GLEN HELEN - FIRST IMPRESSION
Author: Travis Steward	Features | Thursday, 21 May 2009 23:28

I’ve been to a lot of tracks in my day. I grew up at Southwick; I’ve been to every amateur national track and quite a few pro nationals as well. In all of my travels, as bad as this may sound, I have never been to Glen Helen. Probably the greatest track in the history of motocross lies in the hills of San Bernardino, California, and this year is too exciting to miss.

 

Today we drove up to the track to get everything set up for our first show of the 2009 Lucas Oil/AMA Pro Motocross Championship. After we got our passes for the season I walked through the gates and I was simply in aww of this giant facility. TV does no justice for the straight up and down hills that traverse through the canyons. The track workers were in full swing preparing the dirt for tomorrow’s amateur racing and putting up banners that will make up the backdrop for what is expected to be one of the greatest outdoor series in recent years.

 

The track will be run the opposite direction from last year, but the trademark Talladega first turn is still present. Following this first turn will be a big uphill that leads right into a big ol’ drop off that will only add to the Glen Helen experience. On top of being the first time I set foot on this legendary monster, I get a front row seat to the show of a life time as each class seems to be wide open to winners.

 

While walking around I didn’t notice any riders, but two fathers did stick out as being excited enough to come out to the track a day early. Tony Alessi was walking through the pits and seems confident for his two boys. With all the hype around young Justin Barcia I was excited to see his dad as well. When I asked him how Justin was feeling he simply stated, “He’s ready to go, if he rides like he can, he will do ok.” He also said him and Loraine (Justin’s mom) were a little on edge and can not wait to get the first round over with.

 

When it all comes down to it, no one can say for sure who will walk out of Glen Helen leading either of the two primary classes. I don’t think anyone is more ready than me for that first gate to drop. Please keep up to date for plenty of coverage on both Vurbmoto.com and Allisports.com for the Racer X Motocross Show.