An almost summer-like day at Fox Raceway provided a welcome respite from the early winter that has gripped much of the country.
However, that’s not what led Jack Maki to drive from Minnesota for a week of racing, which included the previous weekend’s Day in the Dirt at Glen Helen Raceway, and to see what the 11th annual Kurt Caselli Ride Day was all about.
Among the many attendees this year was professional motocrosser Marvin Musquin, who’s taken part in several Kurt Caselli Ride Days. He said, “He [Caselli] was a big, big role model for the young kids but even for me, when I was in my early 20s when I met him. What he accomplished—like I said—on and off the bike was unreal! I have so much respect for [the desert and rally racers]. What he’s done is unbelievable.
“That’s why I’m out here. It’s good to see so many people joining [all the activities], but it’s always hard to see the Caselli name and not have him around.”
The Gus Riordan (7) and Kai Aiello (11) teams battled throughout the KC66 Team Challenge, with a late-race pass letting Riordan and teammate Ryan Reina add their names to the perpetual trophy. Photo: Mark Kariya
As the years go by, fewer of the hundreds of attendees each year personally knew Caselli, but it speaks volumes that they believe in his legacy enough to support the Kurt Caselli Foundation and its core mission: To protect and serve the lives of off-road riders.
To learn more about the Kurt Caselli Foundation, visit www.kurtcaselli.com
Click here to read the 2024 Kurt Caselli Ride Day in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.
