MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - The 25th Annual DC Vet National Championship weekend returns to Mt. Morris, Pennsylvania, on Saturday and Sunday, September 26-27, for a "throwback" of epic proportions as the veterans of motocross are set to take over the legendary High Point Raceway for a fun-filled weekend of racing.
"DC" was Big Dave Coombs, one of the most influential motorcycle enthusiasts in the history of motocross and off-road racing. Together with his wife and partner, Rita, from their home in Morgantown, West Virginia, Coombs was the driving force behind the creation of motocross and off-road motorcycle racing as we know it today.
To honor Big Dave's passion and commitment to the veteran motocross community, Sunday's Vet Motocross National offers classes for vet ages 25+, 30+, 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+, 55+ and 60+ with a variety of options for different skill levels. But perhaps the most exciting spectacle will be the Vintage bike classes, where riders can compete on vintage bikes in the following categories:Retro (1982-1996), Millennium (pre-2006) dual disk, and Vintage twin shock (pre-1975/1975+ dual drum). This year 65cc Open, 85cc Open, Schoolboy, and 18+ support divisions have been added to the lineup, creating a family-fun atmosphere for all ages.
In addition to the action on the racetrack, the weekend will boast entertainment for all members of the family. Everyone who pre-enters online will receive a commemorative DC Vet National t-shirt for being a part of this special weekend.
After the racing action on Saturday, kick back at the track with live music entertainment, along with a $5 barbeque dinner for everyone. Bench racing and retro films also accompany the dinner, along with a bonfire - welcoming families to bring marshmallows and s'mores to enjoy all evening long.
The Vintage Contests are back again this year, offering some great prizes to the winners. All you have to do is register your vintage item at the Racer X display next to the Legends & Heroes by 11 am on Sunday. Winners will be announced at Intermission. Vintage Contests categories are: Vintage Race Gear, Vintage T-Shirt, Oldest Race Program, Best Old-School Trophy, Furthest Traveled Competitor and Oldest Competitor. The winner of each category will receive a free one-year subscription to Racer X Illustrated, as well as two (2) all day Pit Passes to the 2016 High Point National. And for being so awesome, the Furthest Traveled Competitor will receive two (2) VIP Super Passes, a $400 value.
If you're not into racing your vintage bike but you still want to be a part of the festivities, you can show it off at the Vintage Bike Show, taking place Sunday alongside the "Swap Meet," where everyone is encouraged to bring out vintage gear and race items to sell, swap and barter. Visit highpointmx.com for detailed information on these events.
As professional motocross privateer-turned-event-promoter, Big Dave Coombs was the co-founder of not only High Point Raceway and Steel City Raceway, but the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships at Loretta Lynn Ranch, the Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC), the National Promoters Group (NPG), the ATV Motocross National Championship, the fabled Blackwater 100, and much, much more. His legacy extended to the foundation of MX Sports Pro Racing, organizers of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, as well as Racer Productions, Racer X Illustrated and Racer X Online. Big Dave Coombs passed on August 3, 1998 after losing his battle with leukemia. He was 57 years old.
On Saturday, September 26, High Point Raceway will host a Grand Prix/Moto-X-Country race, featuring a mix of obstacles including grass track, woods sections and motocross track. Registration for the GP race begins at 10 a.m., with practice following at 12 noon, and the racing action starting at 1 p.m. For a complete list of Grand Prix classes, click HERE.
Registration for Sunday's DC Vet Motocross National begins at 7 a.m. Sunday morning, with practice to follow at 9 a.m. For a detailed list of Vet National classes, click HERE. The race entry fee for both days is $40 for the first class, and $30 for each additional class. Racers who register in advance online will get a free event souvenir t-shirt. To enter now, click HERE.
Admission for adults is $25 for the weekend, $15 for Sunday only. Admission for Kids (6-11) is $15 for the weekend, $10 for Sunday only. Children five (5) and under are free. Gates open on Saturday, September 26, at 9 a.m. and close nightly from midnight until 6 a.m. Camping is free.
To get to the raceway from Pittsburgh or Morgantown take I-79 to PA Exit 1, and proceed three miles to the gate entrance. From Hagerstown take I-70 west to I-68 west. Then take I-79 north to PA Exit 1 and follow the signs east three miles to the track. For more information on the entire race weekend please call (304) 284-0084 or click HERE.
