Town cancels "Indian attack" race

This week's Internet outrage came courtesy of a race in a Kentucky town:

Enter the James Ray 5K to be chased by Native American reenactors

By Larry VaughtIt’s not hard to find a 5K race in this area. Most weekends, especially at this time of year, there is at least one local road race.

However, it’s not every day you can find a 5K—or any race—where American Indians reenactors will chase you to the finish line. Yet that’s exactly what you’ll get Aug. 15 at the James Ray 5K—Indian Attack in Harrodsburg.

“It’s all part of the Pioneer Days weekend,” said race director Terry Wasson.

Last year the event wanted to come up with something to make its 3.1-mile event unique from other races. That’s how the idea of having American Indians reenactors chase runners near the finish line originated, and Wasson said it went over so well that the same plan is in place for this year’s race.

“We’re getting set up for this again,” she said. “The (American Indians reenactors) will chase runners, and it seemed to be something that everybody really enjoyed last year. It was a big hit and came off as unique as we had hoped it would.”

If that’s not enough, Wasson said there will also be a “fort” at the finish line for runners to go into to help portray what it was like for James Ray.

Internet doesn't approve

Ky. festival scraps “Indian Attack” from 5K

By Chris KenningMounting criticism has led a Harrodsburg, Ky. pioneer-themed festival to scrap plans for a 5K run featuring Native American reenactors who chase runners.

An online registration form for the “James Ray 5K--‘Indian Attack’” race suggests runners come in costume and tells them they “can either run or walk, but don’t be surprised if you encounter some obstacles and come under attack when Indians chase you to the finish!”

The Aug. 15 race is to be part of the annual Mercer County Pioneer Days celebration. Race director Terry Wasson did not respond to requests by the Courier-Journal for an interview, but she told the Advocate Messenger newspaper this week that the idea was “a big hit” last year that organizers decided to do it again this year.

But outrage began building online this week. On Thursday, the Indian Country Today Media Network quoted University of Montana Assistant Professor of Native American Studies Theo Van Alst as saying that “in the end, it’s a celebration of the Indian removal of the area.”Goodbye, Redface Race: 'Indian Attack' Pulled From 5K Run Amid Mounting Pressure

By Simon Moya-SmithSeemingly in response to a tidal wave of opposition, county officials in Kentucky on Thursday pulled a controversial element from its annual 5K race that was widely accosted as racially offensive to Native Americans.

Until Thursday, the “James Ray 5K Indian Attack” race, slated to take place in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, was to include a group of Native American reenactors in redface and dressed in faux Native American garb. The 'Indians' were to chase runners into the safety of an imitation fort at the end of the race, according to reports. The race, which is named for celebrated Indian fighter General James Ray who relocated as a teenager to Kentucky from North Carolina, remains scheduled for August 15.

"All concerns expressed on the James Ray 5K have been heard and the race has been altered accordingly," county officials wrote on its Facebook page. "As stated, we have altered the race to address the concerns brought to our attention. That means there are no Native Americans chasing in the race."

On Thursday, social media was abuzz with responses to the race many considered racist.

Red-face race? “Indian Attack” 5K in Kentucky canceled after Internet clues city in to the sheer awfulness of the idea

Organizers of Harrodsburg's "Pioneer Days" apparently thought this was a good idea, despite it being 2015 and all

Indians on the warpath!

Adrienne Keene explains what's wrong with this event:

James Ray “Indian Attack” 5k: Family fun for everyone!

By Adrienne Keene“General James Ray came to Fort Harrod in Mercer County at age 14 or 15 in 1775 from North Carolina with a party led by Daniel Boone. He served as an Indian spy and hunter for Fort Harrod, served in the campaigns against the American Indians and served several years in the Kentucky Legislature. He also reportedly raced with Blackfish Indian warriors to sound a danger signal to the settlers.”

