by Lois Pollard-Grant

SuperMoto comes to Western Speedway for the first time in June.

And just what is SuperMoto?

According to the series spokesman Carl Blake - "It's about 75% pavement - 25% dirt - with a jump in the middle." However, Western Speedway's layout will include two jumps in the June 21st show.

The riders race specialized dirt bikes that have an oversized front disc brake, and hand-cut road racing slicks. They ride in excess of 100 mph on the paved straight, slide through left turns and right corners - and rip it up in the dust.

It's fun and it's configurated for everyone from amateur to professional.

SuperMoto is a relatively inexpensive way ($1000 - $8000 US) to experience the precise handling of road racing and the extreme acceleration and handling of dirt bike racing.

Western Speedway management are expecting a minimum rider turnout of 60 - 67, from a total of approximately 100 entries.

The bulk of entrants are from Washington State, as well as regulars from Victoria, Vancouver, Oregon and Northern California.

From Victoria is Oliver Jerves, the Victoria SuperMoto Series founder. He is an AMA professional road racer; and editor for Canadian Bikers Magazine.

Also from Victoria is Jeff Evenenton, a Canadian professional motor crosser, and the reigning king of Western Speedway SuperMoto.

Big names from the States include Carl Blake of Woodinville, WA., and Tyler Sandell from Seattle, WA.

Blake is a two-time American SuperMoto champ, and the 2002 American delegate to the SuperMoto World Championships.

Sandell is the 2001 champion and current #2 plate holder. The day's program which runs from 9 am - 3 pm, consists of morning practice sessions and heat races. Following a lunch break, the "Terminator Dash for Cash" and trophy class main events will be run off.

The headline race - the SuperMoto Prestige Main Event concludes what promises to be an exciting all-day event.