Vision travels to Oregon, podiums all six races
Jun 19, 2007, From a press release issued by John Hayes
Vision took his longest journey to race this last weekend for the event put on by the Northwest Mini Roadrace Association (NMRRA) which was held at the McMinnville Kart Track in McMinnville, Oregon, nine hours north of his home in northern California.
We left Friday morning with the intention of arriving that night so he could rest and be ready for the Saturday practice before the racing on Sunday. The trip was beautiful all the way up as we passed by the Mt. Shasta area in Nor-Cal, then into the forests, hills and valleys of Oregon.
We arrived at around 8pm and there were a few people already there, including Peter Lenz and Bennie Taylor who were finishing up practicing for the day. We took a look at the track for the first time and we knew we were going to have a great time during the weekend. The track is a fast, smooth track that has most of its course running around the outside only coming in once at each end. It was also set right in the town of McMinnville making walks to the store or restaurants very convenient.
Other people were arriving for a night of camping, including Mike and Kimberlie Wood who run the club, with their son Cody. We introduced ourselves and were immediately made to feel at home. The people that we met throughout the weekend were some of the nicest, friendliest people anywhere.
Saturday’s practice was held and Vision was getting up to speed as the day progressed. Sunday was looking good for us.
Vision entered six classes, three on his NSR50 and three on his KX65. Peter Lenz was entered in the same classes and was the kid to beat. It wasn't that easy though. Bennie Taylor was also entered in the 80GP class and had been ripping on his RS85. We were up against fast kids on their track - just the reason we came.
The heats were run and it looked as if was going to be Peter's day with Vision doing well but coming up short (and sometimes long) behind. Vision managed to start well enough on the front row for all of his mains with four 2nds and two 3rds in the heats.
The Mains
65 class - Vision was second into the first turn behind Peter who pulled a strong gap and that was that. Vision finished 2nd. Stock 50, ditto.
Formula Extreme - Fourth into turn one, third behind Peter and Bennie (who was not scored on his RS85) by turn five, finishing behind them for 2nd place.
Mod 50 - Second into turn one behind Peter who gapped, with Vision chased closely by TJ for the entire race finishing 2nd. Mini 50, ditto.
80GP - Third into turn one behind Bennie and Peter who pulled away and had a great race for first, (Peter won), leaving Vision to run by himself in front of the pack, finishing 3rd.
This was a very fun weekend for us. The people, the track, the weather, made this one of the best weekends of racing that we've ever had, and we are looking forward to returning in August to do it all over again. We would recommend that everyone within a days drive of this club to do the same sometime.
