​The return of the Flatout Fargo

Schollander Pavilion, in West Fargo, was home to many aspiring motorcycle racers from late 1969 until 1980. Every Saturday night from fall to spring, daredevils would roll up to the starting line seeking victory.

The Schollander is known for close quarters indoor motorcycle racing action across North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Montana and Canada, attracting over one hundred entries. Fans would find the danger factor extreme, with a dozen motorcycles flying inches from disaster in the cement-walled bull ring.

Over the years nearly every brand of machine has been tested on the tight, under ten-second-a-lap track. Some Schollander riders have gone on to national greatness, like the factory Harley-Davidson rider Rich King from Waterloo, Iowa. Rich and his dad made trips to West Fargo before he was 16 years old.

Dozens of the top 100 racers challenged the Schollander Flatout, many will make this April 29th date a reunion. Even this writer accredits his racing success to the Schollander indoor track.

Well, known Fargo North swim coach Don Hulbert was racing and winning using an alias “Don Dooley” to avoid the school administration finding out his dangerous lifestyle. From four-year-old kids on mini bikes to grandpas in their 70s, all found a class to ride their two wheelersin, all winter long.

The advent of the Fargo Indoors is credited to Moorhead businessman Corky Atchison. A-Transmission City founder Ernie Brookings picked up the series for a number of years, Suzuki dealer David Klose kept the winters rolling until Daredevil / Pro Racer Dan Jacobson aka “Jumpin Jake” took over the indoors in 1977 -- 1980. Jake ran special events paying real prize money to the pros and great shows for the fans until he retired from pro-racing / jumping cars and moved to Hawaii.

Fast forward forty years, Joe Karvonen is re-starting this old favorite tune called “Flatout Fargo” at the Schollander. Dropping-in five super hits for the fans: 1. Mad Dog’s smaller cubic centimeters (- 200 cc’s) trail bikes with skilled riders; 2. Grom’s new 125cc four-stroke machines. Many of the pros use as pit bikes capable of 65 mph with modern suspensions; 3. Sportsman Open is the entry level class for the beginners with limits to 600cc four stroke and 400 two stroke engines; 4. Hooligan Class CC’s start at 550 and larger two cylinders or more, currently street legal stock riders with the light taped. These are your big baggers and road king type motorcycles on the smaller Schollander track with average skilled riders. What could possibly go wrong? 5. Pro Open, class is the talented fast guys that spread goose bumps through the crowd with every lap.

The next generation of warriors are heading to test the Fargo racing surface out. Dan Jacobson, Jr. (my son) will have three bikes to work with. His teammate Cole Fealy two bikes, Cole’s dad Lee will be bringing out the 1970s Yamaha and a Mad Dog. National ranked star Josh Koch is one of the most talented athletes in the country and a favorite for the podium. From South Dakota, short-track specialist Mikeal Strable will surely entertain the fans in this close-contact Flatout race.

Doors open at 5pm for the fans (only 1000 seats) $15. Pit passes are $15 (no beers, limited track view). Amazing Racing starts at 6:30 - 9:00.

Limited advance tickets at H-D of Fargo (call first). All your favorite race track foods and beverages. If your heart isn’t up to extreme excitement, please don’t come. We will need the emergency medical staff to be available for the racers.

Know in advance, this is an indoor motor race, it is loud, crazy at best (ear / eye protection recommended) depending on front row seating (less than 5 feet away) or top row.

Post-race celebration, open paddock and reunion to follow.

IF YOU GO

Flat out Fargo

Saturday, April 29, 6:30 pm

Red River Valley Fairgrounds

1805 Main Ave W, West Fargo; 701-282-2200