Webmaster posted on March 28, 2009 13:27
Victorian vintage motocross starts a bumper 09 with the first of SEVEN rounds at the picturesque Bluerock circuit near Moe this Sunday 29 March. The “VIPER” series has been going strong for 14 years and 2009 is shaping as a ripper season.
The hills will reverberate with the throaty grunt of powerful 2 strokes ridden by grey haired legends who never say die. The most popular class is Evolution, bikes generally made before 1981 with air cooled engines, twin shock or non linkage suspension and drum brakes. The iconic 1979 Red Devil Honda CR250 plays a starring role along side the monoshock Yamaha YZ250 E and F. European brands feature strongly with many bow legged Husky riders. Of course real men ride Maicos, superb handling, awesome power and well ... kinda tricky to start.
New sponsors have joined including Ohlin’s and Maxima oils. Importer Steve Cramer is very happy to help promote the fun. “The commitment of these blokes is inspirational. The restoration of the bikes is magnificent and the speed is HOT. It almost makes me want to have a crack myself!”
Powerhouse Motorcycles of Pakenham have generously helped out again. Owner Anthony Coxon keeps coming back for more. “Viper is really addictive. There is something about these old bikes that you just can’t let go.”
This season Viper will have seven rounds including such legendary tracks as Ravenswood and Barrabool. A new comer is Corner Inlet down at Yanakie on the way to the Prom. Old favourites include Wonthaggi, Monza Park at Ballarat and this week’s event at Bluerock near Moe. The final round will be a grass track event on private property at Noojee, North of Warragul. The natural terrain circuit will be ideal for the shorter suspension of the thirty-year-old bikes.
New sponsor Tarmac Civil Constructions owner Michael Cockburn loves the fantastic restorations done on the bikes. “These blokes are incredible, they spend half their life on eBay scouring the world for a clutch basket for 1977 Bultaco Pursang or a NOS (new old stock) rear guard for a 1980 Suzuki RM125. The truly amazing thing is most of these blokes are still married” laughed Michael.
Viper Chairman, Simon Healy, is pumped up about 09. “Our riders wanted more races and this is what we have given them with 7 quality events all within a few hours drive of Melbourne. With trophies after each round and lots of classes there is something for every level of rider. So grab that old bike gathering dust in your shed and have a go.”
For more info check out www.vipermx.com.au
CALENDAR FOR 2009
29TH March Round 1 Bluerock Moe
26th April Round 2 Corner Inlet Yanakie
17th May Round 3 Ravenswood Bendigo
14th June Round 4 Monza Park Ballarat
5th July Round 5 Wonthaggi
16th August Round 7 Barrabool Geelong
20th September Round 7 Grass Track – Noojee