HELVETIA MX PARK

                 

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Helvetia Park was located near West Sacramento Ca.

Right off of Old River Road - Best little (tree shaded) MX track ever!

Also Known as Cal-Am Park

 

  

 

 

A few decent size motocross events were held there and quite a few MX legends raced at Helvetia back in the day during the 60’s & 70's, And a few even came from other countries – I heard Lars Larson was there and I remember seeing Koji Masuda from Japan there one time.

 

COORS TRANS-AME SERIES 

 

Darrell Shultz at Helvetia Park Coors Trans-AME Series Open Class

GOLDEN STATE SERIES

Koji Masuda at 1978 Golden State Series Helvetia Park

 

Lars Larson (Not Helvetia) Unknown Photo Credit

If you were fortunate to have been into the Motocross scene back in the 70s like I was, then you witnessed and experienced what may have been the best time to not only be alive, but the greatest years in Motocross history.

Helvetia Park - late 70s - Unknown photo Credit

Jim Moe at Helvetia MX Park AKA Cal-Am Park - Jim Moe Photo

 

Jim Moe #164 at Helvetia MX park s AKA Cal-Am Park - Jim Moe Photo

Helvetia MX Park 1974 - Andy Medin Photo

Helvetia MX Park 1974 - Andy Medin Photo

Helvetia MX Park 1974 - Andy Medin Photo

 Before my time:  

Helvetia MX track was the place to race, for quite a few motocrosser's back in the 60's and early 70s, Paving the way, in the very beginning and instilling the passion in us starry eyed youngsters who watched as they raced in the dirt on stripped down motorcycles initially built for Off-Road /trail riding or city streets with about 4" of suspension travel. Back then, Scrambles and Motocross tracks were laid out on natural terrain and were staked out with stick fencing, car tires, ribbon tape, and maybe a few bales of hay here and there.  

Our Kawasaki 90cc Bushmaster

Suzuki BP 80cc and Kawasaki 90cc Bushmaster stripped for the dirt

From the late 60's, and all through the 70's, The Sport of Motocross gained a lot of popularity all across America. In fact the entire World, was witnessing a major evolution in motocross, including MX race bikes, with advances in technology and designs, seemingly every year during that time period.

This one little MX track next to the Sacramento River known as Helvetia Park was a part of that history.

There is a Web page dedicated to the History of Helvetia Park years before it became a Motocross track, where people enjoyed picnics, Bar-B-Ques, Mariachi bands on Saturday nights, concerts, dancing and fun times,  and it also had a really nice sized and very popular swimming pool back in the 50’s, 60’s.  Eventually in the early 70’s, and into the 80's it was mainly used for motocross racing -  

I found out through my research that a fellow NorCal Motocross racer, James DaPrato, had a rock & roll band and played at festivals there during the 80's along with several other bands. His Brother is none other than Danny Magoo Chandlers Motocross racing Sponsor & Mechanic back in the day and a Pro MX racer himself during the 70's - Billy DaPrato 

James DaPrato

 

Billy DaPrato & Dave Duarte (RIP) with Danny Chandlers Maico replica race bike

Billy DaPrato - Billy DaPrato Photo

Three Motocross legends raced at Helvetia years before they would become well known Motocross Champions / legends.

One would make it all the way to the top step of the 500cc World Mx GP Championships and another would become a MX AMA 500cc National Champion and another, a MX Series Champion & Trophy Des Nation legend! And a fan favorite around the World! – Brad Lackey, Darrell Shultz, and Danny Magoo Chandler, (RIP) 

Brad Lackey at Sears Point - George McNamara Photo

 

Brad Lackey 60s

Brad Lackey 1971? at Carnegie - Me & brother Jody

Darrell Shultz 1978 Helvetia Golden State Series

 

 

Darrell Shultz 1978 Helvetia GSS

 Danny Magoo Chandler - at Helvetia 70s

Lee Sutton - Pauli-Mon - Paul Fleshman

Photo Credits Lee Sutton - Paul Fleshman

 

Top National Motocross / NorCal Pro’s, Billy Grossi, Donnie Cantaloupi, Danny Turner, Pat Richter, Dana Waxham, and many more, raced at this Idyllic tree covered track; Racing for decent sized Motocross series Purses, Prizes and most importantly… Bragging Rights.

