Pink Bull KTM and Rockstar Husqvarna at Hemet SX

By Billy Rainford

After I was a child, we obtained numerous snow in Ontario and using needed to take a backseat to winter sports activities like hockey and snowboarding. Each time a brand new motocross journal got here out, I used to be all the time captivated by the images from the highest professional riders practising someplace in California. The names of the locations have been so unique and romanticized in my mind that it nearly appears surreal that I’m now driving from observe to trace down right here for myself. Should you’re outdated like I’m, you already know what I imply.

Seeing images of Ricky Johnson, Jeff Ward, Johnny O’Mara, David Bailey, Micky Diamond, JMB and extra trying like they have been having a lot enjoyable on their bikes when all we may do was dream about it was one thing I’ll always remember.

I knew our Canadians, #500 Julien Benek and #518 Parker Eales, have been heading to the observe exterior Hemet, CA referred to as, oddly sufficient, Hemet SX on Wednesday, in order that’s the place I pointed the #DMXVAN this morning.

Kyle Springman had talked about that the observe was booked till round 1:30 however the Pink Bull KTM and Rockstar Husqvarna groups, so I headed over to see if I may catch a few of that motion. I may.

Right here’s a take a look at what I noticed at Hemet SX on Wednesday.

For starters, the observe obtained fairly gnarly. The manufacturing facility guys didn’t go away it the way in which they discovered it!

I’ve additionally determined to take extra images from a distance, exhibiting extra of what’s occurring. After taking a look at outdated images posted by Invoice Petro on his Fb web page, I understand those I discover most fascinating aren’t the close-ups however the ones that present individuals within the crowd or the pits or the automobiles being pushed on the time. In fact, there’ll all the time be close-ups thrown it, too.

For instance, 20 years from now, youngsters received’t consider we used to drive outdated pick-ups like this one or that our Sprinter vans have been so archaic. Belief me, it occurs.

How did we get across the tracks on outdated bikes like this one among Josh Hansen? OK, I’ll again it down.

OK, sufficient warming up, let’s get to some using photographs.

Who was there, you ask? Properly, let’s take a look…

Mike Brown (left) was even there because the Baker’s Manufacturing unit peeps have been serving to out, together with Aldon Baker. I actually wished to cease him and speak some biking, however I held again.

One factor that sucked was that Marv took a clumsy fall and got here up favouring his left wing. He left early, so I hope all the things is OK.

Listed below are a couple of extra motion photographs.

Properly, properly, properly, would you take a look at who confirmed as much as suss out the scenario? That’s Tony Wass and Logan Karnow trying over the observe earlier than they may journey it.

They rode till about 1:30 after which the observe opened to the general public. Right here’s a take a look at among the riders who have been there.

Parker Eales, Kevin Urqhart, and Kyle Springman.

Tony with the Solely Followers Kawasaki of Logan Karnow.

With that background straight out of Sanford and Son, I couldn’t resist.

That’s #208 Logan Leitzel making it a baker’s Logan.

Mark from Hemet about to do some observe upkeep.

Additionally they have just a little bike observe they usually’d come take a look at the professionals now and again.

I believe Oliver goes to make a suggestion on this factor.

That was an important day on the follow observe if I’ve ever seen one! Who is aware of what tomorrow will convey as this 2023 Supercross journey continues. Thanks for studying and I’ll see you on the races…