Dirt Quake USA: Iron And Resin Report

Our old mates at Iron and Resin had a friend in the Dirt Quake USA race. Erik Askin drove up from San Francisco (690 miles, 11 hours) to race. He returned home and wrote a piece that sums up the kind of spirit we have always tried to encourage at Dirt Quake. That's him above, racing Jackass star Danger Ehren. This is one passage of Erik's report...

One of the highlights of the weekend was sitting on the starting line for the 'street tracker' main. The sun setting in the late June sky, the stands packed with people, a Harley Sportster to my right, a crazy CB750 to my left, the track illuminated with glowing dust, and an announcer dressed as a clown. Just before the from-a-movie flag girl dropped the green, fireworks exploded above and I had the largest smile on my face. If you love motorcycles, this is an event you can't miss​.

Read the full story at the Iron and Resin blog.
Don't forget (and we're not going to let you), Dirt Quake V is this weekend. G

One of the killer IRBs from Dirt Quake USA. Photos: Eric Fields

Dirt Quake USA - CHOPPERS!

We make no secret that the choppers get top billing at Dirt Quake, whichever side of the Atlantic it's held. The heroes with long forks and fishtail pipes didn't disappoint at Sideburn x See See x Harley-Davidson promoted Castle Rock race.

Riders from the USA and Canada took part on heavily modified Harley, Yamaha, Triumphs and some spindly, automatic deathtrap ridden by Portland legend Kenny Bobcat of Moto Galore.

Check out a full class of TWELVE chops racing at Dirt Quake V, King's Lynn, 16 July. More info at dirtquake.co.uk. G

All photos: Yve Assad

Shortly after this photo was taken Kenny did a celebratory seat bounce that sent his machine into an evil wobble and threw both his feet off the pegs onto the floor. He managed to ride it out.

The only bike the Mt St Helens MC tech inspectors had real doubts about, mainly due to the pipes. They let it through anyway. Viva Dirt Quake.

Eric had great dirt track style, even on a chopper, elbow high, hips twisted, toe out...

Hand-shifting in practice. The guy in the poncho was spotted nine hours later jumping the camp fire.

Ashley from Canada stopped off on his way back to Vancouver after a six -month road trip with his wife and baby daughter is an old van pulling an older Airstream, with an even old K-Model Harley shop on a rack on the back. He won a prize in the chopper show then raced the same bike. Class act.

Most of these photos are from practice. The final was under the floodlights. Dirt Quake USA's Chopper final came after a few very heavy crashes in other races, a couple of which needed medical attention. The Castle Rock track was perfect on Saturday night, very 'racey' and superb to race on, allowing experienced riders to push hard and really slide and spin. However, it would let the inexperienced ride up a point, lulling them into a Mert Lawwill fantasy, before catching them out if they took liberties with too much throttle, and not enough body English (read Chris Carr's  superb guide to flat track body English in Sideburn 25). 

I had a quiet word with all the chopper riders in the staging area before their final, as the paramedics gumball lights strobed the track picking up one hapless hero. I wanted to remind them that no one wanted to see them leave the track in an ambulance. I pointed out that they'd already put on a great show, and that they should enjoy themselves. After my pep talk one of the rider's wive or girlfriends appeared, semi-freaking out, telling the riders how frightened she was and, I'm paraphrasing, telling her fella not to be a dick. I think I put it better, but whatever, it was a good race and no one fell off. Result. G

Dirt Quake USA

Dirt Quake USA was another success, lots of happy people, some very fast (and not so fast racing), good bands, great weather.

We have lots of photos coming up soon, but this one, by @seaunicorn, captures the spirit. Click the #dqusa link to see lots more photos and some great videos people have posted on instagram.

Thanks to everyone who came from far and wide for this event. Big thanks to See See Motorcycles and Harley-Davidson for partnering up with us.

Next up is Dirt Quake V at Kings Lynn in the UK on 15-16 July. Buy a £15 ticket in advance for Saturday and be in with a chance to win a brand new custom Mutt Motorcycles street tracker. G

Dirt Quake USA 2016

It’s back! Two days and nights of motorcycle racing, fun, live, music and camping presented by Sideburn, See See Motorcycles and Harley-Davidson.

