.com, www.stoneylonesomemc.com

Family Enduro: June 10. Matthews. Muddobbers Family Enduro, Muddobbers MC Inc., 765-9982236, dougspence43@yahoo.com, muddobbersmc.org

Off-Road/Trail Riding School: June 26 - 29. New Albany. Fuel IN Bike Camp, Fuel Ministry, 502-551-6190

IOWA

Hillclimb: June 4. Anamosa. Anamosa Hillclimb, Midwest Hillclimbers Association, 319-489-2361, roadlab@netins.net

MAINE

Motocross: June 18. Lyman. AMA Maine State Championship, SSMX, LLC dba MX207, 781-8312207, bstuartmx207@gmail.com, www.mx207.com

Observed Trials: June 25. Berwick. NETA Championship Point Event, ROCK AND ROLL TRIALS CLUB, 207-604-2323, rockandrolltrials@gmail.com

MARYLAND

Motocross: June 10 - 11. Mechanicsville. Budds Creek Northeast Amateur Regional Championship, Pro Ready Racing LLC, 443-223-9171, ezra@ buddscreek.com, www.buddscreek.com

Motocross: June 17 - 18. Mechanicsville. AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series, Pro Ready Racing LLC, 443-223-9171, ezra@ buddscreek.com, www.buddscreek.com

MASSACHUSETTS

Observed Trials: June 11. Brimfield. Brimfield 2023 Trials, Springfield Motorcycle Club, Inc., 413-3355151, tibbyshd@rcn.com

MICHIGAN

Motocross: June 3 - 4. Buchanan. RedBud MX Mid-East Amateur Regional Championship, RedBud Recreation, Inc., 269-695-6405, info@redbudmx. com, www.redbudmx.com

Motocross: June 3. Crystal Falls. Crystal Clash, Valley Raceway, 906-281-5476, ericuren711@ gmail.com, www.valleyracewaymx.com

Motocross: June 4. Millington. District 14 Motocross Series, Bulldog Riders Motorcycle Club, Inc., cchumbo@aol.com

Motocross: June 4. Millington. District 14 Motocross Series, Bulldog Riders Motorcycle Club, Inc., cchumbo@aol.com

Observed Trials: June 4. Metamora. MOTA Championship, Michigan Ontario Trials Association, 248495-5862, bjaherne2@gmail.com, motatrials.com

Hare Scrambles/Cross Country: June 4. Eagle. Woodcock, Tin Roof Flyers, 517-490-8714

Motocross: June 4. Crystal Falls. Crystal Clash, Valley Raceway, 906-281-5476, www.valleyracewaymx.com

Flat Track - TT: June 9. Deford. Flat Track, Lucky Thumb Motorcycle Club, Inc., 810-404-2895, raymie2895@gmail.comwww.luckythumbmotorcycleclub.com

Drag Race - Dirt: June 9. Grant. Ironman Challenge, Muskegon Motorcycle Club, muskegonmotorcycleclub.com

Motocross: June 10 - 11. Millington. Baja Acres Mid-East Youth Regional Championship, Baja Acres, 989-871-3356, ride@bajamx.com, www. bajaacres.com

Flat Track - Short Track: June 10. Deford. Flat Track, Lucky Thumb Motorcycle Club, Inc., 810-4042895, raymie2895@gmail.com, www.luckythumbmotorcycleclub.com

Hillclimb: June 10. Grant. Ironman Challenge, Muskegon Motorcycle Club, muskegonmotorcycleclub.com

Drag Race - Dirt: June 10. Grant. Ironman Challenge, Muskegon Motorcycle Club, muskegonmotorcycleclub.com

Hillclimb: June 11. Grant. Ironman Challenge, G7G75:G83Muskegon Motorcycle Club, muskegonmotorcycleclub.com

Motocross: June 18. Portland. District 14 Motocross Series, Portland Trail Riders, portlandtrailriders@gmail.com, www.portlandtrailriders.com

Observed Trials: June 25. Whitmore Lake. MOTA Championship, Michigan Ontario Trials Association, 734-649-2058, philbonk16@gmail.com, motatrials. com

MINNESOTA

Enduro: June 3 - 4. Menahga. Huntersville Enduro, River Valley Enduro Riders, 612-247-2039, hinky308@yahoo.com

Motocross: June 4. Cambridge. Mid-Minnesota Challenge/District 23 Motocross Series, BCMX Adventure Park, 612-280-8939, bcmxllc@hotmail. com, www.bcmxadventurepark.com

Motocross: June 4. Mankato. District 23 Motocross

COMING EVENTS

NEW JERSEY

gmail.com, waynecountymc.com

Be sure to check the event website or call the organizer for the latest information, including postponements or cancellations. Series, Kato Cycle Club, 507-380-0428, katocycleclub@gmail.com, www.katocycleclub.com

Hare Scrambles/Cross Country: June 10 - 11. Cambridge. 2 Day Hare Scramble, BCMX Adventure Park, 612-280-8939, bcmxllc@hotmail.com, www.bcmxadventurepark.com

Motocross: June 10 - 11. Millville. Spring Creek North Central Amateur Regional Championship, Hi-Winders, 507-753-2779, springcreekmxoffice@gmail.com, www.springcreekmx.com

Motocross: June 11. Little Falls. District 23/ Northstar MX Series, MotoCity Raceway & Recreation, Inc., 218-894-2826, motocity-RNR@ hotmail.com, motocityraceway.com

Hillclimb: June 17 - 18. Mankato. HillClimb, Kato Cycle Club, 507-380-0428, katocycleclub@gmail. com, www.katocycleclub.com

Trail Ride: June 17. Millville. 6th Annual Beginner Ride, Twin Cities Trail Riders, 612-965-8619, info@tctrailriders.org, www.tctrailriders.org

Motocross: June 18. Brook Park. District 23 Motocross Series, Berm Benders Incorporated, 320-279-2238, bermbendersraceway@outlook. com, www.bermbendersraceway.com

Motocross: June 23. Millville. Vet Race Old Man Madness sponsored by Frescado’s, Hi-Winders, 507-753-2779, springcreekmxoffice@gmail.com, www.springcreekmx.com

Observed Trials: June 24. Gilbert. UMTA 2023

Events, Upper Midwest Trials Association, 651261-5977, bobbywarner@gmail.com, umta.org

Motocross: June 25. Cambridge. District 23 Motocross Series, BCMX Adventure Park, 612-280-8939, bcmxllc@hotmail.com, www. bcmxadventurepark.com

Motocross: June 25. Millville. Super Series Round 5 sponsored by FeineTune & Althoff Hardware, Hi-Winders, 507-753-2779, springcreekmxoffice@gmail.com, www.springcreekmx.com

Observed Trials: June 25. Gilbert. UMTA 2023 Events, Upper Midwest Trials Association, 651261-5977, bobbywarner@gmail.com, umta.org

