American Motorcyclist September 2022

Ténéré 700. Find new horizons. Professional rider depicted on a closed course. Dress properly for your ride with a helmet, eye protection, long sleeves, long pants, gloves and boots. European spec model shown. Yamaha and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation encourage you to ride safely and respect the environment. For further information regarding the MSF course, please call 1-800-446-9227. Do not drink and ride. It is illegal and dangerous. ©2021 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. www.YamahaMotorsports.com

6 PERSPECTIVES Editorial Director Mitch Boehm on tipping points 10 BACKFIRES Membership feedback on the July issue 12 BACK IN THE DAY Where the photos are blurry but the memories are clear! 14 TESLA AUTOPILOT INVESTIGATED Data of Tesla Autopilot and other driver-assist sys tems linked to hundreds of crashes 22 MALCOLM’S MOMENTS Malcolm Smith talks about compound fractures and body casts 26 COVER STORY: SKIN IN THE GAME Flat track racers Jared and Nichole Mees take a gamble on race promotion 40 ONE DAY OF MAGIC Marty Moates’ dramatic win at the 1980 USGP 56 EVENT CALENDAR AMA-sanctioned rides, races and events 62 AMA GARAGE Tips, tweaks, fixes and facts: The motorcycle ownership experience, explained 66 LAST PAGE 1970 ATC90: Honda’s three-wheeled wonder AmericanMotorcyclist.com Published by the American Motorcyclist Association ON THE COVER: Racing, even at the highest level, is a different animal than promoting races, but pro flat track racers — and husband and wife — Jared and Nichole Mees are making a serious go of it. Their annual Lima Half-Mile is already a success, and now they’re taking on the biggest of them all — the Springfield Mile. Photo by Gary Yasaki. 40 22 26 SEPTEMBER 2022 VOLUME 76, NUMBER 9

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 5 EDITORIAL AND COMMUNICATIONS Mitch Boehm Editorial Director Todd Westover Creative Director Joy Burgess Managing Editor Kali Kotoski Editor-at-Large Keaton Maisano Associate Editor Eliza Mertz Digital Content Manager Chad Fulton Graphic Designer Alice Sexton Graphic Designer 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. (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) (614) AmericanMotorcyclist.com856-1900@AmericanMotorcyclist@ama_riding 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 Erek Kudla Off-Road Racing Manager Ken Saillant Track Racing Manager Alexandria Reasoner Program Manager Connie Fleming Supercross/FIM Coordinator Olivia Davis Sanctioned Activity Coordinator Holly Bennett Sanctioned Activity Coordinator MUSEUM Paula Schremser Program Specialist Ricky Shultz Museum Clerk Kobe Stone Museum Clerk GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Michael Sayre Director of Government Relations Nick Haris Western States Representative Tiffany Cipoletti Government Relations Manager, On-Highway Peter Stockus Government Relations Manager, Off-Highway Erin Reda Grassroots Coordinator MARKETING AND MEMBER SERVICES Amanda Donchess Director of Membership Marketing and Services Lauren Kropf Marketing and Advertising Coordinator 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 Carol Vaughan Member Fulfillment Representative Sarah Lockhart Member Services Representative Taylor Fluck Member Services Representative Robin Walker Member Services Representative John Bricker Mailroom Manager INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT Shaun Holloway Director of Information Technology Joey Brown Application Developer Ed Madden System Support Specialist Rob Baughman Operations Specialist 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. Byron Snider Assistant Treasurer Newbury Park, Calif. Jerry Abboud Executive Committee Member Thornton, Colo. Brad Baumert Louisville, Ky. American Motorcyclist magazine (ISSN 0277-9358) is published monthly (12 issues) by the American Motorcyclist Association, 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147. Copyright by the American Motorcyclist Association/American Motorcyclist 2021. Printed in USA. Subscription rate: Magazine subscription fee of $19.95 covered in membership dues. Postmaster: Mail form 3579 to 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147. Periodical postage paid at Pickerington, Ohio, and at additional mailing offices. Hub Brennan E. Greenwich, R.I. Christopher Cox Florence, S.C. Mark Hosbach Franklin, Tenn. Robert Pearce Amherst, Ohio Tom Umphress Jordan, Minn. Faisel Zaman Dallas, Texas

World Champion and AMA Hall of Famer Kevin Schwantz was our guest as Grand Marshal during the weekend, and as he and I golf-carted over to the motocross area one morning for Opening Ceremonies, I spied a guy riding an old Bultaco wearing a Jim Pomeroy jersey. Having already finished this issue’s One Day Of Magic piece on Marty Moates’ dramatic 1980 Carlsbad USGP win, I immediately flashed back on Pomeroy’s epic victory in the 1973 Spanish GP, America’s first-ever overall motocross GP win. That led, of course, to thoughts of I The Europeans had dominated motocross during the 1960s and ’70s, but the Americans were coming — and fast. And nothing said that better than Moates’ shocking win at the 1980 USGP at Carlsbad.

TIPPING POINTS

bad was always a big deal to us kids,” he told me recently, “and when Moates won, well, that was huge.”

6 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER BY2022MITCH BOEHM

Mitch Boehm is the editorial director of the AMA

PERSPECTIVES

Some fun facts about the documen tary’s production: One, when Huffman asked ABC/Disney about using the excellent Wide World of Sports telecast footage, they had no clue what he was talking about or where it was, finally finding the master tapes buried some where after a long search. Huffman paid $20,000 for the rights to the footage, and it shows, the video from hand-helds and helicopters — along with Jim Lamp ley’s excellent play-by-play — giving the film an amazingly visceral ‘you are there’Anotherfeel. was the crazy interview schedule in Europe for guys like Wolsink and world champs such as the late Joel Robert and Andre Malher be, racers Huffman interviewed at the same time for his The Motocross Files mini documentaries. “One day we did Joel in the morning,” Huffman told me, “stopped at Andre’s for an interview and lunch, and then finished up with Gerrit at his house. What a day!” Indeed. World Champions Brad Lackey (500cc, 1982) and Danny LaPorte (250cc, 1982) put exclamation points on the Pomeroy/Staten/Moates trend, and our MX des Nations boys in 1981 (LaPorte, Johnny O’Mara, Chuck Sun and Donnie Hansen) and ’82 (David Bailey, O’Mara, Jim Gibson and Dan ny “Magoo” Chandler, with Chandler winning all four des Nations motos that year) stamped those tipping points bright red. But Moates’ win was a bedrock piece of America’s rise. Enjoy! other Americans’ standout perfor mances during the 1970s…“Rocket Rex” Staten leading a moto at Carls bad in 1975, and Pomeroy finally winning one there in 1977 when he bested the likes of five-time World Champion Roger DeCoster and fivetime USGP winner Gerrit Wolsink in moto number one. The Europeans had dominated motocross during the 1960s and ’70s, but the Americans were coming — and fast. And nothing said that better than Moates’ shocking win at the 1980 USGP at Carlsbad, the subject of our Marty Moates USGP feature story on page 40. Whether you’re an off-road or motocross fan, a street bike or road racing junkie or anyone in between, I encourage everyone to read it, as it chronicles one of the tru ly epic stories in motorcycling history. I’d also encourage you to watch The Motocross Files producer Todd Huffman’s amazing documentary on the 1980 USGP (Carlsbad 1980: One Day Of Magic, available on Amazon), which brings Moates’ accomplish ment to life with actual ABC Wide World of Sports footage and sound, and handfuls of superb interviews with the players of the day, including DeCoster, Lackey, LaPorte, Wolsink, Bob Hannah, the late promoter Gavin Trippe, and many more. Huffman grew up a BMX kid in San Diego but soon got sucked into the motocross scene, and once in the documentary business wanted to do something big on the USGP. “Carls t’s late July as I type this, and that means the AMA’s annual Vintage Motorcycle Days event just happened at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. And of course I was there with many of you, as VMD isn’t only the biggest one-week end event in all of motorcycling, with racing and riding and HOF stuff and the country’s biggest swap meet, it’s also the most fun, with some 40,000 classic bike-crazy motorcyclists celebrating their love of our sport — and its history — literally like there’s no tomorrow for three days (and nights). You can expect tons of coverage in the next edition of American Motorcy clist, but let’s just say right here and now that VMD 2022 might just have been the biggest and best ever, the lat est variant of COVID-19 notwithstand ing. I have attended more than a dozen VMDs and have never seen the place bursting at the seams as Mid-Ohio was this past weekend.

terms.policytosubjectCoverageliates.affi&Co.Ins.CasualtyProgressive Protect your escape with Progressive. Progressive knows that the best part of any event is leaving on your bike. That’s why we offer comprehensive and collision coverage for your bike and more. See if you could save by switching to America’s #1 motorcycle insurer. PTA MEET AND GREET

8 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 Members who join or renew their AMA membership from Jan. 1, 2022, through Dec. 31, 2022 are automatically entered to win one of these awesome motorcycling prizes! Please do not stretch the designs- scale only. Do not reverse colors please. Please use white text on darker backgrounds and black text on lighter backgrounds. Use white design only design is restricted to colors.MONTHLY DRAWINGS QUARTERLY DRAWINGS • Liberty Sport Eyewear • Nelson Rigg Choice: Cover, Luggage • Mimi & Moto Children’s Books • Motion Pro: Pro Fill Airchuck • Warm & Safe 12V USB Adapter • Bohn Armor Skull Cap • AMA T-Shirt • Bohn Armor Pant & Shirt Set • Motool Slacker & Street Kit 2022 MEMBER No purchase necessary. For complete rules, terms and conditions visit americanmotorcyclist.com/Member-Sweepstakes-Rules

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 9 Don’t let your membership lapse! AmericanMotorcyclist.com(800)AMA-JOIN ANNUAL DRAWINGS • 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 • 2022 Indian Scout Bobber 60 • Butler Maps Master Collection • Cardo Systems PACKTALK Bold • Aerostich R3 1 Piece Suit • SHOEI Helmet of Choice SWEEPSTAKES

Dan Hall ANGELLE AND DRAG When I joined the AMA many years ago, my goal was to support an organization that fought for my rights as a biker, and that’s still my sole motivation for membership. I’m a Harley guy; the metric bikes and off-road racing stuff are of little interest to me. One thing that’s always been a pet peeve of mine is how the AMA seems to ignore drag racing. It’s like the staff is unaware it exists. So imagine my surprise and joy when seeing Angelle Sampey on the July cover! Bravo! I became an instant lifelong fan of hers when I was at Reading, Penn., in ’96 when she won her first national event. Prior to that I had little interest in Pro Stock Bike; it was all Suzukis, not a Harley in sight. Angelle made me take an interest, and I followed her career until she retired the first time. By then, Harleys were well represented, so I continued following the class despite my favorite rider being on the sidelines. I’m glad she’s returned to the sport. She may be the biggest reason there are so many women in the class now, which is a win for everybody. I only wish she was still riding a Harley, but that’s just me! Thank you for a great article. Perhaps we’ll see more coverage of motorcycle drag racing in the future. Mike Charlton,PetersMass.

A FAMILY AFFAIR m just halfway through the July issue, and it strikes me that the mainstream media never covers stories like the one about the Tsakanikas family. These are the real stories of how motorcycling is a family-’n’-friends thing, and how families can come together and learn about practice, patience, developing skills and learning from each other. All we get in the regular media are gangs on ATVs and dirt bikes terrorizing city streets, or the evening news documenting the grisly death of a motorcyclist on a local highway. Those unfortunate stories do happen, but there are many more stories of families and friends having fun safely, organized rides raising money for charities, and touring riders acting responsibly while spending money in the local economy. So cheers to writer Keaton Maisano and the AMA for the story, and cheers to the Tsakanikas family, and all the other motorcyclists enjoying our sport together.

Ron Santos W. Warwick, R.I I’

10 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 BACKFIRES

THE MONTH

LETTER OF

HEY, MA! I WON! I’m 60 now, but back in 1973 or ’74 I entered a drawing at the Broadway department store while shopping for school clothes with my mom…and I won! The grand prize was a 1973 Husqvarna SC125 and four tickets to the Carlsbad GP that year, and my dad drove me and three of my friends down to Carlsbad to watch the races. Attached is a picture of the note I had written to my mom on a note pad telling her to call my sister and where I was and that I had won the drawing. The note makes me smile to this day. I had a 1973 XR75 and was beyond stoked to have a brand-new Husky 125. I hadn’t ridden many two strokes at that point; I think when I was 11 or 12 I had ridden a friend’s Hodaka a couple of times. Anyway, I rode that Husky for three or four years, and it was really sweet! It was an SC model, with three close and three wide, and it worked great on long tracks. I wanted to share my story of good fortune with all the fans of the Carlsbad USGP. I went to a few races there when I got my driver’s license, and what a great time of my life that period was! Thanks so much for listening and for letting me share my memory.

Glad you enjoyed it, Mike. And I would say this about story choice and what we cover in American Motorcyclist Boiled down, our goal is to feature really good stories and storytelling in our pages…not specifically the type of riding involved, be it motocross, road riding, ice racing, trials, whatever. (They’re all great; they all rank!) We tend to focus not so much on the type of riding but the people doing the riding, the human stories that happen on and around motorcycles. Our hope is that our younger members riding

Letters to the editor are the opinions of the AMA members who write them. Inclusion here does not imply they reflect the positions of the AMA, its staff or board. Agree? Disagree? Let us know. Send letters to submissions@ama-cycle.org or mail to American Motorcyclist Association, 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147. Letters may be edited for clarity and brevity.

by placing fingers on the front brake lever was taught and encouraged in both the classroom and range. Its application was highlighted in several “what if” scenarios discussed in the classroom. In fact, it was even included as a question in the written test. Note: this was not an MSF course, so I can’t speak for their curriculum. The bottom line is, it is a great technique that can give you precious time and space to stay out of trouble.

Reading Mitch Boehm’s “Cover Me!” piece in the July issue made me want to throw the magazine across the room. In years past, once someone was certified by an MSF RiderCoach Trainer to teach the Basic RiderCourse (BRC), that person was also certified to teach the Experienced RiderCourse by default. However, that hasn’t been the case for a number of years. There is now an additional certification needed to teach anything beyond the BRC. In the BRC it is definitely

true that RiderCoaches are going to encourage students to use all four fingers on the brake lever. As Mitch points out, it is often the best way to teach absolute novices when they are first learning. But MSF recognizes that what we teach novice students is not the end-all, be-all of riding; which is why there are so many intermediate and advanced course options available, many of which actually encourage covering the brake lever to reduce reaction time and to enable techniques like trail braking in addition to more advanced riding techniques that are simply beyond the skill level of a novice rider…and would seem to some students to contradict what is taught in a BRC.

All this cover-the-brake discussion can only be a good thing, and it is good to hear that rider coaches from all around the country and from many different organizations are thinking about ways they can help riders ride more safely.

—Ed

DustinCorvallis,KassmanOre.

Dave Wendell

dirt bikes will enjoy the retrospective pieces we do a lot of, and that we grey-haired oldsters will enjoy stories about the new generation growing up with motorcycling as we all did back in the 1960s and ’70s. Thank you for the kind words on Joy Burgess’ Angelle piece.

—Ed COVER ME I agree one hundred percent with Mitch Boehm’s strategy in the July issue of covering the front brake lever, especially when riding on the street. It is a technique I used for close to 40 years. But Mitch leaves the impression that beginning rider classes do not teach covering the front lever and actively discourage this practice. I taught classes for 33 years and every one included this technique. It was not introduced until the second half of the class, when discussing strategies for the street. By this point the students had seven hours of studying and applying the basic skills of starting, turning, shifting and braking. In the second half, reducing reaction time

Submit

Me on my first bike — a 1966 Sears 106SS — at my parents’ house in 1967 between my freshman and sophomore years in college, and me in the same location 41 years later on my ’07 H-D FLSTSC. —Scott Davison his isn’t actually me. The rider is Otto Bernhard, a lifelong family friend. The year was 1952 and I was still “swimming in the sea,” as they say. But all through my childhood a black Beemer in the driveway meant Otto was over to visit. He bought a new bike every three to four years, always BMWs, and rode year around if the streets were plowed and dry. I can’t say how many times I burnt myself on those darn cylinder heads but they did save me twice when I tipped it over. I just couldn’t stay off. My first ride was with Otto. My first solo was on one of his bikes. And when he had to hang it up at 85, his last boxer became my first. your Back in the Day photos and stories to submissions@ama-cycle.org. Feel free to expound! Hi-rez images are preferred!

Where the photos are blurry but the memories are clear! BACK IN THE DAY

12 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022

This is my first bike back in 1970, a Honda CA110. 50cc of pure power! Now 50-plus years later I just achieved AMA Charter Life membership to go with 37 years in the AMCA and ABATE Life membership with 30-plus years.

—Louie Hale Here’s a shot of me aboard my Husky 250WR getting ready to start the 1975 Kaw Valley National Enduro…wishing I had owned a Vern Street Products Enduro Clock III! —David Hill T I ride a BMW K1600 GT now and Otto, at 97, always asks about it. I would so love to give him one last ride but physically it’s just not an option. I felt compelled to send this photo because it was this man and his bike that infected me with the motorcycling bug that I’ve had ever since. Thanks Otto. —William Schafer Go Otto, go! —Ed.

