Dirt Bike Test’s Jr. Testers Take On The JBC Glen Helen 24-Hour
Story and Photos by Preston Campbell
For a few years I have had a dream to race the Glen Helen 24-Hour. So this is finally the year I am going to race it! The 24-Hour is hard work putting together a team and getting support. I started thinking what bike should I ride, who is going to help me, and who is going to be my teammates? First, I called up DirtBikeTest to see if they wanted to get a real hardcore test of the Long Term Yamaha YZ250FX. DBT was in and is letting us race the FX and have a WR as our impound bike. Our game plan is to ride the FX the whole race unless we have mechanical issues then we will ride the WR to finish. DBT also lent me the 2016 YZ250F for back up parts just in case. We are going to trade wheels with the F and the WR so we have two pairs of 18-inch rear wheels in the pit. I am excited to get some time on this YZ because I really enjoy it’s motocross brother the YZ250F.
So I needed teammates. I called up my a few of friends and competitors. I found Jarett Megla, Trevor Hunter, Renton Minuto, and Kelly Postel. Jarett, Trevor, Renton and I have all raced each other for several years. Jarett raced with me at the Glen Helen 10 Hour this past June. Trevor and Renton raced on the JCR Honda CRF150RB a couple years back. We are all District 37 Big 6 Expert riders so we should have a good chance in the 250 A class.
Once I had my team together and got the Yamahas in my hands, I started working on the FX. It already has about 75-hours on it and really needs some love after Erek Kudla left it looking like a salty dog. I started by checking the valves, clutch, and changing the oil. The valves were just a little tight, so we fixed that. The oil needed to be changed but that was all. The clutch has some time on it, but it still has half a life still in it–better to start with a fresh one. I took the suspension off for Travis at TBT Racing to get serviced and revalved for the lighter riders on the team.
To get the bike totally dialed in, I called up IMS Products to get a dry break adaptable tank for quick pit stops. Scott Wright was generous and sent me a 2.5 gallon tank and some Pro Series footpegs. I made a phone call to Tex at Baja Designs for the light. He was super helpful and we will be running the Squadron XL. Cole at Fasst Company is gonna hook us up with some Flexx Handlebars to make the 24-Hour a little more comfortable. Tony at Megla Designs is going to deck the FX out with some clean graphics. For tires I have some Dunlop MX51 rears and MX81 fronts.
I’m learning that it is hard work and it takes time to manage a team. I am not gonna lie it is a little stressful. Jimmy says he is gonna kick my butt if we don’t do well but by that he means get a lot of stories for DBT. Keep checking DirtBIkeTest.com or even follow me on Instagram (https://instagram.com/prestoncampbell300) for pre-race testing stories, some stuff leading up to the event and there will even be multiple product tests when we are done. Not to mention a race report, and a long term bike tests. This is gonna be fun!
