THE KRAMER REPORT

News and views from the roving desk of Karel Kramer

Museum For Good

Tom White of White Brothers fame turned to collecting vintage motorcycles when he left the business world behind. He houses his incredible collection in a 5000-square-foot “barn” for this different sort of horses. He calls the collection “The Early Years of Motocross Museum.” The museum is private, but he opens the doors occasionally to benefit High Hopes (www.highhopes.ws). High Hopes was the first private non-profit charity organization formed in the country to exclusively serve the needs of the head injured and their families. High Hopes is a full service day treatment program dedicated to helping the brain injured from their recoveries. If you want to attend a “Bikes and Burgers” night or plan a special event at the museum, go to the www.earlyyerasofmx.com site for information.

Broc Glover: Charity Warrior

The most recent “Bikes and Burgers” night at Tom White’s Early Years of MX Museum featured special guests Broc Glover and Gary Jones. Six-time national mx champ Glover is also a fund-raiser for cystic fibrosis through Broc Glover’s Breathe Easy Ride Against Cystic Fibrosis. Glover’s Breath Easy rides have been for street bikes, but the next ride should have a dirt element as well for those who don’t care to ride on the street, but who would like to help the fight against cystic fibrosis. As part of the night with Glover, his 1983 works Yamaha 250 was on display. Glover won the Pasadena Supercross and the Motocros Des Nations on this last of the true Yamaha works motocrossers. It has been cleaned up, but remains in as-raced condition.

Moto Vacations

The gaggle of Supercross rounds in and around SoCal and the relatively mild California weather spark an influx of moto visitors from colder and wetter climates. At a recent Glen Helen practice day three different moto-vacation tour operators were set up with what looked like 50 or 60 visiting riders! So if you are wondering about a moto vacation, but don’t want to drive out with a bike, here are some options. The largest set-up is MX Heaven (www.mxheaven-usa.com). MX Heaven has a set-up that rivals a factory semi. Another option is www.racesocal.com. The company also has tour packages, but lets you race the rental bikes in some cases. The third option is California Motocross Holidays. Most of the tours are based around a Supercross or national event. Like the other companies, CMH offers lodging, transportation and bikes for hire. Contact CHM at www.californiamotocrossholidays.com.

Tire Tales

In 2010 Dunlop had a virtual monopoly in pro racing. Tire companies had been a staple of the racing pits, but the only survivor was Dunlop in 2010. For 2011 Pirelli has a toe back in the water. It will support the JGR team and offer race support out of the JGR pit for riders who want Pirelli tires.

Pipe Wars

Big news on the Factory Kawasaki side with FMF being the exhaust system of choice after Pro Circuit had owned the placement for years.

Chad Reed’s Two Two Racing Honda is Pro Circuit backed and their new exhaust features a header pipe device that helps the machine meet the sound requirements.

On the Yoshimura side both Ryan Dungey and Trey Canard are not using the dual outlet exhaust that has been highly touted by Yosh.

Factory Mechanic Wanted: Must Be Willing to Do Anything

Perhaps you think being a factory mechanic means only handling the really cool parts and dealing with professional tools? Actually, the job means working incredible hours on the bike, but that isn’t all. Mechanics also help set of the pit area, assemble the canopies, and even, at times, handle odder jobs like putting sponsor stickers on chairs. Now you know.

Two-Rider Team?

Jimmy Albertson’s Blanco Basura-sponsored sprinter van at Anaheim 1 featured signage for a second team rider Ronnie Mac, though we so no rider or bike to match the sign. It turns out the Ronnie Mac is Albertson’s Youtube persona. He posts goon riding videos on Youtube as Ronnie Mac. Just log onto Youtube and search for Ronnie Mac to find the humorous videos. Albertson damaged a knee at Anaheim, but is hoping to back on the track in about three months. Good Luck to Albertson and Ronnie Mac.

O’Show Back in the Big Show

Famed racer and fitness guru Johnny O’Mara is back in supercross. The likable former champ is working with James Stewart for 2011.

The Hidden Cost of Fame

There are a lot of expenses in Pro racing you never really think about. This pallet of 17,000 Tyla Rattray autograph posters was waiting to get scribbled on at Anaheim 1. No doubt they last longer than a single race, but run down to your local printer and ask how much 17,000 glossy color posters will cost. Not chump change.

Art Help For David Bailey

Tracy Holmes is a fine artist specializing in paintings of racing sport and racers. Holmes was moved by the lifestyle and personality of David Bailey. Bailey was a factory Honda star in the mid-80s with motocross, supercross and grand national championships to his credit. His career was in high gear when it was cut short by a practice crash. Since then Bailey has raised a family, been a famed designer, TV and radio commentator and wheelchair Ironman triathlon champion. Holmes latest piece is a six-foot painting of Bailey that will be unveiled January 21, 2011 at Holmes Powersports. If you’d like to help Bailey and the Injured Riders Fund, got to www.holmespowersports.com to learn more.