Usually when a promoter schedules a race this time of year, there is a very good possibility that the weather will screw things up so bad that it gets cancelled. In years past this has happened but not this year! While it was cold and spitting rain and sleet at the start, 29 racers braved the December weather to attend the last race for 2007.
I had a two fold reason for slipping out of my nice,cozy home to brave the elements to cover the race. For one, my son needed seat time prior to the 2008 season and GNCC Pro rider, Brent Sturdivant would be putting his factory backed Can Am DS450 through it's paces.
Koontz series youth sensation Kyle Riley was sidelined after a slight mishap last night left him with stitches that prevented him from racing the event. Get better soon Kyle!
Call me a sissy, but folks, I was a bit chilled. Temps stayed in the 30's and without gloves, holding my camera was akin to latching onto a cold beer which usually sets me right Paul Koontz is well known for setting up a course that will challenge man and machine and today was no different. The wet weather in the area had every rut and hole full to the brim, and after watching the youth bike race competitors drop out due to being so cold they could not ride, I knew the afternoon race would face some serious conditions on their own.
The start is set up tight, and although there is a killer angle to capture the start from, I chickened out! With the ground so slick, the chances of a few quads getting out of shape and plowing through that spot were great, and the possibilty that my traction would leave me running in place as I was mowed down even greater! So I went to turn two and awaited the start.
A Class was first off the line, and it wasn't the shiney new DS of Sturdivant charging hard with the lead!
The mighty Can Am finally fired to life and Sturdivant was playing catch up already. This was not a surprise to him, as a pre race interview eluded to the fact that so far, the biggest draw back to his new machine is it's ability to start fast. This issue is being addressed ofcourse, but for now the riders talent and machines speed would have to make up for a slow start.
C Class was last off the line, with the addition of Youth Production. Rider #161 Joshua Dains had his 300ex off the line and out front of the 450 class machines as they head out of the first turn.
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Paul Koontz is well known for setting up a course that will challenge man and machine and today was no different. The wet weather in the area had every rut and hole full to the brim, and after watching the youth bike race competitors drop out due to being so cold they could not ride, I knew the afternoon race would face some serious conditions on their own.
