SCFTA Southern California Flat Track Association Championship Series
Round 2: Perris Raceway
Story and Photography by Tom Corley
This is a story and photographic portfolio about young and old – racers and their bikes, from a young man who resides in Whittier, California, named Brayden Reed, who’s getting started in this sport on his modern-day mini to seasoned racer Jim Ottele on an 80-year-old Indian racer. In the guys’ classes, there were girls such as Monica Gil and Jaycee Jones, who not only made up the Powder Puff class but showed the boys who was boss, as Jaycee did in the Open Amateur class – just ask Justin Hanson. Announcer Chris Ackerman had it right when he proclaimed, “Let’s hear it for Girl Power!”
We’ve included multiple images of flat-track racers funneling through turn one in perfect formation, thus depicting the art of sliding while putting the metal to the track, in the form of a custom-made hotshoe. True to form, there are those who were sliding and those who slid out (we’ve got pictures to prove that), only to pick themselves back off the ground and get rolling again.
Topping things off are four young people with big smiles, as they won big time in the awards presentation – and having a fun time, because that’s what this is all about.
Enjoy the following presentation – best viewed on a full-sized computer screen.
Rudy Gil is the official with the checkered flag, and hopefully you are the one to get that first wave of that flag as you fly through the finish line. During the riders’ meeting, Rudy stressed that all participants should have numbers on both sideplates so that scoring one’s bike is more certain. It makes it better for those of us who are taking pictures and writing stories, too.
When asked about his name, Jim Carr said: “I don’t know where the extra ‘r’ came from. Actually, my name is James Dean Carr.”
Well, Jim, you happen to have the same last name as famous flat-track racer Chris Carr, and that’s fitting, since you work at a flat track.
At the top of the story, we mentioned young Brayden Reed (20). His friend Ken Conner (Drake Conner’s dad) was there and got him under way. Good to know that there is a racer from Whittier, as that’s where this photographer resides, too. Let’s see how Brayden does out on the track…
We’ve focused on a younger person. Now let’s take a look at an older racer-and-bike team – that’s Jim Ottele and a 1937 Indian factory racer. This bike is actually owned by Bob Nichols, who is 95 years old.
“Just don’t tell Bob it belongs in a museum, as it’s a race bike that belongs on the track,” Jim said.
Redlands rider Jim Ottele got the holeshot in the Classic Vintage class, wearing a cool-looking shirt and riding the Indian. In the photo above, look how far the air cleaner sticks out on that bike. If Jim were to lean the bike much further, that air cleaner would become part of the track. Guess he’s got that figured out, though. For the day, he became the overall winner in that class, ahead of Lenny Rodriguez and Flin Stone.
We’ve mentioned young and old riders and bikes, but how about a bike that doesn’t use gas? Preston Petty made yet another mark in racing when he came out on a Zero electric bike, and on this night, there was yet another electric wonder: the Alta A 5.8, ridden by Greg Powell of Valencia, California. A striking bike it is, and the power comes right with the crack of the throttle, and there’s no delay.
Dirt Diggers racer Greg Powell (68Y) showed the others that there is a new breed of bike, and that was the Alta he was riding. The race was for the Super Senior Amateurs and Novices, and Powell challenged Fred Berger from Bakersfield, California. On the day, Encinitas, California’s Tom Baugh was the winner, over Barney Stern and Greg Powell. Go electric bikes – there’s definitely no problem with them meeting the 98-decibel sound limit at this venue.
Justin Hanson found himself being pursued by a girl who is not only fast on the Jack in the Box cash register but also on the flat track, and that is Jaycee Jones.
“I just got frustrated after I got passed [by Jaycee],” lamented Hanson, who is sponsored by RJ Racing, State Farm Insurance and Dave Miller Racing.
Jaycee went on to win the Open Amateur class, over Nick Garcia.
“I went to the races that day feeling great,” Jaycee reported. “Practice was a little rough and I wasn’t feeling too good, but I went into the races focused and determined and came out the winner!”
And what about her contest with Hanson?
“My racing was good,” Jaycee recalled, “and I was following Justin the whole time, putting pressure on him going into each turn. Eventually he made a mistake and went wide, so I took him underneath and held my line.”
Jones gave credit to those helping her: “I’d like to thank Rosa Plates, G&G Racing, Foster Brothers Racing, Douglas Motorcycles, and Mom.”
Jim Kesler went a little too low, and with the bars digging into the dirt, his bike came to an abrupt stop. He looked at the bike in disbelief, as if to say, “When I say the magic words, you will rise!”
For the day, Zaden Florez became the winner of the 85cc Open class, over Tanner Richey, Conner Hickerson and Dominic De Mario. Colin Petton took fifth place.
The winner of the Classic Vintage 500-750cc class was Jim Ottele. The runner-up, wearing his flamboyant orange helmet and flaming jersey, was Fred Berger. Lenny Rodriguez was third, followed by Joe Pape and Flin Stone.
Rolf Greenhill shared some insight about his bike.