 BILLY GROSSI

 

Billy Grossi - photo

Donnie Cantaloupi

 

 

Donnie Cantaloupi at Helvetia Coors Trans -AME 1978

Donnie Cantaloupi Helvetia Coors Trans-AME 1978

 

Donnie Cantaloupi at Helvetia 1978 GSS - Donnie Cantaloupi photo

  Pat Richter 

 

 

Pat Richter at Helvetia 1978 Golden State Series Donald Mott Sr Photo

Danny Turner

Danny Turner #522 at Helvetia Park early 70s - Andy Medin Photo

Danny Turner at Helvetia early 70s - Paul Fleshman photo

Back in 1978 at Helvetia Park, Danny Turner Won both moto's of the final Golden State Series event and the Overall 125cc series win. 

Dana Waxham

Dana Waxham at Sacramento Raceway Friday night MX

Dana Waxham Hangtown 80s

Dana Waxham: Won four motos on a Labor Day weekend Event at Helvetia back in 1977 when he was an Amateur on a 125cc Suzuki RM - He won a brand new 1977 Honda CR125. Dana tied with another rider in another class with four moto wins, and the deciding tie breaker was that Dana led more laps, thus was awarded the Grand prize!

 

The ReMemories:

Back in 1976? I remember The Vohland Family - Specifically Tyson Vohland at Helvetia Park When he raced his mini Indian or Italia 50cc, and his father Tom would run all around Helvetia track in case Tyson crashed, and his little brother Tallon, I believe, may have still been in Diapers? - There are now Four Generations of Motocross Racing Vohland's in the family legacy! 

 Vohland MX racing Family 

I read a FB comment - Magoo's dad "Big Dan" would have to fetch Danny out of the swimming pool - because his bike was waiting for him at the starting gate! - 

(B/Moore commented on Vital/MX) 

Magoo did Belly Flops! -

 (Disclaimer) - I’m not sure if the Belly Flops comment meant while Magoo was at the pool? Or on the track?) As most of you know, Magoo was known to crash "Once in a While"

Danny Magoo Chandler at Helvetia 1975-76? - Paul Fleshman Photo

Danny Magoo Chandler at Helvetia 73-74 - Unknown Photo Credit

 

 

 

Helvetia Park Pool - Unknown photo credit

 

 

 

Danny Magoo Chandler RIP with his Father Big Dan RIP - Snipped from Magoo DVD Video

The amount of stories I hear seem endless as well as the list of Motocross Pro's from the past, who raced at Helvetia Park – Such as, Rex Staten, Pat Richter, Jeff Ward, Brian Myerscough Danny Turner, Darrell Shultz, Dick Mann, and many more.

Rex Staten at Helvetia 1978 Golden State Series

Jeff Ward at Helvetia 1978 Golden State Series

Pat Richter at Helvetia 1978 Golden State Series

Possibly Brian Myerscough at Helvetia 1978 Golden State Series

Remembering: As many as I can here - NorCal MX racers who raced at Helvetia - from beginners to Expert class, Darrell & Dean Shultz, Danny Magoo Chandler, Danny Turner, Dick Mann, Andy Medin, Jim Moe, Billy & James DaPrato, David Wood, Pat Wilson, Brian & Brett Coulson, Jimmy Boy (Kamikaze) Robertson, Emmett Ramirez, Jon Yourd & Family, The Chapman’s Randy & Darryl - The McCrary Family - Steve & Jeff and the Coleman’s Lance & Larry - the Twin Moto Bros! – The Cantaloupi's Donnie & Cory - Steve & Greg Jump, Brian & Jim Vlahos RIP. - Pat Piazza & Family, The Sullivan's Marc & Keith, - Jody Gentry - Bud Lemke - Kevin Ichimura, Jeff Denny, Darryl Mayer, Beau Magly, Mark Zeissler, Jim Lesniewski, Dave Coupe, Eric McKenna, Chalma Roberts, Joey Schlagg, Star Needham, Jeff Johnson, Jeff & Jon Frank, Brett Freed, Bobby Meyers, Randy Losh, Dean Wiggins, Dan Waller, Larry Wosick, Brian Jodry, George McNamara, Jerome Heiberger, Alan & Tony Berluti, Pete Langley, Robert & Gaylon Norton, Buel and Billy Campbell, Jerome White, Tim Aston, Mark Hilton & Family, Mark Gibson, Richard Dix, Tom Odekirk, Phil Crane, Bill Ferry, Dave Rearick, Jeff & Todd Anselmo from Vacaville, Lance and Shaun Beauchamp, Shawn Hybarger, Tad Gubman, Tay Gragg, Kevin Henry, and so many others that it would take a whole other blog to list and post photos of, Including all the Old timers and Veteran Motocrosser's from back in the day.

