terment. So, why would anyone
choose to do this?
The answer is simple, but also
multi-faceted:
First and foremost, it's about
nostalgia. Often times people
think of nostalgia as just being
something from the past, but
that's not actually accurate. For
something to truly be nostalgia,
it has to actually be remembered
as being better than it actually
was at the time.
This is not only true in
thought, but in the vintage
scene, it's actually true in prac-
tice. Yes, the bikes are old, but
the oldest ones often have much
more modern Race Tech twin
rear shocks, for example—much
better than the stock stuff of the
early '70s—along with Renthal
bars, new Dunlops, and more.
The bikes actually are better
than they were as the racers
remember them.
Second, it's about community.
At the Vintage Inter-Am in Boise,
there was far and away more
benchracing in the pits than
actual racing on the track. And if
you didn't bring all of your tools,
don't worry, because someone
else has the chisel you can use
to knurl the clamping area on
your freshly chromed handlebars
because they keep falling into
your lap.
And third, it's about refusing to
grow up. We all get older every
minute, but when a 55-year-old
lines up on his 1973
Husqvarna 125
and goes five laps
around a motocross
track, whether he
wins or loses, he's
making a statement
that his life is lived
on his terms. Is it
rational? No. Is it a good idea?
Not on society's normality scale,
no. But is it fun? Absolutely.
The 8th Annual Racer X Vin-
tage Inter-Am not only featured
racing in all vintage classes, but
walking through the pits were a
who's who of motorcycle rac-
ing's past. Broc Glover was
on-hand to win a class or three
in his classic Glover style. Brad
Lackey was around all weekend
hanging with the fans, signing
autographs, and selling T-shirts
to benefit legendary Preston
Petty. Then there was Lars Lars-
son, Gunnar Lindstrom, and
even Grammy Award winning
musician Lyle Lovett.
So, for the racers who don't
understand vintage racing, just
give it some time. You'll catch on.
Steve Cox
You don't have to be vintage
yourself to enjoy vintage race.
Young motocrosser Blade Behrens
won the 125cc Amateur Evo class on
this 1979 Honda CR125. It was built
about 31 years before he was born.
Lyle Lovett discusses
fashion (presumably)
with Broc Glover.
VOL. 52 ISSUE 14 APRL 12, 2016 P19