WHEN: Friday 17 June – Saturday 18 June
WHERE: Castle Rock Raceway, WA
HOW TO ENTER: Send a photo of your bike and which class you want to enter to dirt@sideburnmagazine.com with the subject Dirt Quake USA Entry. Once your bike is approved you’ll be sent a link to pay.
Entry fee is $75 (includes gate entry and camping).
First come, first served.
No entries on the day.

CLASSES
Dirt Quake is for the kind of bikes that don’t usually get a chance to race anywhere else. Dirt Quake race day is Saturday. One rider per bike. One class per rider. We will be having a good, tight program of dirt track racing for real race bikes, and all abilities of rider, on Friday night.

CHOPPER: For choppers! Not factory customs or baggers, just choppers.
STREET TRACKER/STREET SCRAMBLER: Road legal street trackers and scramblers NOT race bikes or modern enduros.
INAPPROPRIATE ROAD BIKE: Harley Fat Boys, Trail 90s, Ducati Panigales, virtually any road bike. If it shouldn’t be on a dirt track, it’s in.
LADY: Women racers on any of the above bikes (not real race bikes please). Women can enter any other class if they prefer.
TRIPOD: Three-wheelers (and snowmobiles, of course)
MINIBIKE: Pull-start Taco-style and 3-speed autos only.
HOOLIGAN: 750-plus cc multi-cylinder beasts.
KITCHE SINK: Race bikes that don't fit in the other classes.

Spectators, pay on the gate. $20 for two days including camping.

Poster artwork by Toria Jaymes/ Stay Outside Studio

Highlights from last year...

DIRT QUAKE USA Round 2!! from See See Motor Coffee Co. on Vimeo.

Dirt Quake USA by British Customs

Earlier this year Matt Frey of British Customs trucked up from Southern California to Castle Rock, WA with a selection of trick Hinkley Bonnevilles to be shown and raced at Dirt Quake USA. He allowed a few guest riders, including me, to race these street trackers and street scramblers over the next couple of days, for which I was very grateful.

Matt also organised one of our favourite photographers and regular Sideburn contributor, Yve Assad to document the race. Make sure you check out the slideshow in the middle of the blog post.

See the photos and read the report at British Customs. Make sure you check out the slideshow in the middle of the blog post. G

Scott Rounds flew in from New York for Dirt Quake (5000 miles, give or take) and raced one of the British Customs bikes, doing really well on it.

Wes from Threepence drove 1000s of miles up from Denver, Colorado to race the British Customs Mutant. What a nice guy.

The Harley Invitational was FAST!

Ben on Norm Motorcycho's CB550, that Norm has owned since the 1970s!

Ace face!

Can't remember the name of the band that closed the show, but they ruled!

George, the co-owner of See See, dressed up as a cowdude to flag off a few races.

 America!

Dirt Quake USA: TOMORROW

Schedule of events

Friday

Regular Castle Rock Practice

7-9pm $25.00 plus gate.

Saturday.

12-5pm Swap meet. (free with gate fee)

Castle Rock Short Track Racing.

3:00pm - Sign up

5:30pm - 6:30Practice

7:00pm - Racing Starts

DQ Parade laps

Dirt Quake Pre-party

Directly following racing

Live music, Beverages, Party!

Sunday

Dirt Quake USA.

8am - Coffee Cart Opens

8.30-10.30am - sign-ups

11:30am-  Riders’ meeting

12:00pm -  Practice starts

1:00pm 2:00pm - Halftime event

2:00pm 5:00pm - DQ Racing  

Times subject to change. All Dirt Quake riders must pre-enter. Sunday 250 pro, 450 pro, can sign up day of.

For Questions see below.

Dirt Quake FAQ..

Q: Where is Castle Rock race track

A: Located at Castle Rock Fairgrounds. Exit 49 off I-5

Address: 120 Fair Lane , Castle Rock. Washington

Q: When is Dirt Quake?

