Switchback Raceway

Round 4 Results, Don't Forget About Round 5

Posted 09June09 11:33pm

Here's the results for Round 4. The weather was gorgeous, and we're expecting the same for this coming Saturday. Round 5 is this Saturday, June 13th!

I'll say that again — Round 5 is Saturday, June 13th at Switchback!

I updated Series Standings too.

Round 3 Photos, as Promised

Posted 03June09 12:53am

Yay, photos. Here's the mini-gallery. Click here for the full gallery (88 photos).

Round 3: The Return of the Photos

Round 3 Results & Series Standings

Posted 02Jun09 1:40am

Race results for Round 3 are online. We've got a ton of photos too; look for them tomorrow. I'm probably not the only one who's missed having race photos. I'm planning on posting a big pile of them, so it's taking a little longer than usual. They'll be up tomorrow evening.

Also, since we've got three round of the Spring & Summer Series under our collective belts, I calculated points and updated the Series Standings page. I'll update the standings after every race. Remember, you have to hit nine of the twelve rounds to qualify for series trophies.

Pictures tomorrow!

MGP Results & Practice Cancelled

Posted 25May09 11:22pm

The first annual MGP was a rousing success. Despite some dust (more on that below), the racing was excellent. So here's a big thank you to everyone — racers, spectators, friends, families, etc — that came out on Sunday.

I posted the MGP results tonight. We've got a few of the event shirts left; they'll be for sale at the registration table next Saturday (Round 3).

A problem with the irrigation system (coupled with a lack of rain) is forcing us to cancel practice at Switchback for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (26th — 28th) this week. If we get a good rain sometime this week, call the trackline. We'll open if at all possible.

That said, the issues with the irrigation system will be resolved before Saturday's race, and normal practice should resume the next day. Round 3 will happen as scheduled — Saturday, May 30th.

Mystery Grand Prix Naming Contest Winners & Round 2 Results

Posted 20May09 3:12am

This is the moment that all (some?) of you have been waiting for. We've picked winners for the Name the Mystery Grand Prix contest. The new name of the Mystery Grand Prix is. . .

The Mystery Grand Prix!

No matter how much we liked the submitted entries, we kept going back to Mystery Grand Prix. A couple participants even suggested we keep the name. One entrant, however, went a step further and suggested we abbreviate it as MGP. That sealed the deal for us; MGP is short, memorable, and awesome.

So thank you, Bobbie Grecoe, for the excellent idea. You're the winner of the contest. You're entitled to free entry and free race registrations to the MGP, as well as a fancy t–shirt. Congratulations!

We also picked two runner ups. Blane Saeler submitted (amongst others) the great name Arm Pump Annual. Paul Lucas suggested the Roots and Ruts Grand Prix. I really like the name, and I'm glad to name them both runner ups.

Both Blane and Paul will get free entry to the MGP on Sunday and a fancy t–shirt. Thank you both for the wonderful entries, and congratulations.

So that's it. We've got the Gobbler and the MGP. I'd like to extend a big thank you to everyone who participated. I hope to see all of you on Sunday. Feel free to stop by the registration desk to say hi.

Oh, and I posted the results from Round 2 of the Spring/Summer 2009 series. Go check them out. Maybe we should have a contest to get better series names.

The Mystery Grand Prix is on Sunday!

Posted 18May09 11:25pm

There's been some confusion regarding the date of the upcoming Mystery Grand Prix. The Grand Prix is this Sunday, May 24th!

Gates open at 7am and the first race is at 10am. Check out the Grand Prix page for more details. Also, be on the lookout tomorrow for another web update with the winners of the Name the Mystery Grand Prix Contest and race results from Round 2.

Results from Spring/Summer 2009 Round 1

Posted 06May09 3:15am

I've updated the website to reflect the current Spring/Summer Series. We've got race results from the race on Saturday and updated practice information.

Round 2 of the Spring/Summer Series is Saturday, May 16th, 2009 at Switchback. And don't forget that the Mystery Grand Prix is right around the corner.

Switchback Open Tomorrow!

Posted 13Apr09 9:15pm

Switchback Raceway will be open for practice tomorrow, Tuesday April 14th 2009, from 5pm until sunset. Barring inclement weather, we'll be open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (5pm – sunset), Saturday and Sunday (10am – 3pm).

Sorry for the short notice. Hopefully, being open all week makes up for it. Call the track line for up to date practice information.

Finally, remember that all riders are required to complete the membership information and waiver before they are allowed to ride. You can download a copy of the waiver here (pdf).

