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/795513
IN THE WIND P54 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer and one of the early pioneers of Husqvarna, Gunnar Lindstrom, had a hand in the event and was thrilled to see the first-ever all-Husqvarna race take place. "We were thinking about the CZ World Championship and we thought for a long time that somebody should do something like this [with Husky] and Brian finally had the foresight to do it," Lindstrom said. "We saw some new friendships here, we saw some old friendships that people hadn't seen each other for a long time. And old rivalries, too! It was all in good fun and everybody enjoyed it. That's what it's all about!" Lindstrom also remarked at the turnout of so many new bikes, as well the participation of current Husqvarna Motorcycles North America President, John Hinz. "You can't ask for better en- dorsement than that," Lindstrom said. "It's such a great event to bring to- gether vintage customers with some of our brand new Husqvarna customers," Hinz said. "It's just a great opportunity for everyone here to come together and enjoy the sport of motorcycling." The rolling jumps and sweeping turns of Cahuilla's vet track made an ideal setting for the vintage bike crowd, and while the weather was a bit cold and blustery, traction was just about perfect. It made for some great racing in what truly was a world championship, with racers coming from as far away as the UK to compete. "We had four guys from England, and we also had some guys come in from British Colombia, Denver, Arizona," Cat- terson said. "That was pretty amazing to see." A highlight of Sunday's racing was the presenta- tion of the first-ever Husky World Championship Lifetime Achievement award. The honor was gifted to Mark Blackwell, former World Motocross GP racer, and former head of Husqvarna Motorcycles in America. Blackwell, who still consults with Hus- ky today, was very moved to receive the award, and took the opportunity to acknowledge how far the brand has come in recent years, praising the new Austrian ownership. Tom White was another honored guest at the event. He, of course, brought out a couple of his treasured show pieces to display at the race, and also served as emcee and race announcer. "It was really rewarding," Catterson said. "The best thing for me was hearing people say over and over, 'Hey thanks for doing this!'" Jean Turner Modern bikes got in on the action, as well. Cycle News' own Jesse Ziegler led the pack (for a lap, at least). Husqvarna legend Gunnar Lindstrom (left) and friends enjoyed the weekend.