AHRMASouthwest.org

"Vintage Motorcycle Competition at it Best"

For Immediate Release

Diamond Don Does the Dome

Houston, TX (February16, 2008);  With the forecast predicting (correctly) rain and possible tornados, the Texas vintage motocross enthusiasts braved the elements on Saturday, February 16, and set up the traveling AHRMA membership booth at the Supercross event at Reliant Center.  Thanks to Buddy Walton of Pro Clean for having the equipment on site early Saturday morning where a under overcast skies the EZ Up tent and banners were lashed to the fencing for stability.  It did not take long for the vintage bikes to start rolling in and thanks to Matt Howell, Doug Gagnon, Joe Newmann, John Gerber, Chris Morton, Glenn Brady, John Putkey, John Hull and Stan Miser for lending some really great looking machines for the event.  In all, there was a total of 18-20 bikes, an awesome turnout considering that a tornado was brewing!  A good group of TVRC members were present and many came down from Dallas to get into the fray.  Thanks to Mike Hance, Kirk Spenser, Albert Newmann, Don Rainey, Mike Shelby, Tony Mosely, Todd Gardner and Gary Davis for lending time to the event.

The guys from Live Nation had a great spot for AHRMA where we were able to make contact with many interested old and young racers.  Much AHRMA material (and Jeffersonians) was passed out to the crowd.  Our spot also allowed us to view the racers and pit crews as they headed over to the track for practice and many of the AMA group stopped by to visit and to renew acquaintances.  The highlight must have been when Johnny “O Show” O’Mara dropped by and struck up a conversion with Diamond Don and Joe Newmann about the 1980 US125 GP where he rode the Al Baker-Mugan 125 just like the one that Joe had on display.  Rainey was a part of the pit crew and cheering section that day and while they reminisced, Johnny autographed the really great replica of this machine.  Other notables and celebrities that dropped by were Bevo Forte, Jeff Stanton and Donnie Hanson.

The races were spectacular and the main event was won by local favorite, Kevin Windham.  He had a very large entourage on hand from Baton Rouge to cheer him on.  Several of the racer’s rigs were damaged during the race when the predicted storm blew through the pits and many relocated during the night.  Diamond Don had the good fortune of being parked next to the champ, K Dub, on Sunday morning and was able to congratulate him and personally invite him to his race when he retires from the Supercross scene.  Kevin was receptive to coming out to hang out with the “old guys” and gladly accepted his invitation.

The AHRMA booth was a great success and such a fantastic idea to boost interest in vintage racing and to show the young racers and fans where our sport originated.  Thanks go out to all of the members who braved the bad weather to participate in the event!