Question: is this a case of a grammar error or am I correct in reading that James Ray was an Indian hunter? Like, he hunted Indians? Wow. In any case he “served in campaigns against American Indians.” GREAT. LET’S CELEBRATE THAT DUDE.

I just want to break this down for you. A town in Kentucky, which I’m guessing is not a completely Native town, signally how they were physically killed and/or relocated (ie CHASED) out of that land, holds a “pioneer days” festival to “celebrate” that history, complete with a 5k named after a guy who’s job it was to kill Indians…and decided that the best way to “honor” that history was to have white people dress up as the worst Indian stereotypes and chase runners into a fort. And not one single person thought that was a bad idea. In fact, it was so great they did it again!

Speaking of doing it again, here are some choice quotes from the article last year (where the photo at the top comes from):

“Dressed as Native America warriors, Nick Laymon and Kayla Slone giggled as they waited to swoop down with a little extra “fuel” at the James Ray 5K’s finish line. Veins popped out of Laymon’s neck as he and Slone bellowed and shrieked, inspiring more laughter than fear as they chased runners all the way to the finish line.”

Always the “warriors”–what makes them warriors? Like, honestly. Always warriors and princesses. But the “veins popp[ing] out” of his neck? What’s the point of that detail? To make him seem more savage and war-like? Gross.Comment:  To be clear, the town canceled only the "Indian attack" portion of the 5K. The 5K is still on, as far as we know, but without the reenactors in redface.

Judging by the links below, there's a boomlet of white folks dressing up as Indians in historical pageants. Is this really happening?

For more on redface, see Wyoming Pageant Features Whites in Redface and Ontario Camps Feature Mock Ceremonies.

Marathon running on a wing and a prayer

One of my occasional articles for the Native media:

Native Presence at L.A. Marathon Provides Hydration and Spiritual Uplift

By Rob SchmidtAt Mile 17 of this year’s Los Angeles Marathon, held March 15, runners saw and heard something a little different: a powwow dancer and a drum group. It was a subtle reminder that they were on Gabrielino Tongva land—and that the land’s first inhabitants are still here.

For the second year in a row, the American Indian Community Council (AICC) was an official race sponsor. AICC is a central hub and resource for LA’s American Indian/Alaska Native community. It operates groups for women, elders, and the Indian Child Welfare Act, among other things.

AICC’s 2015 goal was to raise funds for United Native Youth of LA (UNYLA), which represents LA’s Native youth councils. Specifically, AICC plans to send Native youngsters on a Youth Leadership Journey to nearby reservations to learn about their roots. Some urban Indians have never visited a reservation.

The LA Marathon encourages participants to raise funds for causes. This spurred 27 Indians to run this year—up from only three a few years ago. They included long-time marathoners Shawn Imitates-Dog and Willie Sandoval as well as some first-timers. Nineteen completed the whole 26.2 miles while the others ran half-marathons in relays.Comment:  For more on the subject, see Indians Raise Awareness at LA Marathon.

Below:  "Young helpers pass out water to runners in the L.A. Marathon at the American Indian Community Council's water station."

Billy Mills's marathon team

Billy Mills' marathon team benefits Indian youthsTeam Running Strong is Olympic gold medalist Billy Mills’ charity marathon team in the Marine Corps Marathon.

Each year, both Native and non-Native members of Team Running Strong come together from across the country to run or walk 26.2 miles for the future of Native American youths. Team Running Strong is a charity partner in the 38th Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 27.

Team Running Strong offers a guaranteed spot in the 38th Marine Corps Marathon, which sold out in record time of 2 hours and 41 minutes last year. Also, with Team Running Strong, all participants take part in an honoring ceremony and reception held at the National Museum of the American Indian with teammates, friends, family and Mills, a South Dakota native and Olympic gold medalist.

Leading up to the event all participants receive training and fundraising support, including a personal webpage, advice from the Running Strong staff and training tips from Mills.Comment:  For more on Billy Mills, see NIGA 2013 (Day 3) and Billy Mills Receives Presidential Medal.

