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View Full Version : 2008 GBC Heartland Challenge ATV / UTV Race Coverage



Pappy
11-14-2008, 01:00 PM
A few months back, I got a call from ATVriders main man, Harlen Foley who was excitedly telling me about an endurance race he would be involved in promoting. I had never been to any of the endurance races so I was pretty excited to see what all the hub bub was about. I've been paid to cover alot of GNCC and MX National events, so I assumed it would be about the same.....boy was I wrong!

The phone started ringing on thursday as Foley laid out who was attending and how involved the community was. Local news crews were on hand to get a story and for our sport, this is always a positive!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 01:04 PM
Huge tents were put up to house vendors and events and came in handy as a break from the winds that would be driving temperatures below the freezing mark.

Pappy
11-14-2008, 01:09 PM
As I started my 17 hour drive, I was pretty sure I had everything I needed, but a call from Harlen made me re-think what clothing I had brought. A warning on the forums also told me of the cold, but come on, i'm a hunter, I can handle some cold:D Well, what Foley was relaying to me was wind, and it wasnt letting up as a cold front moved into the region.

As the layout was being assembled thursday evening, the GBC flags told the tale as 20 mph winds pushed them over.

Pappy
11-14-2008, 01:11 PM
The stage was being set for the Can Am Challenge, a section of obstacles to tempt the riders a shorter route through a section while giving the fans some up close and personal action.

Pappy
11-14-2008, 01:13 PM
If the Can Am Challenge wasn't to be tackled, a longer line was available, however it would be filled with a few obstacles to keep things honest!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 01:15 PM
Track crews outline the course as best they could until I arrived, I had the majority of banners and was west bound as I headed towards the event. The course would see 3 different races, UTV, Youth and the ATV classes and each would have a variation of the course that ran between 6 and 8 miles.

Jeans and a jacket would be ok on thursday, but things were about to get ugly:p

Pappy
11-14-2008, 01:18 PM
Stadium lighting was brought in to add some much needed light to the darkness of the cow field turned race track!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 01:22 PM
For several teams, thursday evening was spent in town as their atv's and utv's were set out for display.

Pappy
11-14-2008, 01:25 PM
Racers and crews were able to hang out in a warm sports bar where warm food and good times were helping kill some time before heading back out into the growing cold!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 01:29 PM
The sun gave a final farewell as dusk approached. Temps in the 20's with an increasing wind would ring in the dawn.

We did not encounter any bad weather on the way out until around daylight, where blowing sleet and snow gave us our first glimpse of what we where about to be spending the next fews days working in!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 04:44 PM
Arriving friday morning after an all night drive, it was not going to be my typical race to cover:p Blowing snow and sleet would be with us all day.

Pappy
11-14-2008, 04:47 PM
Not everyone was upset about the weather:D

Pappy
11-14-2008, 04:50 PM
Tech inspection was open and all the machines entered would be run through. Unlike your typical race, machines would face an impound lot during the race and after they were "impounded", no crew member could touch it except when a rider switched it out during the lap.

Pappy
11-14-2008, 04:52 PM
Kevin Hill and Harlen Foley install the banners around the scoring area and impound lot as they get soaked by the blowing mix of precipitation.

Pappy
11-14-2008, 05:05 PM
The first event of the day would be the Milwaukee Pit Stop Challenge. Riders and their 3 man crew would preform a pit stop that consisted of changing out 2 tires, gloves and goggle, as they competed for the fastest time.

Huge props to Milwaukee for stepping up and supporting this event, as another outside sponsor has seen what our sport can do for them. As a group, we can not rely on our industry alone to keep supporting us as we continue to grow and it was awesome seeing their rep's on hand to see our sport and their products work together.

Pappy
11-14-2008, 05:08 PM
The rules were laid out to everyone as the big tent provided alot in the way of a break from the wind, but wasnt much warmer:p

Pappy
11-14-2008, 05:12 PM
One thing this event wouldnt lack would be huge trophies and some big bucks up for grabs! Milwaukee would be giving out some serious tools to the winners and I would have loved to have been on the winning team!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 05:15 PM
A dead engine, hands on helmet start would greet the rider, who was positioned in a starting area. The time would begin when the rider crossed a line and headed towards the pit area.

