2017 Dubya World Vet Championships 5

This annual shinding proves you're never too old to rock and roll.

GuyB

11/6/2017 6:03pm

Per our usual habit, we caught day two of the 2017 Dubya Vet World Championships at Glen Helen, where the focus is on the 30+ Pro, and 50+ Pro classes. Saturday's premier event, the 40+ Pro, was won by the ever-speedy Mike Brown.

The weather on Sunday matched a bit of the mood that was found at the race, as the longtime driving force behind this event, Tom White, had passed away the Thursday prior. But...there was a huge contingent of riders from around the globe who were ready to race, there some titles to hand out, a legendary rider to honor (Malcolm Smith), and the show went on...

The first moto of the 30+ Pro went off in uncharacteristic conditions for Glen Helen. Rain had turned the facility into a bit of a sloppy mess. But when the gate dropped, it was Brett Metcalfe (on the outside of the gate), along with Mike Brown, who led the way.

Brett Metcalfe was on a Honda with some help from Smartop MotoConcepts Racing, and he had the first moto pretty much under control.

Michael Sleeter was the defending champion, but we're going to guess he wasn't the biggest fan of the conditions.

It seems like Mike Brown will ride anything, anytime, any place, and he scored a second-place finish in the sloppy conditions.

Brett Metcalfe got a big rinse for his eyes after the first moto. Like many of the competitors, he had to toss his goggles partway through the moto.

What do you do when your rider's bike is on the gate already, but you're in the next race, and you don't want to back out of the way? Duck.

The muddy conditions took their toll on riders and bikes. The rear wheel was pretty much locked up on this one.

Kurty Nicoll and Doug Dubach had put on a show in the 50+ Pro class a couple years ago, and they were ready to renew their rivalry.

Doug grabbed the holeshot in the first 50+ moto, accompanied by Ron Lechien to his inside.

Doug was the only clean rider heading into the second turn. A pair of Michigan riders, John Grewe (70/Kawasaki) and Keith Bowen, were battling for second.

Ah yeah, that style is still recognizable. Ron Lechien was fourth in moto one.

The trip down the muddy downhills was an adventure for everyone. Kevin Foley got a little loose here, but hung onto it. After some muddy motos early in the morning proved to be too much for a few of the classes, the uphill and downhill on Mt. St. Helens was removed.

Kurt Nicoll quickly rebounded after a bad start, and moved into second.

6D designer, Robert Reisinger, was tenth in moto one.

Keith Bowen settled into third behind Dubach and Nicoll.

After the pro moto, the Cat came out and did some cleanup in the second turn. The stuff being pushed off looked like a lava flow.

As usual, there was a break at midday to honor the newest inductee to Glen Helen's Walk of Fame. Normally Tom White handled the MC duties, along with Hal Sanguinetti. Hal did the solo this year.

Malcolm Smith was the honoree this year, and it was cool to see him on hand to accept the award. He cracked up the crowd when he commented that it was good to see so many vet riders there, "...And some of you are hauling ass."

Late in the day it became apparent that there was some premium traction available on the start straight...just off to the side of the groomed straight. Mike Brown, Jason Potter and Tonni Anderson all took advantage of it at the start of 30+ Pro moto two.

Mike Brown led for a lap in moto two of the 30+ Pro...until Brett Metcalfe got by.

Dane Tonni Andersen (4) was fourth overall in 30+ Pro with a 3-5 day. Here he's ahead of Arik Swan and Michael Sleeter.

Jason Potter was giving Brownie fits late in the moto, and had lots of people wondering, "Who's that guy in third?" Besides his riding skills, he was also wrenching for Kyle Chisholm last year on the pro scene.

That's a solid podium. Brett Metcalfe's 1-1 gave him the overall, Mike Brown's 2-2 was obviously good for second, and Jason Potter's 5-3 landed him in third spot.

Doug made a sweet move in the first turn to get by the pack and move into the lead.

The best battle of the day in 50+ was between Kurt Nicoll and John Grewe. John was throwing everything he could at Kurt in an effort to get by and move onto the podium, to no avail.