Mammoth Motocross 2011
This years race came too quick as I was nursing a knee I had hurt walking across a lawn of all things. I kinda stretched things too far when stepping into an unseen hole. I was doing OK but not able to train much. Any way I was headed to the mountain to ride and do some more presentations. On my list this year are Jeff Ward and Jim Holley.
I had tried to recognize Wardy at a Day in the Dirt last year but never caught up with him so the date on his plaque doesn’t jive with Mammoth but I knew he would be here. From pioneering the new minicycle world of the early 1970’s to winning seven national titles and being an integral part of seven MXDN winning teams Jeff is a class act. He has always been a good ambassador for our sport and took it to a new level around the globe. Whether racing at home or in the MXDN he always gave 110 %. It was really fun to follow his career. And just when you think it’s over he steps into an Indy car and performs exceedingly well with a 3rd at Indy!! He stayed competitive for the years at CART and then set his sights back to two wheels with Supermoto. He went out at 40 and won the championship Pretty Extreme!!! It’s always fun to see who shows up at Mammoth and I hope Jeff continues to race at 8000 feet. Thanks for all you have done for our sport!!!! CB
One of the best races I remember at Mammoth was the knock down drag out brawl on the track Jim had with Rocket Rex Staten. It went on all weekend. Lap after lap Holley would just about land on top of Rex at the last dropdown jump before making the u turn back up to the top of the start. After the last moto Rex had had enough and when he came off of the track he threw his bike to the ground waiting for Jim. Holley walked towards him waving him off and gave Rex a big hug. Hard to stay mad at a guy who is hugging you!! Jim had been racing since the early days of Motocross in the seventies winning a world mini 80cc title and by 1985 he was the first to win the World Supercross Title!! He then went on to win two Ultracross championships. He has taken American style MX around the globe as well as to the big screen as a stuntman. He now does online announcing of the supercross series …… Very cool This years battle at Mammoth turned out to be with Willy Simons former factory Honda rider and friend …… thanks for the racing and Willy you know you’re on my list!!! CB