Indians raise awareness at LA Marathon

At L.A. Marathon, Native Group Raises Funds--and Awareness

By Rob SchmidtWhen runners in the 28th Los Angeles Marathon approached mile 17, they saw something unexpected: a fancy dancer, a drum group and Idle No More-shirted Indians handing out water.

The water station was managed by the American Indian Community Council, a nonprofit that serves LA County’s large Native population. AICC’s mission is to strengthen the wellness of the region’s Native children, families and communities. Among its initiatives are developing youth leadership skills and coordinating the Indian Child Welfare Act.

Two AICC board members—Shawn Imitates-Dog, vice president, and Willie Sandoval, treasurer—entered the marathon. The organization used their participation as an opportunity to raise funds. Launching a campaign on the crowd-sourcing site CrowdRise.com, they asked friends to donate water, cups and of course money.

On race day, March 17, a couple dozen AICC volunteers arrived with loads of bottled water and cups. They weren’t sure what to expect, but found themselves on their feet the whole time, cheering the runners and getting cheered in turn.Comment:  Follow the link to read the whole article I wrote, on the event I didn't attend, and see the photos I didn't take.

For more on the subject, see Idle No More, Hollywood Style.

Below:  "In foreground, left to right: AICC volunteers Vivian Garcia (Cherokee), Kathryn Young (Yakama), and Destiny Rosete (Northern Cheyenne) offer cups of water to Los Angeles Marathon runners. Behind them, Yazzie Bedonie (Navajo) and Andrew Magalenes (Hawaiian) offer loud encouragement."

Marathon cancellation disappoints Lakota runners

Lakota runners disappointed at race cancellation

Despite the devastation of Superstorm Sandy, five Native American runners from tribes in South Dakota had little doubt that the New York City Marathon race would go on as scheduled Sunday.

By Kristi EatonDespite the devastation of Superstorm Sandy, five Native American runners from tribes in South Dakota had little doubt that the New York City Marathon race would go on as scheduled Sunday.

But early Friday evening, after picking up their bib numbers and getting in a quick 2-mile run, the team arrived back at their hotel to find out the marathon run had been cancelled by Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

"It felt like a hit to the gut," Jeff Turning Heart Jr., told The Associated Press by telephone. Turning Heart Jr.—along with Amanda Carlow, Nupa White Plume, Alex Wilson and Kelsey Good Lance—had been planning to run the 26.2-mile race to raise money for a local youth shelter. They also intended to be positive role models for kids on the Pine Ridge Reservation, which is overrun with stories of suicide, alcoholism and violence.

Bloomberg canceled the race after fielding criticism that his "race must go on" stance was insensitive to a city where the death toll climbed past 40 due to the storm.The Lakota Five: Young Pine Ridge Marathon Runners Leave a Lasting Impression on New York City

By Cliff MatiasOn Sunday morning Team One Spirit joined a few hundred other runners and climbed aboard a New York ferry heading toward one of the hardest hit boroughs in the city, Staten Island. The team along with their coach ran across the island to Midland Beach which was almost completely destroyed in the hurricane. The runners grabbed masks gloves and shovels and began going house to house helping residents dig their homes out of the decay left by the storm. They could have stayed dry and clean in one of the distribution areas handing out supplies but these Natives come from a place where helping your community is a daily duty. “We come from a hard place to live” says Coach Pine. “Many of our elders go without heat, electricity and hot water every day, we know what is needed in situations like this.” And so they did, clearing a complete basement of moldy sheet rock and rugs in 30 minutes. As they helped a Chinese husband and wife who barely spoke English the man turned and asked “Who are these people?” A Road Runner staff member replied, “They are American Indians, they come from a community which is the poorest place in America.” The man replied “I am honored they would come to help me.” Jeff Turning Heart said, “At first I was sad the race was cancelled but coming here and seeing all these people working together made me feel proud to be part of it. We know how to survive in desperate situations and have the skills to assist these people in need. I know I am stronger from this experience.”