Pappy
11-14-2008, 05:16 PM
While the time did not start when the machine fired, it surely helped ratchet up the excitement level as the rider brought the machine to life and headed to the pit!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 05:18 PM
Bringing the machine to a stop, the pit crews went to work as every second was critical!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 05:20 PM
Gloves were sent flying as a new pair is readied

Pappy
11-14-2008, 05:24 PM
The atv was dropped to the ground and a dash to the finish line. If a rider went past the scoring box, he would be forced to back up or his crew would need to pull him back to end the scoring timer.

Pappy
11-14-2008, 05:26 PM
Woking in a rush with cold fingers would add to the challenge!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 05:28 PM
Looking for lost lug nuts wasnt part of the actual contest:p

Riders lugs were checked at the end of the run and any deemed loose would net the team a 1 minute loss!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 05:32 PM
One of the most exciting teams of the day was that of Team Robey! These riders usually can be found ripping apart the Youth Production class in the GNCC Series, but today they would be working together as Kyle Riley is shown here getting busy changing a rear tire!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 05:33 PM
Doug Robey works the front tire as this action packed youth team was flyin!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 05:35 PM
GNCC Utility racer Ken Robey would provide the "lift" as this team hustled through the pit stop!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 05:39 PM
Another pit crew gets ready as the rider heads their way!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 05:42 PM
When the dust settled, it was spoils to the victor as the winnings were honored by the winning team! I would say some practice will be involved for next year as this wasn't just a trophy to take home!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 05:44 PM
The youngins' of the event would get some goodies as well, along with some respect of their older peers!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 05:51 PM
I would love to see more outside sponsors join in and attend and support our events. having more support would sure go along way to making our endeavors go mainstream, especially in these trying economic times.

Pappy
11-14-2008, 05:54 PM
The tent had barely cleared when in came the UTV racers for their riders meeting. The wet stuff outside was making everything slick and everyone wet:p I was hoping they would just want to stay in the tent:devil:

Pappy
11-14-2008, 05:57 PM
With the snow and sleet subsiding for the start, I had my fingers crossed it would stay away until the weekend was over:blah:

Pappy
11-14-2008, 05:59 PM
We may not have been in Kansas, but the winds didn't know that!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 06:19 PM
13 UTV teams were signed up for the 3 hour battle!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 06:55 PM
Darkeness was closing in fast as the riders get last second instruction

Pappy
11-14-2008, 06:57 PM
With a slight break in the snow/sleet department, we were just a few minutes from kicking off this race!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 06:58 PM
The new Polaris Razr-S model was on the line! It would be interesting to see how it stacked up.

Pappy
11-14-2008, 07:02 PM
The wind was blowing so bad that I almost missed the start! I couldnt hear a thing as the racers zoomed past!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 07:05 PM
As I turned to follow the action, the stinging sleet pelted me and I could only imagine how the racers would feel after a few laps!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 07:08 PM
Colby was a bit conflicted, and offered two different views on which way to go:eek2: :devil:

Pappy
11-14-2008, 07:10 PM
1 lap is all the racers would get in before needing those headlights!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 07:12 PM
The last section before scoring would slow the racers a bit as they encountered some rocks

Pappy
11-14-2008, 07:14 PM
Ground clearence would be a welcome thing!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 07:16 PM
The snow was picking up as lap two was underway.

Pappy
11-14-2008, 07:18 PM
Shooting UTV's is alot harder then atvs, and with conditions slick, visability low and me wearing so many clothes, I had to back away! I could barely walk much less run if needed:D

Pappy
11-14-2008, 07:36 PM
With 3 hours of racing, the UTV's wouldnt stay this close for long!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 07:37 PM
The course seemed to be laid out well, and was marked well at the start.....however this would change as markers were ran over and darkness settled in

Pappy
11-14-2008, 07:39 PM
It was full throttle no matter what!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 07:41 PM
There must have been a spot that was not marked or was unreadable as several teams came up the road looking for the track!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 07:42 PM
Some carnage was taking place and we werent even 2 laps in!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 07:44 PM
The snow really kicked up, and having been awake for well over 24 hours was taking its toll on me:p

Pappy
11-14-2008, 07:47 PM
Repairs and getting the lights working would take priority as daylight became a memory

Pappy
11-14-2008, 07:49 PM
I was spent, and decided my gear was about as wet as I wanted it to be:p Big Money Foley wasn't skeert and stayed out for about 5 minutes longer then me:devil:

Pappy
11-14-2008, 07:50 PM
If the weather had been better, we had planned on dragging out some gear to really light you guys up!