“It’s a 1974 Honda XL 350,” he said, “and the old Hondas can give you a ride for your money. The other guys are on newer bikes. After a delayed season opener due to prolonged weather conditions, I’m extremely excited to compete Saturday night!”
Rolf is supported by Noleen J6, Rocket Rex Racing and Corona Kid Racing.
Kevin Jordan became the winner of the Senior Vet Over 50 Expert class. Mule-mounted Richard Pollock was the runner-up. Mounted on a bike other than his historic Indian was Jim Ottele, who captured third, ahead of fourth-place finisher Brad Rudy.
Giving an ample reason why he didn’t place as well as desired, Brad Rudy explained: “I finished fourth in the Vet Over 50 Expert class. I had a decent start but was lined up wide on the line and lost traction in the marbles and was never able to gain on the top three riders.”
He fared better in yet another contest he entered
“In the 250cc Men’s Four-Stroke class,” Brad reported, “I led wire to wire but was challenged by a kid on an 85cc two-Stroke who must have been a hundred pounds lighter than me. My sponsors are Cycle Gear, O’Neal, Spy Optics, Factory Backing Graphics, Lucas Oil, MY LED, the Acapulco Inn, and my dad, Ron Rudy.”
In the Open Unclassified contest, overall, it was Travis Petton IV taking the win, over Grant Holmes. André Ochs placed third, ahead of Colt Foster, Chad Foster and Chris Foster.
Following in the tracks of Travis Petton IV throughout the day was Grant Holmes, who was the runner-up in the Open Unclassified and Open Expert races, in which Travis excelled.
“Trifecta!” Petton exclaimed. “I had a clean sweep, as I first won the 250cc main, then won the Unclassified race with a bunch of Pros and 450s, and then won the Open Experts to finish it off.”
That’s as good as it gets, Travis!
Travis made sure to mention his support system: “Thank you to Thousand Oaks Powersports, Yamaha Motor USA/ Blu Cru, Rod Lake, A.M., Ortega, Competitive Sheet Metal, Fontana Radiator, and all the families, including mine.”
Time for the Mini flat trackers! Yes, new throttle hands are going to keep flat-track racing around for a long time. Though Travis Horn was the winner in the 65-70cc Four-Stroke Novice class, we’ve got a good shot of some of his friends…
Jim Kesler was a consistent racer with CMC Motocross at Ascot Park, which closed in August of 1990. He got his AMA Pro license and has been flat-tracking since then. In the Super Senior Over 60 Expert contest, it was Richard Pollock with the victory, with Kesler second and Jim Wood placing third.
Arnie Fry and Rolf Greenhill finished first and second, respectively, in the Senior Vet Over 50 Amateur class. Greenhill shed some more light on his racing.
“With my recent move to the high desert and completion of my at home training oval track, my emotions and adrenaline were revved up,” Greenhill revealed. “The biggest thrill I have is the fact that I have an older machine against guys on new bikes in an Open class. Nothing thrills me more than to duel it out with the newer-bike guys, and with the track conditions being as great as they were – I just love it! I am looking forward to the next round on May 13.”
So are we, Rolf!
Formerly racing motocross with the CALVMX on a Husqvarna, Ken Shilling decided to start sliding around the oval track, and he is progressing.
“I bumped up to the Expert class this year,” Shilling reported, “so it’s a learning season. I’m working on my speed and lap times. My bike is a 1978 Yamaha TT500 in a full-circle chassis. Sponsors include BFMC Racing, Law Tigers, Rocket Rex Racing, Cryoheat, Saddleman, 24 Cycles, Rosa Plates, Maxima, Fontana Radiator and Bobster Eyewear.”
Monica Gil from Riverside, California, raced in the Powder Puff class and also the Open Novice class.
“I think the race season is so far, so good, and I’m not trying to get hurt,” Monica said. “I have a job at Malcolm Smith Motorsports and I’m starting to look into colleges, so racing really isn’t a priority, but I still love it. I’m having fun every time I’m out there. I’d like to thank Mom and Dad, Two Dicks Racing, the Fosters, Freddie [Edwards], Vince [Graves] and Donna [Edwards], Southland Racing, G&G Racing, and my coworkers.”
There was a great line-up of Pro racers for the main event.
“The riders are a fantastic group of individuals who tear it up with passion and determination,” announcer Chris Ackerman proclaimed.
Who would be the winner? Would it be Jeff Johnson? Afraid not; Jeff gave us his take on the action…
“I was feeling good all night, got a good start in the main,” Johnson recounted. “Then the red light came on. Nailed the restart, but two laps later my night was done. Cole Foster got into me and derailed my chain. I would like to thank Mr. Ed for building a super-fast TT500 Yamaha, Fontana Radiator, Terry Daniels – your team is going to try and finish on top sometime soon.”
That is the last racing shot of this coverage… but now we’ve got some special awards pictures of those kids who are going to become a flat-track Pro like Nick Gil.
See you at Perris Raceway for round three of the Southern California Flat Track Association Championship Series on May 13.
Perris Raceway
Perris, California
Results; April 8, 2017 (Round 2)
50 2-STROKE BEG: 1. Drake Conner; 2. Kensei Matsudaira; 3. Chanel Merwin.
