THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 23, 1996 TAG: 9606220100
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 19 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BILL LEFFLER, CURRENTS SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: 54 lines
IT STARTED WITH A LOVE for street bikes. Then came an interest in reading roadracing magazines.
Now Chris Gardner, 27, is the president of the Eastern American Roadracing Association. And he's hoping to build interest in Hampton Roads in the new club that stretches from Pennsylvania through Virginia.
Last weekend the EARA held the season's first races for 50cc to 80cc motorcycles at Langley Raceway. Next up for the two-year-old organization is competition at Langley on July 7.
Gardner, a Portsmouth native who lives in Suffolk, believes his sport would become extremely popular if riders realized how inexpensive it is.
``You really don't need a lot of money to get into it like the bigger motorcycles and cars require. And you have the same type of racing excitement and competition,'' he said.
``On our motorcycles you can rebuild an entire motor for $150 without sparing expense. The tires cost only $25 apiece and generally last an entire season. The bikes are available in the showroom and there's no difference between them and a regular race bike except the size.''
The EARA has races for every type of rider - from a novice amateur to an 80-open class where virtually anything is allowed.
``It's not a money thing either,'' said Gardner. ``We race for trophies and plaques. We keep a season's points standing in all the divisions and give awards.''
Most of the racers have numbers on their bikes to show how they rank in the point standings. Mike sports No. 4. Older brother Jim, 33, is No. 3.
``We have every kind of racer,'' said Chris. ``From new people to former pro roadracers. We had a former world champion.''
The ages of the racers range from 14 to 50. Several are women.
The stock bikes reach speeds of 60 miles per hour. In the 80 open classic division, with dirt bike motors, the racers can attain speeds upwards of 100 miles per hour.
Most races are 15-lap sprints. Entry fees vary from $20 to $35.
``We have 30 to 35 racers in six different divisions,'' said Gardner. ``There are about 10 or so from Tidewater. But we pull from all over.
``Last year in our U.S. Challenge Race, we had a group from Toronto.''
Business firms help sponsor the bikes. Chris and Jim call their two-man operation ``Gencaf Performance Racing.'' They sport purple, red and yellow colors on the bikes, courtesy of Morse-Parker Motor Supply. The painting was done by another team member, Scott Neil. The bike tuning is done by D&D Import Cycles.
Innovative Ventures in Chesapeake has joined in, providing a line of racing cards which the riders autograph and give to youngsters at the track.
``We think we have something to offer to those who enjoy bike racing, either as participants or as spectators,'' said Gardner. ``This is starting to become popular all across the country and we're expecting our club to really grow.'' by CNB