On The Fast-Trak 3-25-01

Year 3, Issue 4

Welcome to the new and improved ATV scene. We think you’ll like this new version much better. Look over the home page (if you haven’t already). You’ll notice that we’re keeping it simple and easy to navigate. You’ll see three options from the home page, 1.”Recent Releases” — (this is where you’ll find recent releases of our regular columns), 2.”This Just In” — (this segment allows us to update you with current editorial without posting a whole new ‘On the Fast-Trak column’) and 3.”Pic of the Month” — (not much of an explanation needed – this is basically an anything goes picture of the month).

As you’ve probably noticed, we are still putting some finishing touches on the site — it should be 100% complete within the next month. Now on to the news…

The Cannondale ATV Nationals
In case you haven’t heard, Fast-Trak Promo’s Buckeye Nationals have a new name – it’s the Cannondale ATV Nationals! That’s right a manufacturer is actually getting involved in the Grand Nationals! We’ve been talking with the fine folks at Cannondale almost daily for the last month. These guys are serious about their new FX400 and the sport/racing aspect of ATVing. For 2001 they want to concentrate on delivering the machines to all the dealers that are begging for additional units. As far as future projects from Cannondale, — hold tight, they have some great ideas for marketing their product within ATV racing, but for now they want to take things one step at a time.

Cannondale is loaning six of their new FX400s for the event. The six quads will be raced by the top six pros in the first ever C-ROC (Cannondale Race of Champions). Future C-ROC event will be a major part of Cannondale’s marketing plans.In addition, amateur racers are encouraged to participate in the Cannondale Quad Chain Gang. The idea is borrowed from their bicycle racing marketing strategy.

“We’ve found that letting amateur racers race the same Cannondale bicycles that the pros race on enables the rider to get a taste and feel of the bike. This way our target audience gets a hands on experience with the product. Usually the result is that the rider turns into a customer because he or she ends up liking the bike so much that they go out and buy a new Cannondale”, says Cannondale’s Director, Scott Montgomery. “The same concept will be carried over to our new ATV. For the first Cannondale Quad Chain Gang, we’ll take pre registrations from 24 amateur racers. We’ll draw from a hat to narrow down the final 24 riders. Winners from six heats will transfer to the main event – where they’ll race for Cannondale merchandise and apparel”. First crack at signing up for the event will be at Cannondale’s web site. ATV Scene.com will also take sign ups on the online magazine as well as at GNC rounds prior to the Cannondale Nationals.

The Cannondale Quad Nationals, complete with the Short Track National Championships, the Division 4.com Freestyle Showdown, the largest pro purse in GNC history, a World Record Pick-Up jump and of course the C-ROC and Cannondale Quad Chain Gang will take place at Wayne County Speedway in Orrville, OH on July 20-22.

Winrow and Rochereau Dominate at Le-Touquet, France
England’s Paul Winrow teamed up with Pascal Rochereau from France to win the overall in the ATV class at what is now concidered the most prominent beach race for motorcyles and ATVs, the Le-Touquet Beach Race, which replaces the now defunct Veronica Beach Race.

Winrow and Rochereau bettered over 200 ATV entries on their Martin Fletcher prepared ATV World/Duncan Racing Yamaha YZ 426 and did it in front of an estimated 300,000 spectators and on live European television! The duo lapped all the way to the 4th postion! Nice ride boys!

ATV Sport’s June Issue – Great Reading!
Speaking of Cannondale, check out the new ATV Sport (the June 2001 issue). Glen Hanson’s ride test article called Cannibal is great reading! The June issue also features a very informative 400EX pipe shoot out, a how to ride a four-stroke fast article, an extremely well written feature about CT Racing’s new powervalve 250R cylinder by Eric Putter, Four-Stroke Tech’s utility quad racers, an interview with Wes Miller about the Baja 2000 “dream team” by Bill Lanphier a great segment on the 2001 Nac’s team and much more. Veteran editors Lanphier and Putter are a great addition to an already fine staff – this rag definitely rocks! And this issue is probably their best one yet! You do subscribe to ATV Sport, — don’t you?

