Eddie Mulders Flat Track Event 2012 Willow Springs CA
I presented Eddie with his Extreme Sports Pioneer recognition at the Hopetown Reunion this year and he commented on how nice they looked and could he get me involved in his events? I said that it sounded like a good idea to me as I have wanted to expand more into the flat track and Desert world of motorcycle racing.
In talking with him he came up with an award I called Mulder’s pick as the Most Enthusiastic Rider Award going to Mark Davis. The second award I wanted to give to a friend of a friend Don Surplice AKA “Squatty”. In doing my research I found out a lot about this amazing athlete. From the Hare and Hound days to the AMA transition to the Desert as the first #1 plate holder in the Desert. He was doing battle with the best riders in the Southwest including Eddie Mulder and Ted Lapadakis and a host of other real fast guys!!!
I contacted Rob Waters (a long time Checker and he said they would be at the event with Squatty. The stage was set.
I had not been to a flat track race in many years (Ascot or the Pomona event back when) :so I was really enthused to check out the latest innovations as well as seeing some of the old school bikes that would be there. I found everyone ok and told them the timing of what was going to happen. Squatty is 84 now and still is driving to events. He is like a Rock Star once people figured out he was there!!! Eddies daughters whisked him away several times to find people who wanted to meet this elder statesman of motorcycling!!!
After all of the races were tallied everyone gathered in front of the announcing tower for their trophies and swag!!! I had kept Squatty apprised of the scene and that we were trying to do the presentations as quickly as possible so he could get out of there asap. First up was the presentation to Mark Davis. Even though I had told him of the award, he was still in amazement at the presentation. Eddie called me later and said that he had expected more of a reaction but then I related that when I went to have him sign the recipients document he was so choked up it took a few minutes for him to get collected!!!
Next up Squatty… Eddie was introducing a longtime friend with a story about when he was 15 Squatty would pick him up to get to the races in an old Ranchero and taught him how to roll cigarettes. He talked about how they were buds through their careers competing against each other as well as up through today. I really do enjoy presenting these Legends and Heroes of yesteryear with recognitions partly because I learn so much about all of them but more the joy I seem to bring to them. It’s pretty cool.
Next event I’m off to is the Concourse and Hall of Fame Induction into the AMA in Vegas and then A DAY IN THE DIRT!! The following weekend where I am presenting several more recognitions! Thanks for looking…… Chris Brooke cb@ extremesportspioneer.com
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