Pappy
11-14-2008, 07:52 PM
There is something about this sport that I dont find in any other, the joy of destruction:p

Pappy
11-14-2008, 08:00 PM
Im not sure if he is smiling because he won his class or that this race was over:p

Pappy
11-16-2008, 10:00 AM
As the race ended, those that withstood the 3 hour event showed the signs of the battle as mud and grass coated everything!

Pappy
11-16-2008, 10:03 AM
It was a cold night, and plans are for next year to have the course cut back to the central area so us spectators can see more of it!

Pappy
11-16-2008, 10:05 AM
Big trophies would be given to the class winners as the evenings event came to a close

Pappy
11-16-2008, 10:08 AM
From the looks of their gear, getting wet was all part of it! I know space heaters were priority 1 for several as the cold took a hold of them.

Pappy
11-16-2008, 10:11 AM
I sure felt for them guys, even as they smile away, that had to be a grueling race!

Pappy
11-16-2008, 10:13 AM
I am glad I rolled out when I did, the cold had started taking its toll on even the photographers:eek2: :devil:

Pappy
11-17-2008, 08:24 AM
With the first nights racing over, and me safely tucked away in a hotel room, the morning would come all too quick:p I could hear that wind howling all night and knew that we all would have another cold day ahead of us!

A trip to the local walmart was in order to grab a jacket that would help cut the wind. I'll tell you this, the walmart in Des Moines doesnt have much in the way of winter gear:p So with the best I could find now added to my anti-cold garb, I stumbled out of the truck and joined the rest of the crazy people as the Youth race was about get underway!

Up for grabs for one lucky racer would be a new Kymco youth atv! A big thanks to Kymco for supporting the youth racers!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 08:29 AM
Youth XC racing in general is a blast, and I am proud to say I have been supporting these young racers since we were able to get them included back into the national events in the GNCC's. Seeing them turn out for an endurance event just added to fun factor for me, and I am pretty sure they were more then excited to compete!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 08:33 AM
The entries were lined up as race time approached

Pappy
11-17-2008, 08:35 AM
Just like the big quads, the youth racers would be running to their machines for the start. Dads were allowed to stand at the ready to ensure safety, which is always paramount in youth races. Sprinting to the line, this race was underway!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 08:37 AM
Kill switches were connected and engines fired to life!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 08:47 AM
And they are off!

This would be a race to see not only how well the riders could do, but also how well the mini quads could handle a race that lasted alot longer then what they usually prepare for!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 08:50 AM
With teh first leg of the teams on the course, teammates would get ready for when their chance to race would occur.

Pappy
11-17-2008, 08:52 AM
Out n the course, the young riders were riding extremely well on a very well laid out youth course!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 08:54 AM
In areas that could pose a problem, volunteer course workers were on hand to assist when needed, and they were not shy about getting in there and lending a hand!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 08:56 AM
It is so amazing to watch the young racers work with others when there is a problem. They remain silent and without a word being said flow through a problem. Anyone who doesnt race, you really should hit a few and catch the action first hand as it is a sight to see!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 08:58 AM
Back up top, racers were clocking in and heading out for another lap or switching riders.

Pappy
11-17-2008, 09:03 AM
On the course, it was becoming clear who was going to take charge as the laps were scored.

Pappy
11-17-2008, 09:04 AM
The track started to wear in and the speeds came up. Riding skill now was taking over as the race wore on.

