BIRTHDAYS • WEDDINGS GRADUATIONS QUINCEANERAS ADVERTISING • MOVIES

Sometimes the best ideas present themselves when you least expect it. That is what happened with Photo Bomb Classics. “Last year we went to a car show and there was a young lady there that asked me if she could use my Impala,” said owner Pete Vega. “I asked her what she wanted to use my Impala for.” The young lady wanted to use it for her Quinceanera. “My wife (Co-Owner, Maxine Vega) noticed that her dress went nicely with the Fleetline so we took it too. That is how it all started.”

The concept is so simple, I wish I thought of it. Through the Photo Bomb Classics website, you can book a time, a place and a vehicle of your choice. The rate is $150 per hour, per vehicle. “I'll park them, stage them and they can take as many pictures as they want. You just can't sit on them, but you can sit inside of them,” Pete clarifies.

“We get a lot of people who will come up at a car show and just want to tell stories, about a car they had that was similar or different color. They're always interested in being able to take a photo with it.”

Photo Bomb Classics currently has 9 vehicles to choose from. The model years range from 1947 to 1978. The collection includes a classic 1957 Chevy Bel Air that has been featured in several movies, shot locally. The 1967 Shelby GT represents a movie high-performance classic and the 1947 Fleetline is historically correct and includes the original glass. For the local racing fan, the 1978 Corvette Pace Car has a local tie considering that Al Unser Sr. won the Indy 500 that year for his 3rd of 4 victories.

BySteveMaes

Sandia Motorcycle Racing, Inc. (SMRI) kicked off its season on May 13, with Sandia BMW Motorrad sponsoring the first track day with food and giveaways. The Rust is Gold Racing Team was able to attend the afternoon session and spent most of the afternoon testing, tuning and talking with an impressive group of new and veteran riders that made their way through the pits.

During the lunch break we had a chance to talk to Timing and Scoring Officer, Christopher Franco, who gave us some insight on the track and new ownership and what we can expect for the season. According to Chris, “Track day went very well. There were a few hiccups as expected with the ownership changing, but they worked with us to ensure the track was safe and that we didn't have to cancel the weekend.” One thing we noticed immediately was there were a lot of new faces, and that track day specifically, seemed very active compared to last season. Chris also said they had a couple of new riders in the race school and we’re looking forward to seeing some new racers this season.

According to SMRI there were 61 riders on track day and 28 on race day and everyone is hoping to see those numbers grow over the season.

One big goal the Rust is Gold Racing team has set is to get as many new riders to the track as possible and if you are riding a vintage motorcycle, that’s even better. If you are new to the track here's a some tips we’ve learned along the way.

• Safety First: SMRI requires that riders wear proper riding gear, such as a full face helmet, leathers, gloves, and boots. Follow the rules and regulations of the race, and be mindful of other riders on the track. Respect the limits of your skill and avoid taking unnecessary risks that could lead to accidents.

• Bring a canopy or proper shade. It is a desert and there’s not much shade at the track. You will want to stay as cool and hydrated as much as possible throughout the day.

• Study the Track: Familiarize yourself with the track layout and its unique characteristics.Take a slow lap around the track to get a feel for the corners, surface conditions, and any potential hazards. Like the hairpin turn. If you can, ask one of the veteran riders if you can follow their lines for a lap or two. Understanding the track will help you plan your racing lines and make better decisions during the race.

• Try a few track days before deciding to race. Consistent practice is key to improving your racing skills. Set aside dedicated time for track sessions, the more time you spend on the bike, the better you'll become at controlling it and optimizing your performance.

• Focus on Smoothness: Smoothness in your riding technique is essential for speed and control. Avoid sudden or jerky movements, and aim for fluid transitions between acceleration, braking, and cornering. Smooth is fast.

• Maintain Your Motorcycle: Regularly inspect and maintain your motorcycle to ensure it's in optimal condition. Keep the tires properly inflated, check the suspension, and ensure all components are in good working order, especially if riding a vintage motorcycle. A well-maintained bike performs better and minimizes the chances of mechanical issues during races.

• Stay Focused and Calm: Motorcycle racing requires intense focus and concentration. Stay mentally prepared and focused during the race, and avoid getting distracted by external factors, like faster racers. Learn techniques such as breathing exercises or visualization to help manage nerves and maintain a calm mindset.

Finally, one of RIG’s major goals - focus on fitness and endurance: Motorcycle racing demands physical fitness and endurance. Regularly engage in cardiovascular exercises, hints yoga and strength training. A strong core and upper body strength are particularly important for stability and control.

We wrapped the first track day of the 2023 season with a mostly successful test and tune - the vintage BMW R75 held its own and so did its rider (for the most part). Rust is Gold Racing will be hosting a new rider workshop at the Rust is Gold Coffee shop this summer, so follow the official RIG racing website and Rust is Gold social media for dates and times. We look forward to seeing you out on the road racing track and be sure to register on the SMRI website for track days and racing times. Ride safe and see you on the track.