Catalina Or Bust!
CATALINA OR BUST!
Cycle World takes on Red Bull Catalina Grand Prix—and wins!
Motorcycle racing returned to California’s Catalina Island after a 52-year hiatus when the Red Bull Catalina Grand Prix was held on the island December 3-5. The popular Southern California vacation destination hosted thousands of racing fans and more than 800 competitors during the three-day event. Cycle World was there in force with Off-Road Editor Ryan Dudek and Associate Editor Mark Cernicky, both of whom raced in multiple classes, and Editor-at-Large Peter Egan played chaperone. Numerous industry heavyweights also competed, including Malcolm Smith, Preston Petty, Johnny Campbell, Danny LaPorte, Rick Johnson, Travis Pastrana, Kendall Norman, Kurt Caselli, Kurt Nicoll, Ronnie Renner and David Pingree.
Sunday’s Pro race involved three waves: +18 Pro, +30 Pro and +40 Pro. The overall race win went to Norman after Caselli s bike broke early on. He was followed across the line by Sean Collier, Colton Haacker and our own Dudek, who won the +30 division as well as Saturday’s Vet Heavyweight A event. Nicoll was victorious in the +40 class.
Cernicky also had a great weekend, taking a second in Senior Lightweight B and a fourth in 250cc B. Look for Egan’s feature about the event in the April issue. Blake Conner
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