Messages

Ted,

Thanks again for the kind words. It's a bit different for me, as I was lucky to have my dad own a shop and I got to spend all my time there. Believe me, it was a wonderful time in my life and a great experience. I'm not sure if you remember, but just around the corner from DRoN was B & B Bikes who sold Maico and CZ. Their shop was really small but it was always fun to run over to see their bikes, and compare. We kind of shared a back street/alley and at times you could catch us drag racing each other.

Ted, I'm so happy your memories of our shop are good ones. Mine are too.

Keith R. Larson

I seem to remember Ted writting a nice piece about this wonderful dealership down in Florida, called Dirt Rider of Naples. They carried Penton & Can-Am bikes and were in business from 1972 to 1977.

Maybe he can add some of his memories here .

I wish they were still in business...




Keith R. Larson

Mike,

How was the track in '76. While the '73 World Cup was very cool, it also had some issues. The track was very (and I mean very) dusty. I remember that thinking if you didn't make it to the top 5 or 6 at the start there was no way to see. It was that bad. As the bikes spread out visibility got a litle better, but it was pretty bad. Didn't they run a Trans-AMA there in '74 or '75?

Another thing, I was wondering why factory Penton was not at the event. I mean, Penton as a motorcycle was there and they ran up front at times during the race, but I don't remember the Penton guys there at all. I was a bit disappointed not to see them. I'm a little suprised that no one here was at this race. It was cool and remains a great memory.

Keith R. Larson

Did Penton ever do a service school during Daytona Bike Week? For some reason I recall attending one held in the infield at Daytona International Speedway back in '73/'74. And I also recall Miami Dolphins punter Larry Seiple was in attendance as he was a dealer back then...or maybe I dreamed all this?

Thanks,


Keith R. Larson

Forgot to post the site.

//www.motocrossactionmag.com

Keith R. Larson

Ted,

Keith Larson here. I've responed and hope to hear from you soon. Can't wait to hear about all your projects, and thanks to you and Reb for all your work with POG. It's great fun to watch and hear.

Thanks!

Keith R. Larson

desmond197,

Here is my 2 cents on the topic. I don't believe you can wrong with KTM or Gas Gas 2-strokes. Both makes offer a wonderful product. KTM has a larger dealer network than Gas Gas, but if there is a Gas Gas dealer near you, then no problem.

Come to think of it, if your looking at a 2002 and later, it seems to me their all very good, well built bikes. It may just be a matter of personal preference. Are you looking for something a little different (KTM/Gas Gas/Husky/ATK), or something more mainstream (Honda/Yamaha/etc.)?

Also, very important, and you know this already, is a good dealer. Find one that is friendly, well stocked, and listens to your needs and wants, and knows the product. If you get treated right, then what ever brand you settle on, you'll enjoy.

Best of luck with your new ride, and enjoy!



Keith R. Larson

Donnie,

Thanks. I thought it was one or the other. When I get home, I'm going through some of my old magazines, and get his first name. I have a old MXA and Dirt Rider magazine that features an article on the 125 World Cup. It's funny how his name gets lost in these talks. Everyone remembers Bruce McDougal, Chuck Bower, Danny LaPorte, & Ray Lopez, but I 've not seen Mr. Harrington's name mentioned before, and he finished 4th in that race.

What about other MX riders sponsored by Penton. I remember Buck Murphy, but can't think of anyone else. Who else remembers other MX riders sponsored by Penton?

Keith R. Larson

I guess I was wrong about Ray Lopez riding for "Mettco". I just though he was on the team with Bruce McDougal. When I was 15, I went to the 125 World Cup at St. Charles, and I seem to remember that Bruce McDougal & Ray Lopez pitted together, which may only mean they rode out together. Now that I think of it, maybe it was Chuck Bower at the World Cup with Bruce. Wow, this age thing is beginning to get to me. Sorry for the wrong info guy's.

Speaking of the 125 World Cup, there was a Penton rider, (his last name was Pennington or Harrington, I think) and was the top placing Penton (4th overall). I wonder what ever happened to him?

Keith R. Larson

Ted,

Keith here. Did you receive the photo's of the "Mettco" replica I e-mail to you last week? Also, if your looking for some more information, the very 1st issue of Motocross Action had an article  that featured the non-AMA 125 National Championship race won by Ray Lopez, I think Marty Smith finished 2nd on his Monark. Ray also raced at the 125 World Cup in St. Charles that summer. He got the holeshot in the 1st moto and lead for a while, but I can't remember how he finished. Anyway, good luck finding that issue, I hear it's worth some money.

Keith R. Larson

Hello,

Keith here again. I forgot to mention that the article I'm talking about appears in the latest issue of "Still....Keeping Track. I just received mine today, and am honored to appear in it. Thanks to everyone involved.

Keith R. Larson

Bill,

Keith Larson here. I'm in the process of re-storing a 1974 Monark 125 GS. I too would love to see pictures of your 125 Monark, and your 125 mettco replica, as I'm looking to do the same. If possible, can you e-mail them to this address:

[email protected]

It would be great to see them. Thanks in advance.

Keith R. Larson

Ted,

I couldn't agree more. I wonder if the Dr. also told him of the risks of leaving his house. I mean, he could get hit by a truck on his way to work?

I hope he continues to play basketball, and enjoy life the best he can.

Thanks,


Keith R. Larson

I was thinking after I posted in this topic earlier, maybe instead of supercross going away (I agree, it won't), include a few supercross races as part of the National Champion Series. This could be the best of both worlds.

The Mike Larocco win was great, and I'm sure it was a great time. I've been to a few supercrosses, and had a blast, but have always enjoyed the outdoor races more. Thanks for the input, as I mentioned before, it's fun to think about.

Keith R. Larson

I too have enjoyed following this topic. This may be off the orginal subject, but I miss the days of the Inter-Am and Trans-Am. It was great to "all the best" (american & european) riders on the track at the same time.

I know this may be un-popular, but I would like to see the supercross series go away. It seems to me, most of the racing (for the lead) is over after the 1st turn. I would like to see a 16 race National Champion Series(March - July), with two 30 minute + 2 lap moto's for each class. Then, have a 10-12 race Tran-Am Series in the Fall. Have the Europeans come to race here as in the past. I'm sure it would result in some great racing!

I know that this will never come to pass, way to much money in supercross, plus, it does have a very large following, but it's fun to think about.

Thank for listening.


Keith R. Larson