Switchback Opening for Practice Soon

Posted 29Mar09 1:15am

If the weather holds and nothing is too horribly broken, Switchback will open for practice in the next couple of weeks. As soon as I know for sure, I promise I'll update the website post-haste.

Remember, all riders will have to complete a 2009 registration information and liability waiver before they will be allowed to practice (or race) at Switchback. You can download a copy of the waiver here.

This year's membership cards are different than last year's. If your card doesn't look like the one below, you'll need to file a new registration form and waiver.

One more thing. NAME OUR GRAND PRIX!

2009 Series Schedule

Posted 03March09 11:55pm

Look! The race schedule is up! Yay!

The Spring & Summer 2009 Series kicks off on Saturday, May 2nd. The series features twelve rounds, and riders must participate in nine of the twelve rounds to qualify for a series trophy.

Expect more information about the upcoming series soon, including more information about a Grand Prix event in May.

Banquet Photos

Posted 10Feb09 12:55am

Wow, it's been awhile since we updated the site. Sorry about that. Anyway, I hope everyone enjoyed the Banquet. Rich is busy putting the schedule together and preparing for Spring practice. We're not sure yet when Switchback (and High Volatge) will be open, but I promise we'll let everyone know as soon as any decisions are made (promise). A lot of it depends on the weather, really.

We got some good photos from the Banquet. Check 'em out in the galleries.

Annual Rider's Banquet

Come to the Banquet!

Posted 17Dec08 10:55pm

We'd really like everyone to come to the banquet. So here's the info/RSVP form: 2008 Rider's Banquet Information and RSVP (pdf) . This is the same flyer that series qualifiers have been mailed, and the same rules apply. RSVP by January 10th and your cost per person is only $25. RSVP'ing also helps us get a better idea on how much food to order. No one wants to run out of food at a banquet, so please try to RSVP

We've mailed info/rsvp form to all of our qualifiers, save two. Despite all my best efforts, I've not been able to locate contact information for Blake Fisher or Matt Osterwise. If your are or know either of these guys (or their families), please let us know.

Hey, wanna see some Gobbler photos?

Posted 12Nov08 11:24pm

I hope so. A few of you have emailed Rich to deride my perceived laziness and inaction. Nothing is further from the truth. I am quite dedicated and active. To prove it, here's 169 photos from the 2008 Gobbler Grand Prix, conveniently broken into three sets.

The mini-galleries below are just a taste. Full sets are in the Galleries.

Gobbler '08: Set 1

Gobbler '08: Set 2

Gobbler '08: Set 3

Gobbler Results, Series Standings

Posted 05Nov08 10:12pm

The Gobbler kicked ass! I hope everyone had as much fun as I did. There were a ton of people there; I'm hoping a good chunk will come back when we start racing again next Spring. So, I owe you guys four things: 1. Gobbler Results, 2. Gobbler Photos, 3. Race Results from the Fall 2008 Round 6 race at High Voltage, and 4. Series Standings for Fall 2008.

I've managed three of those four things. Go check out Gobbler results here. I didn't get the photos sorted, but I'll get them online in the next couple of days.

You can, however, take a look at the Round 6 Race results. It was the last series race of the year, and High Voltage didn't disappoint. I've got preliminary series standings online for your perusal as well. Let me know if you see any errors or have any questions about the results.

As a bonus item, I've posted finalized (barring any errors/omissions/explosions I've overlooked) series standings from the Spring/Summer 2008 Series at Switchback. So give that a look if you raced ths past summer.

Next up on our to-do list is to begin preparations for the Annual Switchback Rider's Banquet. I'm not sure if that's the offical title, but I think you guys get the idea. Every year, typically in February, we get together to honor the riders who came out to all (or enough) of the series races. And whether you placed first or twentieth, if you hit the rounds, we want to give you an award.

We'll have more info about the banquet in the coming weeks and months. First, we have to figure out where it'll be hosted. MX people can get kind of rowdy, so it probably won't be a black-tie affair. Which is great, because I'm fairly certain I don't own a tie, let alone a fancy tuxedo.

I'm starting to ramble, which I sincerely doubt you guys enjoy very much (though I enjoy quite a bit). Thank you, again, to everyone who participated in the Spring and Fall race series and the Gobbler. Keep an eye out for Gobbler photos (and the elusive helemt cam videos) over the next few days (probably a week, week and a half for the videos).

