| 2007
Maxxis 21st Annual
Pont de Vaux 12 Hour ATV Race
Pont de Vaux, France
August 24-26, 2007
Photos
By: Holz Racing & BFelix
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Holz Racing Mark Holz
& Josh Frederick Podium at Pont
de Vaux
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| 12
Hour Pont de Vaux Links |
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Pont
de Vaux, France (9/3/2007)
– The Burgundy region of France, located in
the eastern section of the country, in the Rhone
Alps, is mostly noted for it’s fine wines,
picturesque countryside, and deep-rooted cultural
heritage. However, every summer, for the past two
decades, the regions’ focus turns from wine
and culture, to ATV racing.
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| The
Streets of France |
Josh
Frederick arrives in Pont de Vaux |
The 21st annual 12 Hours of Pont de Vaux was
held August 24th-26th. This year the race attracted
approximately 120 teams from over 20 different
countries, all hoping for their chance at claiming
a lucrative #1 podium position. For many racers,
like seven time Pont de Vaux champion Doug Eichner,
and WORCS series pro, Josh Frederick, Pont de
Vaux has become an annual tradition. For others,
like John Natalie, Jr. and Mark Holz, it was a
new and exciting experience.
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Holz
Racing Team (left to Right)
Sergio Gilli, Josh Frederick, Mark Holz
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“I didn’t have any idea what to expect.
I heard a little bit about it, and quite honestly,
I was a little disillusioned at first.” Stated
Holz. “Everybody talks about it and it sounds
like a big deal. Then you get there and it seems
like it’s just a track out in the middle of
a hay field.” He said matter-of-factly. Mark,
along with most first timers at Pont de Vaux, usually
come away with a much different perspective and
new found respect for the event once they have raced
it. “You don’t really get the significance
of it and what it’s all about until you’ve
done the whole race, wide open for 12 hours. It’s
different from a WORCS race, it’s different
from a GNCC…it’s a very unique atmosphere
and a very unique event.” He concluded.
Unlike many race series’ in the states,
this Le Mans style race has undergone very few
changes in its 21-year existence. The race is
split into 3 rounds. 3 hours during the day on
Saturday, 5 hours on Saturday night and another
4 hour round on Sunday with no track grooming
in between. “The track always stays the
same, but this was probably the roughest I have
ever seen it in twelve years.” Stated Italian
racer Sergio Gilli.
Apparently, it had rained for several days before
the race, leaving the track very soft and susceptible
to developing deep ruts. “There were 1-2
foot deep whoops that developed through the whole
TT section of the track, it was really rough.”
Said Gilli’s teammate and four-time Pont
de Vaux veteran, Josh Frederick. “Fortunately
we had a really good setup on the bike and that
helped a lot.
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