This is my 13-year-old self aboard my new 1976 Suzuki RM100, which I hardly knew what to do with after coming off my previous mount – a 1975 Honda XR75. Quite a difference in power! The boots — probably Hallman — and the early Suzuki motocross jersey are hand-me-downs from my 10-year-older motorcycle mentor and “corruptor-in-general” –who you know as your AMA Board of Directors Vice Chair Gary Pontius. The second pic is of me and Gary in Moab, Utah, last April (2021), where, in continuation of his helpful mentoring, he showed me how to really scare myself on my 2020 Beta Xtrainer 300. This is me at 17 with my nephew on my 1951 74 cu.in. Harley-Davidson. It was light blue with blue saddlebags. My Dad gave me $5 every week to make an $18 monthly payment. The bike sold for $1,130 with a buddy seat and saddlebags. I still remember that blue motorcycle sitting on the showroom floor. I went to work at a local motorcycle shop to buy gas and accessories. My Mom wrote me an excuse from high school to ride this bike to Daytona Beach for the motorcycle races in 1953 when it was run on the beach and A1A. I am 86 now and still ride my two-wheel 2005 Honda Gold Wing. —John D. Voyles

My 1971 Bultaco 125 Labito Scrambler: This is a photo of me on the bike in 1971. I was 17. It was street legal and fast, but very loud. I was banned from riding it in Riverhead, N.Y. We used to take it to the ocean and give the girls rides on the beach. Had it for a few years and sold it.

I had roughly the same experience, Ross! My first racebike was an XR75 (albeit a highly modified one), and the following year I graduated to a Yamaha YZ100, which was a completely differ ent animal. Those RMs were good, too! —Ed. My 1983 XR200: My son and I in 1984, 13 years later. I taught Jonathan to steer and use the throttle while he sat in front of me. Once out in Coyote Canyon with my son sitting between me and the tank we were stopped by a Ranger who firmly stated that my son could not be on the bike without footpegs. We had just arrived, so I cut a steel rod, put rubber tubing on it and attached it to the front downtube with tie wraps. The Ranger was so pissed off when she saw that, but she did let us ride.

—Paul Hichborn

—Ross D. Griffith

Since my “motorcycle”first— a minibike with a lawn mower engine at the age of 8 — I have never not had a bike. I’ve enjoyed all types of motorcycling and currently ride a BMW R1200GS, Harley Road King — and there’s still a Sherco trials bike tucked away in the mini barn. I feel blessed to have experienced the sport’s golden era and to have met so many great people along the way — like Gary — all of whom are part and parcel of my fondest memories in my own personal On Any Sunday life story.

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 13

“On average in these crashes, Autopilot aborted vehicle control less than one second prior to the first impact.”

Tesla InvestigatedAutopilot

Renewed scrutiny comes as data of Tesla Autopilot and other driver-assist systems are linked to hundreds of crashes oncerns over the prolific and unmitigated spread of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in semi-automated vehicles have finally got federal authorities seriously involved in investigating the safety, or the lack of, in vehicles that cruise America’s roads utilizing technology that has yet to adhere to any consumer or federal safety guidelines.InJune, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ratcheted up scrutiny over Tesla’s Autopilot system when it announced that it was upgrading its probe into 830,000 vehicles under the banner of an engineering analysis, a required step if the agency decides to seek a broad recall. The announcement comes less than a year after NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation to assess the safety of the Autopilot system in 765,000 vehicles. The probe C was prompted after a dozen Tesla vehicles struck stopped emergency vehicles. In the announcement, NHTSA said it had identified six additional crashes with emergency vehicles, bringing the total to 18. NHTSA said the upgrade is “to extend the existing crash analysis, evaluate additional data sets, perform vehicle evaluations, and to explore the degree to which Autopilot and associated Tesla systems may exacerbate human factors or behavioral safety risks by undermining the effectiveness of the driver’s supervision.”

According to NHTSA’s preliminary analysis, the very features meant to make the vehicle safer failed in the crashes with emergency vehicles. In the majority of the 18 crashes under direct scrutiny, the Forward Collision Warning system played almost no BY KALI KOTOSKI

14 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 up to speed News, notes, insight and more from the motorcycling universe

For years, organizations like the American Motorcyclist Association and even the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), a federal agency that has investigative authority but lacks any enforcement power, have criticized the lack of NHTSA oversight to ensure the safety of the technology. Specifically, the AMA has seen little to no evidence that manufacturers take motorcycles into consideration when developing their technology.

NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION

Tesla has been the leader in safety.intofederaldespiteracingmanytechnology,semi-autonomouspushingwithmanufacturerstocatchupalackofoversightthetechnology’s

For example, in mid-June NHTSA disclosed that over a 10-month period from July 1 of last year through May 15 of 2022, nearly 400 crashes involved cars with ADAS, leaving six people dead and five seriously injured. Tesla’s Autopilot system was involved in 273 crashes, accounting for five of the six recorded fatalities.

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 15 role in getting the driver to take control to avoid a collision, making “Forward Collision Warning” systems a profound misnomer. Additionally, NHTSA found that the Automatic Emergency Braking feature was only activated in approximately half of the crashes. In 11 of the crashes, none of the drivers or the car acted in two to five seconds before impact.

Additionally, NHTSA is investigating 758 incidents of unexpected brake activation tied to Autopilot in a separate inquiry into 416,000 newer Teslas. On top of that, NHTSA is investigating 35 crashes involving Tesla Autopilot that were linked to 14 reported deaths since 2016. While it is unknown if there will be a recall of Tesla vehicles, what is clear is that with Tesla as the poster child of a company that is pushing the envelope with this technology, other manufacturers will soon be on the radar. Ford Motor, General Motors and BMW have similar hands-free autopilot-like systems, yet far fewer of those models have been sold.

NHTSA’s willingness to even start collecting crash data shows that the agency is under fire — and has been — for years, with critics claiming that its lack of assertiveness with manufacturers let the genie out of the bottle.

“Until last year, NHTSA’s response to autonomous vehicles and driver assistance has been, frankly, passive,” Matthew Wansley, a professor at the Cardozo School of Law in New York, told the New York Times. “This is the first time the federal government has directly collected crash data on these technologies.” Besides Tesla, NHTSA also disclosed that Honda vehicles were involved in 90 incidents, Subarus in 10, while Ford, G.M., BMW, Volkswagen, Toyota, Hyundai and Porsche each reported five or fewer crashes. With all manufacturers chasing the same goal of marketing carefree convenience that masquerades as safety, the numbers will certainly grow unless regulators can react fast enough to get a hand back on the wheel.

“On average in these crashes, Autopilot aborted vehicle control less than one second prior to the first impact,” the agency said. That is a damning statement, and even more damning is that the technology threw up its hands and deliberately stopped working at the very moment when literally seconds can determine the outcome of an incident, if a driver was in Thecontrol.agency also reviewed 106 Tesla Autopilot crashes not involving emergency vehicles, finding that in almost half of the crashes that driver attention warnings failed to alert the driver in time to take control of the vehicle and avoid incident.

While it is encouraging that the NHTSA is finally making some moves, there has never been data presented on how or if autopilot-like systems can detect motorcycles, which is the AMA’s steadfast concern. And while the data presented thus far is raw, it is unclear if it will bring meaningful regulation soon — or soon enough to save lives. It also begs the question of how many crashes do autopilot-like systems cause and how many they actually prevent, i.e., does the reward really outweigh the risk or vice versa? Until consumers have that data and motorcyclists have that data, there are definitely many concerns around the autopilot-like vehicles on America’s already increasingly dangerous roads.

The college’s 22-credit Powersports certificate prepares students to be highly skilled, workready technicians with an emphasis on customer service. Those wishing to donate to the Scott M. Mullin Memorial Scholarship Fund can do so by going to givenhcc. org and clicking on the Manchester Community College option.

A husband, father and racer, Mullin was 38 years old when he passed away in a racing accident in 2021.

“Through watching his family ride and race, Scott’s motorcycle passion started at a very young age,” said Scott’s parents, George and Barbra Mullin. “Once we started the business and recognized the need for a larger pool of skilled technicians, he took the initiative to work with MCC to recruit and was always more than willing to talk to students. We hope the Scott M. Mullin Memorial Scholarship Fund will open doors for others to start down the powersports path to continue his legacy and his desire to help others.”

Lasting Legacy Racer Scott Mullin’s name lives on in scholarshipendowed fund BY MAISANOKEATON within the powersports industry.

The family of Mullin established an endowed scholarship fund at Manchester Community College to help students pursuing careers in the powersports industry. The Scott M. Mullin Memorial Scholarship Fund will offer need-based financial assistance to students enrolled in the Powersports program seeking a career in the motorsports industry.

16 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 up to speed uture students at Manchester Community College (MCC) in New Hampshire will never meet Scott Mullin, but they’ll feel his impact.

F

“Scott was a very close friend of the Power Sports program at MCC,” said Professor Marc Bellerose, chair of the Automotive Technologies department at MCC. “Scott’s influence helped his MCC family maintain a commitment to the educational, professional and personal success of their students. With this scholarship, we will continue Scott’s legacy and help others enter theInfield.”2005, Mullin’s family opened Souhegan Valley Motorsports. Mullin grew his knowledge and passion in and outside of the classroom on his way to being regarded as an expert

riumph Motorcycles is soldering the circuits for a potentially gamechanging electric motorcycle with its announced completion of Phase 4 testing of the TE-1, an e-prototype yielding test results that, according to Triumph, “exceed expectations.”

The TE-1 project, the result of a public-private partnership funded by the British Government’s Office of Zero Emission Vehicles, offers an impressive 175 hp at peak power and 80 lb. ft. of torque, and provides the instant responsiveness and smooth power delivery expected of an electric motor. The level of performance is similar to the Speed Triple 1200, Triumph said. Triumph also claims the TE-1 goes 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds, and 0-100mph in 6.2 seconds.

While this is still a prototype, Triumph is using what it has learned from this project to hopefully deliver an electric motorcycle to market soon.

“The TE-1 prototype and the incredible results it has achieved […] has provided crucial insights and capabilities that will ultimately guide our future development,” said Steve Sargent, Chief Product Officer for Triumph. “Of course, the final production motorcycle will not be exactly what you see here today, but rest assured, the models we do develop will encompass all its learnings and its exciting dynamic spirit.”

The Hinckley firm’s TE-1 electric prototype could up the ante BY KALI

MOTORCYCLESTRIUMPH

KOTOSKIAMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 17

The TE-1 has a claimed 100-mile range on a full charge, which is either plenty or not nearly enough, depending on the type of riding you do. But what sets the motorcycle ahead of its competition is a 20-minute charge time going from dead to 80 percent. By comparison, the LiveWire by Harley-Davidson takes 50 minutes to go from 20 to 80 percent charge.TheTE-1 has an overall weight of 485 pounds, making the prototype lighter than the equivalent electric motorcycles on the market.

“Throttle response on the TE-1 is kind of incredible,” said Daytona 200 Champion Brandon Paasch, who participated in the final testing phase. “It’s very torquey, and when you first touch the throttle it’s instant power, which is obviously what I love as a motorcycle racer. I got to peg this thing all the way from zero to 100-percent throttle and it’s unbelievably quick; it pulls like crazy.”

T Triumph’s E-Bike Tease

It took firefighters nearly two weeks to contain the blaze.

n Sunday, June 12, a group of six riders from the Trail Riders of Southern Arizona were taking their annual ride up in Northern Arizona’s cool tall pines to beat the heat when they came across a fast-moving blaze.Ina frenzied attempt, they tried to contain the fire after calling 911, but the winds were already creating an inferno. Two of the riders saw a white truck fleeing the scene and, after a chase, they stopped the vehicle and took down the license plate info. The authorities soon arrested Matthew Riser, 57, a homeless man who allegedly started the fire by burning his toilet paper.

Since the cease-and-desist orders were handed down, the not-for-profit club started getting the word out with social media campaigns and a fundraiser, targeting hill climbers and fans from across New England that appreciate a hill that has a storied seven-decade long history.

RoundupRIGHTS

“Had we been there 30 minutes sooner, we might have been able to stomp it out with six guys,” said AMA Arizona Club Helps Apprehend Pipeline Fire Suspect speed

BY KALI KOTOSKI What’s trending in government relations and legislative affairs

T

Life Member Gary Meeker. “If it was 45 minutes sooner, we would not have seen it and just kept on riding.”

The Zoning Board of Appeals struck down the cease-and-desist orders, granting a significant victory for operations at Monson Hill. While the Town of Monson has 20 days to file an appeal to try overturning the Zoning Board’s decision, O’Connell is confident that the order will hold.

up to

“Of course, these accusations were absolutely false and came from some new people in town trying to make a name for themselves,” said Quaboag Vice President Jim O’Connell. “So we got some lawyers and, eventually, the town realized they got themselves in a big jam.”

O he “Monson Monster” has been operated by the Quaboag Riders Motorcycle Club since 1946. It is known for some of the most challenging hills in the country. But that didn’t stop the Town of Monson, Mass., from issuing two vaguely written cease-and-desist orders that banned hill climbing under the guise that zoning laws had been broken. The Town claimed that Quaboag had illegally brought in landfill to change the hill’s height.

The U.S. Forest Service has charged Riser with federal natural resource violations.andthe hill. After that postponed meeting, the public pressure was dialed up as the AMA sent out an Action Alert informing members to attend the next hearing on July 14. “It is really inspiring to see so many people coming out over land-use issues,” said AMA Government Rela tions Manager for Off-Highway Issues Peter Stockus. “Clearly, the Quaboag Riders Motorcycle Club and Monson Hill are cornerstones in the commu nity, and we thank everyone who attended to show their support for the club and the historic hill climb.” Again, hundreds took the streets to voice their concerns to the Zoning Board of Appeals. While the show of support was just as strong, Quabo ag organized it so the public would disband before the hearing to ensure the issue was addressed.

“We are already planning for our first event on August 21, are getting sanctioned and have insurance,” he said. “Besides during COVID, we have operated events every year, and now we are back.”

Then came time for the first public hearing over the issue with Monson’s Zoning Board of Appeals. Hundreds of motorcyclists, off-road enthusiasts, and generations of “Monson Mon ster” fans rolled down to Town Hall to protest the potential closing of the hill. So many people showed up that city officials had to postpone the hearing due to lack of space.

RepelMotorcyclistsHillAssault

The Pipeline Fire has burned over 26,000 acres and decimated trail riding in that area, which is maintained by the Coconino Trail Riders, Meeker said. “We were fortunate that we were there to help the au thorities,” he said. “But unfortunately, these beautiful trails will be closed for some time.”

18 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022

“We had 200 to 300 motorcyclists show up, people from the town, [and that] impressed us to have their support,” said O’Connell, adding that there were nearly 1,000 people total who came out to support the club

he Federal Trade Commission has acted against Harley-Da vidson in announcing that the Mil waukee-based manufacturer illegally restricted customers’ right to repair through warranty language that did not allow the use of third-party parts or unauthorized mechanics to repair their purchased motorcycles.

In turn, Harley-Davidson has signed a consent agreement with the FTC that will no longer void warranties and uphold consumers’ right to repair. Some aftermarket companies have since cheered the FTC decision, claiming that customers will have more choices for repairs and upgrades during the warranty period.

The FTC specifically took aim at Har ley-Davidson’s warranty language that stated, “the use of parts and service procedures other than Harley-Davidson approved parts and service procedures may void the limited warranty.”

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 19

The agency, under a sweeping executive order by President Joe Biden signed last summer, has made right to repair a primary mission aimed at promoting more competition in the economy and lowering prices. Most notably, the FTC hit iPhone manufac turer Apple last summer, which has led to third-party service shops popping up across the nation.

The AMA supports right to repair and opposes any effort to restrict the ability of motorcyclists to repair their own motorcycle. Stay tuned for more coverage of this issue.

ww w.mxbootrepair.com WE REPAIR AND RESOLE MOST BR ANDS LIKE: Alpinestars,SIDI, Gaerne, Fox and more! ALSO FAC TORY RESOLE OF TECH 3, 7, & 10 BOOTS 1-949-791-8009FREEReturn Ship pi n g BC_047460_DRI0416P.indd 1 1/11/16 3:13 PMAnthony's benefit logo.indd 1 7/28/16 3:04 PM LEATHER REPAIR ANTHONYSLEATHERWORKS.COM | 949-486-9000 AS THE PREFERRED REPAIR COMPANY FOR DAINESE, ALPINESTARS, REV’IT, SPIDI, AVG SPORT AND MITHOS, ANTHONY’S LEATHERWORKS ENSURES FIT AND FUNCTION FOR ANY TYPE OF LEATHER APPAREL. AUTHORIZED REPAIR CENTER americanmotorcyclist.com Member deals and discounts! T FTC Hits Harley-Davidson Over Right to Repair

BrandtsincerallypresidentMAWMRVanKeuren,Heatherviceandattendee1998,andareliving examples of the impact the rally can have, as their friendship started and blossomed at MAWMR. While the sisterhood is apparent in the friendships that form at the rally, the Parade of Chrome that occurs on the final day of MAWMR may be the most powerful display of unity. “No matter where we came from, what our age is, whatever our background is, we’re all one as we ride through the town,” VanKeuren said about the Parade of Chrome. MAWMR will return to York on June 15-17, 2023. Registration opens at the start of 2023 and more information can be found at mawmr.org—Keaton Maisano

With almost all the rally’s members touched by the effects of cancer in some way, the group has raised more than $425,000 — more than $30,000 of which was raised in 2022 for Pink Out Women’s Cancer Fund and Help for Oncology Problems and Emotional Support (H.O.P.E.) — since the inception of the event.