High Voltage Photos. Finally

Posted 22Oct08 12:19am

Sorry it took so long for me to get these online. The delay wasn't laziness, I assue you. I've been busting my tail getting ready for the Gobbler Grand Prix. The t-shirt design went to the print shop today, and I'm looking forward to seeing the final product. If Rich is ok with it, I'll post some preview art over at the long forgotten forums tomorrow.

As penance for the delay, I've created an extra large photo gallery. The mini-gallery (below) is the requisite twelve photos, but there's 72 photos over in the main gallery. And more at the photo kiosk, of course.

The last race of the Fall 2008 Series is this Sunday at High Voltage! I can't believe the year's about over, but after this race and the Gobbler (November 2nd, if you've forgotten), I probably won't see most of you until the banquet (February, most likely). I'm sure everyone will miss me dearly.

Finally, A Race at High Voltage

Round 5 Race Results

Posted 16Oct08 10:12pm

Round 5 race results have been posted. We got some fantastic photos, too. Photos will be up tomorrow, most likely. I also updated Series Standings. We had a lot of fun at High Voltage last Sunday, and we hope those of you who came out to race, spectate or camp did too. Even though a freakishly intense gust of wind ruined my brand-new (seriously, I took it out of the box the day before the race) easy-up tent, I'm certainly looking forward to the next (and final!) race at High Voltage.

Round 6 of the Fall 2008 Series is at High Voltage on Sunday, October 26th!

If you someone haven't noticed the bright orange banner advertising the Grand Prix just above this message, go read up on the upcoming Gobbler Grand Prix. It's the last event of the racing year at Switchback and High Voltage, and I guarantee it'll be a good one.

Round 4 Race Results & High Voltage Racing

Posted 09Oct08 10:38pm

Results from Fall '08, Round 4 have been posted. Go have a look. Also, I've updated Series Standings. We're almost done racing this year. Remember, you've got to hit five of the six rounds in the Fall series to be eligible for series trophies.

We're racing at High Voltage on Sunday! The track will also be open for practice and camping on Saturday. Many people—us included—are planning to be around Saturday night to hang out. There's no RV hookups at High Voltage, but there is plenty of room. Practice will be from 10am to 3pm. This practice is especially important for quad riders; it's the only time quads are allowed at High Voltage.

Gates open at 7am on Sunday! Practice is at 9:30am with races following. Gate and registration fees are the same, and gate passes issued at Switchback will be honored at High Voltage.

There's directions over at the High Voltage web site, and you can always call the track line or drop us an email if you need more information.

Photos: Fall 2008 Rounds 3 & 4

Posted 09Oct08 10:23pm

We decided to combine the photos from the last two races into one gallery. Between inclement weather and an earlier sunset, we've not captured as many photos as usual. Still, the photos we did get are, as usual, fantastic. Check out the mini-gallery below and then go see more in the Photo Galleries.

Fall 2008: Rounds 3 & 4

Fall 2008 Round 3 Results

Posted 29Sept08 11:15pm

Round 3 results have been posted. I also updated the Series Standings. There will be some photos (probably tomorrow), but not very many. The inclement weather made shooting near impossible. Many thanks, as always, to the riders, spectators and track personnel who showed up. It was a good day of racing and a great way to finish up the first half of the Fall Series.

We race again on Saturday, October 4th! It'll be the last regular race of the year at Switchback. Rounds 5 and 6 of the Fall Series are at High Voltage. We'll post more information on that in the near future.

Expect some info this week about the Gobbler Grand Prix. It's the last event of the racing year at Switchback and we expect all of you to show up and help end the year right. Make sure you've got the Gobbler on your calendar; it's the first weekend in November.

Practice Cancelled for Sunday, September 14th.

Posted 13Sept08 7:15pm

Switchback will not be open for practice tomorrow, Sunday, September 14th. If you were planning on riding, head on over to High Voltage, which will be open.

Race Results, Standings & Photos

Posted 10Sept08 10:40pm

Race Results from Round 2 are posted. Have a peek if you like. I've also updated the Series Standings to include the results from Round 2. The next race is Saturday, September 27th at Switchback. Remember, you've got to him five of the six races to be eligible for series trophies.

The sun is setting a bit earlier now that we're in September. That's good because it keeps the weather cooler, but bad because we lose the light more quickly and thus get to take fewer photos. Laurie did shoot the first ten motos last Saturday, however, so check out the complete web gallery or the mini-gallery below.

