Speedway Park Photos

I done posts on Speedway Park a time or two before. These photos are a little newer than the ones I posted previously. Another somewhat rare glimpse into Albuquerque racing history.

Ran When Parked

1974 Yamaha GTMX 80 - I think I'll always have a soft spot for these motorcycles. This restoration is pretty impressive. The paint is beautiful. It does make me appreciate just how original mine is. There are a number of pieces on this bike (like the seat cover) that just don't look quite right.

As a kid I always thought my bike was missing a front number plate. I suspect now they just never had them. I wonder where the owner found those tires.

It's funny that as a little boy I was bothered by the "stockiness" of my GTMX. The gas tank etc. never seemed properly proportioned to me and I always wished it had number plates. It seems crazy to me that I was so concerned with esthetics at 8 years old. I sure LOVED my 80 and had immeasurable fun on it.  That said esthetically the 1977 Honda XR 75 was perfection in those days.

So what good is a mini-MXer to an old guy? Ironically the ideal grownup bookend is also currently for sale.

1974 Yamaha 360 MX - Flathead Rob once owned a Yamaha 250 MX. I was pretty small when I rode it but I remember it as being a little scarey. It pulled like an absolute freight train but the brakes and suspension were basically nonexistent by modern standards. I assume the 360 is a step above that in terms of hairiness. Kudos to whomever did the restoration on this bike. It's absolutely lovely.

Table Setting

I saw something similar (though better aged) on Flathead Rob's table recently.

Albuquerque Drag Racing Photos

Flathead Rob passed along these historic drag racing photos taken in Albuquerque. They look to me like they may have been taken out at South Eubank. I remember going out there for the first time when I was maybe 10 and being blown away to see a car that was trailered in from Texas to race.

This looks like fairly organized and "legal" racing. I didn't think the racing out on Eubank was ever actually sanctioned. If you know anything about these photos I'd love to hear about it. For the record, my '69 Charger was never out there...

GNRS 2014

Apparently the 2014 Grand National Roadster Show started off in dramatic fashion. "One of the contenders was approaching the viewing area to be judged when his throttle stuck, running over GNRS judging chairman Vic Cunnyngham, resulting in serious, though not life-threatening injuries." What a shame. I wonder if it had anything to do with a frantic sleepless rush to get the car ready for the show.

Rollers

Is it crazy that I'm dying to build a set of motorcycle rollers and teach myself to ride them? I successfully rode bicycle rollers years ago and I assume the skills are somewhat transferable.

Wall of Death rider at the September 1937 Puyallup Fair

Seems like it would be a great way to work up Cossack solo stunts too.

Triumph 1500cc V6

Triumph Trident based prototype 1500cc V6 built by "the Professor" George Pooley. Pretty amazing. I wouldn't have guessed it would suggest the form of a Vincent twin as much as it does.

Rob, apparently your Cub based V-Twin is feasible. English Stephen, you know what you need to do. Get busy.

Siege's 5th Annual Vintage Racing MC Show

Flathead Rob, Nate, Dennis, Todd and I made the trek down to Downtown (aka Lawless now I guess...) Harley for the 5th Annual Vintage MC show. The turnout out was quite good and the weather was the best it's been for months. Some of the old bikes weren't completely convinced they wanted to run but the all made it there and back.

Interesting show. It was probably 3/4 MX. I'm a huge MX fan and enjoy seeing all the vintage stuff but I must admit there are vintage bikes that excite me more. I enjoy riding more modern motocross bikes enough that I'm not all that nostalgic about big power, no suspension and no brakes bike I rode early on. Ironically I feel exactly the opposite about almost every other type of motorcycle. Some of the restorations are absolutely flawless though. Great mix of regular attendees and I really enjoyed chatting with a bunch of cool people.

HD WLDR

Another 45" flatty - amazing fab work!

This WLDR was bitchin & ALL business

1948 Velocette MSS 500

Untouched sine 1966

I absolutely loved this bike!

This thing really needs to run

This 1947 Velocette KSS gives you an idea what the one above once looked like

This bike is much like the one my Dad owned in high school. I want one...

There were several great bikes I missed getting photos of. Next show of the season I'll do a better job.