MAWMR

Now the oldest

Making its debut in 1993 when founder Nancy Warren sought to create a community of women riders, the rally has grown into an anticipated event full of fun and riding, with themes of sisterhood and charity permeating the festivities.

riders,operatingcontinuouslyall-womenmotorcyclerallyintheUnitedStates,MAWMRpresidentCyndiBrandtstressedtheeventhastwomajorgoals.“Oneisjusttoempowerfemaleandthesecond

t is hard to imagine how a three-day rally that happens once a year can make an impact that lasts a lifetime, but that is exactly what the Mid-Atlantic Women’s Motorcycle Rally (MAWMR) has done for the last 30 years.

is to fundraise for women that are less fortunate than us that are fighting and surviving some type of women’s cancer,” Brandt said. “It’s just so empowering to feel so many people in the same place doing the same thing that you love.”

Riding ROUNDUP More Than a

Backed by good people supporting a noble cause, the rally is full of fun events to celebrate women and motorcycling. For the last two years, MAWMR has taken place in York, Penn., and more than 300 women have traveled from as far as Arizona to “Youattend.get caught in the web of MAWMR,” Brandt said, “because it’s so enthralling to be there around so many other people that either love riding motorcycles or just love being around them. We have people that have attended that have never ridden a motorcycle.” That web is evident in the fact that around two-thirds of the previous year’s attendees return to the rally each year to participate. Rally I

20 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022

NELSONJ.BRIAN oad racer Kayla Yaakov has racked up nearly 400 wins since she started racing at age 5, but her victory at Ridge Motorsports Park this past June in the MotoAmerica Junior Cup made history. Just days after the Pennsylvania native celebrated her 15th birthday, she became the first female racer to win a MotoAmerica race. The Altus Motorsports Kawasaki rider had come close to claiming that historic win several times this season with four third-place finishes before finally claiming the top step of the podium. Finally, on June 26, after leading the morning warmup, Yaakov led the majority of the laps and raced to a reallyvictory.breakthrough“[Thisvictory]meansa lot because I’ve been close to that position all year,” Yaakov told American Motorcyclist, “but I just kept falling short at the very end. It was great to finally get the win!”

Sept.RallyMotorcycleFourJulyAMAJuneThunderJuneLaconiaJUNEThewww.americanmotorcyclist.com/gypsytourFORMOREINFORMATION:AmericadeRally7-11MotorcycleWeek11-19intheValley23-26VintageMotorcycleDays22-24Corners2-4

HISTORIC AMA ...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 2022 Gypsy Tour schedule, where riders can meet, share experiences and even grab their collectible AMA National Gypsy Tour pin dated with the year.

YAAKOV

KAYLA R RACER SPOTLIGHT

Two years ago Yaakov told this author, “My [goal] is to race pro here in the United States in MotoAmerica,” and she accomplished that dream… and more. And how fitting that she raced to that historic win at the very track where she first went pro — Ridge Motorsports Park. — Joy Burgess leadingYaakov at ParkMotorsportsRidge

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 21 Racing ROUNDUP WHAT’S WHAT IN THE WORLD OF AMA RACING COMPETITION REMAINING EVENTS HISTORIC AMA GYPSY TOURS

f the crash was ugly, my injuries — several compound fractures — were even worse. I’d broken my lower leg in three places, my femur in two. It didn’t hurt right away. Major trauma seems to flip a circuit breaker in one’s body that keeps really intense pain away — for a while, at least. Of course, when they pulled me out of that pepper tree, tried to straighten my leg and placed me on a stretcher…wow. It was really bad. A couple of thoughts ran through my head on the way to the hospital.

One, I wouldn’t be racing for a while, and that bothered me, as I’d just done pretty well in my first AMA Pro race. The second was school. I was no fan of the classroom in any way, shape or I

OFPARTSevenBODY CASTS AND COMPOUND FRACTURES

Nearly losing a leg put me in a very dark place… BY MALCOLM SMITH form. But graduation was only a few days away, and I wanted out of there for good. I remember asking the emergency room doctor who met me there, “Can you just cast it so I can go home? I need to attend graduation in a couple of days…” Surely, I figured, a good cast would do the trick. He laughed, and not quietly.

“You, my friend, are a long way from a simple cast,” he said. And of course he was right. My leg was in terrible shape, the broken bones pointing every which way, and other complications causing the doctors to talk about amputation. My mother was having none of that, so she moved me to a different hospital and began talking to other doctors about ways to save my leg. I, of course, was horrified. My leg ballooned with blood and fluid, and at one point was as big as my chest. The doctors would drain it, give me blood, it would balloon again, and on and on it went. They couldn’t really do much until the swelling subsided, which in some ways was a good thing, as it gave my mother some time in her search for a physician who had an idea of how to save my leg. Keep in mind that this was 1959. Medicine had made many strides by then, but orthopedic surgery and reconstruction was just a shadow of what it is today. My mom heard of and contacted a sharp young hotshot doctor named Fellowes who was a bone-graft expert, which would end up being important to fixing my badly splintered lower leg. He examined me and told her and me that he was reasonably confident he could save my leg, but that it wouldn’t be easy. It would

22 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022

malcolm’s moments

“I didn’t fit in a wheelchair, so I ended up living on a wheeled gurney, day and night, and had to be pushed around by someone for mobility.” MALCOLM SMITH AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 23

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

MALCOLM SMITH

MALCOLM’S

Our air-conditioning system at the house was straightforward: if it was too hot, open the windows! And without the ability to take a proper shower or bath, or remove the cast to dry out underneath, you can imagine how moist and dirty and uncomfortable and stinky it was for me — and for others. Going to the bathroom was difficult and humiliating. The cast has access holes front and back, so I had to urinate in a bottle and use a bedpan for my other business. Since I couldn’t sit up or raise myself up by myself in order to get the bed pan underneath me, my stepfather Ray King fashioned a trapeze of sorts, which I used to pull myself up off the gurney. It consisted of a rope and broomstick handle that attached to a hook mounted in the ceiling. By this point I’d been through motorcycle and medical hell, and I remember telling my mother that I was through with motorcycles forever. And I meant it, too. We’d both been badly traumatized by the accident, and I couldn’t imagine going through this sort of thing again. Luckily, that didn’t happen. AMA

“I’d been through some serious motorcycle and medical hell, and I remember telling my mother that I was through with motorcycles forever.”

MOMENTS

24 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 involve several surgeries, none of which would be simple or quick, and also some painful bone grafts from my hip. I would have four surgeries in the next few weeks. The first — fixing my femur by inserting a rod through the middle of it — was reasonably simple, comparatively. The other three involved my lower leg, which needed bone grafts and an assortment of pins, plates and screws to secure the many breaks and splintered pieces. The details of those operations are mostly lost to me, the pain and anesthesia over the weeks dulling my memory. What I remember most coming out of those surgeries was the pain of the bone grafts and the cast…and what a cast it was! The term “body cast” comes to mind, and while it wasn’t a full body cast, it certainly was more than half of one. It immobilized my left leg completely, but covered much more of my body, going partway up my chest and all the way to my right knee. It also splayed my legs with help from a metal bar that spanned from knee to knee. I’m not exactly sure why, but given the fact that I still had both of my legs, I wasn’t about to argue too loudly. I stayed in the hospital for about six weeks, so it was August when I finally got released. And boy was I miserable. With the cast forcing a laid-out body position, I didn’t fit in a wheelchair, so I ended up living on a wheeled gurney, day and night, and had to be pushed around by someone for mobility. Our street was dirt, so I was pretty much confined to our yard and driveway. For someone used to going where they wanted when they wanted, and usually on a motorcycle, it was very frustrating to be so cooped up. It was incredibly uncomfortable, too. Daytime temperatures were in the 90s and low 100s, so I sweated, sweated, and sweated some more.

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 25 AMA Business Membership Benefits:

CHRIS

“The AMA Business Member program helps everything related to motorcycling — from defend ing our rights, to fighting for land use and legislative efforts. The AMA’s mission has kept our sport healthy for all riders. [AMA President and CEO] Rob [Dingman] and his team have so much credi bility and loyalty to us, and we all need to be involved in the AMA to help carry on the mission.” CARTER,

OWNER MOTION PRO, INC. LEARN MORE: Contact AMA Business Develop ment Manager Michael Kula at (949) 466-7833 or mkula@ama-cycle.org Promote, Preserve, Protect Stand with the AMA as an AMA Business Member HELP CARRY ON THEBUSINESSMISSION!MEMBER • Updates on AMA Government Relations legislative activities • Insider news via AMA Business Member News E-Newsletter • Periodic customized research on AMA Members • Special advertising rates across AMA channels • Listings on multiple AMA Media Channels • Eligible to serve on AMA Board of Directors* • Eligible to vote on AMA affairs* • And much more... * Not applicable to all membership levels

Flat track racers Jared and Nichole Mees take a gamble on race promotion

BY JOY BURGESS was in tears,” remembered ex-pro dirt track racer and now race promoter Nichole Mees of her and husband Jared’s first foray into the race-promotion business at the 2016 Lima Half-Mile.

“We’d bought the race in 2015 with the first event coming quickly,” she added, “and when June came around I was suddenly being pounded with questions I didn’t have good answers for, and things people didn’t like. I barely knew what I was doing and was just completely overwhelmed. People were cussing me out, and I really had no idea what we’d signed up for…and ended up locking myself in the bathroom to hide from it all.”

“Luckily,” she remembered with a smile, “Jared came with some good advice. He told me, ’Do your best and please who you can, but you’re serving 8,000 people and you’re not going to please all of them.’”

26 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022

SKINI IN THE GAME

“My skin’s thickened up quite a bit since then,” Nichole said with a laugh. “

YASAKIGARY

By 2016 Nichole had retired from racing and Jared thought taking over Lima was a good opportunity, so when he asked Nichole what she thought, she said, “Let’s go for it!” “Lima holds a lot of sentimental value for me,” Jared added. “I won my first Grand National there in 2005.” He’s tallied an additional four wins at Lima through the years, and only AMA Hall of Famer Scott Parker has more victories on that very unique pea gravel cushion track.

But you’ve gotta ask: Why are two supremely talented dirt track racers — Jared’s a shoe-in Hall of Famer for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, while Nichole made 32 Grand National Main Events in her time on Harley-Davidson XR750s — doing race promotion? It’s a good question…

“It all started back around 2014,” Jared told us. “We were tight with Barb and Dean Gallup, who were the promoters at Lima back then.”

The current No. 1 plate holder — who rides for the Indian Motorcycle Factory team — is undoubtedly one of the most talented racers to ever strap on a steel shoe. “I’ve won seven Grand National titles throughout my career so far,” Jared said, which is “Of today’s generation of racers, something that’s served Jared so well as a racer — and the reason he’ll continue to be successful as a promoter — is that he’s probably one of the most mentally organized racers I’ve ever come across.”

Six years later, they’re still promoting Lima…a race that continues to be a fan favorite. And for 2022 they’ve added another piece to their promotional pie — the legendary Springfield Mile, now a Labor Day weekend American Flat Track (AFT) double-header.

“They asked us if we’d ever thought about promoting Lima,” Nichole continued. “We’d done some media days for them, but Jared and I were both still racing, and we didn’t feel like we were ready for that sort of commitment yet.”

“Dean kept saying his time was coming,” Jared went on, “and he’d give us the first crack at Lima. The race got rained out in 2015, and they were over it. When rain falls, you’re losing money and it’s stressful, and that was the final straw for Dean.”

28 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • S EPTEMBER 2022

HUNTERSCOTT

CHRIS CARR

Jared kicking up the pea gravel at the Lima cushion track back in 2018. Right: Jared and Nichole’s daughter Hayden sang the National Anthem — much to the delight of the fans — at the 2022 AFT Lima Half-Mile.

LASSENKRISTENLASSENKRISTENYASAKIGARY

JOHNSONJODI

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 31

“The qualities that have been responsible for both of their successes as racers have carried over,” Carr continued. “As a racer, it’s about scoring the most points. But to be a good promoter today it’s not just about how many tickets you sell. Your success is driven by the experience you provide those who buy the tickets. I think Jared and Nichole have a good grasp of that. They don’t just promote a motorcycle race…they promote an event.”

“To this day,” AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Chris Carr said,” Nichole’s had the best finish ever for a female in the premier class — seventh place at Knoxville, Iowa, on Sept. 10, 2011. I finished right behind her in eighth place that night. She proved to the world that a woman could compete in one of the toughest sports…she could turn the throttle, and she did a greatDoesjob.”all that combined experience as racers give them an edge as promoters? Carr believes so. “Of today’s generation of racers, something that’s served Jared so well as a racer — and the reason he’ll continue to be successful as a promoter — is that he’s probably one of the most mentally organized racers I’ve ever come across.”

“We’veexperience.goneracing at many different tracks,” Jared mentioned, “and we’ve seen things we think could be run better or stand out differently. One of the biggest ways to give the fans a good show is by providing a good racetrack. As a racer, I don’t enjoy racing on a bad track, so I work to try to make sure the track is as good as it can be.”

HUNTERSCOTT

“Since we’ve been to Lima when it’s dry and dusty,” Nichole continued, “we try to think about how we can fix that. In the past they used to have one or two drags for the track, and prep took a long time. Now we run three to four drags, and one lap can prep the track immediately. Seeing it from

For Jared, his years of racing and time spent at tracks across the country make him want to give fans a good

Nichole feels that their years spent racing give them an advantage, especially when connecting with the fans.

“I spent a long time on the racer side dealing with fans,” she said. “It’s pleasant there…making conversation, signing autographs.” “But on the promoter side” she added, “you’re dealing with fans — customers — that are frustrated because parking is too far away or you didn’t have the vendors they wanted. As a former racer I can make a connection with them. I often hear, ‘Am I really talking to Nichole Cheza Mees?’ Because many fans have seen me race and now they follow Jared’s racing, they make a connection with us, and a good connection with the customer makes things run a lot smoother.”

Left: Nichole in 2017 running Lima just weeks after Hayden was born. Below: Nichole and Jared were the first husband and wife to ever race a flat track Main Event together.

not far behind Scott Parker’s all-time record of nine. Jared’s also won 63 Grand National races (at presstime), holds two X-Games Gold medals, has completed a dirt track Grand Slam — winning a Mile, Half-Mile, TT and Short Track — multiple times, and set the record for the most podium finishes in a single season with 17 — 10 of them were wins — in 18 events in Nichole2017. also had a significant flat track career, as one of only a handful of women to ever hold a national number in the sport. She not only made 32 Grand National Main Events, a significant feat in itself, but also finished 20th overall in her final season among the best dirt trackers in the world — at a time in professional flat track when it was a fight to even make it to a main event. She was named AMA Female Rider of the Year in 2003, and once beat the fastest boys in the land in a Dash for Cash sprint at the Springfield Mile. And she did all that aboard a ferocious Harley-Davidson XR750, the gnarliest, nastiest racebike for over four decades that many men were unable to tame.

JOHNSONJODI JOHNSONJODIDAVEHOENIG

While track prep is one of the biggest and perhaps one of the most obvious things promoters deal with, there’s a whole lot more that goes into these events.

While Nichole handles the ticketing system and customer service, Jared spends a lot of his time rounding up sponsorships and vendors. And once again, his years as a racer prove valuable.“Myentire career I’ve picked up the phone and wore out just about everyone through the offseason trying to get sponsorships gathered up for my race program,” Jared said.

“And getting sponsors on board with Lima or Springfield…well that’s just “Lima holds a lot of sentimental value for me. I won my first Grand National there in 2005.”

32 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 the same thing but on the promoter side now.”

“Lima is old school racing, it’s been on the circuit since 1985, and it’s always the last Saturday in June, so it’s a good race to promote,” Deubler said. “But Jared and Nichole are taking it to the next level by thinking outside the box. They understand that it’s a show, and they try doing things differently. For example, this year they did something different by having the stars ride out during opening ceremonies, much like they do at an AMA Supercross. They’re always trying different things. They want what’s best for racers, but they understand that fans want a show.”

Nichole echoed that, noting that they don’t want the show to be just a motorcycle race. “We want fans to have stuff to do, such as live music, so there’s something going on when there are breaks in the actual racing,” she said. “My main job is making the customers happy, so I tell them that I welcome their feedback. Tell me what you think because I want to make it better next year. Without the fans, we don’t have a show, and they’re the ones the racer side and going back to the drawing board to make changes and improvements makes a difference.”

JARED MEES HUNTERSCOTTYASAKIGARY

“American Flat Track handles the rider side of things,” according to Nichole, “But we make the decisions on track prep, the vendors we have, and bring in sponsorships to help pay the riders. Most people don’t understand the cost that goes into promoting an event. There’s not just the cost of the facility, but the money we pay AFT so they can bring the riders and the show. Then there’s all the advertising and additional expenses.”

But no matter how hard they work to provide a great track, there are always variables that present challenges.“Raindelays are huge,” Nichole told us. “People give you a lot of crap when the track isn’t prepped. But if they predict three inches of rain, we’re not going to put all that calcium down on the track to get washed away. Of course, if the rain doesn’t come, you’re left struggling to get that calcium and water on the track to get it going at Lima.”

