These were sent in without a description. Do you know what track these are from? Any of the people in the photos? Or from what year?
Some great MSC history photos!
These were sent in without a description. Do you know what track these are from? Any of the people in the photos? Or from what year?
Some great MSC history photos!
no other than Jim Fennell on the #1 triumph. He had 2 of these bikes.He was up in age then when these shots were taken.Later Stanley Calhoun would beat him on the first year TM 400 suzuki.Russ Calhoun rode the 200 ex. class on a bultaco,along with the Spears brothers,and i think Stew Anderson,who i rode against in the 100 ex. class
Hi, great site. I raced in the same district. That track looks vaguely like South Cairo.
I thought the #1 was a Truimph 650. Ron Gleason was the king back in the early 60’s. Ray Goodrich Truimph from Hoosic Falls built his bikes. I think his # was 208, not really sure but he was really fast. Rode in 2nd gear the whole time wide open. The main scramble track in New York was at Gleason’s Farm in Chatham Center. I could get more info from Ron himself if you need or do a phone interview with him. He still leaves right up the road from the old track. Hope this was helpful.
To me it looks like walden scrambles right after the start/finish . but hey that was over like 35 years ago.
I really enjoyed looking at the old magazines. Why can’t they be accessed any longer? I plan to send some memoribilia but haven’t gotten to it yet. I have some old pictures and licenses from the late sixties and early seventies. My dad and I raced from 1966 to 1968 in New York and New England. I went into the service in ’68 and was lost until 1972 when I re-appeared on a Yamaha RT-2MX. I still see Mike Boucher several times a year and remember and love all the “old” tracks: South Cairo, Millerton, Monticello, Claverack (the old track), Pepperel, Monson. Now I am dating myself. Does anyone out there remember “Super” Bruce Maguire? Now he was a fast fat guy. I would love to remenice with some of you outthere. If you remember me please write. Thanks for the site.
Russ Stilwell
ps. My Email is rstilwell@milforded.org
Russ Stilwell
Hey Russ, Welcome to the site. We’d love to add your memorabilia to the site, so send it on over when you get a chance.
As for the magazines, there was a bit of a technical problem which has been fixed. Please let me know if you have any trouble accessing the magazine articles.
John Nicholas
These tracks look like the ones I used to go to with my family to watch the races when I was a kid. We uses to go to tracks in Dutchess County, NY. By the way my dad Jim Durso who used to race himself, has a ton of these old cycle sport magazines. Maybe there is a way some of them could be uploaded to the site?
The top photo is in fact, Jim Fennell’s bike, and that’s him on it in the bottom photo – with cigar, as always. That’s my dad! The bike’s a 1961 500cc Trophy Twin, and in fact it still sits in my garage, though after all these years it’s not in that kind of shape any more. Hasn’t run probably since the mid to late ’80s, but last I checked it still had compression. It’s one of those perennial “next spring” projects to get it running again.
I might have an original print of the bottom photo, and if I can find it I’ll let you know if it has any dates or other info on it. Not sure what track it is, although I’m pretty sure it’s not Fishkill. I remember many work parties riding on the tractor with Dad and the rest of the Crotona M/C getting that Fishkill track at Andre’s Farm ready for the races! I was only 9 years old when Dad retired as chairman of the M.S.C., and those memories get hazier every year…
I keep an eye out for mentions or photos of Dad online, though they’re few and far between. It’s great to relive the old memories through this site! I’ll have to see what other “old time” photos and memorabilia I can dig up and scan in if you’re interested. Thanks again for the site!
I remember Super Bruce. They encourged him to lose weight and he was never quite the same. He and Peter Lamppu were the big guns in New England back then.
Stumbled onto this website. Brings back great memories , the best
times of my life. the bottom photo of Jim Fennel looks like the
first turn after the start at Millerton . Raced there many times
250 expert class on a 69 CZ and 71 Husky #281. One of my favorite
tracks . In those days Millerton and Fishkill were the closest
thing to a real motocross track before The AMA recognised
motocross. Continued racing till 1976 in the metro. district,
district 6 (penn.). Some great tracks like Springville were in 6 .
Also raced allot upstate at Otego , Mexico , and others .
Love to read stories about the “GOLDEN AGE OF MOTOCROSS”.
Keep them comming.
thats my uncle jimmy on the number 1 triumph every christmas we as kids would love to look at all the races on 8mm film cousin jim try to utube some if you still have acesss what a great rider and uncle never forget
Hi Dennis,
We’re so happy that these photos brought back good memories for you. Of course we would love to add any videos from back in the day. When they are loaded up on You Tube, please let me know.
Thanks!
Hi John also for those very early triumph riders who may have bough a bike in the Bronx Jim fennell and whitey use to own the house of triumph on connor street in the bronx off of I-95. Uncle Jim then move his shop up to riverside conn. and it became Fennells Triumph not only could he ride but he could tear down and rebuild a bike with his eyes closed
Dennis,
A good friend of mine has a 1973 Triumph Trophy Trail that he just had restored by Whitey this past winter. Thanks for the additional info!
I just came across this site and it sure brings back memories! I started racing District 34 in 1970 when I was 31 years old. It took 2 and a half seasons to get my white plates. I raced with Jim Fennell and it was scarey hearing him behind me if I was fortunate enough to be ahead of him! I raced a 400 Maico- wish I still had it.
I raced Claverack the day it opened. That was motocross! I raced occasionally after 1975. I did race again in 1997 at Clavarack in the vintage class on a 1978 Suzuki PE 250. To my dismay they run the track backwards. Between motos there was a down pour which made racing in the mud difficult with a universal rear tire. I was lucky enough to take 4th place.
It was a great time in my life and I’d do it all again if I could. Tom Taylor Expert#145 ( 35+ years ago)
Hi Tom,
Thanks for stopping by.
Glad you enjoyed the site. Please feel free to send photos if you’d like them to be a part of the history.
Best Regards,
John
My dad Don Whyte was the announcer at Andrea’s Farm. Don Pink was the starter and Jim Fennell drove the water truck when not racing to keep the dust down on the track.
One of the other Crotona racers just passed away this month Gary Doerr.
Hi, daughter of Reggie Pink
All appropriate contacts welcome…those were the glory days