The Born-Free Stampede is not only the first opportunity to see the bikes that builders have been preparing and the kickoff of the Southern California chopper show, it’s also one hell of a flat-track race. Builders and enthusiasts bring out all types of bikes to rub elbows on the dirt and get a sneak peek at the weekend’s show bikes.

Classes include pull-start minis, tank-shift, vintage singles, open twins, ladies, hooligans, and more, with speeds varying from nice and slow to almost pro. As always, spectators bit their nails watching the priceless vintage machines spit dirt and bump bars, then relaxed and cheered as the minibikes, hooligans, and whatnot took to the track.

Immaculate choppers lined up next to more modern performance bikes like Rusty Butcher’s Street 750 and Speed Merchant’s Softail. Vintage Dreams put together an incredible chopper and is no doubt hoping for another win.

If you missed the Stampede, there is another pre-party tonight (Friday, June 22) at Trabuco Canyon’s Cook’s Corner, and the show kicks off first thing tomorrow. Hope to see you there!

Early models racing at the Born-Free stampede

Jordan Mastagni

Vintage Indian racing at the Born-Free Stampede 2018

Jordan Mastagni

Christmas in June during the hooligan races.

Jordan Mastagni

Rusty Butcher’s H-D Street 750 at the Born-Free Stampede 2018

Jordan Mastagni

Vintage Dreams’ Born Free 10 build

Jordan Mastagni

Now that’s a lot of sheet metal work! Sure looks comfy.

Jordan Mastagni

Early model salt flats racer at the Born-Free Stampede 2018

Jordan Mastagni

Solid stance on this molded-frame Pan at the Born-Free Stampede

Jordan Mastagni

Check out the route the front pipe takes on this rad orange Knucklehead

Jordan Mastagni

Born-Free Stampede 2018

Jordan Mastagni

Born-Free Stampede 2018

Jordan Mastagni

Speed Merchant’s Softail custom

Jordan Mastagni

Born-Free Stampede 2018

Jordan Mastagni

Leading Edge 151ci Milwaukee Eight in their custom Road Glide

Jordan Mastagni

Born-Free Stampede 2018

Jordan Mastagni

Born-Free Stampede 2018

Jordan Mastagni

Immaculate Knucklehead at the Born-Free Stampede 2018

Jordan Mastagni

Born-Free Stampede 2018

Jordan Mastagni

Some practice laps on bikes that actually look like they were meant for this.

Jordan Mastagni

Jackson from Lucky Wheels Garage in Los Angeles getting his practice laps in

Jordan Mastagni