[BDA116]

I know there are a lot of AMA haters around here. Those that think the racing isn't even worth existing because it isn't the hallowed MotoGP or the WSBK losers that aren't as fast as the AMAers.
So for you, stop reading and go read that lame chopper computer thread.

I had an absolute blast this weekend out at the track. I got plenty of sun, but had plenty of fun as well. Watching these guys go this fast this close was just awesome. Out local fast guy did relatively well to top it all off.

After working out on the track Friday and seeing/hearing up close the cheater Yosh bikes, I spectated Saturday and today. Yesterday the four of us all went, and in the area on the east sde of the track they had quite the little area for the kids to play. There were FMX guys doing their tricks, right next to that was a little mini motocross-ish track that kids could ride on with either 50cc bikes or little quads. It was only $5 for five laps, so that was fun for them. Then they had this large set up of inflatable carnival game things like the bounce houses, slides, mazes, etc. Again an area for them to have fun while Dad watched the races.
Honda had their huge tent up with all the models, and Brandon immediately found "his bike" that he was thouroughly pissed we didn't bring home with us. He can jump right up on the little CRF50, and stands up on the pegs and seat like he's some kind of little dirt stunna. Looks like He's gonna start riding pretty young. Got up close and personal with a Goldwing with momma on the back to show her how nice and comfy they are and how we could have a good time cruising out on one.
Anyway, we were under that tent for quite some time, which was fine as it was right next to the side of the track where there was a ton of action, so while the bikes were on course I could just step out of the tent and watch.

We had grandstand seats up by the "attitudes" section - which is where Zemke was pushed off by Mladin in the race, and there was a bunch of action there. We also went and watched some SuperMoto action before going home.
The FX race on Saturday was just flat awesome. It was so sweet to watch the Hondas just flat walk all over those lame-assed over-hyped R6 bikes ridden by the over-rated DiSalvo and EBoz. They tried, but Hayes walked away with the win off the line. His start put all the others to shame. EBoz was on Gobert's ass for second/third there at the end, but his mighty super duper R6 couldn't get past the old tired has-been Honda 600RR. Disalvo was nowhere near the top three on his super machine.

Today I went back by myself so I could walk the pits, talk to riders, take pictures and do the things fans do that wives and kids get bored and antsy with. The Superstock race was great, with May flying the Pirelli flag at the front of the race in front of the factory bikes until five or so laps from the end, when both Hacking and Yates were able to get past him. Hacking pulled away a little bit, but not Yates. Watched most of the racing today from the clubhouse turn, which is where Zemke tossed his Superbike yesterday after leading, getting shoved off by Mladin and fighting back up onto Bostrom's rear wheel. It is the best place to spectate here, in my opinion. You can see quite a bit of the track, and two of the best action areas. Plus you can see the big screen from there.

The Supersport race had some new kid in it that fought with Roger Lee the whole race and ended up third. Some 16 year old that is only in his second AMA roadrace. Kid's amazing and will be cashing some big checks soon.
Our local guy finished in 9th place, so that was cool.
Then the Superbike race. Again at that corner, and a whole bunch in the crowd there was talking about the noise that only two bikes were making off that corner. Again, that cheater traction control system making the bikes sputter on the accelleration off the corners. But it was only two of the three Yosh bikes. Yates' bike didn't do it, his bike made the same smooth revving sound as the rest of the field.
Didn't help them much today, though, as Zemke chased them down, passed them and pulled away for the win. Miguel and Tommy weren't that far behind, either.
The mighty exhalted WSBK champ couldn't hang with the other AMA factory riders, including his own team-mate - well, until Ben crashed that is. Too bad, he had a shot at winning, or at least keeping Yosh's podium standers to one.
Local fasy guy finished 23rd. Not great, but not bad.

I have some pics that I'll upload later.
Racing at this level is a riot to watch in person, and it was fairly well attended for being the first major racing event in Utah in quite some time. No, Bonneville doesn't count. Nobody cares about that or watches it other than friends and family.

[Tornado bait]

YOU SUCK!

[nhfirefighter13]

Sounds like you had a blast!

[seamus]

Originally Posted by Tornado bait

YOU SUCK!

[CBRVFR]

The televised races looked awesome. I'm a big fan of the Zemke's persistence and gutsy riding. Nice to see Honda on the top step.

[Hammer]

Originally Posted by CBRVFR

The televised races looked awesome. I'm a big fan of the Zemke's persistence and gutsy riding. Nice to see Honda on the top step.

+1

But I would still like to see the 17 at the #1 spot this year as well. I just like his style, no BS or trash talk just a get it done type attitude.

[bwhip]

Glad you had such a good time - wish I could have been there! I watched the races on TV and everyone seemed to love the facilities. How could they not?

Bummer to see Bostrom highside when he was doing so well. But I sure liked seeing Zemke get past that redass Mladin and get the victory, especially after what Mladin did to him on Saturday.

That 16 year old kid, Josh Herrin, was fun to watch! So was Danny Eslick, who took fourth. Again and again he would brake so hard going into turn five that the rear wheel would be off the ground, then he'd just casually back it in and take the corner. Mad skills!

It was fun to watch them fly around a track that I thought I went pretty fast on. Ha! Not even close to those guys. Fun to see Shane Turpin and my buddy Dale Kieffer do well against the big boys.

[BDA116]

Alright, so I uploaded some of my pics here: http://www.fireblades.org/gallery/br...?c=762&userid=

Oh yeah, Eslick is a very talented rider and very entertaining to watch. He should be cashing big checks soon as well.
He knows how to play to the crowd, and is killer on the brakes.

[bwhip]

Nice pics!

[Scout]

Originally Posted by BDA116

The Supersport race had some new kid in it that fought with Roger Lee the whole race and ended up third. Some 16 year old that is only in his second AMA roadrace. Kid's amazing and will be cashing some big checks soon.

That's awesome, wish I was there for the inaugurul event!


That kid Heffrin? Heffin? blew me away. From TV land, I haven't seen a rider with that kind of natural ability and straight joy for racing in awhile.

He was absolutely celebrating third, and when Roger came by, and the kid offered a race shake - you could just tell Roger was like "oh-oh, this friggin' kid..."



Looks like a GREAT course for a trackday, nice wide and flowing.


edit> Didn't know SpeedTV does highlight reels now:
SPEEDtv.com | Homepage | The most comprehensive motorsports site on the web! | NASCAR, Formula One, Champ Car, IndyCar, Grand Am, SCCA, ARCA, ALMS, Rally, Drag Racing, Karting, Motocross, Supercross, Superbike, Road Racing, MotoGP, Flat Track, Hillclimb, choppers, tuners, muscle

Then scroll down to "free videos" - "motorcycle"

[Pete]

Originally Posted by bwhip

That 16 year old kid, Josh Herrin

I got to watch him about 4 years ago, when he was about 12, on a Metrakit mini, racing against friends of mine on our local mini/kart track. The way he rode back then had us all astonished.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by BDA116

Alright, so I uploaded some of my pics here:

Great pics, BDA, and thanks for the write-up. After watching the 2 Superbike races on the DVR last night, I was amazed by how awesome the track layout is. I can definitely see that track taking the MotoGP US round away from Laguna in the very near future.

[abtech]

What were the temps like over the weekend?

Sounds like a great time

[BDA116]

It got progressively warmer from Friday to Sunday, but around 85-90 so not too bad really.
It is a good time of year to have a motorcycle race here. July or August would be 10-20 degrees hotter.

[phobiaphobe]

Good times. Nice paddock skanks.