MISSOURI

Road Rally: June 1 - 4. Falcon. GO BIG, The GS Giants, 860-258-9016, secretary@gsgiants.com, www.gsgiants.com

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Road Rally: June 10 - 18. Weirs Beach. Laconia Motorcycle Week Association, Laconia Motorcycle Week Association, 603-366-2000, info@ laconiamcweek.com, www.laconiamcweek.com

Road Race: June 10 - 11. Loudon. FIM NA Vintage Road Race Championships, United States Classic Racing Association, raceuscra@yahoo. com, www.race-uscra.com

Hillclimb: June 13. Laconia. Tower Hill Vintage Invitational, United States Classic Racing Association, raceuscra@yahoo.com, www.race-uscra. com

Road Rally: June 19 - 22. Gorham. 34th Annual AVA International Rally, American Voyager Association, 954-774-0364, mikemcgee52@yahoo. com, www.amervoyassoc.org

Road Ride/Run: June 24 - 25. Colebrook. Great North Woods Blessing of the Bikes, Manchester Motorcycle Club, Inc., 603-440-9494, lory. attalla@gmail.com

Motocross: June 17. Englishtown. Raceway Park Motocross Saturday Night Lights Series, Raceway Park, 732-446-7800, racewaypark1965@gmail.com, www.racewaypark.com

Motocross: June 18. Englishtown. Raceway Park Motocross, Raceway Park, 732-446-7800, racewaypark1965@gmail.com, www.racewaypark.com

Trail Ride: June 24 - 25. Millville. Ormond Farms Fun Day, Competition Dirt Riders, 609-319-7496, davebostrom@comcast.net, http://www.eceacompetitiondirtriders.com/home.html

NEW MEXICO

Road Race: June 10 - 11. Deming. ASMA Championship Series, Arroyo Seco Motorcyclist Association, 575-494-4794, roger@asmaracing.com, asmaracing.com

NEW YORK

Road Ride/Run: June 3. Lake George. Americade, Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, 773-706-7030, mbattaglia@curethekids.org, rideforkids.org/americade

Observed Trials: June 4. Dalton. D4 Observed Trials, District 4 Trials Committee, 585-749-6417, irishdevildjm@yahoo.com, d4mototrials.weebly.com

Motocross: June 4. Carlisle. MSC Championship MX Series, Metropolitan Sports Committee, 845-554-8717, info@diamondback-motocross.com, www.diamondback-motocross.com

Hillclimb: June 4. Sodus. WCMC Hill Climb, Wayne County Motorcycle Club, 315-359-7667, waynecountymotorcycleclub@gmail.com

Road Ride/Run: June 4. Hopewell Junction. Yonkers Motorcycle Club’s 120th Anniversary Party, Yonkers Motorcycle Club, 845-531-1490, fatswag@ gmail.com, yonkersmotorcycleclub.net

Motocross: June 11. Greig. High Voltage Hills MX, High Voltage Hills MX, 315-725-0368, nzielinski74@ gmail.com, www.highvoltagehillsmx.com

Enduro: June 11. Sidney Center. RRMC Ridge Sprint Enduro, Ridge Riders Motorcycle Club, 973222-5850, rrmcnj@gmail.com, ridgeriders.org

Flat Track - Short Track: June 16. Harpursville. 2023 AMA Vintage National, Square Deal Riders M/C, 607-725-3069, info@squaredealriders.com, squaredealriders.com

Flat Track - Short Track: June 16 - 17. Harpursville. 2023 AMA Vintage National, Square Deal Riders M/C, 607-725-3069, info@squaredealriders. com, squaredealriders.com

Motocross: June 18. Middletown. MSC AMA

D34 - Orange County Fair MX, Metropolitan Sports Committee, 845-342-2573, info@ocfsracing.com, mscmotocross.com

Motocross: June 24 - 25. New Berlin. Unadilla MX Northeast Youth Regional Championship, Unadilla Enterprises, LLC, 607-965-8450, info@unadillamx. com, www.unadillamx.com

Observed Trials: June 25. Alma. D4 Observed Trials, District 4 Trials Committee, 585-610-5424, trialnut@hotmail.com, d4mototrials.weebly.com

Motocross: June 25. Coeymans Hollow. MSC AMA

D34 - Echo Valley MX, Metropolitan Sports Committee, mscmotocross.com

Adventure Ride: June 25. Atlanta. WCMC Thrills in the Hills Adventure Tour, Wayne County Motorcycle Club, 315-359-8615, waynecountymotorcycleclub@

NORTH CAROLINA

Motocross: June 24 - 25. Henderson. MAMA MX Series, Middle Atlantic Motocross Association, Inc., 919-259-4890, secretary@mamamx.com, www. mamamx.com

OHIO

Flat Track - Half-Mile: June 3. Van Wert. Western Ohio Motor Sports, Best of Ohio Summer Series, 937-417-2137, westernohiomotorsports@outlook. com

Enduro: June 4. Langsville. Little Burr Enduro, Enduro Riders of Ohio, 740-506-1288, erabob99@ gmail.com, enduroriders.com

Dual Sport: June 10. Toronto. Ohio Valley BSA Owners Club Spring Classic, Ohio Valley BSA Owners Club, 724-945-6018, kubenab@atlanticbb.net, www.ohiovalleybsaownersclub.com

Adventure Ride: June 11. New Plymouth. HVMC Adventure Ride, Hocking Valley Motorcycle Club, 614-216-0908, jskeeny@att.net, hockingvalleymc. com

Road Race: June 17 - 18. Garrettsville. 2023 WERA Motorcycle Roadracing, WERA Motorcycle Roadracing, Inc., 770-720-5010, wera@wera.com, wera.com

Motocross: June 24 - 25. Nashport. King of the Cliff, Briarcliff Motocross, LLC, 740-763-2047, josborn@briarcliffmx.com, www.briarcliffmx.com

Dual Sport: June 24 - 25. New Plymouth. Baby Burr National Dual Sport, Enduro Riders of Ohio, 740-972-4214, enduroriders1@gmail.com, enduroriders.com

OKLAHOMA

Off-Road/Trail Riding School: June 12 - 15. Guthrie. Fuel OK Camp, Fuel Ministry, 405-282-2811, campinfo@centralokcamp.org, www.centralokcamp. org

Motocross: June 17 - 18. Ponca City. Ponca City South Central Youth Regional Championship, MPG Creative Group LLC, 816-582-4113, layne@ mpgcreativegroup.com, www.poncamx.com

OREGON

Observed Trials: June 3. Tillamook. NATC/AMA

MotoTrials Series, Columbia Observed Trials Association, 503-830-7442, reid.a.brown@odf.oregon. gov, rockymountaintrials.org

Observed Trials: June 4. Tillamook. NATC/AMA

MotoTrials Series, Columbia Observed Trials Association, 503-830-7442, reid.a.brown@odf.oregon. gov, rockymountaintrials.org

Road Rally: June 12 - 15. Canyonville. National Rally, Concours Owners Group, russ.saunders@ cox.net, https://concours.org/

