Ultimate MotorCycling Amateur Race Report Volume 2, #2
This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the AHRMA/Corsa Moto Classica vintage races at Willow Springs International Raceway (otherwise known as “The Fastest Track in the West”), and my third year participating.This is the most fun race weekend of the year, with motorcycle sights and sounds that make it more like a racetrack carnival than a regular club race weekend.2.) Committed racers who regularly compete in the AHRMA vintage racing series.
3.) Other racers who compete here for a variety of reasons.


Friday, April 23 – Practice Day
I got to the track around 7 a.m. and waited for registration to open. Signup was quick and easy, and I breezed right through tech. Back in the garage I gassed up and put on the tire warmers. My first session out was at 10:20 a.m., and it only took a few laps to start getting back into the groove.I already knew where some of my historical rough spots would be, so I got right down to work on finding fresh solutions.Having a year away from this track was actually a good thing. It gave me the opportunity to look at some of my problems with fresh eyes instead of just repeating my same old mistakes. I tried some different gearing (taller), that resulted in fewer upshifts, more top speed, and a smoother ride. I also tried some different (earlier) braking points that allowed me to settle the bike and get back on the gas much earlier. Finally I developed a new approach to the diabolical Turn 9 which allowed a deeper entry and WFO throttle on exist. I felt like I hit the Willow Springs Trifecta.Saturday, April 24 – Race Day
There were two practice sessions in the morning, but I only rode in the second practice. All I really wanted to do was loosen up a little bit, and heat-up the engine oil, suspension fluids, and tire carcasses. It was going to be a long wait until my races anyway. I always reset my tire pressures after the first practice once I’ve put on the warmers and the tire temps stabilize. These were the same tires that had been through three races plus practice at WERA West’s Auto Club Speedway round 2 weeks prior. I had some concerns about racing on them, but Mark Miller took a look and confirmed they were fine.
Race 9 – Motard
There were only 3 of us in the Motard class: me, Darrin Gauvin, and Alan Brown. I have raced against both of them before, and knew I had to bring my game. As the pit board turned from 2 to 1 all bikes dropped into gear. I brought my revs up to the midrange torque peak, and let out the clutch lever until I could just feel engagement.The 1 board went sideways, and at the first twitch of the starter’s flag I dropped the hammer on what turned out to be a pretty good holeshot. Bursting into the lead, I never saw either Darrin or Alan again. Eight laps later the checkered flag flew for my first win of the day, by a 26 second margin.1st Place Motard – RittnerInstead of taking it easy on the cool-down lap, I hauled ass around the track, got checked by the Hot Pit Tech folks for leaks, and hot-footed it off the track into my makeshift pit area.Willi and I had already discussed who would do what. His primary job was to refuel the bike. My job was to re-attach the front fairing to three of four mounting points. I finished right about the time Willi finished fueling, so he took over the task of the fourth mounting point, and I worked to put my gloves back on. I jumped onto the bike, stabbed the electric roller’s foot pedal switch, and my bike barked instantly to life.Race 10 – Sound of Singles 2
We had done our job in the pits in record time, and I rolled into the staging area among a variety of bikes. This race would be a combined start of 3 types of machines: Formula Thunder (unlimited formula twins), Battle of the Twins (unlimited air-cooled twins), and 450cc singles in Sound of Singles 2. Gridded last again, I blazed off the line past all the singles and all but four of the twins into turn 1.
2) Met West Cooley! One of my racing idols.
3) Brought me and the bike home in one piece with engine intact.
4) Took home (2) 1st place trophies.
5) Extending my winning streak in SOS2 to 3 years.Eight weeks until the next race (WERA @ Willow Springs International Raceway). The bike is still running strong and in great shape, so it will only need some routine maintenance. On the other hand, I have some work to do getting my knee back in shape. I’m not yet ready to throw in the racing towel, but this knee injury is my forcing me to acknowledge that Racing Past 60 has its perils. Until June…Marc Rittner
AFM Expert #129Riding Style
- Helmet: Arai Corsair-X Statement
- Suit: Alpinestars Atem
- Armor: Alpinestars KR-R Back Protector
- Gloves: Alpinestars GP Tech
- Boots: Alpinestars Supertech R
- Racing Past 60 | Marc Rittner Intro
- Racing Past 60 | Rittner Preps for 2016 AFM Race Season
- Racing Past 60 | YZ450F Mechanical Failure at AFM, Round 1
- Racing Past 60 | Supermoto Spank, 4 Wins at AHRMA
- Racing Past 60 | Luck Holds Up for 2 Wins at WERA West, Round 3
- Racing Past 60 | Two Wins at WERA West, Round 4
- Racing Past 60 | Two Wins at WERA West, Round 5
- Racing Past 60 | 2017 Begins with WERA Win at Auto Club Speedway