As a result of discussions with members of the Dist.23 Board, the AMA, and various rider opinions; we now have a new 80cc 9-12 mini class. Members took a vote last week to make a second class available to these young riders. After all, doesn’t everyone race two classes? Well, after many heated discussions we found that most riders do race two classes. In an earlier decision the AMA wouldn’t allow us to race these kids with an age span of 10-15 years of age. So we went back to the AMA and got our ideas vetoed a second time. OK, so now we have to deal with this issue and find something that works for these kids. Walla! Finally after a third try we managed to get a new mini class added to the year 2000 lineup of points races. The new class will be 80cc 9-12 80cc only (no 65cc allowed.) Please respond kindly to your reps for their effort in getting this approved. It’s been a long, hard fight on your behalf. Enjoy it, for you out grow these classes much sooner than you realize!

Another thing I would like to point out is that only the 50cc automatics are a stock only class. All other classes can use modified engines and suspension. As long as you stay within the AMA guidelines, that is!

Pipes, milled heads, porting, and larger carb sizes are allowed. But you must stay within your engines cc limit. I certainly would recommend at least a 100 octane minimum standard for racing fuel used in these engines. Unless you like the weird sound that will be emitted by not using race fuel with a milled head and higher compression? After the noises quit it’s not pretty! Also a very expensive lesson in modified engines!

If you have a new race bike check the gear ratios that came with it. From year to year these things can change and you may be missing that favorite "holeshot" gear you had last year. A good hint is to check the sprockets and see if it’s the same amount of teeth as you liked before. This only relates if you’re using the same size and brand of motorcycle as before. If they changed the transmission ratios this will also effect gearing choices. So a little investigating into your new owners’ manual could help you decide these matters. Finding what ratios you like will help shorten the set up time from year to year. When you change bike size the ratios will change also.

Guess what? The Dunlop 752 is still the favorite tire choice for Minnesota riders. New choices come and go but that appears to still be the choice of the masses. There’s a reason why, they work well on Minnesota dirt!

Chip Donaho