To many it was just another day at the races. Grand Prix' come and go. But to many, this year's Elsinore Grand Prix was a revival.
Elsinore Storm Stadium took the responsibilities of hosting this year's Grand Prix, and with the help of well known promoter Heather Brobeck-Sebastian of Podium Productions, turned it into an event reminiscent of the good ol' days. Heather's lifelong passion for the sport, and many years of experience in successful events, made her a perfect candidate to revive the legend and valor of the Elsinore Grand Prix. Heather took charge and brought in her most talented and experienced crew, along with 2xPromotions, to make this year's Grand Prix into a memorable and unforgettable weekend.
The track was designed by veteran riders and industry enthusiasts who hoped to return it to the roots of what the GP used to be. Diverse and unexpected features of the course were brought back to life, and riders couldn't have been more thrilled. Hundreds of man hours went into designing, building, and marking the historic course through the hills and river bed of Lake Elsinore.
Riders, families, and spectators alike were thrilled and impressed with this year's venue and events. The 3-day event kicked off Friday and lasted through the setting sun of Sunday evening. Registration was overwhelmed by the numbers of pre- and post- entries. 2xPromotions stepped up to the plate offering their expert services, as well as transponder scoring; something new for many of the participants of the event. With over 900 entries, 2009 was shaping up to be one of the biggest for the Grand Prix in recent years. Bikes new and old, quads, and UTV's packed the parking lots by early Saturday morning. The smell of exhaust and the hum and "braap" of engines signaled the start of an exciting, and for some, exhausting weekend. Spectators filed along the fence lines and canal areas adjacent to the stadium to watch their friends and others battle it out along the course. Sponsors and vendors offered everything from food and drinks, posters and stickers, to spare parts and full "shop" set-ups. And of course, the climax of the Saturday's events, the rock concert inside the stadium with headliners Warrant and Great White.
Sunday morning started off cold and foggy, but by mid-day the crowds multiplied. At one point, the announcers asked an all-too-familiar question: Who was Harvey Mushman? For avid Grand Prix followers young and old, the answer brought a story of celebrity stature and a face never forgotten in the world of off road motorcycles. Harvey Mushman was the alias of the late, great actor Steve McQueen. McQueen was best known for his acting career, but motorcycles were his true passion. When movie studios banned McQueen from racing, he used the alias Harvey Mushman to compete in some of the greatest off road races of the 60's and early 70's. McQueen's passion for the sport and the attention brought to it from his influence, shaped the industry throughout the years and still today.
So of course, not to be forgotten, came the final and favorite race of the weekend, The Harvey Mushman 100. The Mushman race alone brought over 100 entries, the biggest start, and finale, to the Grand Prix. Everyone from Pros to Amateurs to recreational riders, suited up to conquer the track for their shot at reliving the glory that is the Elsinore Grand Prix just as McQueen did over 40 years ago. An unforgettable end to an unforgettable weekend in Lake Elsinore. Great weather, good people, a revival of the past, and another notch on everyone's belt for a successful and memorable day at the races. Congratulations Podium Productions, 2xPromotions, and Storm Stadium for providing a top notch weekend for all the warriors out there.