Reuben Rips - Penton 1 & 2 at Muddy Tomahawk VMX 2

[Ernie Phillips]

Pentons crossed the finish line 1 & 2 at Tomahawk VMX in Classic 125 Intermediate.  The only problem with this was that my Penton was #2 both motos.  Chuck Rueben (702) spanked me!  I got the lead in muddy, muddy, moto 1. I was slipping and sliding but I was at the head of the pack and knew if I didn't make a mistake it would be very hard, if not impossible, to pass me.  I lead lap after lap with Chuck hounding me.  Every time I get out of the throttle, I could hear Chuck.  He was going into the turns just a little harder...  Last lap, we come up on a lapper – both feet out, slow and taking my line.  I decide to follow the lapper through the turn then pass on the outside ... however, Chuck is having none of that and passes me and the lapper on the outside.  He's flying!  I get by the lapper and try to charge back ... but Chuck is pulling away at every turn.  I finish a distant 2nd.  

Muddy moto 2, I decide to air down knowing that my traction situation needs improving. I put on my lucky jersey too. I need all the help and luck I can muster.  Chuck and I go into turn 1 side-by-side.  Chuck is on the inside and he comes number 1.  I'm determined to hang with him and if he bobbles, I'll get him.  Chuck is on a mission and appears to be set to win wire-to-wire.  Chuck shows no respect and I'm getting plastered with West Virginia goop coming off his rear tire.   Chuck just pulls away ... and I'm helpless to do anything about it.  Chuck is hooked up and I'm just sliding all over the place. Chuck, Congratulations on a good win!  All I can hope for is a dry summer.


Ernie P.
Chattanooga, TN

[checkcrew]

Ernie, hi, you have mail, thanks, Mike G. from Jersey

Mike Gallagher, Camden County, NJ.- 69, 70 x 2 + 71, 125 Steel Tankers, 72 Berkshire, 72 x 2, 73 x 2, 125-6 Day's, 74-6 Day, 73 x 2 Jackpiner's, 75 - 250 H/S, 74 1/2 Mint 400

[chuck]

Ernie,

I just read your post. I've been away and haven't been checking the board lately. I ate so much of your mud in the 1st moto, when we went through the first corner in the 2nd moto it was WFO. I was going to crash or be in the lead.

Did I see correct, that you're riding a Maico in the 50 Intermediate?

I'm hoping for mud at Ohio as that seems the only way to beat you.  

You and Chris have a safe trip.

See you in a couple of days.



Chuck,


72 125 Six Days
74 250 Hare Scrambles
72 Wassel
74 125 Honda Elsinore
73 250 Honda Elsinore
74 175 Yamaha TY

[Ernie Phillips]

Chuck,  I hope I can make you eat my DUST!  No mud please.  I'll be riding my original owner '73 450 Maico in +50.  Notice that I said riding and not racing.  That large Maico is too much for me now, but is fun to hit the gas and try and hang with it.  travel safe - see ya in a couple days  -EP

Ernie P.
Chattanooga, TN

[tooclose racing]

I want to chime in and wish both of you luck and good racing in the 125 Classic Intermediate class at Mid-Ohio.  You and I have talked Ernie - we've got an AHRMA NE/Atlantic guy (Rounsaville on the CZ) who's been getting a lot of riding/racing time up our way and is no slouch.  He followed you guys at Tomahawk, but that could have come down to the elements  You two (and your son Chris) will be carrying the Penton colors!  

Have fun and go get 'em!!