VOL. 51 ISSUE 37 SEPTEMBER 16, 2014 P95
chance to take to the track dur-
ing the champions parade lap
and open practice session.
"It was a fun chance to see a
lot of past champions out on the
track, along with a lot of current
pros and racers," said Keller.
The parade lap and open ride
session included notable moto-
crossers such as former Nation-
al Champions Mercedes Gon-
zales, Dede Cates, Dee Wood
and Tania Satchwell. Jolene Van
Vugt, of Nitro Circus infamy, took
time out of a busy filming sched-
ule to come all the way from
Maryland for the event.
"I'm so stoked I got to ride with
some amazing trailblazers and
champions today," said Van Vugt,
who was presented with an award
for "Stand Out Career" at the
event. "I didn't make a big name
for myself in racing, and I wasn't
on the podium like most of these
girls, but it's because of these
amazing women and trailblazers
that I'm able to make a living on a
dirt bike today. I'm truly honored
to be recognized for this!"
The course for the women's
open ride session was originally
re-routed to exclude the infa-
mous hills of Glen Helen, but the
ribbon blocking the first uphill
was promptly taken down when
Sue Fish rode through it on the
first lap.
"I'm like, 'What do you mean
I have to turn?'" Fish said with
a laugh. "I got a drive outta the
corner and was like, 'What?'
"I loved it, though. I had a
blast today in practice. It was like
it came right back for a while…
for about a minute and then I was
like, 'What am I doing?!'"
Some former champions took
the opportunity to dust off the
boots and get back on the track,
like Carey Steiner, who hadn't
raced in decades, but soon found
herself leading the first moto of
the open intermediate class.
RACING
Racers and fans alike were ex-
cited to see FIM Women's Mo-
tocross World Champion Steffi
Laier take to Glen Helen Race-
(Above) Lady
motocrossers pose for a
group photo following the
riders meeting.
(Above right) (Left to
right) Sue Fish, Jolene
Van Vugt and Sayaka
Kaneshiro enjoy some
laughs during the
autograph session.
