ARX 20Twelve

They say that all the trends start in California and then make their way across the country and that holds true for vintage motocross racing.

While it may have started in the late '80's in NorCal, the epicenter of the sport has moved south over the past two decades and American Retrocross (ARX) is at the forefront. We have truly become the most progressive and innovative club in the country.

A big reason for our success is that at the core, ARX is a club for racers by racers. The all volunteer management group of Mike Johnstone, Bret Bonham, Chris McQuillen, Chris Compise and Rick Doughty are out on the track at every event mixing up with the members. They want the same things we all want, a well organized program, great track layouts, competition and camaraderie. With the profit motive removed, you get events designed around the love of the sport of motocross and it simply doesn't get any better than that.

The 2012 season will be even better as several progressive additions and changes have been implemented.

The most exciting, is the new ARX DA$H-4-CA$H, which will be an opportunity for anyone with an EVO-4 bike or older to vie for a cash payback. The bigger the class the bigger the purse and the further back we will pay. No rider ability levels. No engine displacement. No Vintage or EVO categories. Just run-what-you-brung as long as it is EVO-4 or earlier and put it up front for a little "payday on Sunday."

Our 30+ class is now an Open Age class which gives the occasional 20 something competitors a place to slot in.

There will be two races at Competitive Edge on the National track: One in March and a two day event in November. The big track will be reconfigured to take advantage of the natural terrain and no doubt be open, fast and fun. We will, of course, continue to use the Hillside track and the vintage track at Glen Helen as we have in previous seasons.

Another change or 2012 is a 5 race requirement for year end awards. You will continue to be awarded and accumulate points for every event you race but if you have your eye on the year end prize, you will have to be a member and make it to at least 5 races (per class contested) in 2012 to qualify for a year end award. Membership is not required to race but is required to earn points towards a year end award.

ARX has a stellar line up of sponsors for 2012. Vintage Iron, EZ UP Shelters, Dunlop tires, Race Tech suspension, Uni Filters, Matrix Concepts, 100%, Snap-On, Motocross Files and Moto Retro magazine have all combined to make our club the best supported vintage motocross club there is and we should all remember them when it comes time to buy products.

Marty Tripes has decided to take his 100 class and go it alone but that does not mean we will not still offer the Vintage and EVO 100 classes as we always have, so no need to put a for sale sign on the "hundred" just yet.

Of course, both of our "Creative Chris' " will still be on hand with cameras at the ready. Chris McQuillen (Q as we call him) will be capturing the action from his unique perspective and flinging them up on Facebook before the mud dries on your Jofa. “ARX TV” on the American Retrocross YouTube channel has been a big hit and you can count on Chris Compise to be editing video footage into the wee hours of the night to make it even better in 2012. Bret will putting in more than his fair share of admin time while healing from his broken leg and will continue to be the web wizard and keeper of the points, so be extra nice to Bret. Mike Johnstone will continue his “sherpa” duties of lugging all the equipment it takes to put on an event back and forth and have his hand out for your hard earned dollars at sign up; best be nice to him too. In addition to designing safe and challenging tracks to race on, Rick has been working on a new tri-fold flyer to promote the club. It will be available at the first round so if you think there is a bike shop or friend that needs the 411 on ARX please, by all means, pick some up and spread the news!

Round one of the ARX 2012 season kicks off Sunday, January 8th, the day after Anaheim 1 Supercross, so if you have any friends coming in for A1, encourage them to bring a bike and join the fun at Comp Edge the next day! It will make for an epic weekend.

2011 awards will be handed out at round one at Comp Edge on Sunday, January 8th so there is additional incentive to be in attendance.

See you all there and let's make 2012 the best season yet.

The American Retrocross Team