A major supporter and part of the NorCal Motocross family back then was Fred Lewis with his 14+ member Motocross Team. 

 "Fred Lewis Construction Racing Team"

 

Awesome! Andy Medin at Marysville - Andy Medin Photo

Jeff McCrary 27G & Gene Franklin F56 at Helvetia - Jeff McCrary Photo

Jon Yourd at 1978 Helvetia Golden State Series

 

Cory Cantaloupi at Helvetia

Jim Moe at Helvetia - Jim Moe Photo

David Wood Friday Night MX at Sacramento Raceway - David Wood Photo

 

David Wood 1973 at Helvetia - David Wood Helvetia video

 

#72 Jimmy Boy Robertson #183 Bill Ferry at Helvetia

Jimmy "Kamikaze" Robertson

James DaPrato at Helvetia early 70s - James DaPrato Photo

James DaPrato at Helvetia early 70s - James DaPrato Photo

Ted Rogers (RIP) at Helvetia 70s

Lance / Larry Coleman - Twin MX Bros at Marysville - Coleman Photo

Emmet Rameriz at Helvetia - Emmet Rameriz Photo

Jeff Denny ahead of Danny Magoo Chandler - Jeff Denny Photo

Darryl Mayer at Marysville track - Darryl Mayer Photo

Mark Zeissler Looks like Helvetia - Mark Zeissler Photo

 

Jim Lesniewski ahead of Danny Turner - Unknown Photo Credit

 

Kevin Ichimura at Helvetia 70s - Kevin Ichimura Photo

 

Pat Piazza at Helvetia 70s - Pat Piazza Photo

 

Randy Losh at Plymouth Andy Medin Photo

Randy Chapman Plymouth Track Andy Medin Photo

Phil Crane at Plymouth - Andy Medin Photo

Jeff Johnson at Hangtown 77 

More Fred Lewis Team members

Mark Rubberman Gibson Paul Fleshman Photo

Mike Beier Argyle / Dixon 1979 

Pete Langley at Argyle/Dixon Pete Langley Photo

Pat Wilson McGills - Paul Fleshman Photo

Brian Jodry Paul Fleshman Photo

 

 

Kevin Henry RIP - Paul Fleshman Photo

 

Shaun Beauchamp? at Plymouth - Andy Medin Photo

 

Possibly Tad Gubman at 1981 Helvetia Golden State Series

Steve Jump ahead of Dave Coupe' 1981 Prairie City OHV - Tom Stover Photo

 

Richard Dix Helvetia - Richard Dix Photo

Tom Odekirk at Live Oak - Tom Oderkirk Photo

Tay Gragg - Plymouth Track

Billy DaPrato #18 On the Gas! - Billy DaPrato Photo

When the Pro Classes lined up at the gate at Helvetia, the fans, Novices, and Amateur Motocrosser's rushed to the edge of the track to watch and learn. We were in Awe of their skills, talent, and especially their miraculous abilities to think and go that fast while handling a 200 lbs rocket on wheels, on a Motocross course with huge Oak tree's at every corner, swapping the lead back and forth like Precisioned Mad Men! 

 

Pat Richter - Helvetia - Looks Like Brian Coulson in street clothes on the Suzuki

Unknown Rider - 1978 Golden State Series Helvetia - Donald Mott Sr Photo

 

Darrell Shultz - 1978 Golden State Series Helvetia - Donald Mott Sr photo

 #1 Donnie Cantaloupi at Helvetia - Donnie Cantaloupi Photo

Danny Turner - Unknown Photo Credit

George McNamara - Not Helvetia - George McNamara photo

Unknown at Helvetia 1978 Golden State Series Donald Mott Sr Photo

Danny Magoo Chandler 1975-76? - Paul Fleshman Photo?

