Pepperell: Cradle of Motocross

[Kevin Grimes]

The Nov 07 issue of RacerX has a wonderful article about the early days of motocross written by Ed Youngblood. The motocross track at Pepperell Mass, where the Europeans were doing battle with American greats such as Barry Higgins and Dick Mann is the setting for this story. As an added bonus, check the picture on page 214. In this panoramic color photo of the pit area you can see the Penton Cycleliner in the distance.
         Kevin

[bkinnon]

Thanks for the tip Kevin. I never was able to see the Europeans race there, but did walk the track, probably near the end of Pepperells life in 1971 or 1972. I will get the issue tomorrow.

[Mike Lenz]

Yea, and I got a kick it was the only big rig in the pits!

[Doug Wilford]

Yep it was the only big rig in the pits for quite a few years, just another item of the "Penton Revolution"   Sometimes it was even hard to get the Cycleliner out of the pits!   Lots of stories and adventures using the "Cycleliner".
Have Fun!
Doug

[Merlin]

..........the track was active in to the mid 80's when the family that owned the property decided to sell it, they operated a small snow ski area across the side road from the track on route 111.......

[Merlin]

.........read the text under the photo, it was quite a day. Back when this was written the NESC (sanctioning body) and ARNE (promoters/racer supported ARNE = Associated Racers of New England) would at 2 day events invite the top 5 amatures from the day before to race with the experts sunday, David finished 3rd the day before, racing in New England at the time was the place to be, lots and lots of talent................