The runners never imagined they would be coming to New York City to help another community in need but as One Spirit founder Jeri Baker said “These young people are now heroes in their community and an inspiration for our youth. That is what this trip was all about. I think that part of our mission was accomplished. There will be other races to run and goals to reach but helping people in need is priceless.”Comment:  For more on the subject, see Lakota to Run New York Marathon.

Below:  "Nupa White Plume, helping Hurricane Sandy relief efforts." (Cliff Matias)

Lakota to run New York Marathon

Native Sun News: Lakota team set for New York City Marathon

By Joseph BuddFor athletes who enjoy the ability to run outdoors and for the parents and friends who enjoy watching these athletes perform, there is an upcoming treat that will reach all the way back to Pine Ridge in November.

In New York City, every year a Marathon is held with athletes all over the world participating in the event. The NYC Marathon, open usually to about 40 and 50,000 runners, the course consists of hilly terrain and covers 26.219 miles. The route, originally laid out in 1970, cuts through all five boroughs and has a record time for men at 2 hours, five minutes and five seconds, set last year. The fastest woman to run the course clocked in at two hours, 22 minutes and 31 seconds.

For ONE Spirit, a local organization from South Dakota will be sending five athletes to compete in this year’s marathon. Recently, three of the participants tried their hand at the Badlands half-marathon.

The three runners, Nupa White Plume, Kelsey Good Lance and Alex Pine, captured first, second and third place, averaging about seven minutes per mile…on a course of 13.1 miles.Comment:  For more on Native runners, see Best in the World at the NMAI and Marathoner is Nike N7 Ambassador.

Below:  Nupa White Plume.

Sports Warriors Track Club

An organization located in Albuquerque but open to members nationally:

Improving the quality of life, one Native at a time

By Michael DaneySports Warriors Track Club has a simple mission; to support Native American running at all levels, from recreational to elite. One of our motto’s, “Improving the quality of life, one Native at a time.”

SWTC is aware of the under representation of Native American runners competing at U.S. national championship level. In addition, very few have been selected to compete for the U.S. at International running events, including the world championships and the Olympics. One of our goals is to change that through our support and collective knowledge of running, health, fitness, nutrition and athletics.Comment:  For more on Indians and running, see "Girls on the Run" at Rosebud and Documentary on Sacred Runs.

Below:  "L-R Angelo Baca (Dine'/Hopi) Jason King (Dine') Kyle Gokliah (white Mt. Apache) Mike Daney (Choctaw) Haskell Brave Mascot (Inter-tribal) Bryan Waatsa (Zuni Pueblo) Torry Zeller (Sioux) Theo Round Face (Crow/Sioux)."

Marathoner is Nike N7 Ambassador

Navajo Alvina Begay Hopes to Represent U.S. as Olympic MarathonerNavajo long-distance runner and Nike N7 Ambassador Alvina Begay grew up watching her father train for the Olympics. While her mother worked full-time and pursued her bachelor’s degree, Begay and her five siblings would see him blaze the trails over the hills and mesas of their hometown of Ganado, Arizona.

“His golden dreams were to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Trials,” says Begay.And:On January 14, Begay plans to race against long-distance runners from across the United States in the Marathon Olympic Trials in Houston. The 26.2-mile race will determine the three women who will represent the country in the marathon at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

This isn’t the first time Begay has faced such a challenge. “I did the marathon trials in 2004,” she says, “and I feel like I didn’t run to my full potential.” Some injuries, she explains, “limited my full range of motion.”Comment:  For more on Nike, see Bradford Named Nike N7 Ambassador and Nike Signs Tahnee Robinson.