Pappy
11-17-2008, 09:05 AM
Keeping warm was still job #1

Pappy
11-17-2008, 09:09 AM
In sections, alot of caution would be needed as the track remained slick

Pappy
11-17-2008, 09:12 AM
Keeping things rolling and pushing forward as a few of the jump sections were encountered

Pappy
11-17-2008, 09:14 AM
High speed woods sections gave the young racers a chance to open it up!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 09:16 AM
While the mud remained slick, it packed down with the cold air and the racers took advantage of it!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 09:17 AM
It was time for those wanting to finish well to turn it on and make up any ground they could!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 09:18 AM
The course was open enough that passing would not be a problem if you could make it happen!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 09:27 AM
3 hours of hard racing would be completed as the winning riders crossed the finish line!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 09:29 AM
It would be the team of Banned Young Guns claiming the class win and overall aboard their Honda's!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 09:31 AM
With trophies to take home that were almost as tall as they were, these young riders gave us all a spectacular race to watch!!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 09:32 AM
All the youth riders get a big heck yeah from me, that was a tough race!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 09:33 AM
I wonder if I can sneak and race these little guys:devil: I might stand a chance....maybe:D

Pappy
11-17-2008, 09:35 AM
In just a few short years, many of these kids will be the ones gracing the covers of magazines and standing on podiums all over our country. It does me proud to see it!!!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 09:39 AM
One lucky racer would head home with a new Kymco to play on!A huge congrats to you and a big thank you from Kymco!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 09:44 AM
The main event was now on notice that they only had a few hours to make all preperations to their machines before they hit the impound lot.

Traci Cecco and her stylish pink hat...made me chuckle....and I almost stole it off her head for myself:macho I didnt ofcourse, only because I knew she could run me down and I didnt think getting my rear end kicked infront of everyone was a good thing:p

Pappy
11-17-2008, 09:51 AM
Riders were checking and rechecking everything. With a 10 hour race on tap, all it would take is a small missed item to ruin your day.

Pappy
11-17-2008, 09:55 AM
I had never really been involved in any type of enurance racng outside of the GNCC series, so it was interesting to see how the atv's were prepped and how much strategy was planned to work around having different machines and riders.

Pappy
11-17-2008, 10:00 AM
Mother nature would continue to remind us that she could play to:p Snow hits us yet again as Taylor Kisers KTM is ready to head to impound.

Pappy
11-17-2008, 10:03 AM
The Powermadd/GT Thunder team of Kiser, Sommers and Gallagher would be the powerhouse team to watch. With 3 seasoned racers all wanting to win, they would be tough to beat.

I spent alot of time in that railer as it was easily kept at 85 degrees all day thanks to the torpedo heater and an endless supply of kerosene:devil: Kiser, Cecco, Sommers and Danny Fowler kick back in the sauna like enviroment:D

Pappy
11-17-2008, 10:07 AM
Track workers were busy doing all they could to keep things going in between races.

Pappy
11-17-2008, 10:12 AM
Kyle Riley helps a racer get his handgaurds mounted. Wet, cold hands would be a nightmare at this race

Pappy
11-17-2008, 10:14 AM
As race time neared, the atv's that wouldnt be used to start the race would be placed in the impound. No one other then a returning rider could be in the impound after the race started and all they could do was switch out a quad and bring it to their pit for a rider change.

Pappy
11-17-2008, 10:17 AM
The pits were a buzz with hushed plans for the event. Racers would discuss things they felt might give them an advantage or about a trick used here or there to hopefully stave off an issue.

Pappy
11-17-2008, 10:20 AM
Brandon Sommers doing some high fashion stylin' while Gallagher bows before her majesty in the background:devil: Sorry Traci, I had to:devil: :blah: What is that Johnny, some middle eastern bim sala bim thing you going on there:devil:

Pappy
11-17-2008, 10:21 AM
If a problem did arise, several teams looked more then prepared to handle it!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 10:24 AM
Doug Robey and Kyle Riley getting ready to line up

Pappy
11-17-2008, 10:29 AM
58 teams were registered for the event, which I suppose is pretty good for a race held in the midwest during one of the hardest economic times most of us have ever ecountered:p Plans were being discussed before this event even started as to how to make things better for next year. Me? heck I was just trying to keep warm, the heck with anything more:blah:

Pappy
11-17-2008, 10:31 AM
The lighting set up's were varied. The team of Jarrod McClure and Jeff Pickens had arrived with everything ready to go. Others would run stock lighting and others would pit to install their lights when they were needed.

