AMA ATV Hare Scrambles Racing Rounds 1 - Sparta, Georgia March 28, 2009

GNCC Pro Racer Brandon Sommers

The AMA ATV National Harescramble series is a new series being introduced this year by the AMA consisting of 7 races in Georgia, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The first of these was held on March 28th at The Farmhouse in Sparta, Georgia.

The season kicked off in Georgia with Round 1, and the weather conditions were ghastly. The morning started out humid and grey, but the hope was still there for a dry race. The hope disappeared at about 8am when the torrential downpours began and tornado warnings lingered. The rain did not let up as the morning racers lined up. The C and Utility racers shot off the start to begin the day. The track conditions were wet for the morning classes. The average was about 4 laps in just under 3 hours with an average 35 minutes lap time on the 9 mile course.

The long lap times and wet conditions in the morning pushed the start of the afternoon race to 1:30. GNCC Pros Bryan Cook, Brandon Sommers, Tom Wright, and Santo Derisi showed up to race the pro class along with several other competitors. Amidst the thunder and lightning the afternoon classes began.

Rain did not stop racers from getting their fix

The Women's class was the last group of riders to leave the line for the PM class. The rain continued to fall causing the track to become rushing rapids in some places and treacherous hill-climbs in others. In about 30 minutes, the pro class came around for the first lap. Each lap the times grew longer as the track became more difficult to navigate and water depths became more difficult to judge causing some creek crossings to be re-routed.

By the end of the 3rd lap, Sommers was leading Wright by seconds and they had distanced themselves from the rest of the field. By the end of the 4th lap, Sommers had a sizable lead to take the checkered followed by Tom Wright then Brian Toney to round out the top 3. John Gallagher, Sr. took first place in the Senior Class.

Although the track conditions were terrible due to the inclement weather, the track was National caliber. The track was 9-10 miles in length with quick elevation changes and tight technical terrain. The course workers and track officials were extremely helpful and accommodating.

Due to the weather conditions, some riders became stuck in the high water and rutted tracks. Course workers worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone was accounted for and them and their machines were moved as soon as safely possible.