50 4-STROKE BEG: 1. Owen Williams; 2. Levi Leutz; 3. Kensei Matsudaira; 4. Drake Conner; 5. Brayden Reed; 6. Jordyn Rosa.
65-70 2-STROKE NOV: 1. Jasper Heathfield.
65-70 4-STROKE BEG: 1. Kensei Matsudaira.
65-70 4-STROKE NOV: 1. Travis Horn; 2. Owen Williams; 3. Kristian Daniels Jr.; 4. Sierra Hickerson; 5. Jasper Heathfield; 6. Levi Leutz.
65 OPEN: 1. Travis Horn; 2. Kage Tadman; 3. Sierra Hickerson; 4. Kristian Daniel; 5. Jasper Heathfield.
85 2-STROKE BEG: 1. Jadon Schroeder.
85 2-STROKE NOV: 1. Conner Hickerson; 2. Kage Tadman.
85-100 4-STROKE BEG: 1. Dominic De Mario; 2. Sierra Hickerson; 3. Isabella Mitchell; 4. Jadon Schroeder.
85-100 4-STROKE NOV: 1. Travis Horn; 2. Conner Hickerson.
85-100 2-STROKE AM: 1. Tanner Richey; 2. Dominic De Mario; 3. Colin Petton.
85 OPEN: 1. Zaden Florez; 2. Tanner Richey; 3. Conner Hickerson; 4. Dominic De Mario; 5. Colin Petton; 6. Sierra Hickerson.
250 YOUTH OPEN: 1. Travis Petton; 2. Grant Holmes; 3. Alfred Florez; 4. Jacob Cascio; 5. Jake Mitchell; 6. Frank Flores; 7. Ava Bush.
MEN’S 4-STROKE: 1. Brad Rudy; 2. Conner Hickerson.
OPEN UNCLASSIFIED A MAIN: 1. Travis Petton IV; 2. Grant Holmes; 3. André Ochs; 4. Colt Foster; 5. Chad Foster; 6. Chris Foster; 7. Nick Armstrong; 8. Justin Hanson; 9. Jake Mitchell.
OPEN UNCLASSIFIED B MAIN: 1. Matthew Ott; 2. Nick Gil; 3. L.J. Gronek; 4. Michael Sorensen; 5. Daltin Collie.
OPEN BEG: 1. Daltin Collie; 2. Larry Collie Jr.; 3. Bobby Frankenberger; 4. Kurt Speir; 5. Rich Silva.
OPEN NOV: 1. Shawn Chamlee; 2. Daniel Laton; 3. Frank Flores; 4. Justin Simons; 5. Michael Sorenson; 6. Matthew Ott; 7. Jake Mitchell; 8. Barney Stern; 9. Monica Gil; 10. T.J. Austin.
OPEN AM: 1. Jaycee Jones; 2. Nick Garcia; 3. L.J. Gronek; 4. Ben Meyer.
OPEN EX: 1. Travis Petton IV; 2. Grant Holmes; 3. Zaden Florez; 4. Jacob Cascio; 5. Chris Campos; 6. Joel Kath.
PRO: 1. Nick Gil; 2. James Ott; 3. Nick Armstrong; 4. André Ochs; 5. Colt Foster; 6. Paul Ott; 7. Chris Foster; 8. Chad Fastel; 9. Kevin Knudsen; 10. Jeff Johnson.
BOMBER NOV: 1. Dewayne Locke; 2. James Rust.
BOMBER AM: 1. Shawn Chamlee.
BOMBER EX: 1. Jeff Johnson; 2. Ken Shilling; 3. Joe Steffen.
POWDER PUFF: 1. Jaycee Jones; 2. Monica Gil; 3. Sara Wristen.
VET 35+ NOV: 1. T.J. Austin.
VET 35+ AM: 1. Shawn Chamlee.
VET 35+ EX: 1. Jon Nunes; 2. Kevin Jordan; 3. Jim Rosa; 4. Ryan Reed; 5. Bryan Kukla; 6. Scott Hanson; 7. Joel Kath.
SR VET 50+ NOV: 1. Mike Mosby; 2. Tom Baugh; 3. Kerry Sorensen.
SR VET 50+ AM: 1. Arnie Fry; 2. Rolf Greenhill; 3. Ben Meyer.
SR VET 50+ EX: 1. Kevin Jordan; 2. Richard Pollock; 3. Jim Ottele; 4. Brad Rudy; 5. Larry Earhart; 6. Joe Steffen.
SUPER SR 60+ NOV/AM: 1. Tom Baugh; 2. Barney Stern; 3. Greg Powell; 4. Gary Lane; 5. Wayne Warrington; 6. Fred Berger.
SUPER SR 60+ EX: 1. Richard Pollock; 2. Jim Kesler; 3. Jim Wood; 4. Dan Kane.
PREMIER SR: 1. Gary Lane.
CLASSIC VINTAGE 500-750: 1. Jim Ottele; 2. Fred Berger; 3. Lenny Rodriguez; 4. Joe Pape; 5. Flin Stone.