 

Joey Schlagg - 1978 Golden State Series Helvetia Donald Mott Sr Photo

Pat Richter Golden State Series Helvetia - Donald Mott Sr Photo

Dave Coupe' Vintage racing - Dave Coupe' Photo

David Wood #361 Sears Point - David Wood Photo

David Wood from Vacaville Ca 

Dean Shultz - Darrell Shultz - Larry Wosick at Marysville track 70s

Tributes:

There were fathers, mothers, and friends as well as significant others who were there every weekend at the MX track, who would always lend a hand to help them re-hydrate and offer words of encouragement and also help prepare or repair their race bikes after practices or in between moto's - I remember a fellow racer's father willing to fix a bent rim or replace a fouled spark plug or a friend of a friend figuring out an ignition problem or even welding a cracked frame or two for us.

The Awesome MX track people handling all the riders entries, signing them up for each race and scoring every riders bike number, as they moto'd on by each lap throughout the day - To "Little Ronnie" waving the checkered flag as well as Random Volunteers flagging the corners in case a rider crashed, no matter the weather conditions, and taking care of everything else behind the scenes, so us Motocrosser's could race.  

Unknown Woman track person at Helvetia - 1973 David Wood Video - Credit

Richard Fern: "Parts in the Pits" The "Race Saver" Guy! He is the epitome of Dedication when it comes to always being there every weekend for 50 Years! The last time I saw him was just a few years ago in 2023 - at the Dirt Digger's North MC Lilliputian event selling motorcycle parts at Prairie City SVRA! - I was so surprised at seeing him there - it had been a long time since the last time we met - I believe it was back in 2003? at the Sacramento Friday night MX races - We both reminisced and told each other stories about back in the day for a while - He was saying something about retiring soon? - (Edit) I called Richard and he mentioned that he finally retired and will be 91 years old at the end of September 2025 - he is doing well.

Richard Fern with Mar and his "Parts in the Pits" Set up - 2023 - Tom Stover Photo

 

Richard Fern 2023 - Tom Stover Photo

All the kind people like Steve and Jeff McCrary's Mother Sherelda McCrary, and Sallee Hilton, Jill Smith, Lee Taylor, And Andy Medin who wrote columns for Sacramento Bee and Cycle News! Traveling to the Motocross races to provide weekly local and national motocross results for the Sports columns section.

Steve Vlahos AKA Steve Jump

 

Steve Vlahos AKA Steve Jump

Special Tribute to:

Dick Bugsy Mann - (RIP) 

I first saw him race motocross at Carnegie MX track when I was 11 years old back in 1971. Dick was a rare talent, competing and succeeding at the national level in dirt track, road racing, and motocross. He helped pioneer motocross in the U.S. and was known for his mechanical skills and dedication, influencing many of the sport's future stars - I would see Dick Mann racing the Old Timers and Vet Classes at the Local Motocross tracks here in NorCal to include Helvetia MX track. He raced his BSA (4-Stroke) Thumper and won pretty much every time! - The Photo below was back in 1986 at the Magoo benefit event. That's my twin brother Todd talking with the legend. 

Dick Mann with my Twin Brother Todd 1986 - Tom Stover Photo

Dick Mann's AJS - Tom Stover Photo

Dick Mann - 60's - Dick Mann Collection Photo

 Danny Magoo Chandler (RIP)

Darrell Shultz & Danny Chandler - Both Win at Sears Point Trans AMA Together

To witness both Darrell and Danny winning that day was one of the best days in NorCal Motocross History!

 

Danny Chandler 1975 at Helvetia -Unknown Photo Credit - Paul Fleshman?

Danny Magoo Chandler Tribute Collage - By Tom Stover - Web Search Photo Sources 

What is there to say that hasn't already been said - Danny is surely missed and Thanks to Everyone keeping his memory alive, who witnessed "Magoo" race here in Northern California for many years, and the fans from all around the world who watched him win races in other states and countries, making history - and becoming the Fans Favorite rider to watch everywhere he raced

A Very Special Thank you to Doriano Zacchilli and Jeff Frank for The Danny Magoo Chandler Facebook page where the memories of our beloved Magoo will live on forever! ♥

"Magoo was Fearless" - Darrell Shultz

Danny Chandler at Magoo Benefit event 1986 Surrounded & supported by So many fellow Mx Racers - Tom Stover Photo

MOTORCYCLE DEALERS / Sponsors - Some are still in business and some are long gone - 😔