San Felipe 250
We’ve got word on the winner of the San Felipe 250. The CT /Timmyboy-Design Raptor of Jimmy Stephensen, Eric Dollente and Tim Neidhardt took the honors giving the Yamaha Raptor it’s first taste of victory in a big race.

White Bros 4 Stroke World Championships presented by ITP
For the first time Glen Helen Raceway will hold the ATV 4-stroke MX World Championship. The ATV races are in conjunction with the annual 4-stroke bike nationals that WhiteBrothers puts on every year. We understand they quads wont be a side show to the successful thumper bike nationals either – as of this date the minimum purse is $2500 for the pro quad class. You west coast thumper guys might check this one out. It’s on April 22, 2001. For more info call their 24 hour hotline at (909) 880-3090 or visit www.glenhelen.com

Latest Suzuki rumors
Maybe we should start a new column on all the Suzuki rumors. The latest news is that the new thumper 400, that we’re all so eagerly awaiting, will be available for sale in June or July. Suzuki told their dealers that they will release an all new quad every 6 months – Their plan is to replace the entire line up. The LT 50 is hot on the way as well.

TC’s new Suzuki Thumper
Speaking of Suzuki. As you know — there’s no waiting around for manufacturers in the world of ATV racing. “Digger Doug” used Tom Carlson’s latest creation (a 440cc DR Suzuki four-stroke motor in a Walsh Racecraft chassis) to win moto one at the Echeconnee GNC. Unfortunately for Gust, his new Suzuki came to an abrupt stop in moto two when an oil line came loose. Gust proved the new Suzuki’s worth by making history with it at the following round in London, KY. Gust scored a 2-1 to win the overall!

Honda Rumors
You probably know by now that Big Red wants nothing to do with 2-stoke ATVs. We’ve got word that the latest Honda sport quad in the works will be a 650R thumper. Makes sense to us, Honda wouldn’t dare let Yamaha run away with the big piece of market share – that they’re enjoying with their Raptor. Are things heating up in the sport performance segment or what?

Want more GNCC news?
You might cruise to Kristie Bailey’s Web Site. She’s way into the cross country scene and would love to have you – so get to clickin’.

Mom’s Race Report
Speaking of women writing columns on the net, you should also check out www.danacreechracing.com. Dana Creech’s mom writes a column called Mom’s Race Report that is definitely worth reading. Her column comes complete with amateur race reports and plenty of interesting inside info and pictures.

ATV Beach Party
In case you don’t have all the details on the big USA Beach Race, here’s the latest scoop on the big beach bash. You’ll definitely want to think about heading east after reading this. The beach party event will be the 3rd annual running of the beach race. This year the Mid Atlantic ATV Association is topping all past events. The feature races will be at night, thanks to all the beach-front hotels, who have agreed to mount big generator lights on their rooftops. There will also be big money pro purses, this is attracting just about all the big name pros, including ATV distance jump record holder, Matt Coulter “The Kangaroo Kid”. On Sunday the U.S Sand Drag Nationals will take place, again with a big money purse. Also on the agenda is a weekend long scavenger hunt that involves many participating hotels and restaurants. An early practice is scheduled for Friday April 26th.

For more info on the event call the Mid Atlantic ATV Association at (866) 868-RACE

Matt Coulter – The Kangaroo Kid’s web site
The Kangaroo Kid now has his own web site http://www.kangarookid.com. It’s complete with pictures, stories and best of all – it lets you know what he’s got up his sleeve for his latest stunts. While we’re on the subject, Matt will be at the Virginia Beach race on April 27-28. He’s going to race (courtesey of promoter – Randy Dinkens) and possibly put on an exhibition of some sort. Knowing Matt he may be into breaking one of his many records. It should be an interesting weekend to say the least.

2001 Cochranton Poker Run
This event attracts more ATVers than any other in the world! (Unless you count a holiday weekend at the Glamis Sand Dunes). This year’s running was the wettest ever. That didn’t stop the masses though. 6,853 entries proved that these ATVers don’t mind the mud. Actually the totals weren’t as many as last year’s 7,100, but at those extreme numbers how can you not call the event a complete success? There was a huge fireworks display, a band and even a wedding. The brides wedding dress should forever be a reminder to the muddy wedding day. Artic Cat, Suzuki and Kawasaki factory rigs were hand displaying their 2001 lineups. For more on the biggest annual ATV only Poker Run in the world – check out PA ATVing.
You PA residence should definitely bookmark the site for all your PA ATVing info.