Road Rally: June 22 - 24. Athena. Hodaka Days, Hodaka Club, 971-246-0687, gfloren@easystreet. netwww.hodakadays.org

Observed Trials: June 24. Athena. Hodaka Days, Hodaka Club, 971-246-0687, info@hodakadays. comhodakadays.com

Motocross: June 25. Athena. Hodaka Days, Hodaka Club, 971-246-0687, info@hodakadays.org, www.hodakadays.org

PENNSYLVANIA

Dual Sport: June 3 - 4. Lock Haven. Durty Dabbers

Great Adventure Dual Sport, Durty Dabbers Motorcycle Club, 570-478-9456, durtydabbers@yahoo. com, durtydabbers.com

Adventure Ride: June 3 - 4. Lock Haven. Durty Dabbers Great Adventure Ride, Durty Dabbers Motorcycle Club, 570-748-9456, durtydabbers@ yahoo.com, durtydabbers.com

Hare Scrambles/Cross Country: June 3 - 4. Three Springs. Broken Anvil Hare Scramble, Green Marble Enduro Riders, 717-554-4480, gmerenduro@gmail. com, gmer.us

Hare Scrambles/Cross Country: June 3 - 4. Mt. Morris. Grand National Cross Country Series - Mason-Dixon, Racer Productions, Inc., 304-2840084, info@gnccracing.com, www.gnccracing.com

Motocross: June 4. Shippensburg. Doublin GapDistrict 6 Motocross Series, Doublin Gap Motocross, Inc., 717-249-6036, doublingap@gmail.com, www. doublingap.com

Flat Track - Short Track: June 10. Bloomsburg. Vintage National & District 6 Race, Shippensburg MC, 717-503-8030, candybaer@comcast.netbaermotorsports.com

Off-Road/Trail Riding School: June 12 - 15. Coalport. Fuel PA Camp, Fuel Ministry, 814-577-4573, www.theoakmxpark.com

Road Rally: June 15 - 17. York. Mid-Atlantic

Women’s Motorcycle Rally, Mid-Atlantic Women’s Motorcycle Rally, Inc., info@mawmr.org, mawmr.org

Hare Scrambles/Cross Country: June 17 - 18. Tamaqua. RORR Hare Scrambles/ECEA Hare Scrambles Series, Reading Off Road Riders, 844440-RORR, jim.grafius@gmail.com, www.rorr.org

Flat Track - TT: June 18. Parkesburg. Piston Poppers TT, E PA Piston Poppers MC Inc., 610-6560315, pistonpoppersmc@hotmail.com, pistonpoppersmc.com

Motocross: June 18. Mount Morris. High Point Amateur Day/PAMX Fasthouse Spring Championship Series, Racer Productions, Inc., 304-284-0084, info@racerproductions.com, www.highpointmx.com

Adventure Ride: June 21 - 25. Portersville. Allegheny Backcountry Adventure Loop, Appalachian ADV-Adventure & Dual Sport Motorbiking LLC, 330-272-4186, kane@appalachianadv.com, appalachianadv.com/events

Road Rally: June 22 - 25. Johnstown. 25th Annual Thunder in the Valley Motorcycle Rally, Visit Johnstown, 800-237-8590, jstcvb@visitjohnstownpa. com, www.johnstownthunder.com

Enduro: June 25. Barnsville. Shotgun Enduro, High Mountain Dirt Riders

SOUTH CAROLINA

Road Race: June 10 - 11. Kershaw. 2023 WERA Motorcycle Roadracing, WERA Motorcycle Roadracing, Inc., 770-720-5010, wera@wera.com, wera.com

TENNESSEE

Motocross: June 25. Blountville. Thor Mega Series, Victory Sports Inc., 423-323-5497, jane@victorysports.com, www.victory-sports.com

TEXAS

Motocross: June 11. New Ulm. 2023 EMX Championship Series, EMX, LLC, 832-646-2455, EmxMoto@gmail.com, www.EMXonline.com

Motocross: June 18. Belton. 2023 EMX Championship Series, EMX, LLC, 832-646-2455, EmxMoto@

COMING EVENTS

Be sure to check the event website or call the organizer for the latest information, including postponements or cancellations. gmail.com, www.EMXonline.com

VIRGINIA

Off-Road/Trail Riding School: June 3 - 4. Greenville. 2-Day offroad Training Course, Zacker Adventures LLC, 804-929-8079, zackeradventures@gmail.com, https://www.bobsbmw.com/store/ product/2-day-off-road-training-course-with-zackeradventures---june-2-4-2023

Road Ride/Run: June 10. Bluemont. 2nd Annual SBC (DMV) Scooter Rally, Small Bore Corps (DMV), 703-864-3981, smallborecorpsdmv@gmail.com, www.smallborecorpsdmv.com

Hare Scrambles/Cross Country: June 17 - 18. Axton. VCHSS, Lake Sugar Tree Motorsports Park, lakesugartree@gmail.com, www.lakesugartree.com

WASHINGTON

Road Ride/Run: June 22 - 23. Winthrop. North Cascades Rally, International Norton Owners Association, 517-851-7437, suznort@juno.com, www. nortonrally.com

Road Rally: June 22 - 25. Plain. Touratech Rally West, Touratech-USA, 206-390-2752, matt.l@ touratech-usa.com, touratechrally.com

Road Race: June 23 - 25. Sheton. Super Hooligan National Championship, Roland Sands Design, 562-493-5297, summer@rolandsands.com, www. superhooligan.com

Road Race: June 23 - 25. Sheton. Super Hooligan National Championship, Roland Sands Design, 562-493-5297, summer@rolandsands.com, www. superhooligan.com

WEST VIRGINIA

Motocross: June 3 - 4. Hedgesville. MAMA MX Series, Middle Atlantic Motocross Association, Inc., 443-669-3007, secretary@mamamx.com, www. mamamx.com

Hare Scrambles/Cross Country: June 24 - 25. Showshoe. Grand National Cross Country SeriesSnowshoe, Racer Productions, Inc., 304-284-0084, info@gnccracing.com, www.gnccracing.com

Motocross: June 24. Hedgesville. Masters MX Series, Tomahawk MX, LLC, 304-582-8185, www. tomahawkmx.com

WISCONSIN

Flat Track - Short Track: June 2. Plymouth. Dairyland Classic, Southeastern Short Trackers, LTD, 262-339-7430, bertsumner@hotmail.com, www. dairylandclassic.com

Flat Track - Short Track: June 3. Barnett. District 16 ST, Beaver Cycle Club, Inc., 920-319-6889, facebook/beavercycleclub

Hare Scrambles/Cross Country: June 3. Adams. District 16 Adams Hare Scramble, EWB Offroad, 608-574-5408, ewboffroad@gmail.com

Observed Trials: June 3. Sturgeon Bay. Door County MotoTrials, Wisconsin Observed Trials Association, 319-330-8016, nursehuber@aol.com, wisconsintrials.org