“I also get the t-shirt designs going, handle food vendors, line up the beer and alcohol for the event, deal with the AFT contracts, and handle a lot of the day-of setup operations,” Jared continued. “Really, I wish you could see all that we do before the event even happens. It’s just Nichole and I doing trophies together, sorting and folding 1,100 t-shirts, and so muchFrommore.”American Flat Track announcer, flat track historian and former racer Scottie Deubler’s point of view, it’s thinking outside of the box that’s resulting in success for Jared and Nichole.

Above: There’s a whole lot going on behind the scenes leading up to each Lima Half-Mile event to ensure fans get the best show possible. YASAKIGARY HUNTERSCOTTJOHNSONJODI

supporting us and keeping it going.”

“Right before COVID hit, they came to us and said they were ready to retire,” Nichole added, “and since we’d done such a great job with Lima, they wanted to know if we were interested in purchasing the Springfield Mile races. Jared said, ‘Yup!’ But I was a bit scared to take it over when we didn’t know

Jared and Nichole have come a long way since that first crazy year they promoted Lima — and the second year when they pulled it off just weeks after their daughter Hayden was born. But this year they’ve taken on yet another challenge.“Usually at this point we’re thinking, ‘great, it’s over!’” Jared mentioned. “But this year…nope. We’ve gotta thrash again for Springfield.” And Springfield is a biggie, arguably the biggest of them all. Both Jared and Nichole know the former promoters, Dave and Tamra Kiesow, well after racing at the Springfield Mile — “the world’s fastest dirt oval” — for so many years.

“I have a lot of respect for them,” Jared said, “and I put the bug in their ear that when they were ready to retire that we might be interested.”

34 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022

HOENIGDAVE

what the effects of COVID would be.”

Nichole leading the pack on her HarleyDavidson XR750 at the Springfield Mile in 2015. Check out that front wheel orientation!

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 35

“With that unease about taking it on,” Jared continued, “the Kiesows promoted Springfield for one more year, and at the beginning of 2021 we struck a deal to take it over in 2022. This Labor Day weekend will be our first time to promote it.”

NICHOLE MEES

“on the promoter side you’re dealing with fans — customers — that are frustrated because parking is too far away or you didn’t have the vendors they wanted. As a former racer I can make a connection with them. ”

As with Lima, Springfield holds a lot of sentimental value for the couple. Both have raced to excellent results on the Springfield Mile, but it’s also the spot where Jared proposed to Nichole in 2012. “I’d been asked to be a part of opening ceremonies,” Nichole remembered, “and I thought Jared had been acting weird but didn’t think anything of it. I went up for opening ceremonies and he proposed to me

36 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 JOHNSONJODI

Of course, going from a one-race weekend to promoting a double-header weekend promises to be a big transition and challenge for the couple. “Last year we knew we’d be taking the event over,” Nichole said, “so I spent the week with the Kiesows learning the ropes and how I can take what we already do at Lima and implement it at Springfield. Sure, we’ll probably make some mistakes and learn from them, but hopefully it won’t be as traumatic as the first year at Lima. We’ll work towards a smooth-running show, and what doesn’t work…we’ll make it work better.”

First Lima…and now the legendary Springfield Mile. What does the future hold for the couple and their company

right there. He was always the guy who said he wasn’t getting married or having kids. I actually said into the mic, ‘Are you serious right now?’ He asked me, “Is that a yes?’” In 2013, the two got married at…you guessed it, the Springfield Mile. “We had a very unique wedding,” Nichole said. “We went out and practiced and qualified that morning. After qualifying, we got dressed up and had a wedding out on the front straightaway with Scottie Deubler marrying us. Then we got back into our leathers and went racing. We even ended up in the Main Event together — the first husband and wife to do that.”

“Our daughter Hayden — named after the late Nicky Hayden and his family — was also born the same weekend as the Springfield Mile,” Nichole continued, “so there’s a lot of history there and it’s so cool we get to take it over and promote it now.”

Left: Jared proposes to Nichole at Springfield. Right: Mr. and Mrs. Mees took a lap around the Springfield Mile aboard Jared’s #1 XR750 after their wedding ceremony on the straightaway.front

HOENIGDAVE

AFT announcer Scottie Deubler appreciates seeing racers step into race promotion. “Nichole and Jared,” he told us, “along with other current and former racers like Cory Texter, Brad Baker, Sammy Halbert, Rob McLendon and Bert Sumner, have found that promoting races is a great way that they can reinvest in the flat track community.” “I love seeing today’s racers give back to the sport,” Duebler continued, “putting their own skin in the game. It’s in our blood!” AMA “Usually at this point we’re thinking, ‘great, it’s over!’ But this year, nope. We’ve gotta thrash again for Springfield. And Springfield is a biggie, arguably the biggest of them all.”

“We’d love to continue promoting events,” Nichole weighed in, “and I like it because it keeps me involved in the sport in a different way. But it’s a lot of work to make it successful. If or when Jared retires, I think things will have evolved more on the promotional side, especially since Jared has always been such a good businessman.”

Jared’s a bit more cautious looking forward to the future.

Fans, riders, sponsors, supporters… they’re all essential to the success of any promoter.

“We appreciate all the supporters, sponsors and all those who help weekof and during the event,” Jared said. “Without all that help it wouldn’t be possible. And thanks, especially, to the fans for supporting the two biggest races of the year. Without them we wouldn’t be able to do it.”

“It’s a tricky question,” he told us. “The future of Mees Promotions depends on how the sport shapes up in the next few years — whether we move forward, stay the same, or move backwards.”Whenasked about the current state of professional flat track racing, he said “I don’t think it’s as good as it can be. I’ll leave it as that.” “We’ve hit a point right now where the fire is getting low,” Jared continued, “and we need some gasoline to fire back off again. We need something spicy. I have ideas, but some are gonna hate them. On the promotion side of things, I’d like to keep going and expand. I already have a couple racetracks in mind I’d love to pick up, but there are things out of my control that need attended to before I can move to the next step.”

38 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 Mees Promotions?

Sponsors, vendors, entertainment, food and alcohol, track prep, ticketing, customer service…there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into promoting a race. As Jared said about Springfield, “it’s a gamble.” Just like racing bar-to-bar at 100-plus mph on a dirt oval comes with risk, so does promoting these events.

JOHNSONJODI

“I’m very nervous about Springfield and taking it on…it was a gamble. I love the sport, I love racing, and I love Springfield and Lima. But if the races aren’t successful, I’m not going to put everything I’ve worked so hard on over the years into it to lose out, so I’ve gotta keep it profitable and make sure it makes business sense to keep doing it.”

JARED MEES Jared (1) leads a freight train of thundering twins at the legendary Springfield Mile — the “world’s fastest dirt oval.”

Whether it’s inclement weather or having to refund thousands of tickets to fans because of a cancelled race — which happened to Jared and Nichole when COVID hit in 2020 — a lot can go wrong.“It’schallenging,” Nichole said, “but we love flat track and want to bring new fans to the sport. It’s why we work so hard.”

“Change doesn’t happen overnight,” Nichole added. “Change takes time. I think if we all work together and keep listening to fans and riders, we can make the sport better.”

HUNTERSCOTT HUNTERSCOTT LASSENKRISTEN

THE MARTY MOATES MIRACLE BY MITCH

“It’s a sport which has grown enormously in popularity in this country over the last several years, and which Americans have become more and more competitive... it’s almost a surprise that no American has yet won here at Carlsbad.”

ABC’s Jim Lampley, 1980 Wide World of Sports telecast

One Day of Magic W“ e thought it was rememberedover,” the late racer and longtime industry icon Tom White. “We figured, ‘Well, he’s lived his dream, he’s led some laps’…but we thought that was it.” White was talking about privateer motocrosser Marty Moates, who’d holeshotted and led the first moto of the 1980 USGP at Carlsbad before crashing just past the race’s mid-point. And White, who sponsored Moates that year with suspension componentry through his White Brothers aftermarket company, wasn’t alone in that feeling. BOEHM

THE TIPPING POINTPART ONE AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 41 DEWHURSTDAVID

A dramatic win at the 1980 USGP at Carlsbad not only propelled local privateer Marty Moates into the history books as the first American winner of the famed event, it helped Launch American riders into a leadership position they’d never relinquish

42 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022

“This was a big deal, that an American had actually won a moto at Carlsbad, and was actually going for an overall win, which had never happenedbefore.”

LARRY HUFFMAN

The 30,000-strong Carlsbad crowd, which had been crazy for Moates all race long, and who’d then cheered for LaPorte when he’d inherited the lead, went“Everyoneballistic.rallied for those two,” remembered the late factory Kawasaki mechanic Steve Johnson. “It was crazy, especially with everyone waving American flags.”

would ring in the coming years.

“Most local boys are gonna give up,” said AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame motocrosser Bob Hannah. “No doubt. They don’t have the heart.”

And as everyone who’s ever raced motocross knows, it’s very, very difficult to remount after a fall and regain the speed you had before; the fading adrenaline and fatigue are often too much to overcome.

But Moates had heart, and did overcome, catching and re-passing Carlquist with an absolutely brutal inside move over Devil’s Drop and the following left-hander — all of which caused ABC’s Wide World Of Sports anchor Jim Lampley to utter some of the most powerful words in all of motocross history: “So now there are two young Americans at the front of the pack. Oh, how times have changed in Grand Prix Motocross…” And oh, how true those words

Future 500cc world champ and AMA Hall of Famer Brad Lackey, who was behind the struggle up front, felt it just as strongly. “The crowd went nuts,” he said, “and it was cool. I said to myself, ‘well, they aren’t cheering for me,’ but it still looked good!”

What had begun as excitement and hope that maybe, just maybe, Moates could hold on to become the first American to win at Carlsbad turned to bitter disappointment the instant Moates and his Yamaha YZ465 skidded off the track and hit the California adobe. Luckily, Moates grabbed the clutch almost immediately after falling and kept the engine running, remounting behind Danny LaPorte and Hakan Carlquist, who’d scooted by as Moates scrambled in the dust.

But Moates wasn’t done, quickly passing LaPorte when the Suzuki superstar and future 250cc world champion lost the front end momentarily in a left-hander at the bottom of a downhill. “That was it,”

“It was really tough to say who was gonna win that day. It coulda been Wolsink, it coulda been [Roger] DeCoster, it coulda been [Heikki] Mikkola. But Marty Moates? A total wild card.” DANNY LAPORTE 44 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022

“It was really tough to say who was gonna win that day,” remembers LaPorte. “It coulda been Wolsink, it coulda been [Roger] DeCoster, it coulda been [Heikki] Mikkola. But Marty Moates? A total wild card.” He was “the quintessential local boy,” according to Hannah. “Marty worked at the Honda dealership as a sales guy,” added Lackey. “Living in his car, had no house, had no money…”Still,Moates knew Carlsbad. “Marty knew the track,” said Carlsbad owner Larry Grismer. “He’d been riding here since he started riding.”

True enough, the Europeans had owned Carlsbad, winning every USGP there since the race’s official inception in 1973, when the late promoter Gavin Trippe first offered up his two-wheeled Woodstock to an increasingly eager U.S. motocross contingent. Dutch dentist and sand specialist (go figure!) Gerrit Wolsink had won five Carlsbad USGPs, and despite the Americans’ increasing speeds and fitness during the latter 1970s, a USGP win in their own backyard — a race broadcast annually to millions of viewers on ABC’s Wide World of Sports — remained out of reach.

LaPorte remembers. “I knew it was over…”Suddenly, 23-year-old privateer Marty Moates, who’d led much of the race only to give it away with a mistake, was back in the lead. And the crowd, which had been literally shaking the hillsides with excitement, exploded. A few laps later and it was over, Moates punching the sky over Devil’s Drop and tossing his goggles into the cheering crowd at the checkers.“Thiswas a big deal,” said legendary announcer Larry Huffman, “that an American had actually won a moto at Carlsbad, and was actually going for an overall win, which had never happened before.”

“With the home-court advantage,” said Laurens Offner, owner of LOP Racing and a longtime Moates friend,

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 45

46 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 “You have 40,000 people waving American flags for you? Moates had never seen three guys wave American flags at him. That crowd gave him three seconds a lap. Easy.” BOB HANNAH After an LaPorte.theriders,remountedtheHakanDannyandMartyholeshot,opening-motoLOP-sponsoredMoates(23)crashedlosttheleadtoLaPorte(16)andCarlquist,butkeptenginerunningandtopassbothstunninghimselfandcrowd.Hereheworkson

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 47 SIEMANRICK

“there was a reason to be more confident, to be more excited than normal.”BillRychlik, Moates’s suspension tech, was also confident, actually taking bets on Moates’s performance that day. “I had several wagers going that Marty would win everything!” Rychlik said with a smile.

If Moates and his crew — and most of the other racers — wanted to win more than anything, Lackey, competing for a 500cc world title, just wanted to get points and survive. “I never wanted to win the race,” he said. “I wanted to get in there, get as many points and get the hell back to Europe where the ground was soft!” Lackey wasn’t exaggerating. Carlsbad was arguably the nastiest, gnarliest motocross course in the world — hard-packed, slick, squareedged and blue-grooved nearly everywhere. Rumor has it that it never, ever got disked, because when it was tried once, the top couple of feet of terrain came off in massive flat chunks because it was too compacted and hard to be broken up. “Yeah,” said Trippe, “it was a rough and gnarly piece of terrain. Of course, for me, the rest of the event was just as scary; it was an amazing mass of humanity that could’ve gone horribly wrong in so many ways.”

Between motos, tension was high, especially for Team LOP.

“I don’t think any of us really believed he could come back and win the second moto,” said sponsor Tom White. “But we all had a hope and a prayer!” Moates’ brother David was

“The hardest thing to put to the side,” remembers Offner, “was the exhilaration. You know, you have to do your job so he can get back out there for the second moto…and hopefully do it again.”

“The local boy may win there every week of the year,” said Hannah of the situation. “But when the big boys are there they’ll eventually overpower him.”Slowly but surely, Lackey did just that, catching and passing Moates at the bottom of a nasty downhill. Suddenly, some of the air seemed to escape from the Moates victory balloon. The crowd, hungry for an American win of any flavor, remained rabid for the two Americans, waving the thousands of flags furiously in every corner and down every straight.

“I thought maybe he was tired,” remembers Lackey of the pass, “and sanguine: “It could have been a fluke,” heButsaid.it wasn’t, at least at the start, Moates pulling another superb holeshot from the extreme inside of the gate and leading the pack away from the start.

BRAD

“Marty Moates, for the second consecutive time, has come off the line and taken the lead!” —ABC’s Jim Lampley, 1980 Wide World of Sports telecast The fans exploded once again, many thinking they might be witnessing a miracle in just 45 minutes’ time. But if the pressure was high before the

second moto, it was unbearable now that Moates had gotten the lead again — especially with Lackey lurking not far back after passing Jean-Jacques Bruno for second. “Brad was really coming on strong,” remembers David Moates. “I can’t imagine the type of pressure Marty was under,” said Offner. “And pressure was Marty’s weakness.”“Itwasjust a matter of time until he caught Marty,” added David Moates. “You could see it happening.”

48 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022

“I never wanted to win the race, I wanted to get in there, get as many points and get the hell back to Europe where the ground was soft!” LACKEY

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 49

50 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 “The crossanI’dthewasinsaneliterallycrowdwentwhenitover,Itwasbiggestthingeverseenatoutdoormoto-event.”

Moates’ LOP-modded Yamaha YZ465 was supertorquey and set up relatively soft to absorb Carlsbad’s nasty whoops and rock-hard adobe, and he used it to good effect, outlasting the entire field and showing serious speed.

LARRY HUFFMAN

DEWHURSTDAVID Moates’

“Marty Moates, for the second time today, has lost the lead and regained it, and he’s just done it against the man that many regard as the best in the world.” —ABC’s Jim Lampley Suddenly, Moates was back on top, and the anticipation of a possible double moto win by an American rider began to reverberate through the hillsides. “You have 40,000 people waving American flags for you?” said Hannah. “For you? Moates had never seen three guys wave American flags at him. That crowd gave him three seconds a lap. Easy.”“You could feel the crowd pushing him along,” said brother David. “This guy,” remembers factory mechanic Mike Guerra, “he could do it. You could feel it.”

The crowd literally went insane when it was over,” said Huffman. “It was the biggest thing I’d ever seen at an outdoor motocross event.”

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 51

that was all he had.” But it wasn’t. Moates quickly caught and repassed the future world champion on another rutted, downhill section, and the crowd, already screaming, seemed to bump things up a notch.

“This is unprecedented perhaps in the whole history of grand prix motocross...for an outsider such as Marty Moates to win both motos of a race of this significance...” — ABC’s Jim Lampley Really well put.

“Allsucceed.thesudden,” said Offner, “there was no longer this horrible anticipation of something bad happening.”Andsuddenly, it was over, Moates once again punching the sky and throwing his goggles skyward at the checkered flag.

“We all thought,” said White, “‘maybe he can do it. Maybe he can holdLackeyon.’” helped Moates’s cause by crashing in the same spot in which he’d passed Bruno and Moates, his bike jamming under a fence. “That good passing line bit me in the butt,” Lackey remembers with a laugh. “Why couldn’t I have just not slid all the way under that stupid fence!” Lackey waved Moates by the next time around, knowing how that must have felt and genuinely wanting him to

it.Lackeyhefroth,Carlsbadholeshotsecond-motowhippedthecrowdintoaespeciallywhenlosttheleadtoBradandthenregainedItwasnuts.

