On October 5, Scott and Debbie Burnworth’s 2024 So Cal Vintage & Modern MX Classic, presented by Yamaha Series, visited Glen Helen Raceway, marking the third and final round of the three-race series. The riders were greeted with sizzling 100-plus degree temperatures, but that did little to deter anyone, as the event had the largest rider turnout in the series’ history.
By Ed Sims, Photos by Debbi Tamietti
The racing was fun yet competitive, with everyone enjoying the Vet-friendly layout on Glen Helen’s legendary main track. Riders from California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and even Alaska showed up and braved the heat.
Along with the various vintage, post-vintage and modern classes, the featured class of the day was the Yamaha YZ GP, a special tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Yamaha YZ and to the Jones Family (Don, DeWayne and Gary), who played a pivotal role in developing the first YZ motocross motorcycles. Four-time National Champion Gary Jones attended, as well as World and National MX Champion Grant Langston and former factory racers Jim Holley and Scott Burnworth.
The SoCal MX Classic series offers classes for all levels of riders, young and old, but the real stars of the race are the bikes—it was hard to believe many of them are over 50 years old. Several looked and ran as though they just rolled off the showroom floor. Without question, the post-vintage bikes stole the show. Minis and dual sports had their own classes as well. Just like the races of yesteryear, almost any bike can compete. The spirit of competition was mixed with nostalgic memories, making the day enjoyable for riders and spectators.
The series will be back in 2025 with four rounds, with the first and last rounds at Perris Raceway (April 5 and December 13) and rounds two and three planned for Barona MX (May 18) and Glen Helen Raceway (October 4).
Click here to read the 2024 So Cal Vintage & Modern MX Classic Recap Story in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.
Click here for all the latest Supercross and Motocross news on Cycle News.
