Page 50 - DECEMBERMPG2018

RESULTS DONOTLIE
both the Supercross and outdoor format, he wanted to make his track time well worth it. A fourth place in the opening moto of the SX showcase, had him sitting pretty in regards to gate position. But he knew he would have to deal with the crafty veteran’s like Roman
the course of 2018, despite being in this treacherous sport for numerous years. He is the definition of attrition, fighting tooth and nail with the top guys on the professional level. From the sands of Southwick, to the gates of the Camel Supercross tour, Carsten
has been around it all, and it truly is a spectacle to see him continue to this day. With family attending the event and racing in other classes as well, Barry decided
to tag along and join the festivities, hoping to walk away with a plethora of titles on his way back to the New England area. The number 31’s style hasn’t ever been flashy; it’s a simple textbook, get the job done type of flare that was signature many years ago. We’re talking before the scrub, before the “oppo” whips; when
it was all just based on corner speed, mistake free, hard-nosed racing.
He knew who his competition would be upon arrival to the event, therefore it was no sur- prise when found himself battling along the likes of John Grewe, Mike Treadwell, and Earl May. He would contend in six different classes, both three in supercross, and three on the outdoor circuit. Ranging from 40-50+, a series of six different moto’s would be cast throughout the week, and in every circum- stance, he would have a legitimate chance to win. Beginning with
the Senior (40+) class, he would start off with
a third in his heat race, having to fight diligently for a podium position. Yet he wanted to keep battling his way through the field, and would come on to bring home a second in the run-off, taking the runner-up position to conclude
the class. The next was the Senior (45+) class, where a second in this heat race, would place him in a well off position behind the starting line. He again, would walk away with a second place in the run-off,
securing a silver medal slot in the record books. But it would all come together in the Masters (50+) class, where a third in the first moto, would be washed away as soon as the gate fell for the main event. It was a true, winner take all story, and Carsten would im- mediately lunge for the lead. After laps and laps of effort, he would finally be rewarded, taking the win over the likes of John Grewe, and the other serious contenders of the divi- sion. He would continue to reiterate the raw speed he possessed, enjoying the moto- cross layout of the week as well; signifying that he still had the ability to get up and go, he would finish with two second overalls on the outdoor circuit, making it a successful week as a whole.
JOHN GREWE
When you think about the Mid-Eastern region of motocross racing, one of the original “Michigan Mafia” members, is that
of John Grewe. Rockford’s own has been around this came much longer than many
of the riders of today have even been born, so when watching him ride, or listening to him talk, the amount of knowledge conveyed spills over abundantly. Being sponsored by both Team Babbitts, and Factory Kawasaki, you know how legitimate his results would be, just by what his sign-up sheet would forecast. So when throwing his name into the pot for Vet class contention, you knew everyone in attendance was going to be
in for a real treat. He would begin in the Supercross chunk of action, where three gate drops, in regards to heat races, would be contested; he would walk away, as you guessed, with three solid wins. He would
and Ginolfi, defending the likes of Jensen
at his back. Whipping his machine into the wind, he was off like a rocket for the run-off of Supercross festivities. His erratic, shirt blowing in the wind style had the swingarm flinging one way, while the bars jolted in the opposite. And although it may seem like a way to really let lose, and maybe burning a lot of energy in the process, he was making it work; as he forced this Husqvarna around the course. He would continue to get better as the week progressed, really finding his groove around the more spacious, wider opportunity of a motocross track. Battling his former Loretta Lynn’s foe of Ricky Renner, he would pace the number 31 for as long as possible throughout this rugged and rough course. Dodging potholes, and sweeping from outside to inside, he was doing every- thing in his power to conserve stamina, as Renner’s pace was tough too match. Giving it his all though, he would go on to score impressive second and second scores, garnering an overall of runner-up position. It was finishes like these that made the drive worth it, and he hoped to continue to enjoy the process of riding his motorcycle into the next racing season.
BARRY CARSTEN
One of the “OG’s” in the motocross game, Barry Carsten is still going strong throughout
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50 MPG • DECEMBER • 2018
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