What could be done was a load, too. Moates’ win set the stage for Chuck Sun’s USGP win the following year, along with a Team USA’s first Motocross des Nations win (and twelve more in a row afterwards!). And then came Lackey and LaPorte’s 500cc and 250cc world championships in ’82…and the rest is history.

would use to win the 1982 500cc World Championship on his factory Suzuki.)Inback was a specially built shock from White Brothers, with co-owner Tom White recollecting things this way: “We built the shock for Marty’s YZ that year. We changed the shock dramatically, lengthening and revalving it. My brother Dan, working with our suspension expert Bill Rychlik, developed a double spring system for a plusher initial ride with good bottoming resistance, and we also added a huge reservoir to control heat. Many hours went into suspension testing on that LOP YZ465.”Thebike was set up surprisingly

We know from the race’s outcome and the amazing ABC Wild World of Sports footage that’s contained in Todd Huffman’s outstanding Carlsbad USGP 1980: One Day of Magic documentary (get it on Amazon) that Moates’ LOP Yamaha was fast. But without superb suspension and chassis setup, little of that flexible power could get routed to the slick but hard-packed California adobe — and the LOP Yamaha was solid here. Up front were 38mm magnesium-slider Simons fork legs filled with 7.5-weight oil and held by alloy from-billet triple clamps and steering stem. (Interestingly, Steve Simons would build the revolutionaryat-the-time inverted fork that Lackey Marty Moates (right) and LOP chief Laurens Offner at a 500cc AMA National during the 1980 season. Their YZ was seriously competitive.

Many regard Moates’ win that sweltering June day just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean as a turning point — a tipping point, if you will — in motocross history…a point at which a handful of top American riders, who’d won national AMA titles and here and there on the international scene, could finally see what could be accomplished on the world stage, and understand that, hey, this could be done, and that they, too, could do it.

The Yamaha’s engine was also special. Aside from the increased displacement (493cc vs 465cc stock), the engine featured special Offner porting designed to not only make the bike powerful but easy to control — a key part of going fast on Carlsbad’s slick, hard-packed surface. The LOP bike was also very light, with liberal use of aluminum and magnesium. No wonder, then, that Team Yamaha rider Rick “The Lumberjack” Burgett was heard grousing during the 1980 AMA 500cc National series that the LOP Yamaha was blowing his OW41 works bike off on the straights, and maintaining that advantage in the corners. A privateer bike running with — or better than — full factory works machines? That simply did not happen — unless, of course, you

soft, with lots of sag and very light damping settings. And that was no accident, either, as the soft suspension literally took the edge off the hundreds of sharp-edged bumps at Carlsbad, and also allowed the bike to corner securely, since the extra sag allowed it to sink into its travel and be lower to the ground and easier to control.

“My wife and I were sitting about halfway up the Carlsbad Freeway,” White remembered, “one of roughest sections of the track on that June day. Watching our rider — Marty — become the first American winner of the Carlsbad USGP was one of the proudest moments of my life.”

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 53 were Laurens Offner and Marty Moates.AMANational Motocross champion, AMA Hall of Famer and industry CEO Mark Blackwell reflected thusly on Moates’ dramatic win: “I remember that as a watershed event. Like when Mary Tripes won the first Supercross in 1972, or when Jim Pomeroy won the Spanish GP. Of course, by 1980, the Americans had made significant progress against the Europeans, but Marty’s remained a breakthrough performance. Moates surprised many of us that day with his speed but also his smoothness. I remember thinking, ‘there is no way he can keep this up,’ but lap after lap he did, and then came back in the second moto equally strong.”

Motocross Action’s Zap Espinoza put it this way: “Marty Moates on a privateer Yamaha? Not supposed to happen.”Butitdid.Andwhile Marty Moates is gone, his legendary efforts on that sweltering June day in San Diego County provided a tipping point for not only an entire cadre of top-level American riders, but for an entire industry and country. Nicely done, Marty Moates. AMA Documentary creator Todd Huffman hosted a DVD release party at a Carlsbad theater back in 2010, which attracted many fans and industry luminaries — AMA Hall of Famers David Bailey and Broc Glover included.

54 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 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. Call (800) AMA-JOIN (2625646) to request an affinity card at any time, at no additional cost. KARDASJEFF

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 55 Watch this space for updates about your valuable benefits as an AMA member.DEALS AND DISCOUNTS For more information and the most recent listing of AMA Member Benefit Partners and discount codes visit americanmotorcyclist.com/deals-and-discounts THE PRODUCTESSENTIALSDISCOUNTS XcelerateTV 50% discount on first year’s subscription. Use code XTVAMA50 at XcelerateTV.com. Riders Share AMA members receive a 10% discount on all bookings with discount code The Quail MC Gathering AMA members recieve a discount on tickets using the code QL22AMA AMA AssistanceRoadside 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 $60 off standard rates. Motorcycle Shippers 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. Rider Accident Medical Plan For details jonesbirdsong.com/rampvisit Cycle Trader 10% discount on the BEST package. Use code AMA10 Bohn Body Armor 10% AMA Member Exclusive Discount. Visit bohnarmor. com and use code AMA18 at checkout. ADVMoto 20% discount. Use code AMADV20 AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Free admission to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio. AMA TicketsSupercross 10% discount on tickets at Usesupercrosslive.comcode5AMASX LeatherworksAnthony’s 10% discount. Use code AMADISCOUNT Colorado AdventuresMotorcycle 10% discount with valid AMA membership card. Dowco Powersports 20% discount. Use code AMA20 EagleRider For Club EagleRider AMA members receive 2 free rental credits 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 MotorcycleInternationalShows Save on advanced adult oneday general admission. Use code AMA20 Helite Moto AMA members get 15% off every order at helitemoto.com. Use code HELITEAMA 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. MAD Maps Save 15%. Use code AMA15 ® Medjet Air medical transport and travel security protection – visit orMedjet.com/AMACyclecall1.800.527.7478,referring to American Association.AnnualMotorcyclistrates 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 MYLAPS 20% discount off MSRP or current sales price on weborders or orders coordinated by the AMA. Use code AMA-789HJK Motool AMA members can save 10% at motool.co. Use code AMAVIP at checkout. MX Boot Repair 10% discount. Use code AMADISCOUNT Nelson Rigg 20% AMA Member Exclusive Discount on all products! Use promo code AMA-NR20 Blendzall AMA members can save 20% at blendzall.com. Use code AMA20 at checkout. Third Eye Design $25 discount on inView, a wireless brake and signal light. Use code AMA thirdeyedesigninc.comat Butler Maps AMA members receive a 20% discount at butlermaps.com. Use code AMAMEMBER Edelweiss AMA members save on standard bike tour. Use code 21AMA-EBT03 at checkout. Cardo Systems 20% discount online with valid AMA membership card. 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 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 Quin Design Helmets 10% off crash detection, SOS beacon, communicationBluetooth&more with your new intelligent helmet. 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#” Rider Magazine AMA member exclusive discount: $19.99 for 2 years (24 issues) + 2 extra free issues. Haynes Save an additional 15% on all Haynes & Clymer print and online repair manuals. Use code AMA15 MX Mounts 10% off on our mounts Use AMADiscount at checkout Matrix Concepts AMA members receive a 25% discount on most products for shop, garage & track necessities Usematrixracingproducts.comatcodeAMA25 STKR Concepts 15% off products codestkrconcepts.com.atUseAMA15 Risk Racing 15% off products at riskracing.com. Use code AMA15 Rlink Rlink offers AMA Members 25% off industry leading GPS Security Systems. Use code ama2020rl The BikeDirtAcademy 10% exclusive discount on instruction. Learn more thedirtbikeacademy.comat Street Skills 10% discount on online courses at StreetSkills.net. Use code AMACCOC. Heli Bars Use code AMAM2020 for a 10% AMA Member Exclusive Discount at helibars.com.

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

RoadCALIFORNIARide/Run: Sept. 1- 5. Calexico. 45th Annual Three Flags Classic. California Motorcycling Assn., 949-769-1726, 3flagschair@sc-ma.com, sc-ma.com. Speedway: Sept 3. Auburn. Extreme Sidecar National Championship 250 & 150cc Youth National. Fast Fridays Speedway, 530-878-7223, fastfriday@aol.com, fastfridays.com. Speedway: Sept. 7. City of Industry. 2022 AMA Speedway Motorcycle Racing. Industry Hills Expo Center DBA: Industry Racing, 626-330-0324, kelly@industryracing.com, industryracing.com. Speedway: Sept 10. Auburn. Fast Fridays Speedway, 530-878-7223, fastfriday@aol.com, fastfridays.com. Flat Track – ST: Sept. 10. Lodi. 2022 D36 Dirt Track Championship. Lodi Motorcycle Club, 209-368-7182, lodimcemail@gmail.com, www.lodicyclebowl.com. Dual Sport: Sept. 10. Big Bear. QCC. Dual Sport Riders, 805-540-8179, californiadualsportriders@gmail.com, cdsr.us/quarterly-club-cruise. Road Rally: Sept. 16- 18. Santa Barbara. Babes Ride Out x Central Coast. Babes Ride Out, 321-299-5676, ashmore@ babesrideout.com, babesrideout.com. Dual Sport: Sept. 17- 18. Groveland. Yosemite National Dual Sport. Family Off-Road Adventures, 209-993-7306, benjamin@ familyoffroadadventures.com, familyoffroadadventures.com. Speedway: Sept. 17. Auburn. National Speedway Championship Series Rd 3. Fast Fridays Speedway, 530-878-7223, fastfriday@aol.com, fastfridays.com. Road Ride/Run: Sept. 18. Fairfield. Northern California Ride for Kids. Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, 610-3923678, akaras@curethekids.org, event/2022-northern-california-ride-for-kids/e375201.https://team.curethekids.org/ Road Ride/Run: Sept. 18. Torrance. Los Angeles Ride for Kids. Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, 610-392-3678, akaras@ curethekids.org, angeles-ride-for-kids/e375185.https://team.curethekids.org/event/2022-losGrand Prix: Sept. 18. Rancho Cordova. The Trailblazer GP. Women’s Dirt Bike Racing Association, womensdirtbikeracing@yahoo.com, https://www.facebook.com/ Womensdirtbikeracingassociation. Speedway: Sept. 24. Auburn. Fast Fridays Speedway. 530-878-7223, fastfriday@aol.com, fastfridays.com. TrailCOLORADORide:Sept. 11. Sedalia. RRMMC Fall Poker Run. Rampart Range Motorized Mgmnt. Committee, Inc., 303-809-6628, coreycorbett@q.com, www.rampartrange.org. Trail Ride: Sept. 11. South Fork. Trail Awareness Symposium. Sidewinders M/C, 210-383-9887, vernonm@@gvtc.com, www. colorado600.org.

DragKANSASRace – Dirt: Sept. 4. Ozawkie. Abate of Kansas 47th Annual Labor Day Rally Field Events. ABATE of Kansas, 913704-9233, harleytower@aol.com, abateks.org.

Trail Ride: Sept. 18. Ottawa. Egg Hunt. Variety Riders Motorcycle Club Inc., 815-434-3669, varietyriders@yahoo.com, varietyriders.com. Flat Track – TT: Sept. 24. Belleville. BET Knobby TT. Belleville Enduro Team Inc., 618-277-3478, bellevilleenduroteam@gmail. com, bellevilleenduroteam.com. Observed Trials: Sept. 24- 25. White City. Cahokia Creek Dirt Riders Event. Cahokia Creek Dirt Riders, 217-725-5048, igtse@yahoo.com, cahokiacreekdirtriders.com. Motocross:INDIANA Sept. 2. Akron. Reads Racing Unlimited, Inc., 574-893-1649, reads1@myfrontiermail.com, www.readsracing.com. Motocross: Sept. 3. Akron. Reads Racing Unlimited, Inc., 574-893-1649, reads1@myfrontiermail.com, www.readsracing.com. Motocross: Sept. 4. Akron. Reads Racing Unlimited, Inc., 574-893-1649, reads1@myfrontiermail.com, www.readsracing.com. Motocross: Sept. 5. Akron. Reads Racing Unlimited, Inc., 574-893-1649, reads1@myfrontiermail.com, www.readsracing.com. Road Ride/Run: Sept. 11. Columbia City. Ham & Bean Run. Old Fort Motorcycle Club Inc., 260-504-6388, francierichard@aim.com. Motocross: Sept. 17. Pierceton. Reads Racing Unlimited Day Race. Reads Racing Unlimited, Inc., 574-893-1649, reads1@myfrontiermail.com, www.readsracing.com. Adventure Ride: Sept. 17. Columbus. Buffaloe 500 Adventure Ride. Stoney Lonesome M/C, 812-342-4411, buffaloe@ stoneylonesmc.com, http://stoneylonesomemc.com. Hillclimb:IOWA Sept. 11. Anamosa. Midwest Hillclimbers Association, roadlab@netins.net, anamosahillclimb.com. Motocross: Sept. 17. Shell Rock. New Hartford Racing MX. New Hartford Racing Association, Inc., 319-885-6469, newhartfordracing@gmail.com, www.newhartfordracing.com. Motocross: Sept. 18. Shell Rock. New Hartford Racing MX. New Hartford Racing Association, Inc., 319-885-6469, newhartfordracing@gmail.com, www.newhartfordracing.com.

56 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022

DualALASKASport: Sept. 17- 18. Columbus. Buffaloe 500 Dual Sport. Stoney Lonesome M/C, 812-342-4411, buffaloe@ stoneylonesomemc.com, http://stoneylonesomemc.com.

RoadARIZONARace: Sept. 10- 11. Wilcox. ASMA Championship Series. Arroyo Seco Motorcyclist Association, roger@asmaracing.com, asmaracing.com. Road Ride/Run: Sept. 24. Springerville. Devil’s Cut, Concours Owners Group, dcharby@msn.com, https://concours.org.

Enduro: Sept. 11- 16. Montrose. Cotah Rally/Rally Raid. Rally Adventures, 303-877-2795, cotahrallyadventures@gmail.com, cotahrallyadventures.com. Motocross: Sept. 18. Lakewood. RMRA Series. Colorado Motorsports Promotions LLC., 303-909-7003, denjump@gmail.com, www.tvmx.net. Speedway FT & ST: Sept. 24. Dacono. Colorado Speedway & Flat Track. IMI Motorsports Complex, 303-833-4949, imimotorsports@hotmail.com. Road Race: Sept. 24- 25. Deer Trail. Motorcycle Roadracing Association, 303-769-4771, trackmanager@highplainsraceway. com, www.highplainsraceway.com. Dual Sport: Sept. 24- 25. Sedalia. RRMMC Awesome Autumn Dual Sport Ride. Rampart Range Motorized Mgmnt. Committee Inc., 303-809-6628, coreycorbett@q.com, www.rampartrange.org. Flat Track - ST: Sept.25. Dacono. Colorado Speedway & Flat Track. IMI Motorsports Complex, 303-833-4949, imimotorsports@hotmail.com, imimotorsports.com. RoadFLORIDARace: Sept. 10- 11. Homestead. ASRA Sprint Races/ CCS. American Sportbike Racing Association, 817-246-1127, info@asraracing.com, www.asraracing.com. AdventureGEORGIASchool: Aug. 31- Sept. 1. Cedarlake. Say No to Slow Georgia, Intermediate. Moto Adventure Tours. 941-4449704, info@motoadvtour.com, www.motoadvtour.com. Road Race: Sept. 2- 4. Braselton. North America Talent Cup. Rise Moto LLC., 717-495-7265, info@northamericatalentcup. com, www.northamericatalentcup.com. Adventure School: Sept. 3- 4. Cedartown. Say No to Slow Georgia, Advanced, 600cc and above. Moto Adventure Tours, 941-444-9704, info@motoadvtour.com, www.motoadvtour.com. Road Ride/Run: Sept. 10. Suches. SE Fall Rally. Concours Owners Group, bugnut@aol.com, https://concours.org. Road Ride/Run: Sept. 18. Buford. Atlanta Ride for Kids. Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, 610-392-3678, akaras@ curethekids.org, atlanta-ride-for-kids/e372596.https://team.curethekids.org/event/2022Motocross: Sept. 24. Dalton. MEGA/BIG/SAS Series. LRMX, Inc., 706-278-2868, teamsyd@aol.com, www.lazyrivermx.com. Motocross: Sept. 25. Dalton. AMA Georgia State Championship/MEGA/BIG/SAS Series. LRMX, Inc., 706-278-2868, teamsyd@aol.com, www.lazyrivermx.com.

COMING EVENTS

RoadALABAMARace:Sept. 23- 25. Leeds. Mini Cup by Motul. MotoAmerica, www.motoamerica.com. Road Race: Sept. 23- 25. Leeds. North America Talent Cup. Rise Moto LLC., 717-495-7265, info@northamericatalentcup. com, www.northamericatalentcup.com.