A: Swap meet and campout start Saturday june 20th at 12:00 noon. Regular races are Saturday night starting at 7:00pm, Dirt Quake racing starts 12:00 noon Sunday June 21st.

Q: How Much is it?

A: $10 to watch.

Q: How much to camp?

A: Free with gate fee.

Q: How do you sign up? and How much? $75, includes goodie bag.

A: Pre registration can be done http://www.sideburnmagazine.com/DIRT_QUAKE_USA.html

Q: Are kids and animals welcome?

A: Yes, kids are more than welcome. Kid Friendly Event. Animals on leash only. Loose animals are dangerous when mixed with racing and motorbikes.

Q: will there be food?

A: Snack shack will be open Saturday night. Sunday there is a general store ½ mile away. They serve sandwiches and burgers.

Q: Can we bring food, beverages in?

A: You can bring food and drinks to the camp lot. No outside food inside track gates. (sorry) BBQs are fine.

Q: Can we bring beer in?

A: Beer is allowed in camp lot, no outside beer inside track area.

Q: Can I bring a camper van, trailer tent?

A: Yes, big grass lot allows space for vehicles of any size.

Q: Can I make a campfire?

A: Yes, but needs to be inside a metal case.

Q: Where can I watch the event?

A: Grandstands are open seating.

Q: Can I go in the pits?

A: Yes, I believe so. Be respectful of racers and their gear.

Q: When does the event start?

A: The Dirt Quake practice starts on Sunday at 12:00 noon, but there is a swap meet on Saturday and flat track racing on Saturday evening, followed by live music.

Q: Can I go in and out of gated area?

A: Yes with proper payment you are granted in and out access. Please keep on bracelet.

Q: Swap meet?

A: Saturday from 12. noon-5pm

Q: How much is the swap?

A: $10 which covers spectating for the races to follow. (all people going in and out of track area must pay the $10.

Rider/ Racer FAQ

Q: How much is it to race?

A: $75 dollar's pre- registration. Every entry comes with a goodie bag of stuff.

Q: What classes can bikes sign up for?

A: Dirt tracker, Inappropriate road bike, chopper, women, Kitchen sink (for everything else), 250 and 450.

Q: How do I know what class to sign up for?

A: Email a picture of your bike to Dirt@sideburnmagazine.com . We will help you figure it out.

Q: Can you sign up the day of the race?

A: No.

Q: Do you need a licence?

A: Nope, come race!

Q: When do I check in?

A: Sunday morning at the sign up station from 8.30-10.30am.

Q: What do I need to race?

A: Helmet, eye protection (visor or goggles). gloves, Pants, long sleeve top, over the ankle boots.

We highly recommend the best safety gear, leathers, armour, back protector, full-face helmet,  you can get your hands on. Motorcycle racing can be dangerous.

Q: Is there a safety inspection?

A: No, Make sure your bike is safe, leaks are sealed up. If we see you on the track with an unsafe bike we will Black Flag you, which means you must safely pull off track. If you are unsure ask an experienced rider to look over your bike.

Q: What time is the rider meeting?

A: 11.30, before practice starts, all riders must attend.

Q: When is practice?

A: see schedule

Q: How do I practice?

A: You will get two practice tickets allowing you on the track for four laps each try. Practice order will be posted on schedule. Have respect for other racers in practice and race situations. No one cares where you finish, but everyone has work the next day.

Q: How will the races go:

A: One heat race to determine your grid position. One main event.

Q: How many trophies are there? and when is the ceremony?

A: Each class gets 1st, 2nd,  3rd. We are shooting for 5:30, listen for announcements.

One Week Till Dirt Quake USA

Schedule of events

Friday

Regular Castle Rock Practice

7-9pm $25.00 plus gate.

Saturday.

12-5pm Swap meet. (free with gate fee)

Castle Rock Short Track Racing.

3:00pm - Sign up

5:30pm - 6:30Practice

7:00pm - Racing Starts

DQ Parade laps

Dirt Quake Pre-party

Directly following racing

Live music, Beverages, Party!

Sunday

Dirt Quake USA.

