Post by Blazing MX on May 20, 2009 6:46:32 GMT -6
For those interested, below is what I wrote for the announcers to feed off of at the upcoming Freestone natls this year. It will be paraphrased and reworded. Most of the information I got from Gene Ficker along with various documents I have discovered since becoming president.
The Waco Eagles Motorcycle Club is a private, AMA Chartered club. I am told that our club is the oldest continually operating AMA chartered club in America and the 2nd oldest club still in existence to this date. Founded in 1934 by a group of predominantly street riding motorcycle enthusiasts from the Central Texas area, the group would meet up on these street bikes and play with them in the dirt at one of the local rancher’s land, thus the beginning of various sorts of racing events. They held meetings at the local Harley shop once a month to discuss business and of course collect the all important membership dues, a mere .50 cents. As membership grew, the group would soon fall out of favor with the landowner and the club was faced with a big decision. Where to ride?
With the .50 cent per month revenue, plus a $1500.00 loan from the Westview National Bank, the club was able to purchase the land at our current location, 8 miles east of Waco at the Harrison Station junction near Hallsburg Texas. A fact that I found interesting was that the deed from the previous owner was written by the country of Mexico in exchange of stamps. We were the first to purchase this land as a part of the United States territory called Texas. The year was 1948.
Apparently some time had lapsed between the land purchase and the 1st recorded event held at Waco Eagles. Old timers tell me the first race was a ½ mile Flat Track event in 1954. That same ½ mile Flat Track is still in use today with the addition of a lighted ¼ mile Short Track inside of the ½ mile. Over the years, average enthusiasts as well as top pros have visited the now historical motorcycle club facility. AMA sanctioned Flat Track events are held to this day and it is not unusual to see Chris Carr and many other top riders show up on race day to ride Waco Eagles.
Anyone that knows a motorcycle rider should be aware that the riding comes first, bench racing second and no where on the list is the slightest thought of documenting names, dates, and other information to be passed down through the generations. Unfortunately for Waco Eagles, this has been the mindset of most of our riders throughout the years.
Somewhere in our history a few of our members’ thought it would be fun to try this new style of riding called Hound & Hare. It was a big hit and soon races of this sort would merge into the norm. In the 60’s, 70’s & early 80’s Cross-Country races were all the rage until this other new thing called motocross became popular in the 70’s. Motocross quickly became a favorite with many members of the club and membership grew rapidly. Over the years Waco has pumped out several pro racers in the Motocross style of riding. Chip Munn and Adam Mennenga are a couple that come to mind.
All things being what they are, Waco has never lost focus on their primary objective, to provide a family friendly, fun environment, for the motorcycle enthusiast. The club is member owned and entirely operated by volunteers. Never in our history have we had a payroll.
In addition to the lighted 1/4 mile "short track", and one of the only 1/2 mile oval tracks in these parts, Waco Eagles also has a 1.7 mile motocross track. Also on the facility you’ll find a TT track, a peewee track, beginner 80cc and under track, along with a very tight heavily wooded trail section. There is also grass sections to rip it up on if you’re into that.
Membership cost is $100. per year for a household family and entitles you to enjoy the tracks, trails and club facilities free of charge on non-event dates. It also entitles you and to discounts on race entry fees for those dates which events are scheduled. Free overnight camping is a favorite at the club and regularly scheduled Motocross races are held the 3rd Sunday of each month.
With the .50 cent per month revenue, plus a $1500.00 loan from the Westview National Bank, the club was able to purchase the land at our current location, 8 miles east of Waco at the Harrison Station junction near Hallsburg Texas. A fact that I found interesting was that the deed from the previous owner was written by the country of Mexico in exchange of stamps. We were the first to purchase this land as a part of the United States territory called Texas. The year was 1948.
Apparently some time had lapsed between the land purchase and the 1st recorded event held at Waco Eagles. Old timers tell me the first race was a ½ mile Flat Track event in 1954. That same ½ mile Flat Track is still in use today with the addition of a lighted ¼ mile Short Track inside of the ½ mile. Over the years, average enthusiasts as well as top pros have visited the now historical motorcycle club facility. AMA sanctioned Flat Track events are held to this day and it is not unusual to see Chris Carr and many other top riders show up on race day to ride Waco Eagles.
Anyone that knows a motorcycle rider should be aware that the riding comes first, bench racing second and no where on the list is the slightest thought of documenting names, dates, and other information to be passed down through the generations. Unfortunately for Waco Eagles, this has been the mindset of most of our riders throughout the years.
Somewhere in our history a few of our members’ thought it would be fun to try this new style of riding called Hound & Hare. It was a big hit and soon races of this sort would merge into the norm. In the 60’s, 70’s & early 80’s Cross-Country races were all the rage until this other new thing called motocross became popular in the 70’s. Motocross quickly became a favorite with many members of the club and membership grew rapidly. Over the years Waco has pumped out several pro racers in the Motocross style of riding. Chip Munn and Adam Mennenga are a couple that come to mind.
All things being what they are, Waco has never lost focus on their primary objective, to provide a family friendly, fun environment, for the motorcycle enthusiast. The club is member owned and entirely operated by volunteers. Never in our history have we had a payroll.
In addition to the lighted 1/4 mile "short track", and one of the only 1/2 mile oval tracks in these parts, Waco Eagles also has a 1.7 mile motocross track. Also on the facility you’ll find a TT track, a peewee track, beginner 80cc and under track, along with a very tight heavily wooded trail section. There is also grass sections to rip it up on if you’re into that.
Membership cost is $100. per year for a household family and entitles you to enjoy the tracks, trails and club facilities free of charge on non-event dates. It also entitles you and to discounts on race entry fees for those dates which events are scheduled. Free overnight camping is a favorite at the club and regularly scheduled Motocross races are held the 3rd Sunday of each month.
