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Just in case you didn't get your ticket to the race, here's a snapshot of what SoCal backyard racing looks like from an engine builder's standpoint!
Powroll and BBR teamed up again in 2000, and made the trip to Langtown Raceway in Thousand Oaks CA. For those of you who aren't familiar with this race, it's called a "Backyard Supercross" for Exotic 4-Stroke Minis. The big boys like to show up for this and play on little bikes. Don't get us wrong, this race probably has as many $$ spent per bike as a regular AMA National. Last year, Powroll built a super-trick XR121cc engine and BBR built one of their signature aluminum perimeter-frame chassis. The $14,000 XR was raced by Lance Smail, who rode it to a 3rd Place Finish (winning one moto). In 2000, after months of testing, we decided on the TTR125 for our Langtown bike. With a stronger tranny and bullet-proof kickstarter gears, we knew we had a chance to make this engine faster than the XR. BBR also took the chassis design and ran with it, building awesome aluminum frames to fit the new Yamaha engine. Next, BBR worked to find riders. They quickly lined up Lance Smail, who was looking forward to another chance to de-throne Jimmy Lewis. Next, Steve Lamson signed on. Unfortunately, an ACL injury and subsequent surgery kept him from racing. Northwest pro Brad Hagseth was tapped to ride the Lamson bike instead. Lastly, Tim Weigand, a test rider for MX Racer magazine stepped in to complete the team.
After a stop at the magazines to show off the bikes, we made our way to Thousand Oaks for the race.
Driving down the quiet suburban streets, you really think you're in the wrong place, until you round the corner and see all the race vans
With such a tiny venue, you'd think this would just be a battle amongst friends on a warm Saturday evening. You can think that, until you start looking at faces in the crowd. The media are all there, and many top racers have shown up through the years. Jeremy McGrath was here in the 90's (yes, he won, yes they even made him start backwards). Ryan Hughes has raced here and Guy Cooper has even checked out the track. This is really more of a cult happening than a race!
The BBR/Powroll crew and race team unpacked and got ready for a great day. Temperatures were in the 90's and the shade was nice. Fortunately, racing didn't start until 7pm.
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