Chiropractor to the stars Dr. Bob Fleischner (middle) plays umbrella girl for MCUSA editor Kevin Duke while former MCUSA contributor Eric Putter fights the desert sun at the Streets of Willow. Eric recently launched his Putter Power Media Agency PR firm.
The motorcycle world was deeply saddened when likeable racer Vincent Haskovec was critically injured during the AMA races at Infineon Raceway. Soon after, several benefits and charity auctions sprung up to provide a little light to the winner of the
Daytona Superstock race who remains in hospital.
MotorcycleUSA jumped on board to offer its support when company president Don Becklin assigned Brian Korfhage and myself to attend a trackday benefit in Haskovec's honor, held at Willow Springs International Raceway on June 30th. We were among 80 other riders who donated our time and money to raise money for the guy affectionately known as Czecher for his Czech Republic origins.
"The event was a great success," said Will Tate, a longtime friend of MCUSA and the organizer of the benefit. "Interest in contributing to Vincent Haskovec was amazing. This sport attracts some really classy people who believe in community and supporting one another."
Tate was assisted with the event by trackday promoters Trackdaz and Street Masters who kept things running smoothly. Also on hand at the Streets of Willow circuit were some motorcycle celebrities such as Corona Suzuki racer Tony Meiring and M4 EMGO racer Chris Ulrich, along with motojournalists Brian Catterson (Cycle World), Chris Jonnum (Roadracer X), and Motorcycle Online guys Sean Alexander, Gabe Ets-Hokin, Alfonse Palaima and Pete Brissette. Tim Saunders from the Corona Suzuki team was one of only two fallers on this day, and although sore afterward, more damage was done to his ego than to his GSX-R1000. Cold Coronas helped ease the pain.
During lunch, riders were treated to live music over slices of pizza provided by Chucks Pizza, who donated half their receipts to the cause. The event also had a bake sale, beverages, T-shirts, as well as a silent auction. Many motorcycle vendors donated items for auction, from tire gauges and apparel to collectable items donated by motorcycle celebrities.
Duke Danger rails Triumph's Daytona 650 around Willow's Streets course during the Vincent Haskovec trackday. Look for a test of this Brit bike in the coming weeks.
Korf and I weren't alone in having a wonderful day of riding, even in the sweltering, triple-digit, high-desert heat. Up and down pit lane, people were as congenial as can be imagined, and smiles were the order of the day as everyone in attendance was happy to be doing something positive to help such as nice guy as Czecher.
Motorcycle Superstore also stepped up and donated a selection of helmets and jackets to a different auction organized by
Race Promotion Management (RPM). In addition, top riders in the AMA, MotoGP, and World Superbike paddock are donating their leathers and helmets to be auctioned at the RPM site.
The RPM auction winds up on August 19, while Tate's site will be up and running once he returns from the MotoGP races at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Proceeds from both sites will be presented to the Wegman Fund for injured racers, specifically into an account designated for Vincent.
Share your thoughts on the Haskovec Charity Ride in the MCUSA Forum.
Click Here.
