How about if the "kid" is 6 feet tall and in his 30s? Back in my day, we had ATC 70s and we were happy for them, dammit! Not to mention the whole walking in the snow to school, uphill both ways ... For more information, contact 330/549-9600; www.cobramotorcycle.com.
Youth Gone Wild
Little guys and gals will finally get their chance to prove their mettle at the 2004 Ironman GNCC race. After enduring riders' clamoring for mini classes for years, GNCC officials are allowing a mini race at the season's finale to determine the feasibility of including the pint-size racers in the program for 2005.
Running for up to an hour on a slightly downsized version of the full-blown championship course, depending on weather and course conditions, the mini-racer field will be broken down into several classes in accordance with the ATVA rule book. Three classes should run: 70cc Youth Production (6-11), 90cc Youth Limited (8-15) and 90cc Youth Production (8-15). Here at ATV Rider, we've crossed our fingers that the event goes off without a hitch, as we'd like to see the next generation of superstars get their shot at joining the show. For more information, go to www.gnccracing.com.
Racing News
Penland and Kilby sign with Fasst Co.!Penland Brothers Racing riders Mike Penland and Scott Kilby have signed a deal with Fasst Company to run FleXX handlebars during their pursuit of the 2005 GNCC title. With a combined 14 championships between the two riders, hopes are high for the prospect of adding more titles.
Penland said, "The FleXX handlebar helped me to ride faster, longer, suffering less abuse and fatigue. It reduced the shock when hitting square edges, making me able to charge harder." For more info, check out www.fasstco.com or see our review of the bar (Abused, page 98).