Native NASCAR owner and driver

Native American NASCAR driver makes debut

By Heather TownsendOn Saturday September 24th, Sacred Power Motorsports (SPM) will make its racing debut in the #73 Dodge RAM at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. SPM is the first top level Native American owned NASCAR team that is featuring a Native American driver. The owner of the team is David Melton from the Pueblo of Laguna tribe in NM. David also owns Sacred Power Corporation, the largest Native American owned solar integration company in the US. Clovis California driver A.J. Russell has an impressive racing resume with experiences in Indy Pro Lights, Supermodifieds and California Asphalt Trucks; A.J. is also a member of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma.Comment:  Native owners and drivers seem to be taking NASCAR by storm suddenly.

For more on the subject, see First Native NASCAR Team Owner and First Native Female NASCAR Truck Owner.

"Girls on the Run" at Rosebud

USD Track & Field standout brings running to Rosebud

By Erik ThorstensonThe "Girls on the Run" program is aimed at developing pre-teen girls in a positive way by introducing them to running.

USD senior track and field athlete Alexa Duling wanted to bring the program to the Rosebud Indian Resevervation near her hometown of Gregory.

And she got it done.And:During her sophmore year, Duling was a volunteer with the Vermillion chapter of "Girls on the Run". She came up with a plan to bring the program to Rosebud, but was told by the regional and national coordinators that it would never work.

Duling "I called her more times than I can count, and I know there was sometimes where she didn't want to answer the line because she knew it was me on the other line."

But her persistence paid off, and Duling created the first summer program of "Girls on the Run" ever in Rosebud. After the full 10 weeks, the group even did a 5k run.Comment:  For more on the subject, see Documentary on Sacred Runs.

Oneida pro cyclist

Cole House Is the Fastest American Indian on Two Wheels

By Jack McNeelToday in St. Louis, Cole House will ply his trade in the Gateway Cup. This four-day racing event is the longest standing bike race in the city, and will be a good test of Cole House’s development into a world-class cyclist.

It’s a pretty safe bet that Cole House is the fastest American Indian on two wheels. As far as Cole knows, he’s the only Native currently racing bicycles on the pro circuit. “I know of a few who race for fun but not at a professional level,” he says.

Cole is from the Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin, Wolf Clan, and lives in Wisconsin. His mother, Toni House, is Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin and his father is half Ojibwa/Oneida and half Belgian. Cole’s Indian name is Tekastoslunti. His mother, Toni, explained: “It’s like a floating feather. How I saw it, before he was born, a feather was falling from the sky. When I told the lady about it, that’s what she came up with.”Comment:  For more on Indians and bicycles, see Nonprofit Donates Bicycles to Navajos. For more on Indians and racing, see First Native NASCAR Team Owner and First Native Female NASCAR Truck Owner.

First Native NASCAR team owner

Auto racing:  Naples' Osceola becomes NASCAR's first Native American team ownerIt could be said O.B. Osceola Jr. was born with racing in his blood.

The lifelong Naples Seminole finally claimed his birthright in early August when he and Bob Germain of Germain Racing formed a new NASCAR national series team, Germain-Osceola Racing.

With the move, Osceola becomes the first Native American team owner in NASCAR.

Plans for G-OR are to field an entry in 2012 on the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide or Camping World Truck Series in 2012 for a still unnamed driver, with backing projected to come from a number of Native American tribes.Comment:  For more on the subject, see First Native Female NASCAR Truck Owner and Mohawk NASCAR Driver.

First Native female NASCAR truck owner

Behind the scenes at the Mods race

By Allen GregoryCrum’s mother Sabrina has played a pivotal role in her son’s path through the hype-competitive ranks of karting to trucks. According to a team source, Sabrina is the first Native American female truck owner in NASCAR history. She’s also the only female named as the World Karting Association Mechanic of the year.

“We’ve been doing this as a family since Jake was five, and I’m always nervous when my son is on the track,” Crum said.Comment:  For more on the subject, see Mohawk NASCAR Driver and Mohegan NASCAR Champion.

