Vintage Racing in Seattle WA

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Those living in the Seattle/Portland area might consider traveling to Shelton, WA this weekend for the Washington Motorcycle Road Racing Association’s Vintage Day (Saturday). I have to warn you it might be considered a little: and here I was going to use the word “sad”, but no: although the grid may be sparse the enthusiasm and determination of those on it is anything other than sad and we are very lucky, for such a small group, to have a great variety of machinery that is fairly evenly matched and can lead to some entertaining racing. I don’t know for sure but here is a list of the big vintage bikes likely to be there: -

•Norton Commando (ex-Herb Becker) of course.
•Seeley Nourish/Weslake
•Seeley Commando
•Honda CB750
•BMW R75
•BSA Rocket 3
•Triumph Trident
•Rob North framed Bonneville
•Ducati 750ss
•Excelsior V-twin

National level vintage racer and winner on the Isle of Man, Dave Roper is entered purely because he has heard great things about this new track and to celebrate his 65th birthday.

Apart from the big bikes there will also be the Honda CB160s, their numbers also sadly reduced from a few years ago. May be they’re like locusts? Disappear for a few years and then come back in their millions?

Reduced numbers or not the fact is that this is the best opportunity for anyone in this part of the world to see a bunch of old blokes using their old bikes in anger, or may be more like extreme annoyance in some cases.

The Ridge is easy to get to and you can make a nice ride of it by crossing the Tacoma Narrows bridge and wending your way around the inlets of southern Puget Sound.

The track has few facilities (but it does have good food!) and there are some great places to watch from.

This clip captured during a WMRRA vintage race last year. Four race leaders in 20 seconds. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUwVhmPqVaY
 
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