For the last couple of days I have been preparing for the 2011 Hilltoppers MC 37th Annual 29 Palms Wild West Grand Prix, an exciting 2 day event for the Off-road Motorcycle and ATV crowd being held on April 2-3 2011. It is my favorite time of the year. This is what I live for.
We will once again be selling Hot Dogs on the midway next to Papa’s BBQ.
The Big 6
In 1995 six District 37 motorcycle clubs came together to form the Big 6 GP Championship Series. The purpose of this new organization was to promote off-road racing by giving racers six unique and challenging venues that all shared the same high quality organization and a standard format. The hosting clubs have over 115 combined years promoting Grand Prix events in Southern California. The Series is now 7 rounds, and is sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association District 37. The races are held at different locations in Southern California. Each race course is directly influenced by the natural terrain and local environment of its unique location so the rider will never get bored riding the same location every round of the series.We have classes and races for all skill and age levels. We provide 100% trophies and awards to all kid entrants, and 15- 20% trophies to all other classes.
The Hilltoppers MC
Established in 1945 in the City of Long Beach , the Hilltoppers Motor Cycle club has been racing, riding, and having a good time for over 60 years. We are a group of motor cycle enthusiast that get together once a week to do nothing but talk about motorcycles and the events related to the promotion of motorcycles.
We have two races a year. The first is a Grand-Prix the first weekend of April in 29 Palms, California . This grand-prix is an AMA sanctions event and the jewel of the GPR Big Six Grand Prix Series. The race attracts over 1200 entrants and over 5000 spectators every year. The second race we have is a Desert Race we like to call the “Soggy Dry Lake Desert Scramble,” named after the lake bed we Start, Pit and Finish on. This race is a two-loop, 80-mile laugh a minute ride through the Johnson Valley OHV area.
We have purchased a House in the Long Beach area and have converted it into the best clubhouse in District 37. The walls are full of club memorabilia and the trophy case are full of our clubs past and present glory.
If you are thinking about racing in District 37 or already do and do not belong to any other club, the Hilltoppers M.C. might just be what you are looking for. We provide pit support in the desert and will not leave the area until all of our riders are accounted for. (Unlike some clubs) We also have a contingency program for members that finish in the top three in any AMA, District 37 class during an event. Meetings are usually held Wednesday nights at 7:30pm but dates and times are subject to change so check the message board first. Come by and check us out.
The Guys
Every year quietly and without fanfare scores of local enthusiasts and riders come out and Volunteer their time to groom and get the Terry Waite Motor Cycle Stadium ready for another year of racing. Under the tutelage of Brain Hoffman the locals work the tractors, water trucks and earth movers to get the 7.5 mile track to meet the stringent safety standards set by AMA District 37.
This is the single event of the year that actually achieves the crowd counts that other groups only dream of. We are all quite proud of the Grand Prix and the good it brings to the community.
After 16 years we are now seeing a second generation of race fans and club members taking over the reins. I am proud as hell for what we all have accomplished over the years.
The Midway
Most of us who sell our wares and vend our food don’t see much of the races. We are feeding the fans, processing the photos, selling the clothing and parts or repairing the bikes. The brotherhood and sisters of the Midway are old friends that I often only see once a year at race time. I love these guys and gals. All of us work our butts of to make your visit to the 29 Palms Grand Prix a memorable experience. We are there to serve the fans and Racers, come on down and see us. Let me tell you about my wieners.
Location
The track is about 4 miles east of town at Highway 62 and Mojave Rd. Also known as Granite Concrete road.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTs8BUE_eaA
