JULY 2ND, 2006 STEEL CITY PHOTOS:

MOTO-1 | MOTO-2

AMA District-5 Motocross Racing

Delmont, PA - July 2, 2006

by Arlene Lantzer

Last visit to Steel City before the Nationals and I’m stressing already. I generally get this way during State Championships when the visits are generally the last ones before winter. It seems the older I get the faster these things come around and one has to deal with the good-byes again. But we have a few more races at Steel City before that happens and also next weekend is at High Point my nearest place to Heaven.

I always feel so good pulling into Steel City. So many memories and expectations of the riders and races that one is going to see. I was not disappointed for even though the classes were smaller the talent was again top notch. As practice was concluding I saw that Chad Boyd was back and ready to ride after his injury to his thumb. Seeing his eyes with helmet on I could tell he was ready to be right up there making it harder for the other A riders getting those top positions. The first moto was the 125A and B Classes so making it to my special place takes me by staging were I saw that familiar number 731. Awesome Stevie Roman is back. Time can seem to drag by and it has with the return of Stevie after his terrible crash at PVR in the early Spring. But enough time for healing and Stevie is back. When you look at the A Class of riders you can run off such familiar names as Roman, Shuckhart, Holt, Durham, Hoge, Ritter, Woskob, Dickson, Raible, Hudak, Kozma, Foster (still on injured list) just too name a few that set the pace and challenge to get to that number one position. You have to go thru these riders to do that. This was the case yesterday, Roman and Holt having great starts. Holt was racing with Everett #454 in the 125A which had most of the spectators wrapped up right to the checkers. In the 250A Class Roman looked as he always does right up there with others in the chase. I only wish with the few moto’s that we had yesterday that they would have given what the A class deserves, a moto of their own. I know that the B Class would love to watch these very talented riders.

The day had a total of 13 motos that wrapped up around 4:00. WOW, seemed strange to be pulling out of the track at that time. But then again it was a good feeling. The largest class was the 125C, which had a full gate of 40. It had its normal yellow flags flying in the breeze all around the track but some great match ups thru out their moto. The next class of 19 riders was the always exciting class of 125 B riders. This class is loaded with the top B riders in the District. So good to have Tyler McGoff back to mix it up with other riders like Reed Chapman, Deric Dury, Ian McCue, TJ Phillips and Mitch Lehman to name a few. (my CJ was home with the flu, get well CJ you were missed)

Thru out the day I heard many times on how rough the track was from different classes. Of course being a non rider I would prefer it to be absolutely perfect if I rode. Then again I have had this big eye opener this summer that for the A & B riders the rougher the track the better they will be prepared for a National Qualifier and of course the full 30 minute + 2 lap moto’s. I know that Brian Shuckhart has mentioned how rough things get out there with the amount of riders and the speeds that they go. Totally different from a Sunday at your favorite groomed District track. So rough and learning on how to deal with it is a positive thing for ones rider. Timmy kept the grounds crew turning the moist dirt over and over which kept the dust down. Hats off to the grounds crew and the Ladies that work the office. I think of you Ladies often on race day and know that you are hard at your tasks. We appreciate all that you do, I know that my son did when he needed to come and ask his questions no matter what they were you ladies were always helpful. (he was very bashful)

One other rider that I was pleased to see was Stevie Crowe. His name has been around along time. I heard Buddy Little giving some of his history and its amazing the length of time that he has been riding and his accomplishments. This brings up something that I saw while looking at results thru out the District and stopped in to Maple Shades results from a race a few weeks ago. I saw Justin Paris #289 had been there AWESOME. A rider that I would love to see back more often racing. Justin has been busy with getting a young family growing and I know that in time he and the family will back to a track down in this neck of the woods. (actually I was hoping that he would have been at Steel City, but maybe next time)

We are looking forward to High Point this weekend and hope to see you all there. Stop by the pit area or hopefully Riders Registration for some new “Aaron” ball point pens

Always In Memory of Aaron #98, Arlene

Last Updated: July 5, 2006