The Southwest Voice

larger view larger view

Once again this year, on the first Saturday night of the 2008 Kern County Fair (Sept. 20), the Arena will welcome back the roar of dirt track motorcycle racing. This will be the fourth year in a row that Eddie Mulder LTD. will present the Digger Helm Short Track National.

Mulder, who lives in Littlerock, Calif., and Bakersfield’s Digger Helm have been friends for over 50 years and grew up racing each other. Both were touring professionals for many years, and Mulder went into the movie stuntman business when he retired from racing. Both Mulder and Helm are members of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

They both remember how tough it was on the road — racing in a different town night after night. In their early years, sponsors were unheard of. After attending one of Mulder’s events, Helm decided to sponsor what is now called the Digger Helm Pro Class.

“I felt that if we could get some money in the pockets of these young riders, they could have a chance to chase their dream like we did,” said Helm.

This year will be a special one for local 2-wheel fans.  So far seven “touring pros” have confirmed that they will be on hand to take part in the Bakersfield event. Henry Wiles of Blanchard, Mich., the latest National Championship Short Track winner heads that list. Wiles won the final short track National in Springfield, Ill. on Aug. 30.  Jared Mees from Clio, Mich, who is a former winner of the local event and twice runner up for the No. 1 national ranking, will also take to the track.

“We’ve heard rumors about some other pros that may show up, but nothing official at this time,” said Helm.

According to Mulder, they run classes for all ages. Last year the youngest rider was 5 years old. The oldest rider? Retired stuntman Bob Harris at 85 years young. This will be the first race back for Harris, who was injured two months ago in Hanford, Calif.

“Bob is one tough little dude,” said Helm. “He went end over end three times. Most of the younger riders would have just taken the rest of the year off ... but not Bob.”

The highlight of the evenings races will be the final event of the night, the Digger Pro Main Event. With over $12,000 in prize money up for grabs, this event is the highest paying short track in the Western U.S.

The event is free to anyone who attends the fair on Saturday, Sept. 20. Practice will start at 4:30 with the first qualifying heat starting at 6 p.m.