Indian Day West
August 26th 2006
By Tom Lovejoy
The 26th of August was a special day here
in So Cal, especially for the fans of the Indian motorcycle. Thanks in large
part to the efforts
Of Eric
Vaughn and the NHRA Motorsports Museum
out in Riverside. It was a call from Eric which got us
interested. Eric is a real Indian
fan and
enthusiast, with his own collection of riders from Springfield.
And ride he does, Eric’s been hot on the heels of Max Bubecks record run
with his 101 Racer and was a regular racer at the Ventura races with his other 101, often doing
quite well. After hearing from Eric, several of us Indian faithful had to go. That morning we were out early and in the
saddle. Tom Hart and I just had to
ride our Indians to the event. Tim Graber was going to truck up a bunch
Indians, but his truck broke at the last moment so Tim two was in the saddle on
his Indian four cylinder. The only none Indian in our group was Tom’s son on
his new Harley. It was a beautiful, hot day and we had a great ride. What was
even better was what was waiting for us at the museum. For Indian fans, I think
it does not get any better.
There were famous people from Indians
glory days and several famous machines from those days long ago, and new
machines, too.
Some
freshly redone and some built from scratch, such as Kiwi’s new Chief – an
awesome machine! There were new built racers too,
that,
being pushed hard, had actually finally bested Max Bubeck's record run of so
many years ago. Max did not seem to mind, after all
it was our
own Jim Robinson and team (which Max is a part of) who did it. Tom Hensley
brought out Burt Munro’s Scout, the all time
Fastest
Indian. What a treat it was, Indian’s all over the place. More than most of us
have ever seen, I think, at least 80 machines.
From a 1905 V twin to some of the last
models to roll off the line in Springfield.
I think Hendee and Hedstrom themselves would have
been
pleased. Sammy Pierce’s son was there, along with many other famous Indian
folks who have done so much to keep the glorious
brand
alive. Bob Stark rode in on his Highway patrol Chief. Way to go Bob! Lee
Standley, Jerry Greer, John Bevens, Kiwi Mike Tomas,
Smoky,
Dave from The Shop out in Ventura
was there. Bob Nichols was roaring around like a kid in his twenties on a very
powerful and
Fast Sport
Scout racer. What a thrill it was to have Bob fly by on that Scout. There was Power
Pluses, Bobbers, Chief’s, Scout’s, four cylinders, and singles. It was one big,
glorious mix of Indians. Several of our chapter was present and we made a good
showing. Sorry for my lack of knowledge, as I am sure I have missed some of the
famous folks' names that were there that day. One thing that can’t be denied
though: it was a very special day that all enjoyed very much. Hats off to Eric Vaughn
and the folks at the museum, and all else who helped to put it on! It was day
that will supply fond memories for years to come. Well Done.
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