Desert racer Ivan Long turns his hand to Vintage Motocross
By Jeremy Hammer
It was a change of pace for Ivan Long at the 2015 Australian Classic Motocross Championship, whose regular sights on a motorcycle are long, dry stretches of track in the desert being hit at high speeds.
A desert-racing specialist for the Factory KTM off-road team, Long made the trip over from South Australia to mix up his typical schedule and try his hand at Vintage Motocross racing.
“It was just opportunity that brought me here. The guys from SA Plasterboard are real enthusiasts with the classic bikes, and they’ve been sponsoring me for the past two years as well. They’ve built up around 15 classic bikes, so there’s six or seven of us here this weekend having a boys weekend away.” He said.
“It’s cool to go racing on classic bikes, take us back in history and see what it’s like to ride a ‘man’s’ bike (Laughs).”
In his first time racing Motocross in WA, Ivan was shocked at the terrain the Southern Capes circuit provides, as Western Australia is well known for it’s deep sand.
“It’s my first time racing Motocross here in WA, I was here last year for the desert Tri-series. The tracks definitely different, I thought WA was a sand country (Laughs). It’s a little rocky but it’s also a little loamy – it’s not a bad track.”
With a range of motorcycles on offer for Long to ride, he opted to ride a 1978 Suzuki RM125, and a 1974 Honda CR125. After coming back from an injury, the South Australian found the classic Motocross bikes tough on his body, however stated the event was enjoyable and would come back if the opportunity arises.
“It’s pretty hard on my body (Laughs), coming back from an injury. My hand seems to be holding up alright, so everything’s been going good.”
“I would definitely come back, they’re good fun. I work fulltime as well as being a fulltime rider, so it’s a good way to fill in a weekend and have fun racing classic Motocross bikes.” He concluded.
Entering three different categories over the weekend, Ivan’s goal was to secure all three championships. He was able to take home the Pre-75 125cc and U30’s 125cc titles, however an electrical issue denied him the chance of a Pre-78 125cc title.