FlatILLINOISTrack- ST: Sept. 1. Springfield. AMA District 17 & Vintage National Series. Steve Nace Racing Promotions, 270-442-7532, snace@apex.net, www.stevenaceracing.com. Hillclimb: Sept 3. Mattoon. Central Illinois Motorcycle Club, 217-246-7154, hopper54p@yahoo.com. Motocross: Sept. 3. Mendota. Megacross Shootout Series. Moto Pro Inc., 815-539-9021, wardy@mtco.com, www.megacross.com. Flat Track – TT: Sept. 4. Mattoon. Central Illinois Motorcycle Club, 217-246-7154, hopper54p@yahoo.com. Hillclimb: Sept. 4. Mattoon. Central Illinois Motorcycle Club, 217-246-7154, hopper54p@yahoo.com. Motocross: Sept. 4. Casey. Fly Racing Showdown Series, Lincoln Trail Motosports, 217-932-2041, lincolntrailmotosports @gmail.com, www.lincolntrailmotosports.com Gran Prix: Sept. 4. Ottawa. Variety Riders Motorcycle Club Inc., 815-434-3669, varietyriders@yahoo.com, varietyriders.com. Flat Track - TT: Sept. 5. Mattoon. Central Illinois Motorcycle Club, 217-246-7154, hopper54p@yahoo.com. Motocross: Sept. 5. Casey. Fly Racing Showdown Series, Lincoln Trail Motosports, 217-932-2041, lincolntrailmotosports @gmail.com, www.lincolntrailmotosports.com. Hillclimb: Sept. 10. Mt. Vernon. District 17 Hillclimb Series. King City Dirt Riders Inc., 618-204-4896, kcdr24@gmail.com. Motocross: Sept. 10. Wedron. AMA District 17 Motocross Series. Moto Pro Inc., 815-431-9913, wardy@mtco.com, www. foxvalleyoffroad.com. Hare Scrambles/Cross Country: Sept. 11. White City. Cahokia Creek Dirt Riders Hare Scramble. Cahokia Creek Dirt Riders, 217-725-5048, igste@yahoo.com, cahokiacreekdirtriders.com. Motocross: Sept. 10. Wedron. AMA District 17 Illinois State Championship. Moto Pro Inc., 815-431-9913, wardy@mtco.com, www.foxvalleyoffroad.com. Motocross: Sept. 17. Mendota. Megacross Shootout Series. Moto Pro Inc., 815-539-9021, wardy@mtco.com, www.megacross.com. Motocross: Sept. 18. Walnut. Sunset Ridge MX Pro-Am. 4P Promotions, Inc., 815-379-9534, jan@sunsetridgemx.com, www.sunsetridgemx.com. Road Ride/Run: Sept. 18. Geneva. Chicagoland Ride for Kids. Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, 610-392-3678 akaras@curethekids.org, event/2022-chicagoland-ride-for-kids/e375162.https://team.curethekids.org/

DualKENTUCKYSport:Sept. 10. Golden Pond. LBL 200 National Dual Sport. Thomas Brothers Promotions LLC. (KT Riders), 270-350-6324, ktriders@gmail.com, http://www.lbl200.com. Observed Trials: Sept. 17. Bedford. Trials Inc., 937-516-2458, www.trialsinc.org. Observed Trials: Sept. 18. Bedford. Trials Inc., 937-516-2458, www.trialsinc.org. Motocross:MARYLANDSept. 17- 18. Mechanicsville. MAMA MX Series. Middle Atlantic Motocross Association, Inc., membership@ mamamx.com, www.mamamx.com. Motocross:MICHIGANSept. 9- 5. Millington. Baja Brawl. Baja Acres, 989-871-3356, ride@bajamx.com, www.bajaacres.com. Flat Track – ST: Sept. 10. Midland. D14 Flat Track. Polka Dots M/C, 989-832-8284, polkadotsmc.net. Trail Ride: Sept. 10. Metamora. Vintage Trials. Michigan Ontario Trials Association, bjaherne2@gmail.com,248-495-5862,motatrials.com. Observed Trials: Sept. 11. Metamora. MOTA Championship, Michigan Ontario Trials Association, 248-495-5862, bjaherne2@gmail.com, motatrials.com. Motocross: Sept. 17. Newaygo. Big Air Motocross, 231-6525225, bigairbigfun@gmail.com, www.bigairmotocross.com. Motocross: Sept. 17. Portland. District 14 Motocross Series. Portland Trail Riders, 517-376-1437, portlandtrailriders@gmail. com, www.portlandtrailriders.com. Trail Ride: Sept. 17. Vermontville. Vintage Trials. Michigan Ontario Trials Association, mot@jeffersondentalcenter.com,574-386-4061,motatrials.com. Motocross: Sept. 18. Newaygo. Big Air Motocross, 231-652-

Motocross: Sept 5. Brook Park. Berm Benders Raceway Motocross. Berm Benders Incorporated, 612-919-0993, bermbendersraceway@outlook.com, www.bermbendersraceway.com. Motocross: Sept. 5. Millville. Fly Racing Super Series/Viking Clash. Hi-Winders, 507-753-2779, springcreekmxoffice@gmail. com, www.springcreekmx.com.

Enduro:MISSISSIPPI Sept. 24- 25. Laurel . Tigercreek Enduro. Runners Enduro Team of Mississippi, 601-527-2018, carstencagle@gmail.com.

RoadMISSOURIRide/Run: Sept. 17. Steelville. Spider Ride. Concours Owners Group, gmazzola@sbcglobal.net, https://concours.org. Road Ride/Run: Sept. 18. Cottleville. St. Louis Ride for Kids. Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, 610-392-3678, akaras@ curethekids.org, louis-ride-for-kids/e375227.https://team.curethekids.org/event/2022-stDual Sport: Sept. 24- 25. Bixby. Show Me 200. Midwest Trail Riders Association, 314-434-5095, ridemtra@hotmail.com, http://ridemtra.com. Adventure Ride: Sept. 24- 25. Bixby. Show Me 200. Midwest Trail Riders Association, 314-434-5095, ridemtra@hotmail.com, http://ridemtra.com.

Motocross: Sept. 4. Brook Park. Berm Benders Raceway Motocross. Berm Benders Incorporated, 612-919-0993, bermbendersraceway@outlook.com, www.bermbendersraceway.com.

5225, bigairbigfun@gmail.com, www.bigairmotocross.com.

NEW HAMPSHIRE Road Race: Sept. 4. Loudon. United States Classic Racing Association, 413-498-4433, raceuscra@yahoo.com, www.race-uscra.com.

Motocross: Sept. 11. Brookston. District 23 Motocross Series. Echo Valley Motopark, LLC., 218-391-8422, echovalleymotopark@gmail.com, echovalleymotocross.com.

Observed Trials: Sept. 18. Vermontville. MOTA Championship. Michigan Ontario Trials Association, 574-386-4061, mot@jeffersondentalcenter.com, motatrials.com Motocross: Sept. 18. Portland. District 14 Michigan State Championship Series. Portland Trail Riders, 517-376-1437, portlandtrailriders@gmail.com, www.portlandtrailriders.com. Observed Trials: Sept. 25. Vassar. MOTA Championship. Michigan Ontario Trials Association, 248-628-4541, lwm248@gmail.com, motatrials.com.

Flat Track – ST: Sept. 17. New Ulm. Flying Dutchmen Cycle Club, 507-388-1671, flyingdutchmenmn.com, flyingdutchmenmotorcycleclub.com. Road Ride/Run: Sept. 17. Croix Beach. Flood Run. North Star Riders, 612-965-8619, floodrun@polaris.com, flood-run.com. Motocross: Sept. 18. Cambridge. BCMX Motocross. BCMX Adventure Park, 612-280-8939, bcmxllc@hotmail.com, www.bcmxadventurepark.com. Flat Track – ST: Sept. 18. New Ulm. Flying Dutchmen Cycle Club, 507-388-1671, flyingdutchmenmn.com, flyingdutchmenmotorcycleclub.com. Road Race: Sept 23. Brainerd. Central Roadracing Association 2022 Season. Central Roadracing Association, 612-332-4070, info@cra-mn.com, cra-mn.com. Observed Trials: Sept. 24. Lake Crystal. UMTA 2022 Events. Upper Midwest Trials Association, 651-261-5977, bobbywarner@gmail.com, umta.org. Motocross: Sept. 24- 25. Millville. Fly Racing Super Series sponsored by Vaith Cycle. Hi-Winders, 507-753-2779, springcreekmxoffice@gmail.com, www.springcreekmx.com. Trail Ride: Sept. 24- 25. Menahga. 23rd Annual Trail Ride. Twin Cities Trail Riders, 612-965-8619, info@tcttrailriders.org, www.tctrailriders.org. Hare Scrambles/Cross Country: Sept. 25. Browerville. D23 Hare Scrambles/CC. MotoCity Raceway & Recreation, Inc., 218894-2826, motocity-rnr@hotmail.com, motocityraceway.com. Observed Trials: Sept. 25. Lake Crystal. UMTA 2022 Events. Upper Midwest Trials Association, 651-261-5977, bobbywarner@gmail.com, umta.org

Motocross:MINNESOTASept. 4. Millville. Fly Racing Super Series/Viking Clash. Hi-Winders, 507-753-2779, springcreekmxoffice@gmail. com, www.springcreekmx.com.

School: Sept. 21- 22. Richfield. Say No to Slow Utah, Advanced, 600cc and above. Moto Adventure Tours, 941-444-9704, info@motoadvtour.com, www.motoadvtour.com. Adventure School: Sept. 23. Richfield. Say No to Slow Utah, Intermediate. Moto Adventure Tours, 941-444-9704, info@ motoadvtour.com, www.motoadvtour.com. Adventure School: Sept. 24- 25. Richfield. Say No to Slow Utah, Advanced, 600cc and above. Moto Adventure Tours, 941-444-9704, info@motoadvtour.com, www.motoadvtour.com. Adventure School: Sept. 28- 29. Richfield. Say No to Slow Utah, Advanced, 600cc and above. Moto Adventure Tours, 941-444-9704, info@motoadvtour.com, www.motoadvtour.com.

NEW Motocross:YORKSept. 3- 4. Carlisle. MSC Championship MX Series. Metropolitan Sports Committee, 845-554-8717, jslaughter@ diamondback-mx.com, www.diamondback-mx.com. Motocross: Sept. 10- 11. Greig. High Voltage Hills MX. High Voltage Hills MX, 315-725-0368, nzeilinski74@gmail.com, highvoltagehillsmx.com. Motocross: Sept. 11. Coeymans Hollow. MSC Championship MX Series. Sports Committee, 518-269-1962, chairman@ mscmotocross.com, www.mscmotocross.com. Enduro: Sept. 11. Newark. RJ Vandermortel Memorial Sprint Enduro. Wayne County Motorcycle Club, 315-359-8615, waynecountymotorcycleclub@gmail.com, www.waynecountymc.com. Trail Ride: Sept. 17- 18. Hancock. Fall Family Fun Ride. Bear Creek Sportsmen, 908-334-1637, bearcreeksportsmen@yahoo. com, bearcreeksportsmen.com. Flat Track – ST: Sept. 17. Cuddebackville. National Vintage Flat Track. Tri-State MC LTD., 845-219-1193, tristatefacts@gmail.com, www.tristateclub.net. Dual Sport: Sept. 17- 18. Newark. Monkey Butt 2 Day. Wayne County Motorcycle Club, waynecountymotorcycleclub@gmail.com,315-359-8615,waynecountymc.com. Observed Trials: Sept. 18. Alma. D4 Observed Trials. District 4 Trials Committee, 585-610-5424, trialnut@hotmail.com, d4mototrials.weebly.com. Motocross: Sept. 18. Middletown. MSC Championship MX Series. Metropolitan Sports Committee, 845-342-2573, info@ orangecountyfairspeedway.net, orangecountyfairspeedway.net. Flat Track - ST: Sept. 18. Cuddebackville. National Vintage Flat Track. Tri-State MC LTD., 845-219-1193, tristatefacts@gmail.com, www.tristateclub.net. Road Ride/Run: Sept. 24. Southhaven Park. Blue Knights NY 15 Lighthouse Ride. Blue Knights Law Enforcement MC NY 15, 631-462-2538, cm4235@verizon.net. Motocross: Sept. 24- 25. Greig. High Voltage Hills MX. High Voltage Hills MX, 315-725-0368, nzeilinski74@gmail.com, highvoltagehillsmx.com. Motocross: Sept. 25. Monticello. MSC Championship MX Series. Metropolitan Sports Committee, 845-800-7200, info@holidaymountainmx.com, www.holidaymountainmx.com. Trail Ride: Sept. 25. Eden. Fun Trials Ride. Niagara Trials Riders, 716-930-0766, rscorpa@aol.com, ntrmototrials.weebly.com.

DualVERMONTSportSchool: Sept. 26- 27. East Burke. Vermont Training Tour- 599cc and Below. Motovermont, 802-860-6686, info@ motovermont.com, motovermont.com/vermonttrainingtour. Dual Sport School: Sept. 28- 29. East Burke. Vermont Training Tour- 599cc and Below. Motovermont, 802-860-6686, info@ motovermont.com, motovermont.com/vermonttrainingtour.

NORTH AdventureCAROLINARide:Sept. 10- 11. Pineola. Blue Ridge Adventure Ride. Appalachian Trail Riders, 704-309-3271, rottenronnie690@yahoo.com, people/Appalachian-Trail-Riders/100074833716368/.https://www.facebook.com/ Road Ride/Run: Sept. 18. Pittsboro. NC Triangle Ride for Kids. Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, 610-392-3678, akaras@ curethekids.org, triangle-ride-for-kids/e375196.https://team.curethekids.org/event/2022-ncOn-Street Coaching Seminar/Tour: Sept 22- 23. Maggie Valley. Stayin’ Safe In The Smokies (Conducted on public roads). Motomark1, LLC., 919-637-0947, info@motomakr1.com, www.motomark1.com. Road Rally: Sept. 29- Oct. 1. Waynesville. BMW Riders Association 49th Annual Rally. BMW Riders Association, Inc., 513-314-1931, george@bmwra.org, bmwra.org ObservedOHIO Trials: Sept. 3. Newark. Trials Inc.Trials Inc., 740467-2910, www.trialsinc.org. Observed Trials: Sept. 4. Newark. Trials Inc. Trials Inc., 740-467-2910, www.trialsinc.org. Hare Scrambles/Cross Country: Sept. 4. Moravia. Twisted Fence Harescramble, Twisted Fence, 607-423-4621, lindsander14@gmail.com, nyoa.net.

RoadWASHINGTONRide/Run: Sept. 17. Spokane Valley. 16th Annual POW/ MIA Ride & Event. Combat Vet Riders, Inc., 509-319-0889, jeremiah1392@yahoo.com, combatvetriders.org.

AdventureUTAH

RHODE ISLAND Observed Trials: Sept. 18. Exeter. NETA Observed Trials Championship Series. Rhode Island Trials Club, 508-386-6038, trialsriders@hotmail.com, www.ritrialsclub.com. SOUTH Motocross:CAROLINA Sept. 3. Travelers Rest. Carolina Elite Series. Travelers Rest Motorsports Park, 850-251-9698, www.sc-moto.com. Motocross: Sept. 17. Travelers Rest. Carolina Elite Series. Travelers Rest Motorsports Park, 850-251-9698, www.sc-moto.com. Motocross: Sept. 18. Donalds. Carolina Elite Series. The Shoals MX, 864-230-5074, stewardbaylor514@gmail.com. Motocross:TENNESSEESept. 11. Blountville. Thor Mega Series. Victory Sports Inc., 423-323-5497, jane@victory-sports.com, www.victory-sports.com. RoadTEXASRide/Run: Sept. 18. Montgomery. Houston Ride for Kids. Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, 610-392-3678, akaras@ curethekids.org, houston-ride-for-kids/e375168.https://team.curethekids.org/event/2022Road Ride/Run: Sept. 18. Fort Worth. Dallas Fort Worth Ride for Kids. Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, 610-3923678, akaras@curethekids.org, event/2022-dallas-fort-worth-ride-for-kids/e375163.https://team.curethekids.org/

Dual Sport: Sept 10- 11. New Plymouth. Baby Burr National Dual Sport. Enduro Riders of Ohio, 740-972-4214, erabob99@gmail.com, http://enduroriders.com. Hare Scrambles/Cross Country: Sept. 10- 11. Swanton. District 14 Harescrambles, Toledo Trail Riders, Inc., 419-3927117, mbucher@toledotrailriders.com, www.toledotrailriders.org. Road Ride/Run: Sept. 17. Hopedale. Rick Brown Memorial Legacy Run. American Legion Riders of Hopedale Post 682, 740-937-9995, legionriders682@gmail.com. Hare Scrambles/Cross Country: Sept. 24- 25. Millfield. GNCC Burr Oak. Racer Productions, Inc., 304-284-0084, info@gnccracing.com, gnccracing.com. Motocross:PENNSYLVANIA Sept. 4. Birdsboro. Pagoda Motocross. Pagoda Motorcycle Club, 610-582-3717, pagodamc@gmail.com, www.pagodamc.org. Motocross: Sept. 10- 11. Shippensburg. Yamaha All-Star Pro-Am/Cobra Cup. Gap Motocross, Inc., 717-571-5824, doublingap@gmail.com, www.doublingap.com. Flat Track – TT: Sept. 10. Parkesburg. E PA Piston Poppers MC Inc., 484-336-9160, pistonpoppersmc@hotmail.com, www.pistonpoppersmc.com. Dual Sport: Sept. 10. Millmont. Seven Mountains Dual Sport. Pennsylvania Trail Riders Association, 570-850-2383, drovelman@gmail.com, www.patrailriders.org. Flat Track – TT: Sept. 11. Parkesburg. E PA Piston Poppers MC Inc., 484-336-9160, pistonpoppersmc@hotmail.com, www.pistonpoppersmc.com. Enduro: Sept. 11. Biglerville. Michaux Enduro. South Penn Enduro Riders, 717-385-6014, dashughart@aol.com. Motocross: Sept. 17. Frederickburg. U.S. 2 Stroke Shootout. Sleepy Hollow MX Park, Inc., 717-278-8998, warr4@aol.com, www.sleepyhollowmx.com. Road Ride/Run: Sept. 18. Philadelphia. Philadelphia Ride for Kids. Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, 610-392-3678, akaras@curethekids.org, event/2022-philadelphia-ride-for-kids/e375165https://team.curethekids.org/ Road Ride/Run: Sept. 18. Harmony. Western Pennsylvania Ride for Kids. Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, 610-3923678, akaras@curethekids.org, event/2022-western-pennsylvania-ride-for-kids/e375229.https://team.curethekids.org/ Motocross: Sept. 18. Frederickburg. D6 Henrietta Classic Series. Sleepy Hollow MX Park, Inc., 717-278-8998, swarr4@aol.com, www.sleepyhollowmx.com. Flat Track - TT: Sept. 25. Parkesburg. E PA Piston Poppers MC Inc., 484-336-9160, pistonpoppersmc@hotmail.com, www. pistonpoppersmc.com. Motocross: Sept. 25. Hanover. District 6 Henrietta Classic Series. Happy Ramblers MC, 717-969-8089, happyramblersmx@gmail.com, www.happyramblersmx.com. Motocross: Sept. 25. Frederickburg. D6 Ultimate Quad Series / Sleepy Triple Crown Round 3. Sleepy Hollow MX Park,Inc., 717-278-8998, swarr4@aol.com, leepyhollowmx.com.

