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/1467308
Heiss Tops Virginia City Grand Prix T he tiny 18th-century mining town of Virginia City, Nevada, was, once again, transformed into one of the largest cities in the region as riders filled up the local campgrounds to set up for the two-day 51st running of Virginia City Grand Prix, April 30-May 1. Entries reached nearly 900. The 2022 edition marked somewhat of a return to nor- malcy, with the race taking its traditional springtime place on the calendar after two years of re- scheduling and cancellations. All of the key elements were back, including the massive start on historic C street, right outside the Bucket O' Blood Saloon. Another tradition that was honored, once again, was the pre-start auction of numbers "00" and "0" for local charity. Each year, two riders are gifted with a small head start in exchange for their contributions. Usually, that advantage doesn't play a major role in the results, but this year was a different story. In exchange for a donation of $1500, Vet Pro Willy Heiss started in front with number "00" and he made good, holding on to the lead as long as he could. Last year's winner JT Baker managed to pass Heiss on the first lap and extend a sub- stantial lead, but his race took a turn for the worse at the end of the first lap. At the rider's meet- ing, the participants were warned to stay out of a section that was reserved for emergency vehicles. Baker didn't get the word and used that lane right in front of the fire marshal. Even though Baker held the physical lead throughout the three-hour race and crossed the line with a massive 17-minute lead, he was penalized after- ward. The race officials gave him a 20-minute penalty. That IN THE WIND P48 Nearly 900 riders took part in this year's 51st running of the Virginia City Grand Prix. PHOTOS: JESSE WHITE