25th Anniversary World Cup ICE Speedway Championship Series Finally
Brian Goley of ATV Source.com writes a great report on the 25th Anniversary World Cup ICE Speedway Championship Series finally. The series crowned its 2001 WORLD CHAMPIONS in the bike and quad divisions.

Frames or no frames?
We’ve got word that both Laeger and Roll Design are seriously considering not building any more of their go-fast aftermarket frames. Instead they will concentrate on the less time consuming components like A-arms and swingarms.

Frontline ATV
While Laeger hangs it up, Frontline ATV enters the frame world with their new 4130 chromolly R replacement. Their frame accepts 250R or lower priced 400EX plastic and AC pro foot pegs. Frontline also offers a CR 500 link for their frames. Retail price is $1995. The company is also making A-arms for long travel suspension at $780 a set. For more info call Mike at (330) 782-0297

Danville TT National News
Mark Keen, promoter of Riverbottom ATV, let us know the latest on their round 3 of the nationals. He says they’ll have holeshot money once again for the Pro and Pro-Am classes from Duncan, Hinson, Baldwin, TC, The Mid Atlantic ATV Club and Legacy ATV. Keen has also scheduled Hooters Girls to give the prizes out. In addition he tells us that he’ll have freestyle mx, and the women’s class will be run on Saturday night. Keen also told us that he’s changed the track and added a big berm to make things interesting. The Birch Creek facility at Danville will host a Mid Atlantic Point’s race on April 21. This might make for great practice for the national. They also have a bitching motocross track – if you’re nice to Mark he might let you try it out.

GNC Tear Down Procedure
FYI – This from Tom Prendergast, — the referee of the nationals.

The promoter will have an area set aside for impoundment. At the end of the race the top 3 pro finishers will be impounded for 15 min. During this time I will draw from a container a cube, (which are numbered 0,1,2,3) to see how many of the 3 will be taken apart to measure the engines bore and stroke. I will then draw from a different container a cube (numbered this time 1,2,3) to see which ones are to be taken apart. The tear down will be done in the impound area by the rider or his mechanic. One of the engine builders from the NATVMG will do the measuring for me of the engines for bore and stroke. That person will then give the results from the measurements to me to determine if the engine is of legal size. The NATVMG did agree that I can appoint someone to be my assistant if I am needed to go back to the race track or some place else during the tear down.

The NATVMG also wants to check fuel on the Pro’s quads this year. I think that I can do this at the MX races, but the TT’s might be a problem with me being needed on the racetrack for the starts. We are going to try and work something out so that fuel can be checked at the races of the pro riders and maybe some of the other riders.

I would also like to do a quad equipment check on Friday before riders can practice that day. The riders that sign up on Saturday late will also be checked that morning. The items that I will be checking for will be:

Nerf Bars

Number plate on front bumper

Number plate on rear grab bar

Correct and matching numbers(no / or letters can be used)

Pro riders must have a Blue background

Max 50 in tire width front and rear

Working tether cord

Correct engine size for class and stamped on the engine

All glass covered

Control levers must have the ball ends

Sparks Racing’s New Powervalve Cylinder
You thought Sparks powered 250Rs were fast before, now they’re even faster! Their new powervalve cylinder is now available. Shane Hitt used this early prototype at the recent Echeconnee GNC to pull the holeshot in each of the pro motos. For more on this, call Sparks Racing at (661) 872-4343 or e mail them at curtissparks@sparksracing.com

WANT STICKEYS???
So do you like the ‘Scene? Want to show your support? Send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: ATV Scene, 6532 Highland Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44143 for FREE ATVScene.com STICKERS!

YESSS!!!
Cannondale
For proudly backing the Buckeye Nationals — an actual ATV event. And for laying down game plans on how to position themselves for future ATV racing involvement.