Observed Trials: June 4. Sturgeon Bay. Door County MotoTrials, Wisconsin Observed Trials Association, 319-330-8016, nursehuber@aol.com, wisconsintrials.org

Dual Sport: June 10 - 11. Wabeno. Ride for Research, Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, 920-350-2030, bigwoods200@hotmail.com, www.widualsportriders. org

Adventure Ride: June 10 - 11. Wabeno. Ride for Research, Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, 920-350-2030, bigwoods200@hotmail.com, www. widualsportriders.org

Motocross: June 11. Lake Mills. District 16 Motocross Series, Aztalan Cycle Club, Inc., www. aztalanmx.com

Flat Track - Short Track: June 17. Lake Mills. Aztalan Flat Track, Aztalan Cycle Club, Inc.414-2651582, aztalancycle@gmail.com, aztalanmx.com

Hillclimb: June 18. Kewaskum. Kettle Moraine Sport Riders Father’s Day Hillclimb, Kettle Moraine Sport Riders Inc., www.kettlemorainesportriders. com

Motocross: June 24. Mountain. Motosplat Knats, Fantasy Moto LLC, 920-419-2863, scottyb@ fantasymoto.com, www.tigertonmx.com

Motocross: June 25. Mountain. Motosplat Knats, Fantasy Moto LLC, 920-419-2863, scottyb@ fantasymoto.com, www.tigertonmx.com

MOTOCROSS

2023 Pro Motocross Championship promotocross.com

Round 2: June 3. Sacramento, Calif. Hangtown Motocross

Round 3: June 10. Lakewood, Colo. Thunder Valley Motocross Park

Round 4: June 17. Mount Morris, Pa. High Point Raceway

Round 5: July 1. Buchanan, Mich. RedBud MX Round 6: July 8. Southwick, Mass. The Wick 338 Round 7: July 15. Millville, Minn. Spring Creek MX Park

Round 8: July 22. Washougal, Wash. Washougal MX Park

Round 9: Aug 12. New Berlin, N.Y. Unadilla MX

Round 10: Aug 19. Mechanicsville, Md. Budds Creek Motocross Park

Round 11: Aug 26. Crawfordsville, Ind. Ironman Raceway

SUPERMOTOCROSS

2023 SuperMotocross Championship supermotocross.com

Sept. 9. Charlotte, N.C. MAX Dragway

Sept. 16. Joliet, Ill. Chicagoland Speedway

Sept. 23. Los Angeles, Calif. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, mxsports.com

July 31-Aug. 5. Hurricane Mills, Tenn. Loretta Lynn Ranch

Northeast Regionals

Amateur: June 9-11. Mechanicsville, Md. Budds Creek.

Youth: June 23-25. New Berlin, N.Y. Unadilla MX. Southeast Regionals

Amateur: June 2-4. Alachua, Fla. Gatorback Cycle Park.

Mid-East Regionals

Amateur: June 2-4. Buchanan, Mich. RedBud MX.

Youth: June 9-11. Millington, Mich. Baja Acres. North Central Regionals

Amateur: June 9-11. Millville, Minn. Spring Creek.

Youth: June 23-25. Casey, Ill. Lincoln Trail

Motosports.

South Central Regionals

Youth: June 16-18. Ponca City, Okla. Ponca City.

Midwest Regional

Youth/Amateur: June 9-11. Rancho Cordova, Calif. Prairie City OHV.

Southwest Regional

Youth/Amateur: June 2-4. Pala, Calif. Fox Raceway.

AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series, atvmotocross.com

Round 7: June 17-18. Mechanicsville, Md. Budds Creek Raceway.

Round 8: July 1-2. Seward, Pa. Pleasure Valley Raceway.

Round 9: July 22-23. Nashport, Ohio. Briarcliff MX. Round 10: Aug. 12-13. Hurricane Mills, Tenn. Loretta Lynn Ranch.

AMA Vintage Motocross Grand Championship amavintagemotorcycledays.com

July 22-23. Lexington, Ohio. Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

MAJOR EVENTS

Mammoth Motocross

June 16-25. Mammoth Lakes, Calif. Mammoth Mountain. (559) 500-5360. 2xpromotions.com

FEATURED EVENTS OR SERIES

Maine Event

Aug. 26-27. Lyman, Maine. MX 207. (781) 8312207. mx207.com

Baja Brawl

Sept. 1-4. Millington, Mich. Baja Acres. (989) 8713356. bajaacres.com

Yamaha All-Star Pro-Am/Cobra Cup/MDRA Series

Sept. 9-10. Shippensburg, Pa. Doublin Gap MX Park. (717) 249-6036. doublingap.com

ChilliTown Classic

Sept. 12-17. Chillicothe, Ohio. ChilliTown MX. (513) 266-2866. chillitownmx.com

47th Annual Race of Champions sponsored by Kawasaki

Sept. 29-Oct. 1. Englishtown, N.J. Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. (732) 446-7800. racewaypark. com

The Motoplayground Race at Ponca City

Oct. 5-8. Ponca City, Okla. Ponca City MX. (816) 582-4113. poncamx.com

Top Gun Showdown/Mega Series

Oct. 15. Blountville, Tenn. Muddy Creek Raceway. (423) 323-5497. victory-sports.com

Halloween Bash

Oct. 29. Axton, Va. Lake Sugar Tree Motorsports Park. (276) 650-1158. lakesugartree.com

Cash for Class Scholarship Race

Nov. 11-12. Cairo, Ga. GPF. (810) 348-8700. gpfmx. com

PRO-AM EVENTS

Pro-Am Schedule

MAMA MX Series: June 3-4. Hedgesville, W. Va. Tomahawk MX. (443) 669-3007. mamamx.com

Mid-Minnesota Challenge/District 23 Motocross

Series: June 4. Cambridge, Minn. BCMX Adventure Park. (612) 280-8939. bcmxadventurepark.com

Mammoth Motocross: June 16-25. Mammoth Lakes, Calif. Mammoth Mountain. (559) 500-5360. 2xpromotions.com

RedBud Amateur Day: July 2. Buchanan, Mich. RedBud MX. (269) 695-6405. redbudmx.com

Aztalan Cycle Club Pro-Am: July 9. Lake Mills, Wis. Aztalan Cycle Club. aztalanmx.com

AMA Tennessee State Championship/Mega Series: July 16. Blountville, Tenn. Muddy Creek Raceway. (423) 323-5497. victory-sports.com

MSC Championship MX Series: July 23. Carlisle, N.Y. Diamondback MX @ The Ranch at Carlisle (845) 554-8717. diamondback-motocross.com

MDRA Series: Aug. 13. Pine Grove, Pa. Dutchmen MX. (570) 915-4141. dutchmenmxpark.com

District 17 Motocross Series: Aug. 13. Walnut, Ill. Sunset Ridge MX. (815) 379-9534. sunsetridgemx. com

