2017 WORCS Racing Round #1 - Mesquite MX January 8, 2017 Mesquite, Nevada

STI’s Mike Sloan made some of his first laps on a new Duncan Racing Yamaha during the race. He made the decision to switch to Yamaha just a few weeks ago, a decision that paid off with a podium finish at the season opener.

Duncan Racing's Mike Sloan battled with Beau Baron for the first half of the race

“I never really tested the quad before today, and it was a good quad right out of the box,” said Sloan. “I switched because I wanted to ride to my full potential and try something new. I stayed close. They’d pull away in the motocross section and I’d catch them in the desert. I made a few mistakes, but I’m happy that the bike worked perfect right out of the box.”

ELKA's Mike Sloan made an impressive debut on his new Yamaha by holding onto a third place finish

Goldspeed’s Collins Webster also made the switch to Yamaha after riding a Can-Am last season. He actually rode his practice bike in the race, but that didn’t slow him down off the start as he grabbed the Holeshot, but he dropped back to fourth by the checkered flag.

PEP Racing's Collins Webster grabbed the holeshot

“We got the race bike built, but I didn’t feel comfortable on it, so we busted out the trusty practice bike,” said Webster. “Jamie Ortiz and Wayne with PEP built the bikes from head to toe. I owe it all to them. Those guys stepped up big time for me. I got a little overzealous and too pumped up and couldn’t overcome it at the end.”

SSi Decal's Collins Webster also made the switch to the Yamaha for 2017, and finished in the 4th spot in his debut

Triump Motorsport's Jerry Maldonado made his WORCS Pro ATV debut after a successful career as a youth racer, but he made his return to the series all grown up and ready to test his skills in the pro ranks, where he rounded out the top five.

SSi Decal's Collins Webster also made the switch to the Yamaha for 2017, and finished in the 4th spot in his debut