Welcome to the Shift Number Cruncher. There were some intriguing stories that emerged from the 2008 Red Bud National. It was another epic Fourth of July weekend that saw a mammoth crowd turn out to witness a gorgeous day of American motocross. I kept a firm vigilance all weekend for a number to emerge that would be worthy of a column. When the final checkered flag flew on the weekend, the choice was simple, as the number was scattered throughout the results and elements of the sun-drenched day in Buchanan, Michigan. This week’s number could only be a 38 Special. Enjoy.

Steve Stackable

Steve Stackable photo: Racer X Archives

It just wouldn’t be a Cruncher without the old school. Steve Stackable was one of the most charismatic riders of the late ‘70s. He is shown here taking the #38 PDQ Yamaha bike (an early version of a satellite time) on the charge at Daytona, trying to hold off Jimmy Weinert. Stackable won four pro AMA races aboard a 500. This was towards the end of the tall Texan’s career, where most of the highlights came aboard German-made Maico motorcycles.

Andy Stacy

Andy Stacy photo: Matt Ware

Although he’s shown here riding with #26 during Sunday’s Legends Lap at Red Bud, Andy Stacy was AMA #38 in 1986 and did his fair share of butt-whooping throughout his pro career. Today, Andy is the owner/manager of Tuf Powersports out of DeKalb, Illinois. Andy and Tuf Racing had picked up Sean Hamblin to contest the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship, which went so well that it propelled Hamblin to a factory ride! Unfortunately, Hamblin dislocated his shoulder at Red Bud only two races into his latest factory agreement, but he still put in an exceptional effort. Stacy, on the other hand, made the drive to Red Bud with his family to take two fun laps aboard a YZ250 two-stroke during opening ceremonies.

Kevin Windham

Kevin Windham photo: Racer X Archives

Last weekend marked the first outdoor national I had been to since 1995 that Kevin wasn’t racing. I took some time to think about that, then remembered one of the first times I raced against Kevin. It was 20 years ago at Loretta Lynn’s in the 85cc (7-11) class. Kevin finished second overall behind Robbie Reynard with 3-1-2 moto scores; I finished 11^th with a 12-13-16. This is Kevin wearing #38 as he grabs the holeshot at the 1988 Loretta Lynn’s Amateur National Finals. What happens to the time, guys? Where does it all go?

Mike Jones

Mike Jones photo: Racer X Archives

Mike Jones didn’t really have anything to do with Red Bud, but I’ve been holding on to this picture of him racing the AMA Nationals for a long time and wanted to run it. The year: 1992, AMA National #38. What kind of gear is Mike wearing here? Sadly, it looks like the stuff Reed wore at Daytona this year. Mad Mike was cut from a different cloth.

Todd DeHoop

Todd DeHoop photo: Racer X Archives

Todd DeHoop, 1988 East Region Supercross champion (and 1993 AMA #38) was also in the house at Red Bud to take his works RH125 for a run around the track. I hated racing DeHoop - he would take anyone out at the drop of the hat - but he’s a good guy.

Jason Lawrence

Jason Lawrence photo: Matt Ware

New Jersey’s Jason Lawrence won the 125 A Pro Sport Class at Loretta’s in 2005 wearing #38, his primary number as an amateur. When J-Law turned pro, he added a “3” on to the front to give him his now familiar #338. Love him or hate him, he’s a badass on a dirt bike. I can’t wait until he gets back on track (literally and figuratively).

PJ Larsen

PJ Larsen photo: Simon Cudby

A couple of months ago, Red Bud played host to the largest Regional Championship event in Loretta Lynn’s history, with over 900 riders trying to qualify. The fastest one there? North Carolina’s PJ Larsen, who wore #38 on his way to the championship in the Motocross A class at Loretta’s last year.

Andrew McFarlane

Andrew McFarlane photo: Matt Ware

Andrew McFarlane is another outstanding Ozzie who has been chopping wood on the pro tour for the past several seasons. A former GP standout, “Andy Mac” came to the States riding for the fifth dragon, Yamaha of Troy, and had moderate success. A few injuries and a move to Rockstar Suzuki later, McFarlane is still looking for that big breakout weekend. About halfway through the first moto, Weege and I looked at the lap-times monitor (speaking of which, check out Bad Billy’s Sign of the Lap times here) and saw the #38 lighting it up. His 7-10 tally was good for sixth overall.

<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><!--[endif]--> Okay, another national and another number is in the books. There is a gaggle of other #38s out there, so please email all the ones you can think of to andy@racerxill.com.