Race Story 5 & 6

 

Memorial Day Weekend

May 29 & 30, 2010

 

The thermometer was definitely pegged this weekend just like the throttles of most of the riders on the track. The track was in great shape and Guy added a few new obstacles to the track. The dust level remained relatively good both days, Kent and Joe did a great job of watering the track. They seem to have the watering down to a science.

 

We had some really good battles in the 250cc C class this weekend. On Saturday Ben Smith and Gavin Shaver had a great battle with Ben ending up with the win, Gavin was ready to make a pass to take over first but went down just as he was about to take the lead. On Sunday there was a larger group of riders and Ryan Buchanan was burning up the track for the win with Shawn Woody keeping him honest. The other cast of riders in this class looked good as well, Tyler Norris, Steven Glendenning and Chase Brown all have steadily improved this season. Gavin Shaver is in the points lead for the Championship and Steven Glendenning is currently in second. Also, it was good to see Nick Eltringham back at the track, he had some some bad luck earlier in the year and is recovering from injuries to both elbows. Plus, Ryan Jordan made an excellent showing in his first race this year!

 

Has anybody been watching the little Quad 50cc class this year? It's not a big class, but the riders have really improved. Of course, Jacob Visnic is tearing up the class and is the current points leader, but I am also talking about the other little guys. Last year I mentioned during one of the races that Michael Myers looked like a little bobble head figurine, because when he rode, his helmet was a little large and his head (or his helmet) kind of bobbed around when he rode. But this year, that is not the case, it looks like he has gained a little size and he definitely has cut his lap times in half. His head is steady as is his increase in speed. Also, I have to mention Tony "the Tiger" Fiber, this little guy has a massive amount of energy and he always gives it his all when he is on the track!! I hope no one minds the nickname I gave Tony, it just seems to flow.

 

Both days in the Quad Amateur class we saw very competitive rides between the Battlin' Blake Brothers and Michael Bragg. Both days Michael Bragg came away the winner and with it he has opened up his lead in the points standing to 12 points over Wiatt Blake who currently sits in second.

 

I can't go any further with this story without mentioning my HERO for this season: Jamie Burton!! Have you seen this man's speed?!! He is a fifty year old, soon to be a Grandpa, that rides like a 25 year old. He rode in the 50+ class on Saturday that was combined with the Open C class and took the overall win, beating all of the Open C riders!! Then, to top that he signed up for the Open B class and beat all but one rider; most of which are less then half his age. Now that isn't all, he repeated this feat on Sunday, although he did get beaten by two riders in the Open B class!! I gotta get some of the Metamucil or whatever he is drinking!! I doubt seriously that it will help me, but I can pretend!!

 

While I am talking about the Open B class, I also have to say something about Dustin Lamp. He moved up from the C class last year and his speed and confidence have improved immensely. His command of the 450cc bike is excellent! He is currently enjoying a 34 point lead in the Championship race.

 

The Quad 80-110cc class once again saw disappointment hit Hunter Bever, this racer got good hole shots and led until bad luck struck. He broke his chain and was out of the points for the day. Hunter, you looked great out there, keep your chin up. Brandon Smitley had two great rides both days and came away with two wins! It looks like Jacob Visnic is starting to get the hang of his larger quad, he had two second place finishes this weekend.

 

Andrew Arnold has really improved his riding skill this year, he got first on Saturday and second on Sunday in the 250cc B class.

Shawn Woody was really flying on Sunday as was the rest of the top finishers in the 250cc B class which includes: Clint Wagner, Ryan Buchanan and Chance Postlewaite. This was an extremely fast group of riders and we were blessed to get to see this level of competition at the track. We don't always get to see this quantity of talented riders together all at once. It was indeed a "Great Day for Motocross" at Fly MX Park!!

 

The "D" class was extremely entertaining this weekend, Eric Carpenter came away with the wins on both days. The important thing on Saturday was that Jacob Visnic's mechanic made his racing debut and looked good out there. If you don't know what I'm talking about, Rob Visnic,  Jacob's Dad hit the track for his very first race and made a good showing for himself, I know he didn't seem happy with this first performance, but you know what: HE FINISHED!! There are a lot of riders that can't say that!! Also, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Vince Boggs is leading the entire pack in the Championship Points standings. He and Nathan Winkelmes are in a good lead for first and second in the standings. But I will warn you, Eric Carpenter his on his way, so watch out!!

 

Cole Smith was back at the track riding in a couple classes and I swear he is faster then I have ever seen him ride! He ended up with wins in the 65cc and the Mini-Junior classes. This little guy is following in the footsteps of many other riders that we see get their start at Fly MX Park that will end up moving up through the ranks in the qualifiers at the big tracks!

 

Anthony Thomas is still burning up the track. He rode on Saturday in the Mini-Senior and the Super-Mini classes and  once again put on a clinic for just how fast bikes this size can get around Fly MX Park. As always: AMAZING!!

 

I haven't really recognized all of the young ladies that ride at Fly MX Park at once before, but I thought it was time. I don't know if everyone realizes just how many FAST young ladies there are. It really is amazing, the following we have, I hope I don't miss anyone, if I do, please let me know. We have Taylor Bowers in the Quad Women's class; Jenna Harker and Alyssa Elliot in the Girls Mini-Junior class; Nicole Hays and Jessica Good in the Girl's Open, the 250cc C class and the Super-Mini (these two young  ladies are especially SUPER because Nicole is currently in third place overall in the Championship points in the 250cc C class and Jessica is leading the points standings in the Super-Mini class); Jordan Boggs is leading the Trail Bike 110cc class; and Hannah Bever (Hunter's younger sister) and Whitney Smith in the Girl's Quad 70-110cc Class. I didn't realize just how many there were until you see them mentioned all together.

 

The 50cc 7-8 Race Bike class is getting good, a new little rider, Jakob Hupp is really giving his KTM a good showing! He and Jacob Visnic traded wins on Saturday and Sunday. Another little rider that is picking up his speed is Tate Elliot, he looks really good in the 50cc 4-6 Trail Bike class!!

 

Another Great weekend at Fly MX Park!! I hope everyone had a good time. The pit bike races on Saturday night sounded like a blast, I wish I could have been there! Our best wishes go out to STEVE THOMPSON for a speedy recovery, I miss seeing you in your flagman's tower!! Don't forget, it is a quick turnaround, this weekend is our next race!! Hope to see ya there!!