We had an excellent time but to start you'll need a bit of family History with Motocross.
As DAD, I got my first bike for Christmas 1970. A blue Honda Z50. My father and an Uncle returning from Vietnam taught me how to ride in the Spring. In 76 I got a YZ80 for Christmas (long story)! I started racing that bike the Summer of 77. Neighbor had his RM80 and we tore up tracks from NW Indiana up to Red Budd Michigan. We moved up to 125 and 250 even raced a few 490 Open Class races before heading off to the US Marines for a stent. Dad and I eventually sold off all my old bikes. I got married and the wife didn't care for Motorcycles. 1995 I get separated and on my way from work see a shiny YZ250 in a driveway with a For Sale Sign. Load it up run up to my local dealer grab all essential gear and Head to the Local track on Saturday. There I meet up with some riders and do what we all do best in forming bonds with fellow riders. Several weeks go by and I'm getting faster on the Track. (complete goon status somewhat removed). Still Casing a few doubles here and there but making a few as well. Several weeks go by and there's a big maybe National Race coming up at this Track on the following Sunday. (Valley Dirt in Berthoud if I recall). Week before, on Saturday Practice tracks got everyone out there together. 60,80,125,250, open just all doing our thing. A bit crowded at times but nothing crazy. However, there's this one Kid who's just ripping. Passing folks like mad on a little KX60. He takes away my line in a pass clears the jumps and just literally Fly's past me. Few laps later here he comes again. He gets past me and for a few turns I'm able to stay with him by pure power of a 250. Out of a turn we go and here comes a big jump. You can double it safely of make it into a triple. I try and stay with the Kid thinking he's going for the triple and at the last second, he does his fancy Scrub move and goes for the double while I've twisted it with the intention of "WE"are clearing the triple. I overshot the triple landed out on the flats bounced over the bar's superman style up over the Burm in front of us and down into a violent crash in the ditch. Kid locks it up comes over to me and checks to see if I'm alright and goes "man mister that was bad are you Ok"? Want me to go you some help. I reply Yes, I'm fine and NO I don't need help .. I thank him for stopping and off he goes.
Knowing my wrist was hurt, I'm done for the day. I get the bike started and I was still able to ride out and back to the truck. Start Icing down my wrist and I notice a Dad walking over to me to check on me. Turns out it's the Kids Father and I immediately recognized him as the legend Johnny T. His son Eli was somewhere around 5-6 at the time. I've watched that young man's career ever since. Kind of like feel a connection somehow being run off the track by this Motocross Superstar.
Fast forward to this weekend. My boyz are now 13,14. They both started riding Dirt Bikes at 4yrs old and competing in Hare Scrambles at 5. Thou nowhere near the competitive level of the Tomac Family, we have enjoyed the comradery of the Motorcycle Racing Community. Over the years we have been in volved with various riding clubs and support those across the country. Currently a founding Member of the Delaware Valley Trail Riders my family supports the AMA and everything it does to support Motorcycling and Motorcycle Racing.
For my family the Philadelphia Supercross event was simply Awe-inspiring. Even though my boyz have been to other races and outdoor events including Loretta Lynns this event had them on the edge of their seats. As a father, there is no better feeling than seeing your children enjoying themselves immersed in a sport they love to follow. You can see how they live vicariously thru the different riders.
Please consider coming back to Philadelphia in 2025.
Sincerely a Proud Dad of an AMA Motorcycle Racing Family.