Round Two

Practice Extended & Local Music

Posted 10Sept08 9:55pm

So, with the winter approaching, the days are getting shorter. This results in less time for practice. To combat this, we'll be turning the lights on and keepin the track open longer for practice on (and only on) Thursdays. On Thursdays, we'll run practice until 9pm. The practice times will not be changing for any other day. It'll still be 5pm until sunset on Tuesday and Wednesday, and 10am to 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays (when we're not racing).

A while back, we began searching for some local bands and musicians to provide a kick-ass soundtrack for the helmet cam videos we've been recording. We've heard some great music and are looking forward to getting the videos online. In the meantime, I wanted to mention some of the bands with whom we've been speaking. We're not sure, just yet, which bands and which songs will be used on the videos, but everyone should check all these guys out anyway. And if you're in one of these bands, why don't you come out to the track sometime (next race is on September 27th) and say hello? Bring your friends and family.

Bands You Should Check Out (vol. 1)

• Clear Creek Stringband
• The Suckerpunch Thompsons
• Carolina Shine
• The Monophonics
• Glitchpoint
• and Switchback's Own Mike Tuite

Even with all the excellent music in this list, we're still looking for more. So if you're in a band, or know someone in a band, or are just a fan of a local band, please throw a post up on the forum.

The Fall Series Begins: Results, Photos, and Website Changes

Posted 27Aug08 11:00pm

Where to begin? With race results, of course. Sorry I've not been quick on the website updates; I've been rather lazy. However, I promise to do better and keep the updates coming.

We're in a transitionary period with the website. We've got to make some changes to accomodate the new (and future) race series, so don't freak out if things seem a bit wonky right now. I'll get it all ironed out, I promise. Some minor changes are already online. These changes include groups for the photo galleries, a shift of emphasis from the Summer to the Fall series on the Races page, and switching the Series Standings to reflect the Fall Series.

The series standings for the Spring/Summer series will return shortly in a finalized format, complete with eligibility for series trophies. I'm still working on the videos too; expect a more informative post about them in the next few days (and, hopefully, at least one video). When we've got several videos ready, the Photo Galleries will morph to the Audio/Video Center.

Until then, however, enjoy the photos from Fall '08 Round One.

Round One: Winter Soon, But Not Today

Round Nine Results & Preliminary Series Results

Posted 12Aug08 10:49pm

Saturday's races marked the end of the Spring/Summer 2008 series here at Switchback Raceway. The Fall series starts on August 23rd, but there's still some loose ends to tie up with this series.

First, Saturday's race results are in the usual place. Second, the mini-gallery below has photos from Round 9, and a bigger gallery is over here.

Third, preliminary series standings are available. These standings have received the standard treatment; I processed them just like any other round. However, since it's the end of the series, we're beginning a review process to generate finalized series standings. I don't expect any huge changes in the standings (we're pretty good record keepers), but I'm sure there will be some.

All that said, if you see any errors or have any questions in or about the race results or series standings, pleast let us know. The best way to get in touch is on the forums, but email works too.

Once the finalized series standings are, well, finalized, we'll make a news post to that effect and update the Series Standings page with the finalized results.

On a final note, I haven't forgotten about the videos. We've just been really busy with other stuff. Soon, I promise. Oh, and on a final-final note, we'll be updating the website layout a bit in the next couple of weeks to accomodate another series worth of results, standings and photos.

Round Nine: The End of Summer

Round Nine!

Posted 07Aug08 10:43pm

Round Nine is this Saturday (August 9th). Gates at 1pm, like always, with practice at 4:30pm and races after that. Round Nine is the last round in the Spring/Summer 2008 Series. The Fall series begins two weeks later (August 23rd).

Also, we've gotten a couple emails from new and returning riders asking that we add the waiver to the website. Direct link to the waiver is here (pdf format, 250k). It's also been added to both the Track Information and Race Schedule pages.

All riders must have a current waiver on file at Switchback Raceway to participate in any race event or practice. Completing the waiver (and a $5 fee) earns you a (quite stylish, if I may) membership card. This card lets us know that you're ready to race. Memberships are annual, so all of you who completed your waivers for the Spring/Summer series won't need to do any other paperwork to participate in the Fall series.

Round Eight Results, Series Standings and Photos. . . all at the same time!

Updated 27July08 11:59pm

Someone called me out at the track by saying it takes "two and a half weeks" to get race photos and results up. So here's me proving him wrong. Click here for race results, or go straight to the updated series standings.

Photos are in their usual place. Mini-gallery is below. Also, please do swing by the forums sometime. I'd like to hear what you guys think of the changes to the track.