Mohawk NASCAR driver

Mohawk Race Car Driver Dexter StaceyDexter Stacey was going 162 miles on the track in the city of Trois-Rivieres (Three Rivers), between Montreal and Quebec City, in a NASCAR Canadian Tire Series event when he encountered a small problem—a wall. Thankfully, the young Mohawk racer survived, and has gone on to become a promising contender to reach the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for the WJS Motorsports company that sponsors him. “My dream is to drive in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, the highest league,” Dexter told us. So far he’s off to a good start. The ultimate goal, however, isn’t just to qualify for NASCAR’s elite racing series, it’s to become the first aboriginal or Native driver to win a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

The Mohawk owned and operated company, located in Kahnawake, 9.3 mile south of Montreal, supports and promotes drivers in the Dirt Modified, Ice Racing, Karting and the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. For the past 30-years, the company has sponsored and promoted drivers, but Stacey appears to be their best shot at getting to the highest level of NASCAR.Comment:  For more on the subject, see Mohawk International Raceway and Mohegan NASCAR Champion.

Below:  "Dexter Stacey talking strategy with his dad Wallace Stacey Jr."

Bikers ride over Indian mound

Chief ‘disgusted’ as bikers ride over sacred Iroquois site in High Park

By Jayme PoissonSix Nations Chief Arnie General stands on a mound of dirt in High Park, propped up by a cane.

“I feel very disgusted with the people here in this area,” he says. “Maybe not all are of the (same) mentality, but those who don’t care about my people.”

General, accompanied by Clanmothers and faithkeepers from the Six Nation, came to Snake (or Serpent) mound Monday evening to visit what many believe are ancient Iroquoian burial grounds dating back 3,000 years. As the group walked to the site, a clan of teenagers dispersed, taking their BMX bikes with them.

The teens and other bikers have been using the site, no bigger than a football field, for about six years now. It’s carved into rounded hills, ramps and dips. Tire tracks mark the dirt. For the many who believe the site is sacred, it’s the ultimate disrespect.Comment:  This is a typical example of how people "honor" Indians in the real world. If it was a non-Indian church or cemetery, there's no question that the city would ban the bikes. But a sacred Indian burial ground is different.

For more on sacred sites, see Pro-Colonization Propaganda in Up and The Ghosts of Celilo.

Below:  "Chief Arnie General stands on what many believe are ancient Iroquian burial grounds in High Park. The area is currently used by BMX bikers." (Jayme Poisson/Toronto Star)

Sand drag racing at Soboba

Sand drags return to Soboba this weekend

By Gail WessonDeNunzio said the association has an agreement with the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians for this weekend and an October event.

"The tribe is excited to help bring the sand drags back to the valley," tribal information officer Mike Hiles said in a statement.And:Visitors will see a variety of classes racing including top-fuel dragsters, Jeeps and quads, and a category for children.

The national association conducted races at the Soboba track for about three years, last in 2007. The group canceled in 2008, citing safety concerns after a series of fatal shootings by deputies that left three tribal members dead.Comment:  Fatal shootings can put a crimp in any pastime.

For more on the subject, see 2011 Soboba Grand Prix.

Inupiaq man wins Iditarod

Long a top contender, Baker finally wins the Iditarod

Kotzebue musher sets race record in first victory.

By Kyle Hopkins and Beth BraggTo the sound of Native drummers and cheering fans, John Baker and his team of record-setting huskies claimed victory in the 39th Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race this morning in Nome, ending Lance Mackey’s string of four victories and securing the first win by a Northwestern Alaska musher in the 1,000-mile race across Alaska.

