Shan Moore | March 16, 2021
History makes a comeback at the third annual Daytona Vintage Supercross.
This Husqvarna-mounted rider certainly got into the spirit of things. Husqvarna won the very first Daytona Supercross race in 1971 with Gunnar Lindstrom on board. At that time, though, the race was called motocross because Supercross hadn’t been invented yet. The race was first called Supercross in 1974, since then, Husky has yet to win in Daytona.
By Shan Moore | Photography by Rob Koy
Vintage bikes had their day in the sun at Daytona. Riding on the coattails of the Monster Energy Daytona Pro Supercross and a full three days of activity with the amateur Supercross racers, the vintage bikes finally got their chance to throw some Daytona roost at the third annual Daytona Vintage Supercross (DVSX).
Perhaps more about the motorcycles than the race, the DVSX is a spectacle of MX history. Four decades of racing and motorcycle antiquity are covered in the DVSX event and riders of all ages are invited to participate in the spectacle. A record 363 riders competing in 34 vintage and modern classes took to the course to vie for championships and trophies. Classes ranging from 125cc to Golden Masters (60+) were featured, with riders from all over the country competing. Classes were broken into six different groups starting with Vintage and going through 2008 with the Revolution 2 classes.
The most nerve-wracking time of all in vintage MX racing—praying your bike doesn’t foul a plug on the start line!
Unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions, the Vintage Off-Road Motorcycle Show normally hosted in the Fan Zone was not held, but it will return for 2022.
Six-time AMA Supercross/Motocross Champion and four-time Daytona SX winner Jeff Stanton led the Evolution 2 Masters 50+ class, ahead of multi-time national champ Doug Henry, where the spirit of Vintage Days was exemplified when Stanton slowed just before the checkered flag so that he and Henry could cross the finish line side by side. It was an amazing gesture, which spoke to the very spirit of the event.
Doug Henry (19) was again awe-inspiring on his specially built Yamaha YZ250 at the DVSX. Here, he battles with former Supercross champ Jeff Stanton.
In all, Stanton, serving once again as the Grand Marshal, competed in three events, winning two—Evolution 2 Masters 50 and Evolution 3 Masters 50.
Oftentimes at vintage races, bench-racing is as much a part of the action as the racing and DVSX is definitely one of these races. For 64-year-old Scott Wallenberg, former pro racer and many-time RSCX competitor, the DVSX is a trip back in time.
“It takes me back to when these bikes were what we rode in the pro classes,” said Wallenberg. “It’s such a great fellowship to be with like-minded people.”
Wallenberg rode a 1972 Monarch to fifth in the 125 Vintage class.
We’re already looking forward to next year. CN
We’re liking Adam “Pancake’s” 2004 James Stewart-replica Kawasaki KX125.
You can see the dramatic technology changes in just a few years from this 1974 Suzuki TM125 (326) and 1979 Suzuki RM125 (59) as they battled side by side (albeit briefly).
A 1983 Honda CR250R battles a 1982 Yamaha YZ250.
Pretty impressive riding on this early ’70s Honda CR125 Elsinore.
Yamaha-mounted Jeff Stanton (16) had a somewhat unfair advantage over Husqvarna-mounted Randy Richardson.
For many of the vintage enthusiasts, they took the racing was as serious as their motorcycle’s restoration project.
This 1975 Yamaha YZ250 showpiece is a runner, just as it should be.
Hodaka Super Rat (88) versus ’74 Kawasaki KX125. How cool.
Okay, Honda, it’s time to bring back the red engine! (Or not.) This sweet-looking 1980 Honda CR125R definitely stands out in a crowd.