Eurocycle Orangevale, Ca. - Gene's Suzuki Loomis, Ca. - Mike's Cycle Placerville, Ca. - Woodland Sports Center, Woodland, Ca. - Woodland Kawasaki Center Woodland, Ca. - Powell's Alameda Honda, Ca. - Cycle Rider Supply Fairfield, Ca. - Coleman's Husqvarna Stockton, Ca. - McGill's Cycle Stockton, Ca. - Hi-Point (Sacramento & Rancho Cordova) Ca. - B & T Kawasaki Sacramento, Ca. - D & T Automotive Sacramento, Ca. - C & R Cycle World Auburn, Ca. - DIRT FACTORY Concord, Ca. - Cycle West Petaluma, Ca. - D & D Cycles Pacifica, Ca. (Just to name a few)

BUSINESS SPONSORS - Elk Grove Ready Mix - Pro-Trac Trailers - Fred Lewis Construction - More To be added ...

Helvetia MX Park - Andy Medin Photo

 

Helvetia Park early 70s Andy Medin Photo

 

G Thomas Edwards at Helvetia - Found his Cool photo on a Website

 

Fred Dion - B.O.S.S. Motocross CMC

During a weekend series event at Helvetia, there would be over 200 Pros and around 600 sportsmen racers signed up to include the mini’s and powder puff classes and Fred Dion the Promoter said “The last race would end at about 9pm” and sometimes they would have to reposition vehicles and turn on the headlights to get the last race in. Fred and his wife Mary (RIP), daughters, Art and others helped with getting everything ready for race day, placing tires around the track and also people like Charlie Murch would operate the water truck.  All of them working together - were a big part of running all those races efficiently. Fred’s daughters were also the trophy girl’s ♥

 Jody Gentry & Bud Lemke

Helvetia 1975 Rubber Band Start - Bud Lemke with the Holeshot - Mom/Carolyn Oreta Photo

 

 

 

Jody Gentry 1975 at Helvetia on 1975 Suzuki RM125 - Mom / Carolyn Oreta Photo

Back Then -

Helvetia Park just seemed to be a special place at the right time for a lot of us – in those days gone by… so long ago. 

Fortunately, the Memories and stories still live on through all of us. I have a few of my own, and I also have seen and heard about a few unfortunate riders, who's memories might be a little foggy and not the ones they would care to remember; Especially after crashing into a tree!

Jim Moe at Helvetia AKA Cal-Am - Action Photo

 

 

Cory Cantaloupi at Helvetia - Photo

Rubberband start Helvetia Park Early 70s - Andy Medin Photo

Helvetia Park Early 70s - Andy Medin Photo

Helvetia Park Early Years Andy Medin Photo

Anyone remember the Mattress wired to the tree at the end of the first turn? I just read a comment the other day from someone who said his father donated one of their Mattresses to Helvetia Track back in the late 60’s. Or how about jumping the start and getting that dreaded rubber band burn on the neck and half the riders would get tangled up as well, when they had the rubber band starts, or swimming in the Greenish Brown colored pool water, or what about when Charlie watered the start straight to include the first turn right before your MOTO!! ☺ I never did thank him for that?

What I'm trying to emphasize here is... Helvetia Park Track, definitely had it's flaws and those outhouses after a long hot and muggy day of racing, was to die for? 😵

What I found and think is funny, is a lot of people to this day still remember and rave about them "French Fries" that were made right there at the snack bar, out of real potatoes with the potato skin still left on!

To this day, I still reminisce about Helvetia Park, and whenever our family takes a flight out of Sacramento Airport. I always make sure to get a window seat so I can look down and point as the plane practically flies right over where Helvetia track was located and quickly take a photo or two and then of course, every time I have to tell my wife about how I "Hole Shot" the first turn and got my first win at Helvetia! -  The first time I told her that she said "You Shot What?" - Lol.

Round area of Tree's is where Helvetia MX Track was - Tom Stover Photo

 

My Photos from the plane - Tom Stover Photo

I was nicknamed “The Mud Dauber” at Helvetia by Mr. Jim Vlahos RIP - because he saw me slipping and sliding sideways in a muddy corner, tap dancing with my right foot, trying to keep from falling. Hey? It worked! - I would like to see Fred Astaire tap dance with motocross boots on?! - on a 175 Lbs MX Bike - In the mud!... without Tap dancing lessons! 🎤drop

Exact Moment I was nicknamed "Mud Dauber" - Tom Stover Photo

   

  So many Motocrosser's raced at Helvetia over the years; And families, friends, and "Pit Tootsie's even, were always by their side to support and cheer them on every Sunday, creating one big Motocross family.

