“SATURDAY AT THE GLEN” RACE REPORT: SOCAL RACING ACTION DURING AN INDIAN SUMMER

SOCAL RACING ACTION DURING AN INDIAN SUMMER

Sean Liponovich (505) continues to dominate the 450 Pro class at “Saturday at the Glen.” Photo: Mark Riker

PHOTOS BY MARK RIKER & JODY WEISEL

Did you know that the abnormally warm and dry conditions in the fall or spring have a name? It is often referred to as an “Indian summer.” An Indian summer describes the abnormally warm and dry conditions in autumn in North America. The American Meteorological Society removed the phrase from use in October of 2020, claiming it was disrespectful to Indigenous peoples. Although historians say that the term “Indian Summer” was first used by Native Americans long before white European settlers arrived..

Josh Mosiman was second in the 450 Experts on a KTM 150SX two-stroke and raced it to a 1-1 victory in the Open Experts. The World Two-Stroke Championship is only 25 days away (on April 19). Photo: Mark Riker

No matter what the language police say, Indian summer is still a commonly used description of a warm period of time in the midst of a cold season—normally in Autumn, but can also refer to brief periods of unusually high temperatures in Spring. Just two weeks ago Glen Helen’s high temperature was in the mid 50s and this week it is pushing 90 degrees. No matter what you call it, warm weather is always a welcome condition for motocross racers and a sign that cold weather racing is about to come to an end by May.

Shawn Bushnell (35) took the win the Over-40 Experts and got third overall in the Open Experts. Photo: Mark Riker

The effect on Glen Helen was that 240 riders showed up to race at “Saturday at the Glen, They were spurred on by an end of the rainy season and the arrival of more moderate temperatures before it cools down again. No matter how you cut it, the 100-degrees days of Summer will change everyone’s opinion about the weather.

Hollan Russell (93) swept both motos of the 450 Intermediates and the Open Intermediates. Photo: Mark Riker

If you got a bad start, this is the view you get entering the Talladega first turn. Steve Chandler (305) is trying to make up ground by going high on the banking. Bob Rutten (83) and Ed Guajardo (27) are making their downward moves off of the banking. Karl Sellenthin (13) in trying the low line. Riders can safely get through the corner seven abreast. Photo: Jody Weisel

Thanks to the winter rains washing decomposed granite down off the surrounding hillsides, Glen Helen is more of a sand track now as Josh Fout (37) demonstrates under the bridge. Sadly, the sand will wear away in a couple months. Photo: Jody Weisel

Krista Sundling (177) won the Women’s class with a 2-1 score. Photo: Jody Weisel

Bill Sauro (311) swept both motos of the Over-50 Expert class in front of a top five of Arek Kruk (2-2), Richard Ellis (4-3), Pasha Afshar (6-4) and Chris Heinrich (5-5). Photo: Mark Riker

Phil Desimone (596) went 4-4 in the Over-60 Expert class. Take note of his rock formed exhaust pipe. Photo: Mark Riker

Australian Dan Alamangos (95) loves the 2025 Husqvarna FC350 Heritage Edition. Yes, people do think it looks like a 1996 Yamaha YZ250, but it is basically a  white 2025 Husky FC350 with blue radiator wings, a blue seat and some blue graphics. Photo: Mark Riker

David Cincotta (861) convinced Glen Helen to hold a Vintage class at this week’s “Saturday at the Glen” race. They got a decent turnout, but 75% of the bikes DNF’ed at least one moto and “Disco Dave” Cincotta DNFed both of his with clutch issues. Photo: Mark Riker

Bam Bridges (17) got third overall in the 450 Beginner class on his roll cage-equipped Husqvarna. You have to admire his bravery and desire to do what he loves. Photo: Mark Riker

You don’t want to be  in the back of the pack when it gets to the Mt. Saint Helen uphill because once the racers get to the flag pole they immediately turn right and drop 22-stories back down to ground level. Richard Ellis (34), Joel Licon (289), Brian Hulsey (531) and Craig Bouman (262) have their work cut out for themselves. Photo; Jody Weisel

Bode Bushnell (75) went 2-5 for third overall in the 125 Novice class. Photo: Jody Weisel

Lincoln Gurney (71) leads Michael Torres (3) and Denver Ethridge (417) in the 250 Novice class. Ethridge was 8th, Torres 10th and Gurney 11th. Photo: Mark Riker

Brian Shannon (93) went 2-3 for second overall in the Over-50 Novice class.

Tyler Hinton (3) flies by the scoring tower on his way to winning the 65cc Junior Cycle class with a 1-1. Photo: Mark Riker

Weston Wondolleck (125) drives over the top of this hump on his way to a 6-9 day in the 65cc Junior Cycle class. 

Raul Martinez (43) was fifth in the 450 Novice class.

2025 “SATURDAY AT THE GLEN” SCHEDULE

If you are looking for a racing oganization that offers long motos, low cost and very consistent race schedule—this is it. “Saturday at the Glen” motocross will race again on April 12 and April 26. The Gate fee is $10 (per person) and the Pre-entry is only $30 ($25 for minis). Glen Helen wants everyone racing at “Saturday at the Glen” to pre-enter online. If you forget, you can pre-entry with your phone at the sign-up booth. You can sign up for the races as late as the Friday before the next race. For more info go to www.glenhelen.com