GBC STADIUM SHORT-COURSE SERIES

RACING: Grass-roots competition 

By the staff of Dirt Wheels

GBC STADIUM SHORT-COURSE SERIES

Glen Helen Raceway has teamed up with GBC tires to host a 10-race series at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California. The series features tracks designed by four-time motocross champion Gary Jones. Unlike a typical West Coast MX-style track, these are wider, safer and all around less intimidating, hoping to attract a grass-roots level of competition. The series is aimed at drivers and riders of all ages and skill levels.

The 10-race series started on January 23rd and runs until December 4th. GBC tires will be offering contingency for all riders and drivers that run their product. 

The GBC Short-Course Series uses the wide truck track at Glen Helen. The jumps were not peaky and the landings were smooth. That doesn’t mean you can’t catch air or fly far.
Starts for the UTVs are side by side in two rows, rolling just like they do in Indycar racing and the old Micky Thompson Stadium Series.
The technical inspection goes over the basics of both rider and machine. You need nerf bars, a kill switch and a helmet, and then you can go racing.

GBC STADIUM SHORT-COURSE SERIES

NOW, A WORD FROM THE CHAMP

“We’re running the events on the old Lucas Oil Truck racetrack at Glen Helen. There will be plenty of classes for all types of racers, including beginners and experienced vets,” says track designer Gary Jones. 

“Every race I plan on changing things up a bit, so nobody has an advantage. Since we’re using the old Lucas Oil Truck track at Glen Helen, there are plenty of options to keep the layout interesting, but still stick to classic short-track layouts,” added Jones. 

“It keeps everyone on their toes, you know. Everybody seems to enjoy it, sort of like the early days of motocross. Everyone is there, having a good time and racing. We have some basic safety rules, but you don’t have to join any racing club to ride, and we are focused on keeping it fun for everyone involved,“ related Jones.

“There are classes for every skill level—from pro level to first-time racers. You got everything—from big guys to small kids’ classes and every combination between. We race once a month all the way through December. Come on out, it should be a blast!” 

The Youth UTV classes are as big as the Youth ATV classes. That’s a good sign our sport is healthy and will be for years to come.
Lori Wilson goes over the day’s procedures in the riders’ meeting. She is very open to making the series grow by listening to input from racers and crews.

DETAILS

The format gets you in and out quick, and all races take place on Saturday. Gates open at 6:30, a riders’ meeting takes place about 8:30, with practice starting at 9 a.m. Racing for the day is typically concluded by 4 pm. Every class is $50, and there is no membership fee. Marketing manager for GBC tires Kory Ellis states, “We wanted to give new and old racers a place to compete with very little pressure of a long weekend, high expenses or a brutal track. The truck track at Glen Helen is wide and fairly smooth, so your quad or UTV is not hammered after the event.” The races are once a month. There are classes for everyone. See the points chart below for that list. Sign up at www.glenhelen.com.

We have always stated that “families that race together, stay together.” We can bet 4 out of 5 soccer or little league kids don’t know how to work on a car, let alone even get their hands dirty.

GBC STADIUM SHORT-COURSE SERIES

MORE SPECIFICS

• Practice is timed qualifying for start position. Promoter will determine whether the top qualifying is inverted or by fastest qualifier for Youth classes. First lap of practice time will not be recorded.

• Start will be two vehicles per row, non-rolling, land-rush-style. Classes all start at the same time.

• Transponders will be used. Must leave DL or CC for deposits.

• Two-moto format.

• Grass-roots racing. Rules are simple.

• All drivers and riders must sign up at registration and sign all releases and fill out the entry form completely.

• All drivers and riders must go through tech inspection and receive tech sticker before practice.

• Mandatory: drivers’/riders’ meeting before practice.

UTV MUST-HAVES

• Window nets required.

• Fire suits mandatory.

• Fire extinguisher: Must be readily accessible to the driver and must be mounted with quick release.

• Helmet, gloves, goggles, and racing shoes or boots.

• Number plates.

QUAD MUST-HAVES

• Appropriate riding gear and helmet.

• Kill switch.

• Nerf bars.

• Back-plate number plates.

Since there isn’t a starting gate on this track, the upcoming heat stages are at the beginning of the last turn on the track.

 

GBC UTV/QUAD SHORT COURSE SERIES

Points leaders after 5 rounds

JR 2 TROPHY KART

Charlie Carty Total points 125

MOD TROPHY KART

Cane Culver Total points 100

QUAD 250

Carly Vestal Total points 80

QUAD 30+ ALL

Vallen Harris Total points 61

QUAD 50cc

Jasper Hill Total points 97

QUAD 70cc STOCK

Ethan Withered Total points 25

QUAD 90cc STOCK

Connor Hastings Total points 108

QUAD BEGINNER

Christopher Hawkins Total points 47

QUAD PROD EXP

Kory Ellis Total points 115

QUAD PROD INT

Brian Dunstan Total points 97

QUAD PROD NOVICE

Tristan Baker Total points 86

UTV 170cc-250cc 8-14 YRS 

Nixon Nagel Total points 110

UTV 170cc 6-12 YRS NOV

Ryder Barnaby Total points 106

UTV 170cc 9-12 BEG

Hudson Nicot Total points 103

UTV 570 OPEN

Paxton Schendel Total points 97

UTV 800-900 OPEN

Madi Stroschein Total points 94

UTV PROD NA 1000

Cole Fike Total points 86

UTV PROD TURBO 1000

Ricky Rodgers Total points 89

UTV SPORTSMAN OPEN

Paxton Schendel Total points 90

UTV STOCK

Cole Fike Total points 94

UTV STOCK TURBO

Ryan Prosser Total points 125

UTV YOUTH 170 6-8 BEG

Nixon Nagel Total points 118

UTV YOUTH STOCK 170

Kaleb Montes Total points 81

Pro ATV racer Logan Huff and UTV pilot Casey Sims use the short-course series to hone their skills and test equipment. There’s always a handful of top racers past and present showing up for the fun.
The fairly easy yet still-fast track is great for rookie racers in any class or discipline. There’s plenty of room to pass or get passed.

GBC STADIUM SHORT-COURSE SERIES

REMAINING GBC SHORT COURSE RACE SERIES DATES

Glen Helen Raceway, San Bernardino, CA

www.glenhelen.com

Round 7 August 28th

Round 8 September 11th

Round 9 October 30th

Round 10 December 4th

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