The 2009 Grass race was a little warmer than years past and thankfully no rain.
We had a mix of bright sun with some dark, gloomy, cloudy conditions but the weather actually turned out to be perfect. Which in turn led to a record attendance this year.
The Grass Race is held in the back portion of the property. It uses very little of the Pro track and is 95% rolling hills and natural terrain. The track is, as its name implies, grass. It is not a dosed, smooth track, it is natural grass and untouched by equipment of any kind. The event draws a loyal group of the Red Bud fans as well as industry core riders. This is the event is one of the funnest and most memorable events of the season. The event also holds the annual XR class races. It is a great time to see grown men racing on vintage XR 80cc bikes. This was the 20th year of the event and one has to wonder how much an event like this has sparked the mini revolution and the Pit Bike Nationals?
The event also has a feel of bringing things back. Its like reliving some of MX history. One of the things that always shows up is the core, loyal group of the Nine One One MX shop fans and past sponsored rider.
Nine One One was the local MX shop. It was on the property of Red Bud and it was nice to be able to run over and buy parts during a race when your bike broke. In the 90’s Oscar Azevedo (owner) also sponsored some of the areas elite riders. All the cool kids back then had the cool Nine One One gear. Then who could ever forget some of the greatest add ever place in any moto mag. Oscar and his right hand man, Chuck Hamilton, put together some of classics. Not just great adds of the day, but still here in 2009 these adds have not been rivaled. Then these adds were placed in a fledgeling, upstart magazine that we all know and love as Racer X.
Nine One One gear in full force.
Full retro Nine One One gear.
And here we see what looks to be a Greg Watson replica helmet that was worn in one of those classic adds.
Trophy Helmet?
Tim Ritchie owner and track builder also gets his ride on at this event.
Pop a wheelie Tim..
Tim Ritchie
Larry Witmer took a break from his announcing duties and come out to scope the track. He actually came out to scope the area I was shooting so I could grab a cool photo of him in his next moto.
It worked because I was ready for him when he came by and this is what I got. Also note the Bitchen, blonde mullet.
Witmer
Jay Wagner was having fun.
Jay Wagner
Congratulations are in order. Not once but twice for Ronnie Weatherholt. First after years of being in the top 3 Ronnie finally took the win this year in the XR dual shock class. Then he busted out a classic no footer at the checkers too.
Ronnie's win.
The second congratulations is due for finding this classic set of LaRocco gear. Circa 1993. It is even autographed and everything. If I remember correctly 93 was the year mike won the 500cc National Championship on a Kawasaki.
Vintage LaRocco gear.
Mike showed up for the event too. He came out and put it on a few riders that are fast, as usual. But this year he did it on an XR. I don’t care if it is LaRocco, getting passed by a guy with a headlight is humbling.
Mike LaRocco
Why settle for Chicken or Beef when you can have both?
Now I will leave you with some more images of the event and great costumes that were worn.
Oh wouldn’t Rupert be proud of this guy?
Eat you heart out Rupert.
Land Shark?
Jane had the best "DO" of them all.
XR single shock winner.
By far the best costume I have seen in years. This one got many laughs.
Beer bellies are Hawt.
All of the Grass Race images can be found here.
http://homey.zenfolio.com/grassrace2009
Visit me on Facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Niles-MI/Bonnau-Photography/68281009803
Until next time.
Steven
