What About Azusa ABA? Options

[mainbiker]

His dad threw the gate at Azusa? Was he the short guy that always wore a hat? I got smoked on every start until the day Dave Wilson finally told me to leave on "riders ready". The rest was history. Never knew until years later Dave was one of the original JMC factory riders. That would explain why I could never beat him.

[JohnnyJohnson OM...]

MainBiker,
So you're born around 68' to be racing David Wilson.
He was an excellent racer. We're same age, but never got to race him.

Eric Kocen is stil a friend of mine. I see him every two months or so.
He rides skateparks for fun now a days.

[The Red Baron]

This picture is from the USBA So. Cal. Nationals, Oct 84.

I had not raced in a couple of years and this was my one and only cruiser race.

I ticked off a bunch of the fastest guys of that time when I beat them in the first moto. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I ended up 6th in the main but I didn't care, I made my mark in that 1st moto. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

(IMG:http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o29/saunirae/img643.jpg)

[Gary Haselhorst]

My local tracks were both Azusas and Monrovia.

I also rode for Main Bikes. I was getting results at some of the bigger races so they gave me a Kuwahara and sent me to TX for the Grand National Championships and the ABA grands. I made both mains in the expert class with good results at the line. Soon after I got the Vans ride.

I was always greatful to them for that. It played a major role in getting me out on the national scene.

Gary

[mainbiker]

Gary,

I was actually born in 1967. Dave was lightning fast but so low key. Were you on Main Bikes the same time as Clark Brothers? I had heard a rumor that either Scofield or Donnell were on Main at one time. Any truth too that? Kija was a great guy. A push over. But a great guy.

[bronco134x]

I lived at both tracks at different times.

I lived at both tracks at different times.

[trussell]

This is my first post.

Any Azusa locals out there from 84-86? I raced for Main Bikes out of Alhambra.

Just signed up and this is my first blog. I raced 14 and 15X at the USBMX track during that time frame. If I remember correctly, Tim Testa, with the exception of one or two local races, was the only one I could beet. No matter how hard I tried. Always had fun racing Bryan Dorsey to (sorry to hear about his mom). Would be nice to hear from some of the local hot shoes from that track. Don't know if anyone remembers Rick and Deena Barber, Randy Robertson, Mike Sorell, Grover Adams, Danny Squire, little Ray Mendoza, Mike Cosen, Ron House(whos dad owned Super BMX Magazine), Nick Waters and many more I would probably remember if I heard their names. I raced for Ray's Chevron and Alosta Bikes back then. Raced on Torkers, an LRP( from Pete Loncaravich), and a Star BMX(GHP) bike.

[mainbiker]

Tim Testa and I were fairly close in ability. I was kind of upset when he was placed on the team as we were both 17X at the time. I do remember alot of guys on the Alosta & SK teams. Were you there when Larry Wilcox broke his leg at the War of the Stars?

[Brian B]

Trussel,
Do you have any pics of the LRP ?
Welcome to the site!

[kkjmc]

Trussel,
Do you have any pics of the LRP ?
Welcome to the site!

This is a great little thread. My name is Kevin Keller and I raced for JMC at one time. I signed up / found this site a little over a month ago. Both Azusas and Monrovia were also my home tracks from about 79 to 85ish. There are some great names / local racers mentioned on this thread that bring back alot of memories. Dave Wilson helped me improve my starts as well at one time. Joe Fox called the finish line from his wheelchair for many years and his son (Joe Jr.) was a strong rider in my class. My dad, Tom Keller, ended up becoming an announcer for a while.

Some other great local racers from the day that are not listed yet, Geoff Schofield, Ryan Crupi, Ron and Valerie Mckiernan, Scott and Danny Martin. (It has been a while so I am sure I will remember more after I send this) Main bikes, Rays Chevron, Martin's Concrete Pumping and Temple City Bikes were great local supporters.

Gary Haselhorst, that was an excellent article you wrote about Jim Melton. Keep up the good work!