Shades of the original Barstow-to-Vegas desert races of the past! Unlimited Off-Road Racing has added motorcycles to The California 300 Off-Road Race! Multiple classes will compete on a three lap, 60+ mile bike course designed by Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Famer Johnny Campbell, that will challenge even the most seasoned desert motorcycle racers. “Barstow has always been a mecca for bike riding and testing," notes Campbell. "I am stoked to be helping bike racing return in a major way to Barstow. There is a lot of fantastic terrain out here for bikes and the team at Unlimited Off-Road Racing has given me the freedom to put together an amazing bike course."
Barstow has a long history of motorcycle racing beginning in 1964 with the famed “Barstow-to-Vegas" in 1964. The early years of racing in Barstow were defined by the true daredevil spirit and fierce American independence of motorcycle racing spotlighted by the legendary Phantom Duck, Louis McKey, who later joined forces with Dirt Bike Magazine's Rick "Super Hunky" Siemen to battle land closures and keep desert racing alive. This year's event is expected to attract motorcycle racers from around the country to battle it out for a chance to etch their name into the history books alongside the greats such as Larry Roeseler, Malcolm Smith, Jack Johnson, J.N. Roberts and Max Switzer.
“Motocross, supercross, desert racing, hill climbing, and free riding used to be more directly connected," explains Unlimited Off-Road Racing CEO, Matt Martelli. "We want The California 300 to be the catalyst to reconnect off-road bike culture in America. Years ago if you rode a bike, you pretty much rode everything. Bikes are the gateway to off-roading and most off-road racers started on a bike somewhere in their childhood. They are still the most affordable way to off-road. We welcome all the men and women on two wheels to come to be a part of The California 300!"
The green flag will drop at the Official California 300 Barstow Main Start/Finish Line on Friday, October 6th just after sunrise and the race will end grand prix style when the first pro motorcycle has crossed the finish line. Included in the race are three vintage classes amongst 16 sportsman and pro classes. Race registration is now open here:
https://thecalifornia300.com/register/?mc_cid=34d82253e9&mc_eid=f3593d64dd
