Motorcycles return to Fuji Park

Riders from California and Northern Nevada will return to Carson City Raceway at Fuji Park (arena) Saturday for the second of eight scheduled competition races.

The first race night, April 9, saw 23 adult competitors along with four in the peewee division. The young riders - two at age 4, one age 6 and one age 8, were a big favorite of the crowd, many of whom were seeing American Motorcycle Association racing for the first time.

The style of AMA racing at speeds in excess of 60 mph going into turns 1 and 3, takes skill, balance and a good amount of strength to manage a 175-pound motorcycle. There are no brakes on the motorcycles and each has a "kill switch" attached by cord from the rider's wrists to the handle bar, which would cut the engine should the rider fall.

Saturday's venue is "Michael's Cycle Works Night" and features pro speedway, pro quad, youth speedway, DC Motor Sports peewee speedway, peewee quad, Ponderosa Stamp bicycle races and econobox drags.

Weather is expected to be much warmer than the season opener, when the temperature dipped below 40 degrees. Saturday's high is to be 79 degrees with no chance of rain.

The pits (for riders and crew only) open at 5 p.m., the main gate opens at 6 and racing begins at 7. Ticket prices are $9 adults, $7 seniors, $5 teens 13-19, $3 juniors 6-12 and kids 5-younger are free.

Promoter Jeb Onweiler said the quad racing division is being added this week and entries are plentiful for the Open Pro and Peewee Quad exhibition.

"Series Director Terry McTimmons said we've got more quads than we know what to do with," Onweiler said.

"Plus the racers from our first night in the AMA series are returning, with a few more.

"Charlie 'The Edge' Vanegas, a top rider from Southern California and an international rider said he should be here, along with brothers Tommy and Bobby Hedden, Bart Bast, Jimmy Estes and Ian Ferris."

Tommy Hedden won the inaugural race with Hedden finishing second and Bast third.

There are three divisions in AMA racing, based on skill, which includes beginner, intermediate and advanced (pro). In all divisions, riders work their way to the main by competing in heats, consolation races and semi-mains. The riders who gain the most points advance to the main event.

Parking is free and all children's activities will be available including the bicycle races and econobox drags, which are free with paid admission. Winners receive a gold medallion.

Remaining race dates in addition to Saturday include: July 2 and 30, Aug. 13 and 20, and Oct. 8 and 22.

Onweiler can be contacted at CarsonCityRaceway@charter.net or 882-2460.