8am - Coffee Cart Opens

8.30-10.30am - sign-ups

11:30am-  Riders’ meeting

12:00pm -  Practice starts

1:00pm 2:00pm - Halftime event

2:00pm 5:00pm - DQ Racing  

Times subject to change. All Dirt Quake riders must pre-enter. Sunday 250 pro, 450 pro, can sign up day of.

For Questions see below.

Dirt Quake FAQ..

Q: Where is Castle Rock race track

A: Located at Castle Rock Fairgrounds. Exit 49 off I-5

Address: 120 Fair Lane , Castle Rock. Washington

Q: When is Dirt Quake?

A: Swap meet and campout start Saturday june 20th at 12:00 noon. Regular races are Saturday night starting at 7:00pm, Dirt Quake racing starts 12:00 noon Sunday June 21st.

Q: How Much is it?

A: $10 to watch.

Q: How much to camp?

A: Free with gate fee.

Q: How do you sign up? and How much? $75, includes goodie bag.

A: Pre registration can be done http://www.sideburnmagazine.com/DIRT_QUAKE_USA.html

Q: Are kids and animals welcome?

A: Yes, kids are more than welcome. Kid Friendly Event. Animals on leash only. Loose animals are dangerous when mixed with racing and motorbikes.

Q: will there be food?

A: Snack shack will be open Saturday night. Sunday there is a general store ½ mile away. They serve sandwiches and burgers.

Q: Can we bring food, beverages in?

A: You can bring food and drinks to the camp lot. No outside food inside track gates. (sorry) BBQs are fine.

Q: Can we bring beer in?

A: Beer is allowed in camp lot, no outside beer inside track area.

Q: Can I bring a camper van, trailer tent?

A: Yes, big grass lot allows space for vehicles of any size.

Q: Can I make a campfire?

A: Yes, but needs to be inside a metal case.

Q: Where can I watch the event?

A: Grandstands are open seating.

Q: Can I go in the pits?

A: Yes, I believe so. Be respectful of racers and their gear.

Q: When does the event start?

A: The Dirt Quake practice starts on Sunday at 12:00 noon, but there is a swap meet on Saturday and flat track racing on Saturday evening, followed by live music.

Q: Can I go in and out of gated area?

A: Yes with proper payment you are granted in and out access. Please keep on bracelet.

Q: Swap meet?

A: Saturday from 12. noon-5pm

Q: How much is the swap?

A: $10 which covers spectating for the races to follow. (all people going in and out of track area must pay the $10.

Rider/ Racer FAQ

Q: How much is it to race?

A: $75 dollar's pre- registration. Every entry comes with a goodie bag of stuff.

Q: What classes can bikes sign up for?

A: Dirt tracker, Inappropriate road bike, chopper, women, Kitchen sink (for everything else), 250 and 450.

Q: How do I know what class to sign up for?

A: Email a picture of your bike to Dirt@sideburnmagazine.com . We will help you figure it out.

Q: Can you sign up the day of the race?

A: No

Q: Do you need a licence?

A: Nope, come race!

Q: When do I check in?

A: Sunday morning at the sign up station from 8.30-10.30am.

Q: What do I need to race?

A: Helmet, eye protection (visor or goggles). gloves, Pants, long sleeve top, over the ankle boots.

We highly recommend the best safety gear, leathers, armour, back protector, full-face helmet,  you can get your hands on. Motorcycle racing can be dangerous.

Q: Is there a safety inspection?

A: No, Make sure your bike is safe, leaks are sealed up. If we see you on the track with an unsafe bike we will Black Flag you, which means you must safely pull off track. If you are unsure ask an experienced rider to look over your bike.

Q: What time is the rider meeting?

A: 11.30, before practice starts, all riders must attend.

Q: When is practice?

A: see schedule

Q: How do I practice?

A: You will get two practice tickets allowing you on the track for four laps each try. Practice order will be posted on schedule. Have respect for other racers in practice and race situations. No one cares where you finish, but everyone has work the next day.

Q: How will the races go:

A: One heat race to determine your grid position. One main event.

Q: How many trophies are there? and when is the ceremony?

A: Each class gets 1st, 2nd,  3rd. We are shooting for 5:30, listen for announcements.