 My Very first experience at Helvetia was back in 1975. I was 15 years old and my Stepfather Richard Oreta bought a 1975 Suzuki RM 125 from "Powell's Alameda Honda" in Alameda Ca. and he let Jody Gentry and Bud Lemke race his brand new Bike there a few times. Me, my Stepfather, mother, and brothers were excited to watch the races and take in the sights and sounds. Little did I know at the time that I would be racing my own Suzuki RM125 a year later.

Racing motocross back then is etched so vividly in my memories, of me and my twin brother Todd getting up early in the morning and driving from Loomis, California; Just a short 25 minutes away in my old 1962 Ford Econoline van, (former Pacific Bell Telephone Company vehicle) listening to the Eagles, “Hotel California” and Manfred Mann’s, “Blinded by the Light” - Boston’s, “More than a Feeling” and “Hitch a Ride” on my radio/ 8-track player at 5:30 in the morning, making our way down Old River Road alongside the Sacramento River, while it was still dark, arriving before the park opened and being first in line at the front gate.

Me next to my 1962 Ford Econoline Van - Tom Stover photo

Tom Stover at Helvetia MX Park 1977

Helvetia Park Unknown Riders 1974 Andy Medin Photo

Helvetia Park - Unknown Rider Andy Medin Photo

 One Time Ago

Unloading the race bike on a crisp cool morning, felt so surreal, while making small talk, saying hi to friends, and competitors nearby as the anticipation started to slowly ramp up inside you, and then… 

You hear that first race bike start up, and then another as a symphony of race bikes begin to echo throughout the park like music to your ears, as the air began to fill with that awesome smell of two stroke exhaust, while the sun started to slowly rise up from behind the corn fields and the first few rays of sunlight begin to glisten through the tree branches… Smoke seemingly dancing all around – And in an instant… You feel a flutter of excitement that begins to release a few butterflies in your stomach. The moment floods your senses, the anticipation, the prepping, the waiting, all week long… was finally happening… right in front of your own eyes!

The Competition, The friends, the excitement of it all – A transcending feeling that you still can’t explain to this very day that was somehow slowly being embedded into your heart and soul... forever.

Everything around you begins to slow… The sights, the sounds, mesmerizing your senses as you turn your head slowly and glance over at the riders already on the track, checking out their lines and then… Woh! - Who is that pretty blue eyed, blonde haired girl standing over there? ... Am I dreaming? … Hey! – Hey Tom! -– TOM! – Huh? – Are you gonna go Practice? Or stare at the girl all day? – Wait? What!? Oh $h!!T! - Where’s my goggles!?

Those were the days! – Racing Motocross on a shoe string budget and always daydreaming about girls, Um I mean, of being a "Motocross Champion" someday just like Roger De Coster or Brad Lackey, Marty Smith or Bob Hannah!

FYI - Back in 1977 - I went to Adelante Continuation school my last year of High School in Roseville Ca. when it was located at the Roseville Fairgrounds back then. I thought about Motocross racing every single day as I worked odd jobs as much as possible so I could race 4 to 6 months a year during the years of 1975-1979 - Everything revolved around racing Motocross.

High School Art Class

High School Pottery Class

I still believe those were the best times of my younger life back then! Racing Motocross and being with Motocross Friends and Families.

                            

Me at Helvetia 1977

Now, that I have more time to reminisce about those times in my life; I often think that maybe... just maybe, Helvetia Park may have been a magical place after all?

The Stories I have read and hear to this very day about how special Helvetia was to them, and racing Motocross, has a way of rekindling up heartfelt memories in all of us, as it takes you back once again to those wonderful times, remembering how we all had this common bond without question, while doing what we loved at this one cherished location and still very passionate about to this day - Motocross…  The Most Bad-Ass Coolest Sport on the Planet!

The words used to describe Helvetia Park, all have a common theme, and reflect how most of us felt and still do. So many comments with the words Special, Loved that Place! Friends, Family, Good times!

Andy Medin commented on one of his Iconic photos, that Helvetia Park had a Magical Atmosphere.

A Fellow Racer Beau Magly and I commented on Facebook about the good ol days at Helvetia and I believe he summed it up best - 

"The Best Family Camping in my book!" - "I made lots of friends as an Amateur there in my early racing days  - I loved all of it! The Lewis Racing Camp was a Great place to hang out around the camp fire - I had a major crush on Marcy Lewis back in the day!" 