Pappy
11-17-2008, 10:34 AM
It was almost time to go as the starting area quickly filled with machines and people!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 10:35 AM
Seeing the blanket made me kick myself for not just buying a sleeping bag and cutting the bottom out for my feet:D

Pappy
11-17-2008, 10:38 AM
Duane Johnson had to bail on the GNCC series but was ready to go at the Heartland Challenge. Keep your eyes open, you might just see him in 2009 back in form in the GNCC's:macho

Pappy
11-17-2008, 10:40 AM
With everything done that could be done, all questions asked and answered, it was time to get this puppy rollin!

Brandon Sommers would lead off the race for his team and was poised to be the first to his atv!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 11:03 AM
Sommers and McClure face off just prior to the start

Pappy
11-17-2008, 11:04 AM
All systems go!

The racers sprint to their machines and everyone wanted to be the first one fired up and on the track!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 11:06 AM
58 riders run as hard as they could to reach their atv and get their kill switches connected. This would level the start as many had problems or had trouble getting their engines fired up!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 11:08 AM
Piaa Powersports/ Can Am rider Micheal Swift would be the first quad as he bested teh field getting things going and headed out on teh course!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 11:10 AM
Getting to the sidelines in time wasnt to hard, but watching these guys bump and grind had me wondering if one of them might be sent flying into the crowd:eek2: In good form, they sorted things out and were off!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 11:12 AM
Brandon Sommers and Duane Johnson would be the first two riders to tackle the Can Am Challenge section!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 12:29 PM
Daryl Rath puts his 2009 Polaris Sportsman through the Can Am Challenge. The new Polairs will be a machine to watch this coming season!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 12:31 PM
The big utilities made short work of the rock section, however some of the sport quads had trouble the first 8 or 10 laps.

Pappy
11-17-2008, 12:32 PM
Micheal Swift had zero issues and made up alot of time in the section

Pappy
11-17-2008, 12:34 PM
The big problem with teh Can Am challenge was the fact that no one was allowed to assist a rider in that section unless they caused a huge bottleneck. Getting a big ute off the logs would take alot of energy!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 12:36 PM
The challenges aside, the rest of the course was typical XC style terrain

Pappy
11-17-2008, 12:37 PM
It was plenty slick out there, but the course was running in nicely as we headed towards darkness!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 12:38 PM
The racers had alot to deal with on the course, meanwhile the fans needed a bon fire here and there to give them a break from the biting wind!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 12:40 PM
There wasnt any mercy placed on the machines, and you would never know the riders had 10 hours to put in as hard as they were pounding them!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 12:43 PM
Team Powermadd rider Brandon Sommers takes a peek behind him as he encounters a lapper just prior to the Can Am Challenge section

Pappy
11-17-2008, 12:44 PM
Team Dirtworks racer Duane Johnson would fill Sommers view as he charged hard to keep Sommers in check

Pappy
11-17-2008, 12:47 PM
Team Karst was looking good as I took a perch above the racers

Pappy
11-17-2008, 12:50 PM
ATVA MX racer Krista Marie would kick off the evnt by singing our national anthem and then drop the hammer on her YFZ!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 12:52 PM
Jarrod McClure was already well coated in muck early on

Pappy
11-17-2008, 12:55 PM
Traci Cecco was wasting no time skirting past slower riders. She may have won her championship in the GNCC's, but she wasnt going to show anyone any mercy as she flew past them!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 12:59 PM
Lazy M Racing clears scoring and heads out for another lap

Pappy
11-17-2008, 01:23 PM
Support wasnt always serious:p

Pappy
11-17-2008, 01:24 PM
The pit row section was fast...wide open fast!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 01:26 PM
Rider changes were sometimes simple, and others times difficult if a repair was needed

Pappy
11-17-2008, 01:28 PM
Ryan Reekers was running his 300ex in the Ironman class! He lost traction on the tires and the smile on his face was priceless when he saw me catching it on film:p

Pappy
11-17-2008, 01:29 PM
Johnny Gallagher gets a little air as he heads off into a field section

Pappy
11-17-2008, 01:30 PM
The jumps werent made to be big, but they provided enough air for the racers who would be hanging on for 10 hours:D

Pappy
11-17-2008, 01:32 PM
Dark was coming on pretty fast as teh heavy cloud cover made it seem even faster

Pappy
11-17-2008, 01:33 PM
The sections that were muddy had no had several hours of racing on them and had tacked up nicely!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 01:34 PM
Cheyenne Shadron gives it a go on her Kymco!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 01:36 PM
Fresh riders were always coming out onto the course and they always provided me with some energetic shots:p

