|
7th
Annual Bike Days Big Success
May 23-24, 2009 Canton, Ohio By Larry Barnes
If you’re into motorcycle racing, Canton, Ohio has become THE place to be over Memorial Weekend each
year, and this year was even better. Beautiful skies, perfect temperatures and two full days of racing brought out every
make of modern and vintage brand of racing motorcycle imaginable to race on the Stark County Fairgrounds half-mile dirt track.
A swap meet, cool bike show and a trials-riding exhibition added to the festivities.
Chad Rall and Ronnie Rall, who won two main events on Sunday, were just one of several family-based race teams in
action over the weekend. Brothers Dave and Dan Weicht competed in the Speedway events and the Racing Long family competed
in the Flat Track events. Father Rich Long won the Plus 50 Class final and then his oldest son, Aaron Long, won
the Middleweight Vintage final. Younger son, Nathan “Bubba” Long, finished third in the same race.
A bit later, Rich Long crashed, high-siding his Triumph while to trying pass in the Heavyweight Vintage final. Long
got his bell rung pretty good but was okay. Speaking of crashes, the lovely Katy Keene walked
away from a four-bike pile up on the front straight that looked very scary. Another rider had fallen directly in front
of her and she T-boned his bike. Neither bike fared as well as the riders. Cody Johncock was downright unbeatable on his Rotax, winning both the A Open and A Cash mains both days on his Rotax.
Then he got on his Yamaha and won the A-450 class on Saturday. Tom Englehart won the Plus 30 class both days on his
Honda, and John Bova rode his Bultaco to victory both days in the Lightweight Brakeless class. And
finally, the Plus 60 class could be re-named the Plus 70 class as Ken Steele beat Ronnie Rall on Saturday, then Rall won on
Sunday. Both men are well into their 70’s…and still go fast!
|