Maine Event: Aug. 26-27. Lyman, Maine. MX 207. (781) 831-2207. mx207.com

Baja Brawl: Sept. 1-4. Millington, Mich. Baja Acres. (989) 871-3356. bajaacres.com

Yamaha All-Star Pro-Am/Cobra Cup/MDRA Series: Sept. 9-10. Shippensburg, Pa. Doublin Gap MX Park. (717) 249-6036. doublingap.com

Field of Dreams Pro-Am: Sept. 17. Millville, N.J. Field of Dreams MX. njmpfod.com

ChilliTown Classic: Sept. 17. Chillicothe, Ohio. ChilliTown MX. (513) 266-2866. chillitownmx.com

Travis Pastrana Pro-Am Challenge: Sept. 23-24. Seward, Pa. Pleasure Valley Raceway. (814) 3176686. pvrmx.com

AMA Georgia State Championship/Mega/BIG/ SAS Series *DOUBLE POINTS: Sept. 24. Dalton, Ga. Lazy River MX. (706) 278-2868. lazyrivermx.com

47th Annual Race of Champions sponsored by Kawasaki: Sept. 29-Oct. 1. Englishtown, N.J. Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. (732) 446-7800. racewaypark.com

Megacross Shootout Series: Sept. 30. Mendota, Ill. Megacross. (815) 539-9021. megacross.com

The Motoplayground Race at Ponca City: Oct.

5-8. Ponca City, Okla. Ponca City MX. (816) 5824113. poncamx.com

Top Gun Showdown/Mega Series: Oct. 15. Blountville, Tenn. Muddy Creek Raceway. (423) 323-5497. victory-sports.com

Tony Miller Memorial Race: Oct. 21-22. Wortham, Texas. Freestone County Raceway LLC. (713) 9623386. freestonemx.com

AMA Texas State Championship: Oct. 28-29. Conroe, Texas. 3 Palms Action Sports Park. (936) 321-8725. threepalmsesp.com

Halloween Bash: Oct. 29. Axton, Va. Lake Sugar Tree Motorsports Park. (276) 650-1158. lakesugartree.com

AMA South Carolina State Championship/Mega Series: Nov. 12. Hamer, S.C. South of the Border MX. (423) 323-5497. victory-sports.com

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

AMA Maine State Championship: June 18. Lyman, Maine. MX 207. (781) 831-2207. mx207. com

AMA Tennessee State Championship: July 16. Blountville, Tenn. Muddy Creek Raceway. (423)

323-5497. victory-sports.com

AMA Virginia State Championship: Aug. 13. Axton, Va. Lake Sugar Tree Motorsports Park. (276) 650-1158. lakesugartree.com

AMA New York State Championship: Aug. 19-20. Greig, N.Y. High Voltage Hills MX. (315) 725-0368. highvoltagehillsmx.com

AMA New Jersey State Championship: Aug. 20. Englishtown, N.J. Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. (732) 446-7800. racewaypark.com

AMA New York ATV State Championship: Aug. 26-27. Greig, N.Y. High Voltage Hills MX. (315) 7250368. highvoltagehillsmx.com

AMA Georgia State Championship: Sept. 24. Dalton, Ga. Lazy River MX. (706) 278-2868. lazyrivermx.com

AMA Kentucky State Championship: Sept. 24. Leitchfield, Ky. South Fork Motoplex. (270) 2302005. southforkmotoplex.com

AMA Maryland State Championship: Oct. 8. Mechanicsville, Md. Budds Creek MX. (443) 223-9171. buddscreek.com

AMA West Virginia State Championship: Oct. 22. Hedgesville, W. Va. Tomahawk MX. (304) 582-8185. tomahawkmx.com

AMA Texas State Championship: Oct. 28-29. Conroe, Texas. 3 Palms Action Sports Park. (936) 321-8725. threepalmsesp.com

AMA South Carolina State Championship: Nov.

12. Hamer, S.C. South of the Border MX. (423) 3235497. victory-sports.com

TRACK RACING

2023 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship motoamerica.com

Round 3: June 2-4. Elkhart Lake, Wis. Road America

Round 4: June 23-25. Shelton, Wash. Ridge Motorsports Park

Round 5: July 7-9. Monterey, Calif. Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca

Round 6: July 28-30. Brainerd, Minn. Brainerd

International Raceway

Round 7: Aug. 18-20. Wampum, Pa. Pittsburgh

International Race Complex

Round 8: Sept. 8-10. Austin, Texas. Circuit of the Americas

Round 9: Sept. 22-24. Millville, N.J. New Jersey Motorsports Park

2023 Progressive American Flat Track americanflattrack.com

Round 9: June 17. Du Quoin, Ill. Du Quoin State Fairgrounds. Mile

Round 10: June 24. Lima, Ohio. Allen County Fairgrounds. Half-Mile

Round 11: July 1, West Virginia Motor Speedway, Mineral Wells, Va. Half-Mile

Round 12: July 8. Middletown, N.Y. Orange County Fair Speedway. Half-Mile

Round 13: July 22. Bridgeport, N.J. Bridgeport Speedway. Half-Mile

Round 14: July 30. Peoria, Ill. Peoria Motorcycle Club. TT

Round 15: Aug. 6. Sturgis, S.D. Buffalo Chip. TT

Round 16: Aug. 12. Castle Rock, Wash. Castle Rock Race Park. TT

Round 17: Sept. 2. Springfield, Ill. Illinois State Fairgrounds. Mile I

Round 18: Sept. 3. Springfield, Ill. Illinois State

Fairgrounds. Mile II

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 Mission Foods AMA Flat Track

Grand Championship

americanmotorcyclist.com/flat-track-racing

June 14-20. Du Quoin, Ill. Du Quoin State Fairgrounds

AMA Vintage Road Race Grand Championship amavintagemotorcycledays.com

July 22-23. Lexington, Ohio. Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

AMA Hillclimb Grand Championship facebook.com/MonsonMonster/

Aug. 4-6. Monson, Ma. Monson Monster

AMA Supermoto National Championship Series amasupermotonational.com

Round 2: June 3. Dacono, Colo. Colorado

National Speedway

Round 3: June 4. Dacono, Colo. IMI Motorsports Complex

Round 4: Aug. 8. Sturgis, S.D. Jackpine Gypsies

Round 5: Sept. 24. Plymouth, Wis. Briggs & Stratton Motorplex at Road America.