Round nine, the last race in the Spring/Summer series is in two weeks (August 9th). Two weeks after that, we begin the Fall Series (August 23rd). In that two weeks between series, we'll be finalizing the points and standings for the Spring/Summer series, sleeping until at least noon, and making some changes to the website so it's ready for the Fall Series.

Round Eight

Track Changes & Practice Is Happening (Thursday, July 24)

Updated 24July08 11:30am

We are open for practice today. Come see those track changes so you'll be ready for Saturday's race!

Rich and crew exerted a tremendous amount of effort over this past weekend updating the track. So if you can't make it out to practice (because of all the rain, maybe), it will be especially important to roll a lap at practice Saturday before the races.

Have you seen the forums or the videos?

Posted 16July08 12:15am

So have you seen the forums? Probably not, but a few of you maybe have. They're over at http://www.pamotocross.com. We put them together so we'd have a place to talk about this thing we do. And other stuff.

So head on over when you get a chance.

Also, I want to give a special thank you to K. Leapline, L. Reeger, S. Moenich and J. Borris for wearing the helmet cams during Round 7. Not every video came out, but the ones that did are fantastic. We'll be getting these videos online soon. In fact, you (the community) can help me out. I've posted a thread over at pamotocross.com about the videos. We're looking for some local bands to provide the soundtrack for our videos. The hope is to expose more people to both great music and motocross.

So if you've got a band in mind, head on over to the forums and let me know. Well, you should head to the forums anyway.

Round Seven Photos

Posted 15July08 1:10am

As promised, photos from round seven are online. There's the mini-gallery below and a full one in the galleries proper.

Round Seven

Round Seven Results

Posted 14July08

Round 7 race results are up. So are the updated series standings. We'll see you for Round 8 on Saturday, July 26th.

You'll hear from me before that, of course. Photos from Round 7 go online tomorrow (Monday) evening. And, as many of you know, we've been using the helmet cam to good effect. We're still debating the best way to distribute the videos, though we're certainly going to have a dedicated YouTube channel for them.

Round Six: Results, Series Standings, and Photos

Posted 08July08 12:15am

For the first time ever (probably), I've got race results, series standings, and race photos ready all at the same time. I'm getting better at this. The obligatory mini-gallery is below; there's more in the photo galleries, and even more at the photo-table next to registration on race days.

Speaking of race-days, Round Seven is this Saturday, July 12th. Gates at 1pm, practice at 4:30pm with races following. See you there.

Round Six

Fox Boot Camp Photos

Posted 07July08 11:15pm

Check out the mini-gallery below or check out the full gallery.

Fox Boot Camp

Don't Forget About Round Six!

Posted 03July08 12:15am

Round Six (of nine) is this Saturday. Gates are at 1pm, practice is at 4:30pm with races to follow. We hope everyone had fun at the Fox event. We've got some great pictures that'll be online soon. Be sure to swing by the Photo display next to registration on Saturday; we've got all the photos you can see online and many more.

Practice, Events & Videos

Posted 29June08 11:02pm

So the practice schedule has solidified. For the rest of the summer, Switchback will be open for practice on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5pm to sunset. We'll also be open on the weekends, with practice from 10am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday (except on those Saturdays when we're racing, of course).

Come to Switchback on Tuesday for the Fox Boot Camp event. It's just $20 (the normal practice price) to get in. Check the Fox Boot Camp site for more details.

Oh, and check out what we bought: the GoPro Helmet Hero. Pretty nice, right? We'll be testing this camera as soon as it arrives (probably out at High Voltage first). We'll have videos of races and practices online soon. There's big plans for this tiny camera.

Round 5 Photos: Only One Day Late

Posted 25June08 1:51am

One day late isn't bad, right? Unfortuantely, the weather prevented us from getting the usual huge haul of fantastic photographs. They're still fantastic, but they only span the first eight motos. Check out the mini gallery below or see all the Round 5 photos in the galleries.

Round Five

Round 5 Results & Series Standings

Posted 23June08 1:15am

The Round 5 results are up. Thanks to everyone who stuck it out through the storm. Photos from Round 5 should be up tomorrow. Don't forget about the Fox Boot Camp on July 1, and that Round 6 is on Saturday, July 5th.

Series Standings have also been updated to include the results from Round 5.

Round 4 Photos: I didn't forget this time.

Posted 23June08 1:00am

Here's some photos from Round 4. Sorry it's been so long. Check out the mini-gallery below or go to the full Round 4 Gallery.

Round 4