The #49Toy Racing sponsored HARLEY-DAVIDSON sidecar rig attacking the famous "Corkscrew" at Laguna Seca Raceway Sidecar National'98. Pilot Frank Crane Jr. and "Monkey" Tom Bettencourt finish 4th in class in their debut race!

Donner Ski Ranch Hillclimb

August 15/16/98

When you think of Donner Summit, you naturally think of snow and skiing. Well, in the summer many other events happen in the Sierras. The August 15-16 event was the third annual happening of the Donner Hillclimb as well as a Vintage MX, a Pro MX, a Pro dirt Hillclimb, a YSR race, and a vintage trials. All these events went on all weekend at the different lodges on the hill. Spectators were able to travel by bus between the events and see all the different types of motorsport. Speedvision was there, from the kickoff at Fast Friday's Speedway in Auburn through the end of the events on Sunday.

The SRA has participated in the hill climb since it's inception in 1996. With 8 outfits on site, we were a part of 60-some-odd entries; including vintage bikes, and other selected classes. The course is challenging, with 34 turns, 1088 foot climb and starting at 6000 feet. It is a two lane highway which is a historical landmark that is used every day. The new pavement made for a good surface and the additional hay bales made the course safer.

SRA Entries were:
Rick Murray/Heather Belletto
Carl Wasserleben/Rich Behre
Mark Bevans/Frank Bevans
Wade Boyd/Rory O'Conner
Roy Janes/Joe
Rick Richards/Roy Richards
Bill Becker/Dawna Holloway
Frank Crane/Tom Bettencourt
Greg Roberts/Victor Bernasconi

Saturday's practice went a little different than past, with several machines running together for show. Carl and Valerie (a stand-in passenger) found a turn somewhat tighter than expected and went through the hay bales and into the ever-present granite. Damage to the team minimal (bruised), damage to the outfit major (bent forks and frame). Roy Janes brought up the Triumph vintage but were unable to get it running properly. Bill and Dawna ran Damon's Taylor Worm and set respectable times. Even Dawna drove the outfit one run up the hill (how does it feel to be a passenger, Bill?)

Top time on the hill was Wade and Rory with 2:37.60
Next was Rick and Heather with 2:37.80
Third was Greg and Victor with 2:39.70

http://www.sidecarworld.com.au/

 Index / Introduction / History / Search / Showroom / Museum / Sponsors

E-mail @adweb.net

MAGAZINES  CIRCLE TRACK  OPEN WHEEL STOCK CAR RACING
AMERICAN ROADRACING AUTO RACING DIGEST DRAG RACING MONTHLY