Rounds 6 & 7: Nov. 4-5. Tucson, Ariz. Musselman Honda Circuit

AMA Super Hooligan National Championship Series superhooligan.com

Rounds 3-4: June 23-25. Shelton, Wash. Ridge Motorsports Park

Rounds 5-6: July 7-9. Salinas, Calif. WeatherTech Raceway. Laguna Seca

Rounds 7-8: Sept. 8-10. Austin, Texas. Circuit of the Americas

AMA Vintage Flat Track National Championship Series, americanmotorcyclist.com/flattrack-racing/

Round 8: June 10. Bloomsburg, Pa. Bloomsburg Fairgrounds (Short Track). (717) 503-8030. baermotorsports.com

Round 9: June 16. Harpursville, N.Y. SDR Raceway (Short Track). (607) 725-3069. squaredealriders.com

Round 10: June 17. Harpursville, N.Y. SDR Raceway (Short Track). (607) 725-3069. squaredealriders.com

Round 11: July 22. Ashland, Ohio. Ashland County Fairgrounds (Half-Mile). (614) 856-1900. americanmotorcyclist.com/flat-track-racing/

Round 12: Aug. 12. Salem, Ohio. Western Reserve Motorcycle Club (Short Track). (330) 7605960. westernreservemc.com

Round 13: Aug. 31. Springfield, Ill. Illinois State Fairgrounds (Short Track). 270-442-7532. stevenaceracing.com

Round 14: Sept. 23. Cuddebackville, N.Y. Oakland Valley Race Park (Short Track). (845) 219-1193. tristateclub.net

Round 15: Sept. 24. Cuddebackville, N.Y. Oakland Valley Race Park (Short Track). (845) 219-1193. tristateclub.net

Round 16: Fall ’23 TBD. Greenville, Ohio. Darke County Fairgrounds (Half-Mile). (850) 637-5838. darkecountyfair.com

Round 17: Fall ’23 TBD. Greenville, Ohio. Darke County Fairgrounds (Half-Mile). (850) 637-5838. darkecountyfair.com

COMING EVENTS

Be sure to check the event website or call the organizer for the latest information, including postponements or cancellations.

FEATURED EVENTS OR SERIES

AMA AHDRA Featured Series, raceahdra.com

Round 3: June 9-11. Thompson, Ohio. Kuhnle

Motorsports Park

Round 4: July 28-30. Milan, Mich. Milan

Dragway

Round 5: Aug. 6-8. Sturgis, S.D. Sturgis

Dragway

Round 6: Sept. 8-10. Rising Sun, Md. Cecil

County Dragway

Round 7: Oct. 27-29. Rockingham, N.C. Rockingham Dragway

OFF-ROAD

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Grand National Cross Country Championship, gnccracing.com

Round 8: Mason-Dixon – June 3-4. Mount Morris, Pa. Mathews Farm.

Round 9: Snowshoe – June 23-25. Snowshoe, W. Va. Snowshoe Mountain Resort.

Round 10: The Mountaineer – Sept. 15-17. Beckley, W. Va. Summit Bechtel Reserve.

Round 11: Buckwheat 100 – Oct. 6-8. Newburg, W. Va. CJ Raceway.

Round 12: Ironman – Oct. 20-22. Crawfordsville, Ind. Ironman Raceway.

AMA National Grand Prix Championship Series, ngpcseries.com

Round 8: Aug. 18-20. Preston, Idaho.

Round 9: Sept. 30-Oct. 1. Ridgecrest, Calif.

Round 10: Nov. 10-12. Lake Havasu, Ariz.

AMA National Hare and Hound Championship Series, nationalhareandhound.com

Round 5: Sept. 9. Panaca, Nev.

Round 6: Oct. 21-22. Lucerne Valley, Calif.

AMA National Enduro Championship Series, nationalenduro.com

Round 5: Cherokee National – June 11. Greensboro, Ga. (770) 540-2891. cherokeeenduroriders. com

Round 6: Rattlesnake National – July 23. Cross Fork, Pa. (610) 883-7607, ber.us

Round 7: Little Raccoon National – Sept. 10. Wellston, Ohio. (740) 357-0350. adrohio.org

Round 8: Muddobbers National – Oct. 1. Matthews, Ind. (765) 998-2236. muddobbersmc.org

Round 9: Gobbler Better National – Oct. 29. Stanton, Ala. (334) 267-2463. perrymountainmotorcycleclub.com

AMA/NATC National MotoTrials Championship, www.mototrials.com

Rounds 5-6: June 3-4, Tillamook, Ore.

Rounds 7-8: July 29-30, Exeter, R.I.

AMA Vintage Hare Scrambles Grand Championship amavintagemotorcycledays.com

July 21. Lexington, Ohio. Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

AMA Vintage Trials Grand Championship amavintagemotorcycledays.com

July 23. Lexington, Ohio. Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

AMA/NATC West MotoTrials Championship Series. mototrials.com

Round 3-4: June 3-4. Tillamook, Ore.

AMA/NextGen West Youth/Women’s MotoTrials Championship, centralarizonatrials.org

June 16–18. Kingman, Ariz. Hualapai Mountain Park Campground.

AMA US Sprint Enduro Championship, ussprintenduro.com

Round 8: June 17-18. Bristol, Va. Harleywood.

AMA West Extreme Off-Road Championship, ushardenduro.com

Round 5: June 17-18. Norden, Calif.

Round 6: June 22-24. Kellogg, Idaho.

AMA/NextGen East Youth/Women’s MotoTrials Championship, trialstrainingcenter.com

June 30–July 2. Sequatchie, Tenn. Trials Training Center.

AMA/NATC East MotoTrials Championship Series. mototrials.com

Round 3-4: July 29-30. Exeter, R.I.

AMA West Hare Scrambles Championship, westharescramble.com

Round 4: June 3-4. Heppner, Ore.

Round 5: June 17-18. Bellingham, Wash.

Round 6: TBD

Round 7: Oct. 7-8 Washougal, Wash.

Round 8: Nov. 18-19. Wilseyville, Calif. FEATURED

EVENTS OR SERIES

AMA Florida Enduro Championship Series floridatrailriders.org

June 11. Greensboro, Ga. Cherokee Enduro Riders, (678) 572-7260, hill6164@bellsouth.net.

NATIONAL RECREATIONAL

lonesomemc.com

Sept. 23-24. Big Woods 200. Wabeno, Wis. Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders. (920) 350-2030 widualsportriders.org

Sept. 29-30. Shasta ADV Rally. Redding, Calif. Redding Dirt Riders. (530) 227-1581 reddingdirtriders.com

Oct. 14-15. Fire Works and Fire Hoses. Langsville, Ohio. Enduro Riders of Ohio. (740) 506-1288. enduroriders.com

Oct. 28-29. Cross-Florida Adventure. Daytona Beach, Fla. Dixie Dual Sport. (727) 919-8299 dixiedualsport.com

Nov. 24-25. LA – Barstow to Vegas. Palmdale, Calif. AMA District 37 Dual Sport. (626) 684-2336 labarstowvegas.com

2023 AMA National Adventure Riding Series americanmotorcyclist.com/national-adventureriding

June 3-4. Durty Dabbers Great Adventure. Lock Haven, Pa. Durty Dabbers Motorcycle Club. (570) 748-9456 durtydabbers.com

June 10-11. Ride for Research. Wabeno, Wis. Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders. (920) 350-2030 widualsportriders.org

