L
ive long enough and you
will sadly get to witness the
departure of the incredible
people who have made your
world. This week, those who
were fortunate enough to have
been part of the halcyon days of
dirt bikin' in the USA are mourn
-
ing the passing of Vic Wilson, the
man who helped make the name
Saddleback Park synonymous
with motocross racing here in
America. Wilson is remembered
elsewhere in this issue. Let's take
a look at just a few of the mo
-
ments that helped transform a
few Southern California pasture
acres into a legendary racetrack
where heroes were built.
In 1971, Saddleback Park
hosted the final round of the first-
ever Trans-AMA, a fall series that
brought over many
of the best European
riders to compete in
events across the
country. Seeing Roger
DeCoster, Joel Robert,
Dave Bickers, Sylvain
Geboers, Adolf Weil,
Heikki Mikkola and
others going head-to-head was an
unusual occurrence to begin with,
as these riders were commit
-
ted to racing in either the 250cc
or 500cc World Championship
series, yet here they were, duk-
ing it out on the same day. Only
in America could race fans see
the best battle the best. In 1971,
it would be DeCoster taking the
win at Saddleback, but the series'
championship would go to his
teammate and fellow Belgian
CNIIARCHIVES
P138
BY KENT TAYLOR
Without
Vic Wilson,
we might not
have some of
motocross'
greatest
memories.
THANK YOU,
VIC
In 1971,
Saddleback Park
hosted some
of the best and
most famous
motocrossers
ever, including
Joel Robert.
Saddleback was
the site of the first
and last Motorcycle
Olympiad that Kent
Howerton won.
