The Commercial-News, Danville, IL

Local News

Related Photos

  • Deb Edwards

    Motorcycles

Discussion

June 30, 2008

Local club co-hosts weekend event

BY BARBARA GREENBERG

A very different group will take over Saturday at the local fairgrounds off U.S. Route 150 on the heels of the Vermilion County Fair.

These clubs won’t be showing livestock or competing with projects that hearken back to agricultural roots. Instead, they’ll spend the day bonding over bikes — motorcycles, that is.

The first half of the third annual Dash for Cash Charity Event — the show and entertainment portion — will return to Danville at a new location. Previously, the Vermilion County Airport was the site of this part of the two-day motorcycle event. Danville’s Speed Mastaz is one of four clubs hosting the fundraiser, which continues Sunday with races at US 41 Raceway Park in Morocco, Ind.

“We’re a not-for-profit group,” Tim “Soup Bone” Dockery, the Danville club’s president, said. “Any profit we make is split up between the hosting clubs. We donate our share to charity.”

Last year, that profit amounted to $15,000. Members of the Speed Mastaz selected three charities to benefit this year: Danville Area Community College’s Child Development Center, Boys & Girls Club and Your Family Resource Connection’s homeless shelter.

The bikes that members of the club ride look built for speed as well as show. Todd Hutchins, Speed Mastaz member, named Suzukis, Kawasakis and Hondas as among the most popular. Their Asian origins account for the affectionate nickname they’re given — Rice Rockets.

“These are bikes meant for racing,” Hutchins said. “They don’t save on gas. We get around 20-40 mpg depending on the modifications we have.

“We don’t go fast, though,” he added, “except at the track.”

The show portion of the charity event is open to all types of bikes. There are special classes for Harley Davidsons, old school bikes from the ’70s and ’80s and sport bikes like this club rides.

“All bikes are welcome,” Dockery said, “any size, any type.”

The show follows two hours of trick riders from 1-3 p.m. Saturday. There will be live entertainment kicking off at noon that includes R&B;, rap and jazz followed by a dance at 8 p.m. Admission for the day is $10.

“Most of our members are family people,” Dockery said. “Kids under 12 get in free. This event is about family, friends and fun.”

The quarter-mile race Sunday at the US 41 Raceway with awards and cash prizes in a variety of classes. Admission to the track is $15 with varying entry fees for the different race classes. Top prize of the day is $1,500 for first in the Quick 16. The track opens at 8 a.m. EDT with the races starting at noon.

The local club expects lots of campers to arrive at the fairgrounds starting Thursday night.

“There should be between 300-500 riders coming for this,” Dockery said. “We meet people from everywhere.”

For more information, call Dockery at 597-9539.

Text Only
Local News
  • Tropical Storm Beryl strengthens, nears U.S. coast

    Tropical Storm Beryl was wrecking some Memorial Day weekend plans on Sunday, causing shoreline campers to pack up and head inland and leading to the cancellation of some events as the storm approached the southeastern U.S.

    May 27, 2012

  • CASA seeks volunteers

    May 27, 2012

  • Classes transition online

    May 27, 2012

  • AmyandRomanSchweizer1.jpg Dad welcomes baby — while a world away

    Like most fathers, Brandun Schweizer wanted to witness his first child’s birth. There was just one problem, however — he was thousands of miles away in Afghanistan.

    May 27, 2012 2 Photos

  • Veterans ask people to pause

    Although the Memorial Day weekend is a time for picnics and pool parties, veterans’ groups hope people pause to remember those who gave their lives in the line of duty, as well as others who have died.

    May 27, 2012

  • Martha Stewart learns family’s roots

    Television viewers have been treated to two series lately dealing with genealogy.

    May 27, 2012

  • Haiti touches her heart Haiti touches her heart

    Janis Ostiguy of Danville experiences many emotions each time she visits Haiti — sadness at the poverty, happiness with the children, warmth for the people and their spirit.

    May 27, 2012 3 Photos

  • Turtles return to race

    Collected turtles are being fed fruits, meat and vegetables and will be ready to go for the 48th Annual Turtle Races.

    May 27, 2012

  • Hiker’s heart is in America's Highlands

    Robert Burns, the immortal Scottish poet, once wrote, “My heart’s in the Highlands, my heart is not here; my heart’s in the Highlands, a’chasing the wild deer; a’chasing the wild deer, and following the roe; my heart’s in the Highlands, wherever I go.”

    May 27, 2012

  • Posters recall Cannon’s 1880 opponent Posters recall Cannon’s 1880 opponent

    In 1980, John Mendenhall found three 1880 J. R. Scott campaign posters in a home he was restoring.

    May 27, 2012 1 Photo