US Indoor Ice Racing

Brandon Robinson came to race with us in the UK a few years ago. We interviewed him for Sideburn 1. He sent a group email out to say...

To help stay sharp this winter I decided to compete full time in the ICE World Championship. I’ve never rode on the ice before so I new going into this that I would have my hands full. So far we are at the halfway mark in the Championship as we just concluded round three in Loveland, CO...
I’ve had a fair showing at the ICE events so far and with three more races left I’m looking to improve my finishes and performance. I’m learning a lot about the tires and set up and once I’m able to figure it out I know we will be up front! Until then all I can do is continue to push forward. Just got to send a big thanks to all my sponsors for all their support for 2012!

The heroic, one-armed rider Jason Griffin (from Sideburn 4) is in this clip too.

Here are the remaining dates.
Sat-Jan 21st 7:30PM - US Cellular Coliseum - Bloomington, IL
Sat-Jan 28th 7:30PM - Glens Falls Civic Center - Glens Falls, NY
Sat-Feb 4th 7:30PM - Cambria War Memorial Arena - Johnstown, PA

Volusia Holiday Snaps

Classics share the track at Volusia.
Mees with a new number and new beard.
How cool?
The Halbert pit.
The most excellent Jason Griffin from Sideburn 4
Hanging out.
Camp Coolbeth
Nichole Cheza's bikes.
Lowell Carson and his XR750. Tasty old PM wheels. Anyone got any they want to sell to Sideburn?

Our friend Tom from the Shed-Brewed blog got in touch to say his girlfriend had booked a holiday to Florida, coincidentally when Speed Week was on. I recommended he check out Volusia. These are his shots (see more at his blog) and this is what he said...

Evening Gary.
Florida was good. back today. not slep yet, got no idea ho long I've ben awake.
Volusia rocked, great recommend, thanks.
Got snap happy in the pits, but watched most of teh racing with beer and hot dogs and burgers.
You'll be chuffed to know one of teh racers, Lyle (?) Carson came running over when he saw te Sideburn shirt and was spouting of at how great a mag it was and how he was trying to get people into it. Jason Griffin was full of praise too.
Saw Discovery do its final landing too.
T

The other cool Kawasaki at Indy

From Roger...

This is the other cool Kawasaki at Indianapolis for the mile. This bike belongs to a "keep at it because you love it" kinda racer you always root for. Jason Griffin didn't make the 32 rider field at Indy on his Kawasaki, but that's not the point.
I've seen him at Lima a few times too. The point is that his right arm is missing other than a bit of a stub. The right sleeve of is leathers is sewn shut after about 4 inches. (Read about Jason in Sideburn 4).
What impressed me is just how nice this guy is and what an easy-going manner he has. The pictures are of him with my girlfriend Patty, and two of his bike.
Now look at the bike and imagine how hard it would be to race it only left-handed. I'll even give you the benefit of guessing he's left-handed, as I never thought to ask him. Take your throttle over to the left and operate it simultaneously along with the clutch. That's simple, right? Your only contact point has a grip that turns freely. Let your other arm hang loose, no moving it for balance or leverage. Race (not ride) your 450 into a cushion half-mile turn like Lima at about 80mph, or a mile like Indy where you're over 100! Even when it bucks around, all you get is the one arm to control it while sliding. 10 laps at race speed. Tired yet? Crashing hurts and is expensive and likely dangerous too..
To me, this guy is one cool dude. A racer with enough passion to do it with a huge handicap. And a grin!

One Arm Is Enough

Jason Griffin lost his arm when he was a nipper, and yet he still became a pro-class flat tracker. His story immediately relegates our half-baked efforts as totally poofy. Another SB#4 teaser... BP