Gather 'round kids to witness photographic proof of Round 2 of the Hammer and Tongs race series. Vintage race series that is, no modern four strokes to be found. Revel in the glorious Sights 'N' Sounds of two strokes in motion. Time capsule motocross examples being exercised in actual dirt. No static museum pieces here.
This being a four race series, I managed to hit two of 'em. Pics from the first gig posted here for your amusement. Unfortunately, I missed the final two events. So, if you're counting on this ol' blog to score you vintage motocross images from here and beyond, this is it Bunky. I plan to hit more events next season, maybe even a vintage trials deal to mix things up. I'd also dig shooting a flat track race, which I've never done. The mind ponders.
The photos posted are steaming fresh, since the race was, uh - last July. July 5th to be exact, remember it well, since also my birthday. Birthday Boy me shot a vintage car event during the day, then this late afternoon into evening motocross shindig afterwards. Hours 'N' Hours of walking around and zillions of pics later, Birthday Boy was toast - but happy - turning 53 on the life clock. Yikes, I'm getting old.
All this action located along the spacious grounds of Pacific Raceways - conveniently located in scenic Kent, Washington. Book your trip early, operators are standing by.
Moronic rambling now complete, let's start the festivities with a walk through the pits...
Fantastic late '70s example of all things Yamaha YZ. Visions of Bob Hannah roosting in my head. Here it rests on high tech stand, waiting for track duty. Back in the day, old milk crate being the norm for supporting the race steed. I've ridden many dirt bikes from this era, but never a YZ. Maybe someday. All offers gladly accepted.
1977 Suzuki RM 250 for your viewing pleasure. Visions of Gerrit Wolsink roosting in my head. This one resting on the semi-high tech stand, in case you're keeping count. I dig the earlier alloy RM tanks - this one complete with worn paint - super cool.
My '74 Suzuki TM125 sported the same worn paint pattern, back in '76. Suzuki TM125 scored used from a friend - after he upgraded to a new Suzuki RM 125 - looking very similar to this RM 250. Being around these bikes firing off enjoyable memories from within my aging skull.
1978 Suzuki RM 250, this one tricked out with what appear to be Ohlins rear shocks, aftermarket head and pipe. The fork doesn't look stock either. Technically, this would be a late '78 model - plastic tank replacing the alloy unit. The later black rims matching the - uh, stand - look great. Well kitted bike for sure.
Man, how cool is this? Time travel van, complete with period correct stickers. This thing put a smile on my face. Fire up some Rush and hit the road to the next vintage event, van full of golden era YZs...
Trick looking Penton even makes the porta-potties look good. Google Blogger pushing photo to the left, due to some unknown formatting glitch. The Amish don't seem to have these problems.
Circa '75 Husqvarna CR 250 leans against low tech stand. This bike also firing off old school memories, friend of mine owning one back when almost new.
Tour of the pits now over, let's head to the track for some racing. Low key event and CJ, organizer of this gig, allowing me behind the fence shooting opportunity…
How green it is. Big bore Kawasaki KX rockets ahead.
Evo class Honda CR 250 wheelies for joy.
Start times posted. With many folks racing, squeezing everyone in being the organizational challenge.
Evo class of bikes rip towards the first turn. Vintage doesn't mean slow, especially with the open class bikes.
Warning: Breaking the rules of way too many shots from the same spot - to give a sample of vintage iron that appear at these events - sorta like a moto history lesson...
Yamaha YZ 465 in flight. Even today, vintage big bore two strokes still plenty fast and require respect and/or trip to local ER.
Later era Maico still looking good and very red. Friends of mine owned various Maico models back in the day. To me, they scream vintage motocross coolness with a serious edge.
Another clean Yamaha YZ 465 grabs some air. Helmet mounted GoPro recording all for prosperity.
Circa '76 Yamaha YZ cleared for landing.
Yup, another nice Maico in attendance.
Aluminum coffin tanked Maico lifts off.
Great looking Husqvarna and rider combo in low level flight.
1980 Suzuki RM 400 complete with DeCoster memory number.
Vintage Husqvarna berm action.
Plenty of vintage racing action to gawk at, coming and going.
Mid '70s Honda CR 250 in non-stock white, circulates the course.
CJ, organizer of this shindig - risks life, limb, and camera - roost be damned. CZ rider providing airborne dirt clods at no extra charge.
Can-Am leaps in front of adoring crowd. Somewhere in the world, Jimmy Ellis silently nods in approval.
Holy flying tool rack, Batman. That's a Combat Wombat sailing past the registration shack.
Mid '70s era Kawasaki KX rider lays down the power. Rear suspension screams in protest.
The little Yamaha MX 100 that could, soon at a children's book store near you. Rider was really fast on this small bore, limited suspension machine. Fun to watch and proof you don't need serious horsepower to be quick.
CZ touching down. Local small boy unimpressed. Film at eleven.
Old school Yamaha MX squares off the corner.
With Dunlop banner, graininess of the photo - replace modern safety gear with period correct - shot could be from 1975. No?
Eyes on the racer, racer eyes on the next corner.
Insane home brew Yamaha XS 650 motocrosser detonates berms and clears jumps in a single bound. This racer and bike combination extremely fast and a blast to witness.
1974 Suzuki TM125 brings me back to my high school daze. Yellow tank and green stripe of goodness. Pinch me.
Fantastic looking Yamaha TT 500 based project thumps out the power.
Vintage CZ contorts the rear tire and time travel reality.
Maico-no-Breako leans into the vintage scene.
Call the neighbors and wake the kids - vintage racing is actual racing.
Evo class Honda CR and pilot at warp speed.
Mike Bell stopped by for a guest appearance. Go ahead, don't believe me.
Cool looking KTM in motion. Circa '77 or so, carbon dating machine currently in the shop.
Not only ran the event, but also raced it. CJ in action aboard KTM with genuine patina.
Suzuki RM rider stares down the compression dampening aspect of Husqvarna rear suspension.
You take the high line, I'll take the low line, and I'll be at the finish before ya. Everyone sing!
Sun setting, turning this into a night race. Blinded by the light, revved up like a RM 400, another racer in the night.
Evel Knievel lines it up for the ramp. Linda Evans camera at the ready.
Vintage Yamaha MX living up to its namesake.
Jump into the night.
Kids also experiencing the fun, vintage bike not required.
If you made it to the end of this post, congrats - you either really dig vintage motocross, raced the actual event, or currently wasting time at work. Whatever the reason, thanks for checking it out. These vintage events are fun to attend and I suggest you find one nearby soon. Interesting bikes mixed with racing action, like minded folks to chat with, and memory generators in 3D. Shooting photos of it all just icing on the cake.
Speaking of cake, Birthday Boy scored just that upon arrival home. Family waiting patiently while I spent the day outside with camera in hand. I'm a lucky boy.
And with that, time to pull the plug on this long winded post. Until next time...
