 |
Mini-bike races were one of the activities at
Ratstock 2012. Photo by Robert H Kelly |
By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2012 TexSport Publications
PASADENA, TEXAS (June 16, 2012) Day one of Ratstock 2012 saw
local bands and a pin-up girl contest entertaining the fans at the Pasadena
Rodeo Fairgrounds in Pasadena, Texas.
However, the highlight of the afternoon was the mini-bike
races, which saw competitors racing on the dirt floor of the rodeo arena.
The course included both right and left-hand turns with
three to four riders competing in each heat.
All mini-bikes were required to be vintage models with no
transmissions or gear shifters allowed.
Engines were limited to no more than 6.5-horsepower engines
and were required to have a pull start.
Numerous heats were contested with the final consisting of
four riders taking to the course for a five-lap competition.
In the five-lap course race final, the winner was Farrel
Jeppesen of League City, Texas.
 |
Farrell Jeppeson of Clear Lake, Texas is presented the
Piston Trophy for winning the mini-bikes races by
Derrick Mauk, Master of Ceremonies of the Mini-Bike
Extravaganza at Ratstock 2012.
Photo by Robert H Kelly |
He bested all comers and took home the coveted Piston
Trophy.
His mini-bike sported a 6.5 horsepower Harbor Freight engine
with a McCooney carburetor.
He had previous competed in five races with Ratstock being
his first win.
The award for the Coolest Bike went to Paul Langdon of
Austin, Texas.
His mini-bike was a 70s style Honda trail bike with a 6.5
horsepower over-head cam engine.
The bike was set up in a military motif, with .50 caliber
ammo boxes as saddlebags.
The mini-bike races were sponsored by Dykes On Bykes, a
local rock band from Pasadena.
The festival was not just limited to the mini-bike races and
music preformed by local bands.
A classic car exhibition was also staged with over 80 pre-1965
cars on display.
Cars on display included a 1949 Willis Jeepster, 1931 Chevy,
1960 Cadillac Coupe de Ville, 1964 Buick Rivera 1953 Chevy club coupe, 1955 Chevy 3100 pickup truck,
 |
Heidi Van Horne (c) with Derrick Mauk (l), bass player
for Dykes on Bykes and Jay DuPuis (r), President of
PunkStar Industries. Photo by Robert H Kelly |
In addition, actress, pin-up model, and writer Heidi Van Horne was on hand to sign autographs, talk with vintage car enthusiasts and
display her 1960 Ford F100 truck, affectionately named Molly.
Heidi is currently rebuilding the truck, with the
restoration being the basis of a documentary entitled “Making Over Molly.”
Ratstock 2012 will continue on Sunday, May 17 with more
music, vintage car displays, and mini-bike races.
