2015 WORCS Racing Round #3 - Canyon MX February 28, 2015 Peoria, AZ

WORCS Racing SxS Pro Podium (left to right) David Haagsma(2nd), Mitch Guthrie Jr. (1st), Ryan Piplic (3rd)

This was the first time in two years that the series has returned to Canyon MX in Peoria, AZ where conditions were near perfect after a few rain showers that helped to reduce the dust. Canyon MX features a full motocross course with big jumps that is probably the most technical off-road course with plenty of huge rocks, whoops and cacti lining the course. The off-road section was treacherous and caused a lot of tire and wheel carnage, but Mitch Guthrie, Jr. was on top of his game at round three.

RJ Anderson grabbed the WORCS Racing Pro SxS Holeshot followed by Ryan Piplic on the first row

While RJ Anderson was busy grabbing the holeshot, Mitch Guthrie Jr was starting on the second row. Guthrie Jr, who was aboard his new Nelson and Nelson built Polaris RZR, quickly began picking off the competition and had moved into the top five by the second lap. “The start was gnarly, but my Muzzy’s engine really pulled hard to grab the holeshot,” said Guthrie Jr.

#51 Mitch Guthrie Jr was hard on the gas in his new Nelson & Nelson Polaris RZR XP 1000 at WORCS Round 3

Walker Evan’s Mitch Guthrie Jr kept a fast pace and soon closed the gap to within a minute of David Haagsma, who held the physical overall lead after making the pass on RJ Anderson, but Guthrie Jr had the clock on his side to claim his first Pro SxS win of the season. “I’m very thankful for Nelson and Nelson. They built a great car with a unique design with a mid-seat design. I raced my old car for the first two races to perfect this one and to come out here and take the win with it the first time is awesome; I couldn’t be happier,” said Guthrie Jr.

Mitch Guthrie Jr went on to take the win with adjusted time

Maxxis/H&M Motorsports’ David Haagsma was inside the top five off the start and soon closed in on the leader, RJ Anderson. Haagsma stayed close and inherited the lead when Anderson encountered issues and was forced to pit. Haagsma kept a steady pace while in the lead, but hadn’t realized that Mitch Guthrie Jr had taken over the lead with adjusted time from row two. “I had a great race but I lost track of the second row and Mitch. I slowed down a little to try and save the car, but my mechanic told me to speed up a bit but it wasn’t enough. I am still happy with second because I have the championship in my sights and that is the ultimate goal,” said Haagsma, who is the current WORCS Pro SxS points leader.

David Haagsma took over the early physical lead in the Pro Class, but with adjusted time Haagsma finished in the second spot