June 24-25. Big Bear Run. Big Bear Lake, Calif. Big Bear Trail Riders. (818) 391-3031. bigbeartrailriders. com

Sept. 9-10. Blue Ridge. Pineola, N.C. Appalachian Trail Riders. (704) 309-3271 carolinadualsporters. com/2023-pineola-blue-ridge-adventure-ride

Sept. 16-17. Buffaloe 500. Columbus, Ind. Stoney Lonesome Motorcycle Club. (812) 342-4411 stoney-

2023 Beta AMA National Dual Sport Series americanmotorcyclist.com/nationaladventure-riding

June 3-4. Durty Dabbers Great Adventure. Lock Haven, Pa. Durty Dabbers. (570) 748-9456 durtydabbers.com

June 10-11. Ride for Research. Wabeno, Wis. Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders. (920) 350-2030 widualsportriders.org

June 24-25. Baby Burr. New Plymouth, Ohio. Enduro Riders of Ohio. (740) 972-4214. enduroriders.com

June 24-25. Big Bear Run. Big Bear Lake, Calif. Big Bear Trail Riders. (818) 391-3031. bigbeartrailriders. com

July 15-16. Copperhead. Logan, Ohio. Hocking Valley Motorcycle Club. (614) 425-1943 hockingvalleymc.com

Sept. 9-10. LBL 200. Golden Pond, Ky. Thomas Brothers Promotions (KT Riders). (270) 350-6324. lbl200.com

Sept. 16-17. Buffaloe 500. Columbus, Ind. Stoney Lonesome Motorcycle Club. (812) 342-4411 stoneylonesomemc.com

Sept. 23-24. Mountain Madness. Flagstaff, Ariz. Coconino Trail Riders. (928) 225-5365 coconinotrailriders.org

Sept. 23-24. Big Woods 200. Wabeno, Wis. Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders. (920) 350-2030 widualsportriders.org

Sept. 29-30. Shasta ADV Rally. Redding, Calif. Redding Dirt Riders. (530) 227-1581 reddingdirtriders.com

Oct. 7-8. Shenandoah 500. Mount Solon, Va. Washington Area Trail Riders. 619-243-9630 www.watr.us

Nov. 4-5. Howlin’ at the Moon. Prescott Valley, Ariz. Arizona Trail Riders. (602) 692-9382 arizonatrailriders.org

Nov. 4-5. Hammer Run. Port Elizabeth, N.J. TriCounty Sportsmen M.C. Inc. teamhammer.org

Nov. 24-25. LA – Barstow to Vegas. Palmdale, Calif. AMA District 37 Dual Sport. (626) 684-2336 labarstowvegas.com

AMA Trademarks

The following represents active, registered trademarks,trademarks and service marks of American Motorcyclist Association, Inc. (AMA). Usage of any AMA trademark or registered trademark without our permission is prohibited. Please contact jholter@ama-cycle.org for more information or assistance, (800) AMA-JOIN® • AMA Dragbike® •AMA Endurocross® • AMA Motorhead® • AMA Pro Grand National Championship® • AMA Pro Racing® • AMA Race Center™ • AMA Racer® • AMA Racing® • AMA Racing Land Speed Grand Championships® • AMA Supermoto® • AMA Supercross® AMA SX Lites® •

AMA U.S. ISDE Team™ • AMA U.S. Jr. Motocross Team™ • AMA U.S. Motocross Team™ Amateur National Motocross Championships® • American Motorcyclist Association®

Arenacross® • ATV Hare Scrambles National Championship Series® • ATV Motocross National Championship Series® •

Flat Track Grand Championships™ • Grand National Enduro Championship® • Gypsy Tour® Hare & Hound National Championship Series® • Hare Scrambles Championship Series® • Hare Scrambles National Championship Series®

• Kids Just Want To Ride® • Motorcycle Hall of Fame® •

Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum® • Motorcyclist of the Year®

• Motostars® • National Adventure Riding Series® • National Dual-Sport Series® National Enduro Championship Series® •

Protect Your Right to Ride® • Protecting Your Right to Ride® • Ride Straight® • Rights. Riding. Racing.® • Road Race Grand Championships® • Vintage Grand Championships® • Vintage Motorcycle Days® • Vote Like A Motorcyclist®

Garage

Tips,Tweaks, Fixes and Facts: The two-wheeled ownership experience, explained

Adventure, Amplified

Today’s ADV bikes are ultra-capable, but in specific areas the aftermarket is ready to help

BY JOHN BURNS

Our friend and fellow American Motorcyclist contributor Jim Hatch had his eye on an adventure bike for quite a while, having come to the conclusion his trusty KTM 500 EXC-F wasn’t quite right for the kind of multi-day long-distance excursions he’s up to lately.

“The Tenere looked like the right bike for me,” he told us. “Good looking, reliable and simple. I don’t even like fussing with the ABS turn-off button, so not having all the

endless electronics was okay by me. Coming from a dirt bike background, do I need all that?”

Basic is as basic does. Yamaha’s 689cc CP2 twin is fantastic, but keeping the suggested retail to around $10,500 forced Yamaha to skimp in a few areas…which means some targeted upgrades are in order for those planning real adventures. Hatch may have gotten a bit carried away, but if nothing else it’s an interesting peek into the beautiful work the aftermarket is capable of when

a popular new motorcycle appears.

Hatch gives credit to Upshift magazine and ex-trials ace Pol Tarres (who has built some radical Teneres) for much of the inspiration for his build. Happy adventuring, then…

A. OUTBACK MOTORTEK

Outback’s Crash Bars ($465) mount at four points per side, and so can be made of light, 22mm steel tubing. OM’s 4mm-thick laser-cut Skid Plate ($275) protects vital components, including the sidestand sensor and suspension linkage. outbackmotortek.us

B. CAMEL ADV

Big Bite Footpegs ($99) are 6061

T6 billet aluminum with stainless steel cleats for max traction, and large gaps to clear mud and debris. The Tail Tidy ($119) replaces the big, plastic rear end with a simple, stainless license bracket. An LED Relay ($15) and Turn Signals ($25 per pair) remove yet more parts-bin bulk. “The Fix” rear brake pedal ($149) solves the stock unit’s mushiness by changing to a linkage ratio that cuts pedal travel in half. Anti-Bobble-Head Brackets ($69) keep the limp dash and headlight mount from self-destructing. BRP “Pro-Line” Chain Guide ($134) is low-friction and offers abrasion and impact resistance – and is self-lubricating. Finally, Camel’s powder-coated aluminum Fork Guard Protectors ($39 per pair) help protect the bike’s at-risk plastic fork guards. camel-adv.com

The Rally Seat ($219.99) replaces the stock two-piece item with a one-piece flat seat for easier maneuverability. The Radiator Guard ($158.99) is a matte-black alloy job of metal mesh designed to keep rocks and such from draining precious fluids. yamahamotorsports.com