WEST VIRGINIA Hare Scrambles/Cross Country: Sept. 10- 11. Beckley. GNCC Mountaineer/eMTB. Racer Productions, Inc., 304-284-0084, info@gnccracing.com, gnccracing.com. Motocross: Sept. 11. Hedgesville. Vurb Moto. Tomahawk MX, LLC., 304-582-8185, tomahawkmotocross@gmail.com, www. tomahawkmx.com. Dual Sport: Sept. 16- 18. Beverly. Blackwater Adventure Rally Dual Sport. Blackwater Adventures, 304-614-8670, blackwateradventurewv@gmail.com, com/e/blackwater-adventure-rally-tickets-293436635877.https://www.eventbrite. Adventure Ride: Sept. 16- 18. Beverly. Blackwater Adventure Rally Adventure Ride. Blackwater Adventures, 304-614-8670, blackwateradventurewv@gmail.com, com/e/blackwater-adventure-rally-tickets-293436635877.https://www.eventbrite. Motocross: Sept. 17. Hedgesville. ACR Series. Tomahawk MX, LLC., 304-582-8185, tomahawkmotocross@gmail.com, www.tomahawkmx.com. Road Ride/Run: Sept. 24. Glen Dale. Pop Tab Run. Hoagy’s Heroes, Inc., 304-639-1863, hoagy@hoagysheroes.org, hoagysheroes.org. Motocross:WISCONSINSept. 10. Lake Mills. Aztalan Cycle Club Motocross. Aztalan Cycle Club Inc., 414-265-1582, aztalancycle@gmail. com, www.aztalanmx.com. Flat Track – TT: Sept. 10. Burnett. District 16 TT. Cycle Club, Inc., 920-319-6889, mikeschwarzenbacher@gmail.com, https://www.facebook.com/BeaverCycleClub. Motocross: Sept. 11. Lake Mills. Aztalan Cycle Club Motocross. Aztalan Cycle Club Inc., 414-265-1582, aztalancycle@gmail. com, www.aztalanmx.com. Flat Track – ST: Sept. 17. Lake Mills. AMA District 16 Flat Track. Aztalan Cycle Club Inc., 262-225-9011, jkainz3505@gmail.com, aztalanmx.com. Motocross: Sept. 17. Tigerton. Battle of Wisconsin Championships. Fantasy Moto LLC., 920-419-2863, scottyb@fantasymoto.com, www.fantasymoto.com. Observed Trials: Sept. 17. Mauston. Smagical Rock. Wisconsin Observed Trials Association, 319-330-8016,

COMING EVENTS

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

58 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 NEW JERSEY Road Race: Sept. 3- 4. Millville. ASRA Team Challenge/CCS. American Sportbike Racing Association, 817-246-1127, info@ asraracing.com, www.asraracing.com. Motocross: Sept. 18. Millville. Beast in the East/New Jersey Championship Series Pro-Am. Field of Dreams MX, LLC., 856-765-3799, info@njmpfod.com, www.njmpfod.com. Road Ride/Run: Sept. 25. Bridgewater. Deborah Heart & Lung NJ. Bridgewater Eagle Riders 2137, 609-893-6611, 2137eaglesbridgewaternj@gmail.com, demanddeborah.org.

RoadVIRGINIARally: Sept. 16- 18. Arlington. Raduno Duemilaventidue. Vespa Committee of Washington DC, Inc., vespacommittee@ gmail.com, www.vespacommittee.org. Road Ride/Run: Sept. 18. Richmond. Virginia Ride for Kids, Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, 610-392-3678, akaras@ curethekids.org, virginia-ride-for-kids/e375228.https://team.curethekids.org/event/2022Motocross: Sept. 24- 25. Disputanta. MAMA MX Series. Middle Atlantic Motocross Association, Inc., membership@mamamx. com, www.mamamx.com.

The Motoplayground Race at Ponca City poncamx.com Oct. 6-9. Ponca City, Okla. Ponca City MX. (815) 582-4113. www.poncamx.com

2022MOTOCROSSLucasOilPro Motocross Championship promotocross.com Round 12: Sept.3. Pala, Calif. Fox Raceway Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations redbudmx.com/mxon-2022 Sept. 24-25. Buchanan, Mich. RedBud MX.

nursehuber@aol.com, wisconsintrials.org. Road Ride/Run: Sept. 18. Wisconsin. Wisconsin Ride for Kids. Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, 610-392-3678, akaras@ curethekids.org, wisconsin-ride-for-kids/e375230.https://team.curethekids.org/event/2022Flat Track – ST: Sept. 18. Lake Mills. AMA District 16 Flat Track. Aztalan Cycle Club Inc., 262-225-9011, jkainz3505@gmail.com, aztalanmx.com. Motocross: Sept. 18. Tigerton. Battle of Wisconsin Championships. Fantasy Moto LLC., 920-419-2863, scottyb@ fantasymoto.com, www.fantasymoto.com. Hare Scrambles/Cross Country: Sept. 18. Two Rivers. Four Wheeler Dirtbike Cross Country (FDXC), 920-360-4405, https://www.fdxcr.com. Observed Trials: Sept. 18. Mauston. Smagical Rock. Wisconsin Observed Trials Association, 319-330-8016, nursehuber@aol.com, wisconsintrials.org. Flat Track - ST: Sept. 23. Burnett. District 16 ST. Beaver Cycle Club, Inc., 920-319-6889, mikeschwarzenbacher@gmail.com, https://www.facebook.com/BeaverCycleClub. Adventure Ride: Sept 24- 25. Wabeno. Big Woods 200. Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, 920-350-2030, bigwoods200@hotmail.com, www.widualsportriders.org. Dual Sport: Sept. 24- 25. Wabeno. Big Woods 200 National Dual Sport. Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, 920-350-2030, bigwoods200@hotmail.com, www.widualsportriders.org.

RoadWYOMINGRide/Run: Sept. 2- 5. Devil’s Tower. Devilstone Run, 307-763-1515, director@devilstonerun.com, http://www.devilstonerun.com.

MAJOR EVENTS Thor Mini O’s, presented by Pro Circuit unlimitedsportsmx. com SX: Nov. 19-22. Alachua, Fla. Gatorback Cycle Park. (321) 689-3461. MX: Nov. 23-26. Alachua, Fla. Gatorback Cycle Park. (321) 689-3461.

Baja Brawl bajaacres.com Sept. 2-5. Millington, Mich. Baja Acres. (989) 871-3356. Yamaha All-Star Pro-Am/Cobra Cup doublingap.com Sept. 10-11. Shippensburg, Pa. Doublin Gap MX Park. (717) 571-5824. 46th Annual Kawasaki Race of Champions etownraceway.com Sept. 30-Oct. 2. Englishtown, N.J. Raceway Park. (732) 446-7800. etownraceway.com

PRO-AM EVENTS 2022 AMA Pro-Am Schedule Baja Brawl: Sept. 2-5. Millington, Mich. Baja Acres. (989) 871-3356. bajaacres.com MSC Championship MX Series: Sept. 3-4. Carlisle, N.Y. Diamondback MX @ The Ranch at Carlisle. (845) 554-8717, diamondback-mx.com

Yamaha All-Star Pro-Am/Cobra Cup: Sept. 10-11. Shippensburg, Pa. Doublin Gap MX Park. (717) 571-5824. doublingap.com

FEATURED EVENTS OR SERIES

Oct. 15: Maverik Center – Salt Lake City, Utah Sept. 24: First Interstate Bank Center – Redmond, Ore. Oct. 1: National Western Events Center – Denver, Colo. Oct. 22: Findlay Toyota Center – Prescott Valley, Ariz. Nov. 5: Ford Idaho Center – Boise, Idaho Nov. 19: Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center – Reno, Nev. AMA National Hare and Hound Championship nationalhareandhound.com Round 6: Sept. 10. Panaca, Nev. Round 7: Oct. 8-9. Lovelock, Nev. Round 8: Oct. 22-23. Lucerne Valley, Calif. AMA National Grand Prix Championship ngpcseries.com Round 8: Oct. 1-2. Ridgecrest, Calif. Round 9: Oct. 29-30. Blythe, Calif. Round 10: Nov. 12-13. Havasu, Ariz.

AMA Supermoto National Championship Series www.drtracinginc.com Nov. 11-13: Musselman Honda Circuit. Tucson, Ariz. AMA Speedway National Championship Series

Round 10: Sept. 9-11. Millville, N.J., N.J. Motorsports Park Round 11: Sept. 23-25. Leeds, Ala., Barber Motorsports Park

AMA Vintage Flat Track National Championship Series americanmotorcyclist.com/flat-track-racing/ Round 14: Sept. 1. Springfield, Ill. Illinois State Fairgrounds (Short Track). (270) 442-7532. Round 15: Sept. 17. Cuddebackville, N.Y. Oakland Valley Race Park (Short Track). (845) 219-1193. tristateclub.net. Round 16: Sept. 18. Cuddebackville, N.Y. Oakland Valley Race Park (Short Track). (845) 219-1193. tristateclub.net.

Round 10: The Mountaineer – Sept. 10-11. Beckley, W. Va. Summit Bechtel Reserve. Round 11: Burr Oak – Sept. 24-25. Millfield, Ohio. Sunday Creek Raceway. Round 12: Buckwheat 100 – Oct. 8-9. Newburg, W. Va. CJ Raceway. Round 13: Ironman – Oct. 22-23. Crawfordsville, Ind. Ironman Raceway. AMA National Enduro Championship nationalenduro.com Round 7: Loose Moose National – Sept. 18. Marquette, Mich. (906) 250-3616 upsandstormers.com Round 8: Muddobbers National – Oct. 2. Matthews, Ind. (765) 998-2236 muddobbermc.org Round 9: Zink Ranch National – Oct. 16. Sand Spring, Okla. tulsatrailriders.com Round 10: Gobbler Getter National –Nov. 6. Stanton, Ala. (205) 340-4298 perrymountainmotorcycleclub.com

Travis Pastrana Pro-Am Challenge: Oct. 22-23. Seward, Pa. Pleasure Valley Raceway. (814) 317-6686. pvrmx.com

RECREATIONALAMANational Adventure Riding Series adventure-ridingamericanmotorcyclist.com/nationalSept. 10-11. Blue Ridge. Pineola, N.C. Appalachian Trail Riders. (704) 309-3271 Trail-Riders/100074833716368/https://www.facebook.com/people/AppalachianSept. 17-18. Buffaloe 500. Columbus, Ind. Stoney Lonesome Motorcycle Club. (812) 342-4411 stoneylonesomemc.com Sept. 24-25. Show Me 500. Bixby, Mo. Midwest Trail Riders Association. (314) 434-5095 ridemtra.com Sept. 24-25. Big Woods 200. Wabeno, Wis. Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders. (920) 350-2030 widualsportriders.org Oct. 1-2. Perry Mountain Tower Run. Stanton, Ala. Perry Mountain Motorcycle Club. (334) 327-5086 perrymountainmotorcycleclub.com Oct. 29-30. Cross-Florida Adventure. Saint Augustine, Fla. Dixie Dual Sport. (727) 919-8299 dixiedualsport.com Nov. 25-26. L.A. – Barstow to Vegas. Palmdale, Calif. District 37 Dual Sport. (626) 446-7386 labarstowvegas.com Beta AMA National Dual Sport Series national-dual-sportamericanmotorcyclist.com/ Sept. 10-11. Baby Burr. New Plymouth, Ohio. Enduro Riders of Ohio. (740) 972-4214 enduroriders.com Sept. 10-11. LBL 200. Golden Pond, Ky. KT Riders. (270) 3506324 lbl200.com Sept. 17-18. Buffaloe 500. Columbus, Ind. Stoney Lonesome Motorcycle Club. (812) 342-4411 stoneylonesomemc.com Sept. 17-18. Yosemite Dual Sport Adventure. Groveland, Calif. Family Off-Road Adventures. (209) 993-7306. familyoffroadadventures.com Sept. 24-25. Show Me 200. Bixby, Mo. Midwest Trail Riders Association. (314) 434-5095 ridemtra.com Sept. 24-25. Big Woods 200. Wabeno, Wis. Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders. (920) 350-2030 widualsportriders.org Oct. 1-2. Perry Mountain Tower Run. Stanton, Ala. Perry Mountain Motorcycle Club. (334) 327-5086 perrymountainmotorcycleclub.com

AMA EnduroCross National Championship Series

FEATURED EVENTS OR SERIES AMA Mid East Racing Championship Series mideastracing. com Round 11: Sept. 17-18. Union, S.C. Round 12: Oct. 1-2. Woodruff, S.C. Round 13: Oct. 15-16. TBA. Round 14: Oct. 29-30. Hickory, N.C. New York Off-Road Championship Series nyoa.net Round 9: Sept. 4. Twisted Fence. Round 10: Sept. 18. Full Action Cycles. Round 11: Oct. 2. TBA. STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS AMA Arizona Off-Road State Championship Series amraracing.com Round 7: Sept. 17. Page. Rock Stars MC. Round 8: Nov. 12. Oracle. XMC. Round 9: Dec. 10. TBA. Off-Camber.

REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Round 3: Sept. 17. Auburn, Calif. Fast Fridays Speedway. https://www.fastfridays.com/ AMA Youth Speedway National Championship – 150cc & 250cc www.fastfridays.com Sept. 3. Auburn, Calif. Fast Fridays Speedway. AMA Speedway Sidecar National Championship www.fastfridays.com Sept. 3. Auburn, Calif. Fast Fridays Speedway.

Thor Mini O’s, presented by Pro Circuit – SX: Nov. 1922. Alachua, Fla. Gatorback Cycle Park, (321) 689-3461, unlimitedsportsmx.com Thor Mini O’s, presented by Pro Circuit – MX: Nov. 23-26. Alachua, Fla. Gatorback Cycle Park. (321) 689-3461, unlimitedsportsmx.com

*DOUBLE POINTS: Sept. 25. Dalton, Ga. Lazy River MX. (706) 278-2868. lazyrivermx.com

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

The Motoplayground Race at Ponca City: Oct. 6-9. Ponca City, Okla. Ponca City MX. (815) 582-4113. poncamx.com Top Gun Showdown

GrandNATIONALOFF-ROADCHAMPIONSHIPSNationalCrossCountry gnccracing.com

FIM NORTH AMERICAN TALENT CUP SERIES FIM North America Championship northamericatalentcup.com Round 6: Sept. 2-4. Braselton, Ga. Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. Round 7: Sept. 23-25. Leeds, Ala. Barber Motorsports Park. American Hillclimb americanhillclimb.com Round 4: Sept. 17. Jefferson, Pa. White Rose MC Club. Round 5: Sept. 25. Freemansburg, Pa. Bushkill Valley Motorcycle Club. Round 6: Oct. 9. Oregonia, Ohio. Dayton Motorcycle Club. Progressive American Flat Track americanflattrack.com Round 15: Sept. 3. Springfield, Ill. Illinois St. Fairgrounds. Mile Round 16: Sept. 4. Springfield Ill. Illinois St. Fairgrounds. Mile. Round 17: Sept. 24. New Richmond, Wis. Cedar Lake Speedway. Short Track. Round 18: Oct. 15. Barberville, Fla. Volusia Speedway Park. Half-mile. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AMA Road Race Grand Championship wera.com Oct. 20-23. Birmingham, Ala. Barber Motorsports Park.

