Dear riders and racers,
Laying fallow for the past several years, the Grass Track at the Heaven Moto Sport Complex was re-commissioned by our track technicians last week. A precise trim with a slasher, through knee high dry grass produced a well defined course on the side of the gentle undulating hills. Unlike last year when one of our alternative tracks was used as the Grass Track was under water.
2013 was however, a tad dusty in the first instance. Dust was later tamed somewhat by one of our Hydro Technicians laying down 10,000 litres of prime local spring water.
The Crawford River Classic is about trophy races, old bikes and a period Grass Track. We had all that this weekend. Over 90 entries. Pre 65, Pre 70, Pre, 75 and Pre 78 all had memorial trophies attached to them. Some races came from Queensland (Guy O'Neil and Vern Grayson) Both added colour and riding flair to the event on CZ's and Triumph Metisse. Plenty of variety in the makes. The Pre 65 Jawas (without major smoke), Twin Triumph Metisse. Mint Pursangs, Original un-molested KTM's, Husky Autos, Husky manuals back to Pre 70, More Jawas that even came into the country in the first place, Scrivo's Capra collection, a clutch of CZ most all in original trim - Jikov carbs, welded on lever perches, peasant's leather belts holding the tank in place. There was also a huge presence of Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki. Plus about 6 hybreds. Owners hedging their bets. The four stroke class was bolstered again with the addition of Hardo's fake 250 Kwaka #10. Resplendent in Kwaka green and white but with Honda 500 stamped over ever part.
Rubber band starts, up hill, into a narrowing right hander. 3rd gear straight into another right hander, tight and slippery. There was a number of slippy spots on the track that caught out some chaps who opened the throttle a bit too quick. The four stokes had some advantage on this track. Displayed when Kiwi on his TT 500 overtook a YZ 465 up hill to take the lead in the EVO Open.
Mat Kane # 28 on his EVO CR 250 fell foul of the slippy down hill wiggle in the track. Falling heavily and breaking his collar bone. Wishing him a speedy recovery. Kell #57 in the very last race of the day was involved in some close racing and go tangled up in two other bikes on the ground. Back on his feet but with a painful limp. Wish him the best too.
Overall, once the pea soup dust was settled, the racing was fast, fast fast. Approx 20 to 25 racers per grid gave us some spectacular first corner action. KTM rider Stackwell got a holeshot only to stab the rear brake in corner 1, ending up on the grass in front of 25 racers, all with first corner red mist and dust in their eyes. Said KTM rider did manage to screw himself into a tight ball and survive to race again.
It's Hi Ho time, so off to work I go. Will finish this a bit later today. Stay tuned for Mrs Hardo's pics. Thanks to the Members of the VMX Mag team who were in attendance, lending support and historic information.
Cheers Beers Pete
Back on deck from work. Greg the Montynut has supplied us with the trophy winners 2013 CRC. All deserving winners who will hold their particular memorial riders name alive and well.
The trophy presentation was held in the pink light of sunset at Buladehlah. Strong hand shakes and smiles all round. Young and old blokes were presented. We thank them for their efforts.
Predicted overnight rain was just a prediction. Nothing more that a heavy dew. Socialites were a bit harder to find the second night. Funny that.
Sunday kick off. On time. No issues. Flaggies were on queue. Rubber band start was looking a bit worst for wear after the typical Period Hang Ups (rope burns on necks). Our Heavenly water truck, piloted by Noel, was supplemented by a local big bore unit. Additional 50,000 units of water was neatly deposited onto the well worn Grass Track.Dust down to MX levels. Remember were are not lawn bowlers (yet).
We were blessed with 3 ladies racing from the get go. XR 200, XR 350 and Maico 250's were the weapon of choice. The semi smooth track seemed to suit the riding style.
The juniors were progressing just so well. Young Hayden # 295 on a brilliant XR 100 was riding like a young pro. Standing up and bouncing off the Grass Track Whoops as if they weren't even there. Hayden has come such a long way this racing year. Mat, Kai, Tyrays and Sam ripped it up too at their first Grass Track event. High 5's were given all round.
Special mention to the boys from Pro Strip who arrived with their gift of a new green powder coated Complex Front Gate. Work of VMX art is an understatement. New posts are on order and once fitted will set the Complex standard.
The naughty boy fundraising jar didn't see too much $$$ input until Bruce #6 decided to pull 3rd gear wheel stands on his XR 350 in an inappropriate area. Bruce took the penalty on the chin - for a good cause too.
Ultra smooth flaggie change overs allowed us to finish ahead of time, this was due to great planning and teamwork by our committee members.
The committee would also like to thank young local - Pete Crampton # 666 for his work in completing a brilliant set of pipes and pumps, to give us hot and cold showers, toilets and spring water. His track pre was another huge bonus.
Well all in all it was another ultra memorable VMX race weekend. One we will be camp fire talking about for years to come.
We would like to that all those who participated in some why, shape or form in the weekend event.
And as a very wise President once said `
ask not what your club can do for you. but what you can do for your club.'
Husabergpete
