Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128376
Happenings In Motorcycling Rally Racer Vermont SportsCar will debut its new two-car rally team and new sponsors at this weekend's Oregon Trail Rally, round two of the 200S Rally America Championship. The team's 200S campaign will focus on gaining experience for its lead driver, X Games and AMA Supercross star Travis Pastrana, who will drive a Group N Subaru WRX STi in the remaining seven rounds of the Rally America Championship. The team, which has secured factory support from Subaru of America, has recently signed DC Shoes, the leader in performance skateboarding shoes; Red Bull Energy Drink; and Michelin tires to its 2005 rally program. DC Shoes will provide some stiff competition for Pastrana in the form of the company's co-founder, Ken Block, who will drive the team's second Subaru WRX STi. "This is huge for us and the rally as a whole because all our partners are very enthusiastic about supporting Travis Pastrana's new rallying career and helping promote the sport to new audiences," explained Chris Yandell, Vermont SportsCar's marketing manager. "Together with Subaru we plan to set up Pastrana's future in the sport while helping to facilitate the growth of rallying here in North America." The 21-year-old Pastrana, who made his name winning X Games gold medals in Freestyle Motocross, began his rally career last year with Vermont SportsCar and showed remarkable driving talent by finishing fourth overall (third in Group N) in his first gravel rally. Teammate Block, who has a motocross background as well, has competed well in several rallies this year, including a seventh-overall finish at round one of the Rally America Championship. Vermont SportsCar has put both drivers through an intensive training program, including one-on-one training with current Group N World Rally Champion Niall McShea and II-time U.S. rally champion John Buffum. The team and its new partners will add further momentum to the 2005 Rally America Championship, which recently announced a high-profile TV package that will see all eight rounds of the championship broadcast on the Outdoor Life Network. For photos and rally updates throughout the rally season, visit www.rally.subaru.com. Eight I:hampion!ihip!i Sliding Around Three-time AMA Superbike Champion and AMA Hall of Fame member Reg Pridmore joined five-time AMA 250cc Grand Prix Champion Rich Oliver at Oliver's Mystery School a few weeks ago. Pridmore brought seven of his Class Motorcycle School Instructors to Auberry, California, for two days of exciting off-road training at a two-day Mystery Schoollhstructor Camp. With eight titles between them, both men found much to discuss during the camp. The former AMA Champions talked about their racing accomplishments. With their racing careers behind them, except for the occasional foray into competition, they discussed their enjoyment of instructing their students at their respective schools. One thing they had in common was how much their experience helps the average rider improve, no matter which surface they are teaching on - dirt or asphalt. "It was fantastic to ride and race with Reg," Oliver said. "He's one of my heroes, and to have him and his crew up here at our place was a real privilege. Pridmore and Gigi Scherrey [a Class school instructor) rode their own Honda 230s, and I think they really enjoyed going through the instructor program we have built here for official track school race instructors. I tell you, Reg still has the competitive drive and the quick reactions of a champion, and really so does Gigi! "I think the other Class Instructors really had a great time, too," Oliver continued. "Just one of many reasons they did was being able to race their boss, Pridmore, wide open and head to head on the flat tracks. At times, there were nine of us going at it, so we had action all over the track, especially on the brand-new seven-turn double TT course. "For sure they enjoyed being the students instead of the teachers for a change," Oliver added. "They rode really well and gained a tremendous dose of dirt-track experience and riding technique that can add to their already great racing and teaching backgrounds. " "Both Reg and I really enjoyed riding the dirt bikes and learning to slide," Scherrey said. "Your program [Mystery School) really worked us into it at a gradual pace, but by the second day, we were all going for the trophy. We've all been grinning for days. It's really fun to be on the receiving side of the revelation. I can't wait to get back on my dirt bike and go see how much easier it all is. But even better, I can't wait to get on my CBR600RR on the track and see how my speed and confidence have improved. ')\t Class, we talk a lot about control, and what you do in the dirt really complements that," Scherrey added. "Fine-tuning the balance - using all of your body including your arms and legs, the throttle and the rear wheel to look for the edge and still stay upright is a wonderful challenge and, once tasted, a rewarding accomplishment. I loved when you'd [Oliver] fly around on the outside all crossed up and leaned on the handlebar - made me see how much further I still have to go, but it's all fun. We're already talking about setting something up later this year, and I know a couple of the guys already are." 96 MAY 4,2005 • CYCLE NEWS