Racing

PHOTOS: Day In The Dirt 18

December 4, 2015

A race. A party. A Thanksgiving celebration. A Day In The Dirt. Whatever you want to call this gathering of two-wheeled enthusiasts, it’s turning into one of the biggest events of the year in Southern California, and 2015 was no exception. This year, the famed Red Bull-sponsored race—founded and run by the Hollywood stunt and film community—drew a huge amount of participants, spectators, and fun-loving motocross fans who chose to spend their holiday weekend enjoying Glen Helen raceway rather than sitting in traffic or shopping in crowded malls. And boy, what a weekend it was!

The highlights of this year’s Day In The Dirt are numerous; from the nostalgic battles that took place in the two-stroke division, to the pure teamwork and competition of all of the team races, to the incredible battle in the Coup de Grace—the 95-minute final survival race—there was not a dull moment throughout the entire weekend. Perhaps the best way to convey what went down is to show you a handful of images from DR contributor Brendan Lutes, who not only covered the action but raced four classes as well. Here’s a look at some of Lutes' top shots from this epic weekend of racing, fun, and family.

Now in its 18th year, Day In the Dirt has grown from a small gathering of stuntmen and film industry insiders to one of the biggest amateur races in SoCal. You don’t have to be a part of Hollywood to race this race; anyone can come out and do it, although there are special classes available for those who work in the film industry. Troy Lee Designs, Red Bull, and Fasthouse have long been partners of this event, and together they have created a family atmosphere that needs to be experienced in order to be fully appreciated.Photo by Brendan Lutes

Local fast guy Mike Sleeter rode a ton of classes at DITD, ending up with a big win in the SoCal Reunion race, where riders compete while honoring old tracks like Carlsbad Raceway, Saddleback, and Indian Dunes.Photo by Brendan Lutes

Dirt Rider test rider Ricky Yorks (#703) gives chase after Greg “Zeke” Landers on his trusty Honda XR500 vintage bike during the Hell On Wheels race. Yorks actually rode injured, as he’d tweaked his back the night before putting the Honda’s massive motor back in the bike’s frame!Photo by Brendan Lutes

Each year, the TLD team creates a cool overall trophy for the event. Past items have included a toilet, a refrigerator, and a car. This custom painted Troy Lee Designs grill was the envy of every racer in the Coup de Grace survival race, but only one—Zach Osborne—got to take it home.Photo by Brendan Lutes

Fresh off a win at the AMA EnduroCross in nearby Ontario, KTM’s Taylor Robert was a force at DITD, racing both a two-stroke and a four-stroke en route to solid finishes in every class. Robert’s final battle with Osborne in the Coup de Grace was legendary; the two went back and forth for the first hour before Zach was able to open up a lead.Photo by Brendan Lutes

Day In The Dirt simply would not happen without co-founder Kenny Alexander and his wife Amber, both of whom are the driving force behind the event. Kenny is a career stuntman and owner of Fasthouse, and in addition to running the race, he also races in every class he can manage to sneak away for!Photo by Brendan Lutes

This race draws legends from every era. Here, former 125cc National MX Champion and two-time Motocross Of Nations winning team rider Ron Lechein laces through a Glen Helen berm during the SoCal Reunion Race. Believe this: the ‘Dogger’ still rips!Photo by Brendan Lutes

Weston Peick threw down some amazing laps on his built Yamaha YZ250, reminding everyone in the process that there’s no better sound than a well-tuned two-stroke motorcycle.Photo by Brendan Lutes

At night, the Day In The Dirt pits turn into a small city, with racers crowded around campfires and families enjoying food, laughs, and bench-racing that goes late into the night.Photo by Brendan Lutes

Dirt Rider test rider Jimmy Roberts is a co-founder of A Day In the Dirt, and son of desert racing legend J.N. Roberts. This year, both racers competed in multiple classes, with J.N. teaming up with Ricky Johnson for a fun team race, and Jimmy winning the Bossa Nova 3-man team class made up of Dirt Rider compatriots Chris Denison and Ryan Orr.Photo by Brendan Lutes

Sean Cantrell finished third in the Coup de Grace survival race. With over a hundred racers of varying skill levels on the track at one time, it can be tougher for the faster guys to cut through lappers. Fortunately, the Glen Helen course was wide enough to provide for multiple passing opportunities throughout.Photo by Brendan Lutes

Sheri Ridenour and her husband Bob are two of the nicest people that you will ever meet. Seriously. Sheri is a longtime part of the TLD family, and she takes care of her sponsored racers and industry friends as if they were her own family. No matter who was on the track at DITD, Sheri could be seen standing nearby and cheering her head off!Photo by Brendan Lutes

Tyler Bereman shows just how hard the Coup de Grace can be, and just how good it feels to be done with it!Photo by Brendan Lutes

Josh Grant came out to play at DITD, winning the Pro/Am race on Saturday and looking both fast and comfortable aboard his new Suzuki.Photo by Brendan Lutes

Zach Osborne rode incredibly well at DITD, showing amazing speed through endless lappers and looking very fit despite knee-deep bumps. This man is a beast on a dirt bike!Photo by Brendan Lutes