Pappy
11-17-2008, 01:37 PM
Kristen Atwell has been on fire all season long in the GNCC series, and she was ripping it up in Iowa!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 01:37 PM
McClure with the hammer down!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 01:44 PM
The woops section was pretty rough, as teh lips stayed fairly square throughout the event

Pappy
11-17-2008, 01:47 PM
Taylor Kiser took control of the lead as the Powermadd team stayed just ahead of Team Dirtworks

Pappy
11-17-2008, 01:48 PM
It sure was a long ride out to this race, but man it sure was a great place to host a race!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 01:50 PM
This man would earn my respect and many others as he ran the Ironman class to victory! 26 laps...incredible performance!!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 01:51 PM
Doug Robey took his turn aboard the Kymco.

Pappy
11-17-2008, 01:52 PM
I love getting in close when it is safe for me and I dont interfere with the riders!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 01:54 PM
Rick Cecco at the controls of the Team Piaa Can Am machine. Thanks for teh dry gloves Rick...and tell Power Bar that some give aways would be a good idea:D

Pappy
11-17-2008, 04:54 PM
The logs at the Can Am Challenge where plenty slick, and caused more then one rider to get hung up

Pappy
11-17-2008, 04:56 PM
I was walking from spot to spot to keep warm as the racers started to really seperate

Pappy
11-17-2008, 05:01 PM
The lights came on as dusk settled in.

Pappy
11-17-2008, 05:06 PM
I went after something warm to eat and the racing continued:p If the weather had been better, I would have been having a total blast taking pictures with so much time to do work....but that cold wind had me by the jimmies and wasnt letting go:eek2: If I hadnt gotten so wet and cold on friday I probably wouldnt have been such a sissy pants:blah:

Back out on the course with darkness swallowing up everything...except some riders with the hammer down:D

Pappy
11-17-2008, 05:10 PM
This was the first time I had ever actually shot a race at night, so a slight learning curve was in order.

Now I always try and keep the flash out of the riders face, and being way dark out, I was going to do my best to be even more careful. The first set of big lights that came in my viewfinder blinded the crap out of me:D I was going to have to switch to manual focus and wing it as I couldnt see didley when the big lights came racing into view!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 05:13 PM
Clifton Beasley takes a turn at giving the Piaa Can Am a workout! I believe it was Cecco who was aboard when a belt let go, however they were able to get back into the pits and switch out the broken machine for a fresh one.

Pappy
11-17-2008, 05:15 PM
Finding a spot in the dark and staying a safe distance away was priority one for me. The night racing did not slow these guys down one bit!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 05:18 PM
The Powermadd/GT Thunder team opted to run stock lights. It did not seem to bother any of them, especially Sommers:p

Pappy
11-17-2008, 05:20 PM
I have to be honest, this one bottom was a godsend. There was almost no wind and I even had to start shedding clothes:p I felt like the little kid on A Christmas Story that couldnt put his arms down:p

Pappy
11-17-2008, 05:23 PM
The lap count was climbing as racers pushed even harder as the night wore on

Pappy
11-17-2008, 05:24 PM
One of the bonfires that kept alot of folks warm:p

Pappy
11-17-2008, 05:25 PM
Passing in the dark will add a new dimension to your riding skills:D

Pappy
11-17-2008, 05:27 PM
David Hunsacker works his Honda through another lap. Even in the dark, his Cardiostack graphics made him easily recognizable

Pappy
11-17-2008, 05:37 PM
Rick Cecco brings the big Outlander across the rocks

Pappy
11-17-2008, 05:39 PM
The Rath racing team had taken the lead in the Pro Utility class when the Can Am team had a belt break. That good luck did not last as they too ran into problems allowing Team Piaa Can Am to regain the lead and hold it to the finish!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 05:42 PM
Taylor Kiser would pass me one more time as he crashed out hard shortly after this picture was taken. Kiser explained he was wide opn going through a turn in a field and he caught a little kicker that sent him sailing. He was brusied up, his chest protector was shattered but he made it back to switch out with another quad and teammate. Kiser would not return to the race but was able to pull pit duty until the end. Glad ya were'nt hurt knucklehead!;)

Pappy
11-17-2008, 05:45 PM
Team Powermadd/GT Thunder would be your overall winners and earned themselves $7500 for their efforts!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 05:47 PM
The GBC/ATVriders.com team of Jeff Pickens and Jarrod McClure would take second and a cool grand to spend!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 05:48 PM
Team Dirtworks would round out the top 3 in the APro class and they too would get some pocket money!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 05:50 PM
The Piaa/Can Am team would ride their way to front and claim 1st overall in the Pro Utility class!

