South Central Regional Report

Rough Riders Regional Report April 23 2003

Round Four

Rough Riders discovered a very pleasant and well groomed race course. Support for our troops was everywhere as prayers were said for all in harms way. Flags were waving and spirits were high! The course was challenging and yet very vintage…. a concrete starting grid and backwards-falling-starting gate greeted each moto gate of Vintage participants. The First-over-all in Sportsman were Scott Anderson’s 500 Expert, Bob Lucas. First 250 Expert, a close race for 500 Novice between Clay Fuggate, Husky 400 & Steve Webster, KX400 for open Novice. And a good ride by Scottie Parks for first 250 Novice on a Honda Elsinore. The Triple Crown winner was Larry Shape of Tulsa, OK. Historic 250, GP 500 & 0/50 Intermediate. He is also the long distance winner with his travels… Way to go, Larry! The oldest among us is Walter Parks, 63 years young. He and his Ultma 125 KTM rousted all day, and when he wasn’t racing he was taking those photos! You’re the man! Jay Novero won the hotly contested 500 GP class. Joe Busby, Rick Heidman & Bobby Lucas all gave him a run, but today was Jay’s day. He and his KTM 495 were awesome. Lap times were on modern bike times….. if KTM isn’t listening – they will be! Ronnie Snyder kept his point lead in the Historic 250 class and Historic 500 Expert class. His Bultoco’s are awesome! Thanks to the Nocona Indians!

Round Five – The North Forty Cycle Park

For all Rough Riders, this is a field of dreams. David Henry continues to provide a great vintage track. His efforts are paying off. Every one was very patriotic… showing support for our troops… prayers said and flags flying, racing got underway. Mr. Trapper’s flat track flag starts added to the perfect day and clean starts were the order of the day. The Sportsman Historic and Grand Prix classes were full on each gate. Jay Novero and Bobby Lucas pulled one hole shot after another for double class wins each. Chris Richardson led the second moto of the Sportsman 500 start to finish, as did Joe Busby in the 125 Grand Prix. Steve Webster, Scottie Parks, Clay Fuggate, and new member, Michael Shults battled in the Novice Sportsman. Clay’s Huskys were just too much, and took the 500 overall. Scott Parks finished 3rd over all and 1st 250. Russell Coleman and his Huskys cranked it up. This was his first race in 25+ years…. he will be soar, no doubt. Bill Davis returned to the vintage scene. Bill’s been missing since ’95. He and his Yamahas are very fast, and in time, will again be the force they once were…. welcome back! Bruce Morriss and Sam Kirby hiked out from East Texas. Their big smiles and great attitudes make them champions; they are always a joy to be around. Chris Richardson was our long distance traveler – Houston is farther than Tulsa – sorry Larry. Chris is a joy and really brings class to our events. You’re our two-time National Champ, Chile Pepper! All together, a really fun and safe day. Ronnie Snyder did acquire a few bruises, but over all an excellent day. We plan 3 more events here this year…. check your schedules and be there. Till next time --- don’t forget the gas! Bobby Lucas

Jefferson Update

The trials course should be finished in a few weeks. Thanks to Russ Corum and company for a great job. Thanks to Parts Unlimited, Drag Bike Specialties, Moose Racing, Works Performance, Uni Filter, Tucker Rockey and to anyone else who has been so kind in helping this event. Northwest Maico CZ- and of course, Diamond Don & Moto Mama. Leave home early, stay late. Bring your flags and show support for your troops….. See ya at the gate! Bobby Lucas

Rough Riders Regional Report March 19 2003

      The 2003 Rough Riders Regional Series kicked off on Super bowl Sunday @ Burleson MX Park in Burleson, TX.  Track conditions were ideal, however temperatures dipped to the 20’s.

     Camp fires warmed up races and helped fire up machines for practice.  Cold temperatures played havoc with some newly restored machines.  Seizures during practice plagued mostly the 125cc machines.  Some members chose to leave their machines @ home and enjoyed the day watching and visiting. 

     Good turn outs in the Vintage and GP classes filled the gates.  Racing several classes, two time National Champion, Chris Richardson, won all four motos.  Joe Busby also won four motos on that day.

     Larry Shope was our long distance traveler, coming from Tulsa, OK.   Larry brings his son, Scott, Jeff Edwards, and Jake Crowley, young guns, to our sport - very nice young men, very good riders.  