The ATVA
We feel that the AMA and the newly formed ATVA are taking the right steps to further the sport. Read our interview with the newly elected director, Mr. Doug Morris.

Sony Playstation 2’s ATV Offroad Fury
Simple — it’s the best video game we’ve ever played.

No :(
Honda
In flipping through the channels a few weeks ago we noticed that Honda ATVs were the title sponsor for some multi million dollar golf tournament. Tiger Woods and the PGA can do without Honda’s money — don’t ya think? We don’t have all the details on this, as we were too disgusted and had to turn the channel. Just the fact that millions of dollars are being spent on other sports and zero dollars on ours gets to us every time. Buy Cannondale!

Polaris
Polaris has spent millions on NASCAR and doesn’t bat an eye at the possibility of ATV racing. C-mon, get with the scene.

ATVA bashers
Geez, give the thing a chance before you say we can do without the AMA or the new ATVA. When you say this, you might think you sound cool – but to an intelligent ATV enthusiast – you sound unintelligent.

Other ATV video games
Don’t even bother looking at what else is on the market. Lame releases of ATV racing video games won’t cut it anymore. Save your money for Offroad Fury, you’ll be glad you did.

Quotes of the Week
“I gave up cigarettes and beer for lent. It’s been two whole weeks, good thing I have my chew and hard liquor — I don’t know what I would do”. — GNC sponsor coordinator and the main man at Moto Tees — Ray Christy.

”It was worth the money just to see the limo drive off with 20 pounds of mud splattered all over it” — Chino, CA’s Nick Nelson (Denton Racing’s right hand man) on his limo ride into round two of the Nationals. After lengthy airport delays Nelson made it to Louisville, KY but couldn’t find a cab or a ride from the airport to get to the Daniel Boone MX Park.. Nelson swung a deal with a limo driver. Jeeves hammered down and sped off to the track, while Nelson changed to full motocross mode while in route. Unfortunately they arrived a bit too late as Nelson missed his first moto in the Open A class. However a good outing in moto two gave him a respectable 6th place overall. He did recoup some of the limo money by winning a ‘predict the top three contest’ conducted by Moto T’s Ray Christie. All in all, Nelson salvaged a pretty memerable weekend on his 2500 mile journey.

“I killed it in a turn once, but simple pulled the clutch in and pushed the start button, no one was the wiser that I just stalled it and could have easily lost a few positions. I love this Suzuki, we need to paint the frame blue and the fenders yellow though. There’s no reason to make it look like an R.” – Doug Gust on his new TC/Hinson Racing Suzuki powered 440cc Walsh Racecraft framed race quad.

Here comes the leaders to the supercross six-pack. The only six-pack you’ll find in Laurel County — comes alive as Farr opens it up”. — Mark Straubinger AKA Banger – voice of the GNCs — provides the play by play with a slight reference to Laurel County, KY (Daniel Boone MX territory) being a dry county.

“I cant believe all the talent on this team. I’ve never been surrounded by this many extremely talented guys, and it not being an All Star team. I’m confident we can win this thing”. — Veteran Outfielder Ellis Burks, the newly acquired center fielder for the tribe, on the 2001 Cleveland Indians baseball team. (Editors Note: sorry couldn’t help but talk a little lumber, cowhide and tribe).

Pix of the Week
Now we’ve seen it all. It appears that “Bean”,is slowly becoming famous in the ATV scene, (or at least he thinks so). Bean is known for his role in the Huevos 3 video where he jumped a Honda Fat Cat into a pond – then quickly doggy paddled his way out of the water with a look of terror as he thought he would surely drown to death in the 5-foot deep pond. Bean sat in #5 Jeremiah Jones’ seat, between Keith Little and Tim Farr, and signed programs, shirts and posters at the Echeconnee GNC autograph session. After the autograph session, Bean strutted off in cocky fashion to tell the GNC staff that he would like his own signing booth at future nationals. (Negotiations are still in the works). Bean would like to make it into Huevos 4, but needs to come up with an off-the-wall stunt that’s entertaining enough for H-Bomb Films to consider shooting. Got any ideas? If so let Dana (Bean’s agent) at Fox Raceway in Marionville, PA know and he’ll book the busy bean for the stunt.

 

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