D. DOUBLE TAKE

Mirrors are the first to go when the going gets non-vertical. Double

Take’s Adventure Mirrors ($145 per pair) use a ball-joint design that bends but doesn’t break, and modular design means when you do break one, you don’t have to buy the whole thing. doubletakemirror.com

E. CYCRA

Venturing off road without handguards is a recipe for broken levers and hearts. These billet alloy Pro Bend hand guards and mounts ($158.39) are almost overkill, and the color-matched shields are expendable and replaceable. Motosport.com

F. TOURATECH

The Quick Release Headlight Guard ($179.95) protects your expensive glass headlight, and its quick-release design pops right off for cleaning. Touratech’s Sport Chain Guard ($79.95), in black anodized aluminum, replaces the plastic Yamaha item. touratech-usa.com

G. AKRAPOVIC

Nobody needs a $959 exhaust, but everybody wants one. Akrapovic says its Ti/Carbon exhaust is 3.5 pounds lighter than stock while adding a bit more power and torque. Hatch swears throttle response is snappier, and it sounds great, too. akrapovic. com & motosport.com

H. ACERBIS

X-Grip Frame Protectors ($54.95) protect the bike’s frame right where your heels do their dirty work, and their rubbery texture is even claimed to increase control of the bike. acerbisusa.com.

There’s also Acerbis Silencer Protector ($31.46), which protects that $959 exhaust. Revzilla.com

I. DONNER TECH

Donner Tech’s rear luggage rack and grab handles are true works of billet artistry ($568 and $292, respec-

tively), according to Hatch, these are carved in Germany and provide a place for your Tenere to securely carry stuff in style, including a passenger, who’ll now have a place to hold on. freerideadv.com

J. MOTOZ TIRES

Lots of ADV riders are saying good things about the Australian-sourced Tractionator Rallz rear tire ($252.99) and Tractionator Dual Venture front ($125.99). The front is a 70/30 offroad/street tire, while the Rallz is said to be Motoz’ most aggressive off-road adv tire, but with reasonable street manners too. Jim likes ’em because they’re DOT-legal but feel like real offroad rubber. pacificpowersports.com

K. TUSK LUGGAGE

This Excursion Rackless Luggage System with Medium Duffle ($234.99) system is more for dirt and dual-sport bikes (Tusk also offers a larger “Highland System”), but the Excursion works great on ADV bikes, too, depending on how adventurous you’re getting. Rugged nylon construction and easy, secure mounting make it easy to get to what you need. rockymountainatvmc.com

L. RAM CAMERA ADAPTER

You know what the kids say: If there’s no video, it didn’t happen. You can mount your camera in the Tough-Claw Double Ball Mount ($57.99, attached to the handlebar) or in the ball joints for your Double Take mirrors. rammount.com/pages/ gopro

M. ARAI HELMET

Now that Hatch is well on his way to achieving his vision for the perfect ADV bike and bankrupting his household, why would he deny himself a premium helmet like the XD-4 Vision ($769.95) to complete the deal? He wouldn’t! Revzilla.com

C. YAMAHA

NO-QUIT NEIL

Continued from page 37

he blew the rear hub of his KTM. So you’ll have to find somewhere else to go ’cuz you aren’t gonna make it.” So we got up in the morning and got all suited up and the guy asks where we’re headed, and I told him Hole In The Rock, and he says, “Man, I’m telling you, you won’t make it.” And I said, well, we’ll give it a shot.

And what were you riding?

A 650 Ducati-engined Cagiva Elefant. And so we got to the road and sure enough it was nothing but sand. And I love sand. So we’re flying down the sand wash, probably going 50 or 60, just ripping along, having a good time, and up ahead we see several bikes in low gear taking up the whole sand wash trying to get enough momentum to where they could get going on top of the sand. And we just kept the pace we were going and timed

it just right and went right between all of ’em, just sailed right through. We went for about 20 miles like this, then the road made a turn uphill onto hard dirt. We stopped at another monument, and Jane was taking pictures, and pretty soon, two of the guys from the sand wash came by and wanted to know what the hell kind of motorcycle that was that went by them. So they’re looking at the Elefant and my wife comes out from behind the tree with her camera and they looked at her with her gray hair and then looked at me and said, “How old are you people?” I was 78 and she was like 73. Those kids just shook their heads and walked away. When we got to Hole-in-the-Rock there was a logbook inside this desk. While Jane was taking pictures I wrote in the book. It asked what method of

“I feel great at this point. I have no future. This is my future. So if I get up in the morning, I jump on a motorcycle and go ride.”

NEIL FERGUS

transportation was used to get there. Most had come down the Colorado River by boat, but for ours I just listed “Elefant.”

You are a member of the Trailblazers Hall of Fame, yes?

Yes. I had been going to the banquets for some time and was quite honored when in 2015 they inducted me. This year’s banquet is coming up [it happened April 1. – Ed.] and I am going down. I have a lot of friends I see there every year.

Two more questions. What wisdom would you pass along to younger riders?

Don’t quit.

And finally…You’re 93. How much longer will you ride?

Until I can’t. I feel great at this point. I have no future. This is my future. So if I get up in the morning, I jump on a motorcycle and go ride. AMA

The Magic Mile

Du Quoin State Fairgrounds’ legendary mile track

Just as flat track racing — “America’s original extreme sport” — traces its history deep into the dark, cobwebby recesses of the way-back machine (with roots from the 1920s), so too does the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, which will once again be home to the Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship this year, June 14-20.

Although the Fairgrounds’ biggest claim to fame — the world-famous Magic Mile

(pictured here back in 1958) — wasn’t constructed until 1946, the art deco-flavored facility has hosted plenty of memorable Grand National events since the first national championship race took place on the famed track back in 1948.

Many a legend has raced on Magic Mile dirt, including this year’s Grand Marshal Scottie Deubler (see page 52). Multi-time Grand National Champions and AMA Motorcycle Hall

of Famers — Scott Parker, Chris Carr, Ricky Graham and Bubba Shobert have all claimed victories on Du Quoin’s Mile track. In fact, Shobert raced to four consecutive wins on the Magic Mile, in 1985, ’86, ’87 and ’88.

While these photos remind us of the rich history of flat track and the legends who’ve strapped on steel shoes in days gone by, the Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship

(see page 58 for the scoop) is all about creating the stars of the future. For many amateur racers, the Magic Mile will present their very first venture on a Mile track.

American Flat Track will also bring the flat track pros to add to the excitement of the week-long event, with the AFT Du Quoin Mile taking place on Saturday, June 17. If you like bare-bones motorcycling, Du Quoin will be the place to come mid-June.

—Joy Burgess

A truly epic opportunity to win a bike ridden and signed by AMA Hall of Famer and 1993 World Champion Kevin Schwantz? You bet! Raffle tickets give you chances to win a new Suzuki GSX-R1000 painted in Schwantz’s late ’80s Pepsi Racing livery, and also benefit the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame and Museum — where legends live! A winner will be drawn next July at 2023 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. DON’T MISS THIS!