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SVRG New Millennium Series Round 1: Canyon Off-Road Park ROUSSEAU PHOENIX, ARIZONA, JAN. 9 SVRG president Jeff Carver said. "This year we've selected autism as our focal point. We will have a raffle and silent auctions to generate funds. Raffle tickets are available at our races. Last year at the Vintage Iron World Championships, the winner of our raffle received a CZ motorcycle. This year the prize is an all-expensespaid trip for two to Hawaii, courtesy of Compass Travel in San Juan Capistrano [California.] We're just looking to keep polishing our act." 6f J intage and evolution motocross Y racing buffs were quick to shake off the egg nog, choruses of "Auld Lang Syne" and Y2K fears by jumping right into the new millennium with both shocks when the Southwest Vintage Racing Group gathered for the first race of its New Millennium Series at Canyon Off-Road Park just north of Phoenix. Who is the SVRG, you say? Well, if you're a West Coast vintage motocross enthusiast, you're probably going to be hearing a lot more about them in 2000. The SVRG is a traveling club that is made up mostly of AHRMA members who are interested in expanding their vintage racing opportunities. Originally formed with the idea of just getting racers together for practice, the club eventually began putting on full-blown race events, with 1999 marking the first full season of SVRG events. So far, some eight races have been mapped out for the 2000 season, most all of them non-conflicting with AHRMA National or Southwest Regional MX events. It isn't just all fun and games, though, as the SVRG has also included charitable endeavors as part of its makeup. Last year, the club raised over $7000 to benefit SVRG member Craig Anderson, who lost both legs in an elevator accident. "We are trying to broaden the incentive base [for participation] and broaden our objectives, and last year was our first venture into the charitable side of the house, and we perceived it to be very worthwhile," ROUND 1 A HEAPIN' HELPIN' 0' HALPIN The opening round at Canyon OffRoad Park was expected to provide a real Arizona vs. California showdown within the ranks of the club, but thanks to some political pressure from a rival promoter in the area the 120 entries consisted mostly of Californians. Although, there were entrants based from as far away as New Mexico and Texas as well. Still, at least one Arizona rider upheld the pride of the home team by storming to the win in two classes on the day. Mike Halpin rode to a hardfought victory in the 40+ Expert class on his vintage Maico, and then climbed aboard his '79 Suzuki RM400 to clean house in Evolution 2 Expert class as well. Ed Zornes got the holeshot on his rather rare '74 Yamaha YZ360 at the start of the first 40+ moto, followed closely by David Fisher, Halpin and Ed Sims. Halpin went to work quickIy, flying past Fisher on the first downhill jump into the canyon on the back section of the course. One lap (Above) D.J. Curtis was impressive at Canyon OffRoad Park, as he literally flew his '74 Honda Elsinore to the win in the Pre·'75 250cc Expert class. (Left) Mike Halpin was blindingly fast on his '79 Suzuki RM400. The Arizonan won the 40+ and Evolution 2 Expert classes. 28 JANUARY 26, 2000' eye I e neVlls