Extremity Games – Baja Acres

By Billy Rainford

It’s been too many years since I’d been to a race at Baja Acres in Millington, Michigan. So many, in fact, that it’s a little embarrassing. The last time I raced at my favourite sandy track was in 1987! The last time I was there was on my way back from living in BC back in 2007. So, it’s safe to say, it was time I went back.

I called Kyle Thompson because I’d heard Royal Distributing Fox KTM Canada’s Cole Thompson was going to make an appearance so I wanted to confirm the rumour. It was true, but things didn’t really go the way I’d planned…

Josh Lichtle is still at the races in Michigan.

Josh Lichtle is still at the races in Michigan.

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There’s always a nice backdrop at Baja Acres. And this guy makes this bike look like a 65!

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I always like watching future superstars in the Supermini class.

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#523 is Noh Willbrandt. He won the Mini Sr. and 85 (9-13).

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#531 Stephen Hooker was n his heels and finished 2nd in 85 (9-13). It was a 2-day event but we were only there for a few hours on Saturday.

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I grabbed a few shots from this same spot…

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Husqvarna 85’s still look exotic to me.

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#781 Jared Thornton from Tillsonburg, ON at the line beside #181 Zach Zager as Chloe Metcalfe gives him some encouragement.

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Jared raced 14-24 and 250B finishing 3rd in both.

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Zach grabbing a nice juicy holeshot.

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Supermini class blasts off.

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Spencer McGinnis was there with his Moto Sport Adaptive gang. Check out this artificial lower leg.

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Yep, that’s a Fox shock in there!

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Woodstock, Ontario’s #317 Cooper Larche’s pit.

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Back when I raced at Baja, #801 belonged to Eddie Warren.

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There was great support for the adaptive riders.

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They sat and signed autographs at the end of the day for a very receptive crowd.

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Spencer’s goal is to have a national series for adaptive athletes. They will be in Colorado this weekend for the National.

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Be sure to stop by and say hello, if you see these guys.

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Bill Van Vugt made the trip to Michigan. He didn’t even miss a beat in his story as I stuffed my camera in his face. #oldpro

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#165 James Roberts is one of the guys to beat in the fastest classes at Baja.

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Cooper Larche heading out…and up.

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I asked James where Cole Thompson was and he said, “He WAS here.” I guess they were dicing in the first Open A moto when Cole suffered rear wheel trouble and pulled off. We didn’t even see him!

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$494 Max Gomez raced the B classes and won the Lower Amputee class. Check out his right foot.

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James getting stylish down the front straight section.

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Cooper Larche was undefeated in 250B and Open B Saturday.

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Roberts had some fun ‘gooning’ for the crowd way out front.

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This was for the checkered flag!

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Melboure’s Zach Zager finished 2nd in 14-24 and 4th in Open A Saturday.

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Cooper taking one of his wins.

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#7 Amanda Sokalski went 1-4 for 3rd in the Women’s class Saturday.

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That’s London, ON’s #196 Chloe Metcalfe in the thick of things in one of her motos.

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#441 Tim Metcalfe finished 5th in 50+.

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Bill Van Vugt had a great battle and would catch up by doing this double that his rival wasn’t.

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Chloe finished 6-5 for 5th in the Women’s class Saturday.

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I managed to make my way back to this jump again…

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Newlywed, #31 Heather Bowman, took the overall in the Women’s class Saturday.

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Bill finished 1st in 60+ and actually celebrated his 70th birthday recently.

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Looking good, Bill.

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Heather and the flag.

See you...

See you…

...at the races...

…at the races…