by Broc Glover
I first became aware of the VMX Magazine Classic Dirt event from the pages of the event’s namesake; VMX Magazine. What intrigued me the most was the fact it was not promoted as another Vintage MX competition but rather a large gathering of like-minded, vintage motocross enthusiasts, enjoying their passion.
No pressure of competition, concerns over how you finished, or how well you race-prepped your machines. To me, the concept sounded appealing as I have found at many race events, the competitors are so concerned with the competition side of things, that they cannot relax enough to take in the atmosphere. This did not appear to be the case at the VMX Magazine Classic Dirt events and after attending the 12thedition in 2016, my thoughts were confirmed.
The fact that the 2016 event coincided with Yamaha’s 60th Anniversary celebration offered a unique opportunity for the VMX Magazine Classic Dirt organizers to bring two long-time Yamaha racers, Heikki Mikkola and myself, Down Under. It was an honor to attend, and the fact that I was able to take a few laps with such a motocross icon as Heikki, was just icing on the cake.
I still smile every time I see the pictures on my phone of Heikki holding a koala bear. He was such a fierce competitor on the track but conversely gentle and gracious off the bike.
I also get a laugh when I think about having to be the translator despite us all speaking “English.” Luckily for me, I have spent many days around Finnish motocross riders, so their style of English is almost second nature for me. I can’t begin to count the times where I was asked, “What did they say?” This question came from both Heikki and his wife Kaija, and also from the many Aussie MX enthusiasts.
In the end, we found out that we all spoke the same dialect of Vintage MX at a VMXMag Classic Dirt event, that is all that really matters!
1 days to go before entries close online on Sunday 28th April at 6:00pm AEST- get your entry in now! To register, go to: https://www.vmxmagshop.
Event: VMX Magazine Classic Dirt15
Date: 3rd-5th May 2019
Venue: Queensland Moto Park, 110 Goan Road
(Off Beaudesert-Boonah Road) Coulson, QLD 4310