15th Annual Corsa Moto Classica

by Geoff Patrick

For the 15^th consecutive year, the 2010 Corsa Moto Classica at Willow Springs Raceway  combined some of the worlds rarest vintage racing motorcycles with the closest thing to a classic 1970’s racing weekend you are likely to find these days.  The AHRMA together with The Garage Company strike perfect balance between the rules-riddled requirements of the 21^st Century with the free-spirit of yesterday.  From the trackside camping with bonfires to helmet-free riding on the sprawling desertscape that is home to the “Fastest Road in the West”, spectators seem to be free to enjoy the weekend in just about any way they choose.

Take our very own JoJo H. for instance.  Where else can you wake up in the morning and answer a call over the loudspeaker for “sidecar drivers seeking monkeys – no experience required” and be suited up and turning laps before lunch?  That’s exactly what JoJo did!  In no time, she went from the sleeping bag to the sidecar chair hanging out just about everything she’s got to keep the BMW powered sidecar on the winding 2.5 mile road course.  Despite never have even been on sidecar, she did her job well, not allowing the rig to leave the track even once.  “I liked when we were behind another sidecar the best so I could watch the passenger in front of me and know when to move” she said.  Her thrill ride didn’t come without a few souvenir bruises, aches and pains, enough for her to turn down a second day on the Beemer, leaving the driver again without a partner…but more about that later.

JoJo wasn’t the only BIASD Associate to turn laps at Willow.  One of our newest Associates, Gardner M. brought out the 500cc Triumph that we are getting used to seeing on our rides, in race trim.  On Friday, the AHRMA folks held a rookie orientation day at the track for those who want a shot at competing and Gardner was there.  The focus is clearly on safety at rookie orientation where prospective riders are shown the art of safety wire, bike prep and getting around the track.  By the end of the day, Gardner and his fellow rookies were race ready for the weekend.  Competing against BSA’s and Honda’s in the Sportsman 500 class, he held his own on the track scoring two days of thrills only found on a professional road course. 

That may have been all the excitement Gardner could stand for one weekend if it hadn’t been for a BMW sidecar outfit left without a passenger after JoJo’s retirement.  We couldn’t leave that poor driver without a monkey on Sunday so once again, a BIASD Associate answered the call of the sidehack and saddled up on the BMW for Sunday’s events.  Gardner was the perfect replacement for JoJo.  After all, he at least had his own helmet and leathers!  The BMW put up a great fight on Sunday.  Despite being forced off the track only once, the pair finished an admirable 6^th place!

There was just so much to see at the Corsa MotoClassica, from Rob North Triples to Eddie Mulder  flat trackers to LeMans-style starts and vintage bikes from every corner of the globe, we are truly blessed to have this great event so close to home.  With the 16^th Annual Corsa less than a year away, it’s not too late to race-prep your tent or motorcycle for next years event!