Hows $7500 for a prize for you Utility riders!!!!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 05:52 PM
Rath racing would walk away with $2000 for their 2nd place finish!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 05:53 PM
It pays to be a winner!! Hows another $3000 payout grab ya!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 06:53 PM
10 hours of racing in some wicked conditions and these guys are all smilies!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 06:54 PM
No matter where you finished or how you managed to do in the event, it was our pleasure watching it all unfold!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 06:56 PM
A tentative august date is being looked at for next year.....I can foresee more obstacles, a mud pit and some people not looking like eskimos'!!!!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 06:58 PM
I have a few of those big trophies, but it came from driving a car really fast:p Those of you that went home with one really have something to be proud of, you earned it!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 07:00 PM
I'm pretty excited as we look forward to next years event. Even with a crappy economy and some weather that only made ducks happy, everyone seemed to have alot of fun.

Pappy
11-17-2008, 07:02 PM
And not one person walked up and asked ..."is it cold enough for ya":mad: Thank you all for that!!!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 07:05 PM
I dont want Dusty to complain one bit about the cold, I offered to personally keep her warm:o :devil:


It was great seeing you guys again! And a big congrats on winning the Industry Class!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 07:07 PM
No one tell HMF we burned the T-shirts for heat:D Thanks HMF for your support, there is a reason you guys rock!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 07:09 PM
If they have another race in November, I want Carhart as a sponsor:p

Pappy
11-17-2008, 07:12 PM
I asked Traci if she was cold and she said "Nope, I have one of those body warming packs on my belly":p

I chuckled and couldnt tell her where I had mine:D :eek:


Traci Cecco, Kristen Atwell and Jesi Stracham, your Womens class winners!Good job gals!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 07:14 PM
Powermadd was thinking ahead...those sweatshirts look mighty warm!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 07:15 PM
I tell you what, with prizes like these, I might have to enter next year!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 07:17 PM
I know, its not about the prizes, or the money.......:cool:

Pappy
11-17-2008, 07:19 PM
Kyle Riley, Cheyenne Shadron and Doug Robey.

I heard Kyle was to man on that Kymco:D Dont worry he breaks everything no matter who makes it!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 07:20 PM
Josh Jones...Ironman winner. dude you are an animal!

Pappy
11-17-2008, 07:23 PM
Now thats more my speed:p I need two young ladies for my team next year! (Preferably slower then me:chinese: )

Pappy
11-17-2008, 07:25 PM
Jodi Stracham gets a big trophy as well!

If you all dont have room for it, I can find it a nice home:D

Pappy
11-17-2008, 07:28 PM
Yep, thats about what I looked like snuggled up to a truck door for the long ride home:p

Everyone, thank you so much for providing us with some killer action and coming to the event. A special thanks to all the sponsors involved and especially to all the behind the scenes people who made this race possible!

I expect to see everyone at next years event plus 100 more teams!:eek2:

Colby@C&DRacing
11-18-2008, 09:53 AM
WOW Pappy thanks for the report is was an exciting read.
It was nice to see you and Kevin(thanks for the help mounting tires). You can thank Mike Flohr for the heater that you used to dry your feet and gloves :p

Thanks for braving the cold weather and getting the action shots. I know many appreciate your efforts.

BTW Dusty said you didn't offer to keep her warm :chinese:

Pappy
11-18-2008, 11:21 AM
Originally posted by Colby@C&DRacing


BTW Dusty said you didn't offer to keep her warm :chinese:

It was an open call to all women:devil: :D

woodsracer144
08-09-2009, 09:50 PM
Originally posted by Pappy
10 hours of racing in some wicked conditions and these guys are all smilies!

them guys are the bomb.. those guys are what made me have a great time at the D23 hairscrambles and the OMA national at Millville Mn...