Exactly Beau you nailed it! and who? didn't have a crush on Marcy! ♥

When I replied to Beau Magly with a photo of Fred and all his Fred Lewis Team members, he said it brought a tear to his eye. and I have to admit - Remembering those wonderful times back then at Helvetia does that to me also.

Helvetia Park 1977 - Tom Stover Photo

Helvetia early 70s - Andy Medin Photo

Helvetia early 70s - Andy Medin Photo

Helvetia early 70s - Andy Medin Photo

Helvetia early 70s - Andy Medin Photo

#2 Ted Rogers (RIP) - Jim Moe #79 - Joe Abicht #55 at Helvetia - Jim Moe Photo

Helvetia 1977 (Me #78) Brian Coulson Suzuki Jersey far right - Tom Stover Photo

Helvetia MX Park 70s - Photo Credit - Andy Medin

I must give a huge shout out and thanks to all the Motocross Photographers and Photojournalist who captured photos of an era in Motocross that can never be duplicated ever again, back in a time when we weren’t as worried about life passing us by, accept of course when we were on the track racing 39 other competitors!

Helvetia Park - Andy Medin Photo

Helvetia Early 70s - Andy Medin Photo

 And to think, this one little tree covered Motocross track known as Helvetia Park near a river could manifest a story line after all these decades beyond what any of us could have ever imagined... sharing a special bond, from a place and time like no other.

It truly was the Best of Times and I believe many of us would agree to that - 100%!

  When I talk about my racing days - I always say that there was nothing better than the feeling you get sailing off a jump and or roosting a berm, passing another rider, seeing that checkered flag and crossing the finish line in first place; Winning.

Believe it or not, it was the races that I had to come from the back of the pack, (first turn crash or just a bad start) and end up with a top five or even a top ten finish that I'm most proud of, remembering how hard I pushed myself instead of giving up.

Charging from the back of the pack at Prairie City 1977 Novice 125cc days

Now that I'm much older, I realize how fortunate I was to experience that during those times in my life. I never made it past Amateur level but Motocross made an impact on my life at a time when I needed something to believe in and also taught me lessons I never learned in school or at home.

Training and practicing and racing motocross kept me away from the peer pressure, drugs, drinking, and partying during my high school years.

I worked hard for what I earned and I also learned to respect what I had - I appreciated and still remember the help and support I was given by kind people and never took anything for granted.

And the reason I say all this is because when I think of Helvetia Park and racing motocross, it reminds me of that.

One last thing, and I sincerely mean this:

To all you wonderful Down to Earth Motocross friends, competitors, families, other half's, and yes, including those of you who; considered yourselves as… “Just a Pit Rat - Helping out a friend”

“Thank You” - For being there, because... without all of you… it just wouldn’t have been the same. ♥

… We were all living the Dream back in those Amazing times of Motocross during the 60’s & 70's, my friends, “Living the Dream” – Tom Stover

70s Motocross photos of me were taken by my very first Girl Friend Jennifer and Helvetia is where I first saw her and I became a believer in Love at First Sight after that day. I am forever thankful for these priceless Motocross photos. ♥

Tom Stover 1977

  

80s 

Tom Stover 1981

Twin Brother Todd 1981 Practicing at McGill's track / Prairie City OHV

 THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR YOUR TIME AND ALLOWING ME TO ADD YOU & YOUR PHOTOS, AND INFORMATION TO MY HELVETIA PARK 

"One Time Ago" Blog

 

 *Disclaimer - Sorry to those I did not get permission to add you and your photos to this blog and if this is not okay, please let me know in comments and I will remove. 

 

Extra Thank You to JIM MOE

For The Helvetia Park Action Photos

From the Past! 

  

A Very BIG! - THANK YOU!

to

 ANDY MEDIN!

 

FOR ALL YOUR AMAZING PHOTOS!

You captured the true essence of it all on film

 

Andy Medin - Marysville E street

 

 

To Be Continued -

 

"1982 500cc National AMA Champion" Darrell Shultz - Hoping he might be providing us readers with a racing story from Helvetia in the near future. 

 

Your Personal Helvetia MX stories can be added in the comments below. Please keep it Short & Sweet, Clean and Safe - Thank you!