AMA West Hare Scramble Championship westharescramble.com Round 6: Oct. 15-16. Boise, Idaho Round 7: Nov. 5-6. Toutle, Wash. Round 8: Nov. 19-20. Wilseyville, Calif. AMA East Hare Scramble Championship amaeastharescrambles.com Round 7: Sept. 18. Bath, N.Y. Full Action Cycles.

FEATURED EVENTS OR SERIES

AMA All-Star National Flat Track Series stevenaceracing.com Sept. 2: Short Track. Springfield, Ill. Illinois St. Fairgrounds.

Megacross Shootout Series: Sept. 17. Mendota, Ill. Megacross. (815) 539-9021. megacross.com. Beast in the East/New Jersey Championship Series Pro-Am: Sept. 18. Millville, N.J. NJ Field of Dreams. (856) 765-3799. njmpfod.com Sunset Ridge MX Pro-Am: Sept. 18. Walnut, Ill. Sunset Ridge MX. (815) 379-9534. sunsetridgemx.com AMA Georgia State Championship/MEGA/SAS/BIG Series

AMA Georgia State Championship: Sept. 25. Dalton, Ga. Lazy River MX, (706) 278-2868, lazyrivermx.com AMA West Virginia State Championship: Oct. 9. Hedgesville, W. Va. Tomahawk MX. (304) 582-8185. tomahawkmx.com AMA Kentucky State Championship: Oct. 16. Sebree. Echo Valley MX LLC. (270) 339-6704, evmxllc.com AMA South Carolina State Championship: Nov. 13. Hamer, S.C. South of the Border MX, (423) 323-5497, www.victory-sports.com

2022 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship motoamerica.com

*DOUBLE POINTS: Oct. 9. Blountville, Tenn. Muddy Creek Raceway. (423) 323-5497. www.victory-sports.com

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

TRACK RACING

Big Bucks Pro-Am: Oct. 9. Birdsboro. Pagoda MC. (610) 582-3717, pagodamc.org MSC Championship MX Series: Oct. 16. Middletown, N.Y. Orange County Fair Motocross. (845) 342-2573, orangecountyfairspeedway.net

AMA South Carolina State Championship: Nov. 13. Hamer. S.C. South of the Border MX, (423) 323-5497. www.victory-sports.com

NATIONAL

COMING EVENTS

60 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022

46th Annual Kawasaki Race of Champions: Sept. 30Oct. 2. Englishtown, N.J. Raceway Park. (732) 446-7800. etownraceway.com

Great Lakes Cabot Trail Tour. Jan.15 - Nov. 30. Southern California Motorcycling Association, 330-857-8131, cabottrail@sc-ma.com, sc-ma.com USA Four Corners Tour. Jan.15 - Nov. 30. Southern California Motorcycling Association, 805-889-5220, usa4c@sc-ma.com, sc-ma.com Best 15 US Roads Challenge. Jan.15 - Nov. 30. Southern California Motorcycling Association, 330-857-8131, best15us@sc-ma.com, sc-ma.com California Adventure Series. Jan.15 - Nov. 30. Southern California Motorcycling Association, 330-857-8131, adventures@sc-ma.com, sc-ma.com Motorcycle Grand Tour of Texas. March 1-Nov. 15. MC Grand Tour of Texas, LLC, 210-777-1434, davidcanada@ mcgttx.com, www.mcgttx.com Tour of Honor. April 1- Nov. 30. Tour of Honor, 208-740-0899, admin@tourofhonor.com, tourofhonor.com.

americanmotorcyclist.com

AMA National Gypsy americanmotorcyclist.com/gypsytourTour 4 Corners M/C Rally,September 2-4. Durango, CO. AMA Grand grandtourshttps://americanmotorcyclist.com/Tours

MEMBER DEALS AND DISCOUNTS! Buying or selling residential or commercial real estate ANYWHERE in the United States? Learn how it can benefit the AMA Hall of Fame at NO COST to you! Info: Kristi at (951) 704-6370. MARKETPLACE 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®

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 61 Oct. 1-2. Shenandoah 500. Natural Chimneys, Va. Washington Area Trail Riders. watr.us Oct. 7-9. Eastern Sierra Dual Sport. Lone Pine, Calif. Family Off Road Adventures. (209) 993-7306. familyoffroadadventures.com Nov. 5-6. The Hammer Run. Port Elizabeth, N.J. Tri-County Sportsmen M.C. Inc. teamhammer.org Nov. 5-6. Howlin’ at the Moon. Payson, Ariz. Arizona Trail Riders. (602) 692-9382 arizonatrailriders.org Nov. 25-26. L.A. – Barstow to Vegas. Palmdale, Calif. District 37 Dual Sport. (626) 446-7386 labarstowbegas.com

Tips,Tweaks, Fixes and Facts: The two-wheeled ownership experience, explained Garage What they’re made of, and how to properly clean and care for them

BASICSWINDSCREEN101 BY KALI KOTOSKI is comprised of typically expensive chunks of plastic that can become damaged and prematurely worn without proper care or maintenance. A less-than-knowledgeable hand can significantly lessen the plastic’s lifespan or turn it so hazy that its purpose is diminished. Time, then, for a little Windscreen 101. What plastic is this? Decades of science have revolutionized plastics and their many applications, with the vast majority of today’s bike-specific screens made of acrylic (often known as Lucite or Plexiglas) or polycarbonate (Lexan). A fun fact is that Lexan was developed for use in space and was the material used for the visor of Neil Armstrong’s helmet when he landed on the moon in 1969. Boiled down, acrylic is less expensive than polycarbonate, UV resistant, easy to shape and offers great clarity, though it is more brittle than Lexan and more prone to cracking when worked. Lexan is significantly stronger but more expensive, and while it resists chips and cracking quite well, even when drilled, it dents and scratches more easily (more on this in a bit).

62 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 hat goessometimesunnoticed underappreciatedandin life is often something right in front of your face, and in motorcycling, that rings truer than Considerever.fora moment the utilitarian and sometimes stylish marvel that is the motorcycle windscreen…and then consider the science and technology behind these durable plastic designs. A windshield offers numerous benefits to the motorcyclist: The right design can double your bike’s comfort level on both shorter and (especially) longer rides, with windblast and the accompanying roar that comes with it reduced dramatically. A good windscreen can shield you from rain and snow and other inclement weather. And they can often (though not always) improve the looks of your bike. But for all their functional benefits, the windscreen/windshield genre W

To visually identify what type of plastic your bike’s windscreen has we spoke to CEO and President of National Cycle Barry Willey, who’s been in the windscreen business longer than most of us have been riding motorcycles — and whose company is an OEM supplier to BMW, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Polaris, Suzuki, Triumph andWilleyYamaha.explained a simple rule of thumb: “The edge of a clear acrylic windshield is always white or light in color,” he said. “For clear polycarbonate, the edge is always black, or at least grey, because polycarbonate is naturally yellow, and

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 63 blue has to be added to it to make it an acceptable color — clear.”

Who’d have thought that given the myriad chemical products on the market? Preventative care and upkeep A primary enemy of any plastic windshield — aside from wonky chemicals and dry wiping — is the sun’s UV rays. In addition, acrylic windshields are prone to developing a haze over time, and even minor scratches can limit visibility. Polycarbonate windscreens can yellow, and eventually the hard-coat can delaminate or flake off.

According to Willey, the industry standard for manufacturers is to equip new bikes with a polycarbonate windshield, albeit a cheaper, softer and thus more scratch-prone version of Lexan than National Cycle’s many offerings, which utilize a robust hard-coat for durability and scratch resistance. He added that acrylic is the most widely used plastic in the aftermarket, primarily due to its affordability.

“Consumers need to be really careful with today’s cleaners,” Willey said, “because other chemicals used on the bike, such as a wheel cleaner, can immediately damage the windshield.”

“But for manufacturers to keep costs down, they typically don’t hard-coat the Lexan,” Willey said. “And in not doing so, the inevitable static buildup attracts dust and microscopic particles, which will leave very small scratches when wiped off. That is why you can see scratched windshields on the showroom floor if they are not cleaned properly.”

Knowing what plastic your windshield is made of makes a world of difference in terms of care. Cleaning your shield with the wrong cleaner or product can lead to disaster, with nearinstantaneous crazing giving that beautiful clear plastic an ugly and dangerous mist coating. Crazing is a chemical reaction that creates tiny cracks as soon as the errant chemical is applied.

The primary guidance for acrylic and polycarbonate windshields is to use products free of alcohol, ammonia and abrasives. Petroleumbased degreasers and alkaline cleaners need to be avoided. Some examples of dangerous windshield chemicals include Windex, Rain-X and Armor All.

Imagine you’ve had a long day of riding and have sacrificed a small army of insects on your windshield, along with dust, dirt and whatever other grimy debris you’ve encountered. Absolutely resist the urge to give it a quick dry wipe! What you need here is patience and time and lots and lots of water. Get yourself some liquid dish soap and get the water flowing, ideally at a lukewarm temperature. The key here is to get all the grime to float on the surface, with ample suds and water to eliminate the possibility of any abrasion. This can’t be stressed enough. Now take a large microfiber towel, the more surface area the better, and wipe it softly dry. It is best to just wipe it down once and completely; don’t keep wiping once it’s dry. And if you’re determined to try some cleaners, follow the DIY golden rule by testing it in a small inconspicuous spot on the windshield first. But soap and water do the trick surprisingly well; just ask your local car or bike detailer.

baseballandPolycarbonateacrylicputtothetest...withabat.Testsshowthatwhileacrylicshatters,polycarbonate flexes on impact and remains unscathed.

Why know your plastic?

“Acrylic windshields are really hard and weather well, Willey said, “but acrylic will still scratch and isn’t as impact resistant as polycarbonate. If something hits it hard enough it can shatter into sharp pieces, which is why manufacturers adopted polycarbonate after the lawyers chased them into it.” That doesn’t mean acrylic windshields are bad; it’s just something to consider when weighing your investment decision. On the upside, acrylic windshields are easier to keep looking new. Compared to untempered glass, acrylic is about eight times stronger, with polycarbonate a whopping 200 times stronger. Department of Transportation-approved helmet face shields use polycarbonate, as well as machine-tool safety shields.

Willey recommends routinely applying a coat of natural carnauba wax on acrylic or polycarbonate windshields. The wax gives an additional sacrificial layer to the windshield and should be regularly applied. It also prevents oxidization, makes the windshield debris and scratch resistant, and allows water to easily flow off. Remember, though, the wax is for waxing and not to be used as a cleaning agent. Once again, however, test in a small area. With proper care, Willey said today’s plastic windshields can last over 10 years, making the investment quickly pay for itself.

However, polycarbonate with National Cycle’s proprietary Quantum hardcoat creates a state-of-the-art plastic that is said to be 30 times more scratch-resistant than acrylic and can withstand a home run swing with a baseball bat. So what about cleaning?

VS. RIGHT

Despite what you often read, the classic outside-inside-outside cornering line of the track is not the smart move on the street s a frustrated college kid with a hot new sportbike and no racetrack on which to hone my then-rookie-esque cornering skills, I admit to doing what many of us have done through the years in an attempt to achieve that oh-so-special cornering/g-force feeling on our motorcycles: ride way too fast — and take way too many chances — on curvy public roads. It was a simple thing for me, too, as, living in Utah, I had twisty canyon roads right down the street, and made good use of them for several years — though, looking back, it’s a wonder I survived it all. Me and my friends did that classic Sunday Morning Ride thing as much as we could. Get up early, jump on our bikes, meet at the base of one of the local canyon roads, and then let ’er rip SAVVYSTREET for a couple hours. We watched whatever road-racing coverage we could find on Motoworld (remember that show?); we read Twist of the Wrist, and Jeff Karr and Ken Vreeke’s words in Motorcyclist magazine; and we applied what we thought we knew about braking points and body position and the “racing line” on those wonderfully curvy roads as often as we could. We studied and bought the latest tires (Pirelli Phantoms and Dunlop K291s/391s were the rage at the time), and ooohed and ahhhed over their shredded edges after a fast ride. We dragged our knees and made sure everyone knew it… We were fast and we were good, dammit, and our motto was “get out of the way, rookies” cuz here we come! And of course, we were total idiots.

Unfortunately, this thinking — that’s it’s smart and acceptable to ride like that on backroads, and to use the classic “racing line” — still gets written about in the bike media on occasion, and as someone who’s done a lot of street riding and road racing over the last 42 years, I can’t figure it out. I’m not a safety snob by any means, and on occasion — like when I’m riding in the Alps and traffic is light or non-existent, or I’m on some deserted backroad Stateside — I’ll let ’er rip and get the adrenaline flowing. But for most riders in most situations, it ain’t smart. Right is Right I get asked a lot about street-riding lines and strategies, and over time I’ve settled on a few basic rules that seem to work pretty well — unless you pitch BY MITCH BOEHM

A

64 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 Garage LEFT (CORNERS)

All of which means being reasonably safe on those curvy road rides — and ignoring the outside-inside-outside racing-like blather in the media — is totally within the realm, and you’ll live to tell your grandkids what a hero you were,Nowtoo.go enjoy the rest of your summer.

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 65 Photo of Dave Roper by Bill Burke ©2022 New catalog,downloadablegear,updatedwebsite+morespecialsonline! FREE1stOrder SHIPPING aerostich.com/ama aero ama 07_2022.indd 1 6/30/22 12:31 PM EARLY BIRD BONUS $250 ONLINE BOOKING EBB2023CODE:fdilavro wen o n l ine bookings 2023)unti l O c t o b e r ,13 2202 NEW2023BROCHUREOUTNOW! www.edelweissbike.com SCAN ME

it into a corner completely coated with oil or hydraulic fluid, as happened to me one morning on a Carmel, Calif., backroad during a Kawasaki press introduction. But that’s a story for anotherBoiledtime.down, I look at right- and lefthand corners quite differently on the street, and the reasons for this come down to cars and trucks — where they can be, and what they spew. Obviously, you have no control over where another vehicle will be on the road as it approaches you, and the same holds true for whatever liquid or gravel they’re carrying, or what’s leaking from their powertrain. Given these factors, my tactics are different, so let’s start with the easier of the two…right-handers. I tend to keep to the inside of the lane on righthanders for obvious reasons. One, any leaking fluids, or dropped sand or gravel, are likely to be deposited in the middle or left half of the lane thanks to centrifugal force, so staying in the right third keeps you and your tires out of harm’s way. I find the asphalt on the inside is typically cleaner and grippier, and while entering a right-hander in the left of the lane is workable and gives you a better view of what’s coming at you, moving right as you tip your bike in is in almost all cases the better and safer way to go — especially if an oncoming four-wheeler is cheating over the centerline. Left is…Well, Left Left-handers are much trickier. You want to stay to the right of the lane to keep centerline-abusing vehicles out of your life, but because of that centrifugal force/physics thing, the right of the lane is typically dirtier and greasier than the left. So what to do? My advice is to stay right, slow down a bit, and be extra vigilant on the asphalt-reading and traction-feel side of the equation.

Of course, if you get really good at reading asphalt (and you will with lots of miles and experience), you can still have a ton of fun in left-handers.

66 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 P LAST PAGE

Designed by an R&D team headed by engineer Osamu Takeughi, the US90 (the unit’s original name before the ATC moniker was trademarked) resulted from an innocuous, shot-inthe-dark request from Honda Japan upper management in 1967 that said, basically, come up with something for upper-tier North American dealers to sell during the winter months — motorcycle sales slowing to a crawl during that time.

Inspiration for the ATC’s balloon tires came from the 6-wheeler.AmphiCat

PARMITTERSCOTT

Take’s team developed all sorts of non-traditional wheeled and tracked vehicles over the coming months, but not until American Honda sent him the balloon-type wheels and tires from a U.S.-built Amphicat sixwheeler did Take’s three-wheeled concept make the jump to lightspeed — or mudspeed — and morph into the machine that would become the ATC90.From there it was full speed ahead, the team replacing the prototype’s 70cc engine with Honda’s 90cc unit for more down-low and midrange power (better for sand and mud) and doing tons of testing on those surfaces both here and in Japan to be sure performance was up to par. It’s weird looking back with 20-20 hindsight, but Honda bosses were considerably unsure about the ATC and its chances for sales success, and insisted on keeping production costs as low as possible in case of a failure. Dealers were skeptical, too, and understandably so. This was, after all, a totally unknown and untapped market. Of course, we all know what happened next. Despite only mediocre sales in the first year or two, the ATC90 — and its 70cc and 110cc variants that came later — exploded in popularity during the 1970s, creating an entirely new market that would become the billiondollar segment we now know as the ATV/UTV industry. Stay tuned for a full-on ATC90 feature story in an upcoming issue. It’s good stuff! — Mitch Boehm

recious few vehicles in the powersports space can lay claim to literally altering the axis of the entire industry, but Honda’s fun and funky ATC90 — which debuted in 1970 — is a shoe-in.

Funky in the extreme, the 1970 ATC90 altered the motorcycle universe forever

HONDA’S 3-WHEELED WONDER

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST • SEPTEMBER 2022 67 AMAGear.com New designs. Made in the U.S.A.

Switch to GEICO and see how easy it could be to save money on motorcycle insurance. Simply visit geico.com/cycle to get started. Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2021 GEICO 21_ 550729928 geico.com/cycle | 1-800-442-9253 | Local Office