     Ronnie Snyder from Adie, OK would be second in distance, but first everywhere else.  Ronnie is a class act… always.

     Some positions being decided only at the last turn.

     I remember one hole shot I got in the Historic class.  On the first lap, we reached the area by Don’s train-- It was sitting there full of people watching! How cool was that!

     Battles continued all day in every moto.  You can see almost every part of the race track from the pit area.

     Chris Richardson was a double winner on his CZ & Penton, Joe Busby on the Maico 490 & 125 Honda, Ronnie Snyder Bultaco, Skip Miller Penton KTM,  Don, please, let us run twice a year!! 

National Update –  

     The Cross Country event from Fla. has been moved to Friday, May 9^th, after the Brad Lacy MX School.  Gary Hazel who won a Silver Medal @ the Six Days was going to provide the track layout accompanied by his wife,  his Bultacos always fast and race ready.  Maybe sooner than later, we will have an event in OK.  Ronnie is recruiting and bringing in new members.  He also has Jim Pomeroy’s Bultaco ready for the National in TX.  Great Job guys! 

   Diamond Don won the Historic class aboard his KTM 250.  Don was leaving after the race for AZ – the first National of the year.  Don’s super efforts for our up-coming National are to be commended.  Everyone will enjoy that race!

     2002 Awards are given at the Days End.  Jackets & plaques were designed by Skip Miller.  Everyone was extremely happy! Great job, Skip!

Lake Whitney MX

     The second round of the Rough Riders Series held at Lake Whitney was a success.  Although some stayed at home, those who courageously attended weathered the snow during practice and were greeted by sunny weather in the afternoon.

     Ronnie Welch and Mark Brown set a very fast pace in the Vintage classes - Ronnie’s CZ ran strong until a crushed pipe and an injured ankle slowed him.  Clay Fugate won aboard his Mighty 400 CR Husky in the Novice 500 Sportsman. 

     New Kid on the block, Jay Novero, riding a Bob Lucas sponsored 420 KTM, won the 500 GP Expert Class.  Besting everyone in both motos.  Ronnie Snyder was the winner in the Historic 500 Expert and Larry Shope won the 500 GP Novice Class.

Jefferson – Round Three

     Rough Riders Regional Round 3 was more than likely the most fun event in recent memory.   This race is what  Vintage racing should be every time.  Natural terrain and grass in the meadow – this was like a dream.

     When practice was completed everyone was smiling.  At the riders meeting, many commented on being at any event here.  Eleven classes were set, five laps each.

     Racing was very close all day.  The Sportsman 250 & 500 was the biggest classes. 

     Gary is currently running Thompson Racing, and is very excited about our up-coming event.  Parade lap at 2pm – Race at 2:30pm … be there.

     Rumors have it… Speed Channel will be on hand at Jefferson.  Fact – The Budweiser Girls will present awards at each event.

See ya at the gate,

Bobby Lucas

Rough Riders Regional Report Jan 19 2003

This year will be one which our region will see growth in many areas. Some scheduling still remains, but all the tracks will be very vintage.

New tracks have opened that really suit vintage bikes and some are local to North Texas. We will be contacting all members in our region with a survey. Please help us help you in scheduling for the Fall of 2003.

Last year the Wyman Priddy Memorial National was a great success. More good news about the special event this year is forth coming. A combination Wyman Priddy & TVRC 15th Anniversary is being planned for the fall. Inside sources report that next year Wyman will be inducted to the AMA Hall of Fame. This is really great news and reason to celebrate!

Sponsors are still lining up for 2003. Parts Unlimited jumped on board this past week with great contingencies for the Rough Riders Regional Series.

The Diamond Don National will be one which will pay regional points. You will need to ride four (4) events to earn points for our end of the year awards.

Expo Report

During the 2002, December Ft. Worth Expo and arena cross, the Regional members put on a great display of vintage and post-vintage race bikes. Mike Kidd furnished trophies to 3 places in 6 different classes. Mike has invited us to receive our awards on stage next year @ the Expo. The event will be, I’m told, before Christmas, so check your holiday schedules. The Miller Lite Girls will present you your awards!

Diamond Don’s Riverport National Update

Don seems to never tire. His efforts are really evident in that he is carving a race track out of the wilderness in Jefferson. Everyone in our region should come to the March 16th event. Bring your trial bikes… a Saturday trials party is being planned. Come early and enjoy the town of Jefferson.