Baker crossed the line at 9:46 a.m., finishing the race that began March 6 in Willow in 8 days, 19 hours, 46 minutes, 39 seconds and slicing three hours off the previous record.Kotzebue musher John Baker wins 2011 Iditarod, sets race record

By Matias SaariBaker is also the first Native champion of Inupiaq descent. The late Herbie Nayokpuk, known as the “Shishmaref Cannonball,” came close with second place in 1980 and Joe Garnie was runner-up in 1986.

Baker’s team got tangled briefly on the snow ramp leading to the finish line, so he walked across with leaders Snickers and Velvet while showing little emotion other than waving several times to the festive crowd that basked in the sun under yet another cloudless sky.

“It’s always good to have more heroes within Alaska history and Native history,” said Phillip Blanchett, who as part of the group Pamyua, which greeted Baker with traditional Native drumming at the finish. “Now we’re starting to get these documented heroes that we can celebrate.”

The last Native winner was Jerry Riley of Nenana in 1976, while Emmitt Peters of Ruby in 1975 and Carl Huntington of Galena in 1974 also claimed crowns in the infancy of the Iditarod. All three were Athabascan.

Cocopah Speedway in Yuma

Cocopah Speedway Racing Season Back On

By Brenda AustinDrivers, start your engines! As fans returned to their favorite spot on the bleachers of the Cocopah Speedway in Yuma for opening night on February 5, drivers were going over last minute details with their race teams before hitting the track.

This is the speedway’s second season under the Cocopah tribe’s ownership, which purchased the 100-acre property the track is on in 2005. Bounded on three sides by tribal land, the mesa the speedway is located on was originally purchased to ad to the tribe’s existing land base.Comment:  For more on Native racetracks, see Offroad Racetrack at Pala and Mohawk International Raceway.

2011 Soboba Grand Prix

2011 Soboba Grand Prix

UTVUnderground & Daystar Sponsor Long Jump ContestThe UTV Grand Prix event of the year is back and bigger than ever! This years event is full of excitement from Micro Mini Race Classes all the way up to Pro ATV, MX, and UTV. Everyone is after their share of the $20,000.00 purse with over $10,000.00 going to UTV's alone!

In conjunction with the weekends full race schedule is a first of its kind UTV Long Jump Contest and Pit Challenge Sponsored by UTVUnderground.com & Daystar. Soboba Casino is putting up $1000.00 and event sponsor Daystar also kicked in $1000.00 making for a $2000.00 prize purse to the long jump winner!!!Comment:  For more on Native racing, see San Manuel's Motocross Team and Offroad Racetrack at Pala.

San Manuel's motocross team

AMA SX:  San Manuel Yamaha Previews Anaheim Opener

Superstar James Stewart is motivated to make up for his disappointing injury-hit 2010 campaign.Team San Manuel Yamaha--Presented by Red Bull--is excited to announce that it’s 2011 racing effort will be led by returning Team rider and multi-time Supercross Champion James Stewart, along with AMA MX Series 2009 450 Class “Rookie of the Year” Kyle Regal. After a disappointingly short season in 2010, Stewart has been intensely focused on his return to the track this Saturday, January 8th, at Anaheim Angel’s Stadium, in pursuit of his third Supercross Championship Title. “I’m super excited to get back to racing this weekend. I’ve been anticipating my return for months.”And:About Team San Manuel

Formed in 2006, Team San Manuel is a unique partnership between the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and L&M Racing, LLC, with the sole purpose of reaching out to Native and non-Native communities and sharing with them the value of perseverance and dedication. Building a winning team comprised of top-notch talent and community service, Team San Manuel honors the Serrano belief of caring for our community. (www.sanmanuelracing.com)

About L & M Racing

L&M Racing was formed in 2006 by Owner/Team Manager Larry Brooks and partner Mike Kranyak. Operating as Team San Manuel Yamaha, the team has garnered two Supercross Championship titles in the last three race seasons.Comment:  For more on the subject, see Pala Raceway's Origin and Barona's Motocross Training Center.

Below:  "San Manuel Yamaha's James Stewart."