Rd 4 of the AMA East Hare Scramble Series and ECEA Point Series Round

  

05-14-22 West Creek, NJ was the setting for Rd 4 of the AMA East Hare Scramble.  This was also an ECEA Co Sanctioned event. 

The host club, MCI - Motorcycle Competition Inc. did the best they could as it would rain, non-stop, for 2 days leading up to the youth events on Saturday.  Over 700 racers would bring their bikes to the starting line over the course of the 2 day event.  In 2021, the club was dealt a bad hand with an unexpected Wind Storm that blew down the Vendor, Scoring and and Podium areas.  Not to mention the tape and arrows of the youth main.  Had this been any other club, there would have been a great delay but they got through it all and had a stellar day 2 event with record numbers.  Fast Forward, rain rain and more rain would plague this same venue.  The club was working overtime to get the job done.  The youth events all went off extremely well without a glitch.  The club designed the course and planned for the rain and had no complications.  On Sunday morning the rain would stop and the sun would begin to shine.  The "C" Event went off on time with minor track changes.  Over 325 would leave the starting line.  This would be a 4 lap race over an 8 mile loop for 1.5 hours.  The fastest racers were coming from the Schoolboy 1 and 2 rows turning out 22 minute lap times.

Kyle McDonal - photo by Scott Mickelsen

Unfortunately when it came time for the main event, there were 2 breaches in the 12 mile course creating a dangerous head on situation.  This would lead to the race being red flagged after just one lap.  The course was immediately cleared and within an hour a restart would be completed with the breaches repaired.  Hats off to the MCI, ECEA and AMA East staff.  So lets get to the main event racing action.... 

Jason Tino - photo by Scott Mickelsen

10 AA/Pros would blast from the front row leaving vast rooster tails of sand 12 feet high.  At the 1st turn it would be Kawasaki mounted Wally Palmer. The 1st mile of the course could be seen directly from the start area and they would eventually wrap around directly behind.  As the race progressed, last years ECEA Champion Jason Tino KTM, would take the early lead with Hunter Bush Gas Gas and Kyle McDonal - Beta, directly behind.  On the final lap, the 3 leaders were no more then 20 seconds apart creating for some great racing action. 

 Spectator points made this event more like an outdoor MX National.  The other battle would be between Mad Max Fernandez - Gas Gas, Justin Lafferty - KTM and Wally Palmer.  The 3 of them were in a close battle for 4th place.  In the end it was McDonal making the last lap charge passing both Bush and Tino.  Fernandez would ring out his 125  and rope in both Lafferty and Palmer for a 4th. The top A rider would go to Kyle Tino - KTM, from the A Open line.  Top B rider would go to Christopher Wiess - HSQ from the B -200 line.

 Top 5

McDonal - Beta

Jason Tino - KTM

Hunter Bush - GG

Max Fernandez - GG

Justin Lafferty – KTM

In the morning "C" event, the Schoolboy 1 and 2 racers would set the pace.  After lap 1 it was Schoolboy 1's Carter Przemelewski - YAM with the fastest lap time. Just under 22 minutes.  Directly behind him was Schoolboy 1's Justin Adkins - YAM. Although they were not physically through scoring 1st, their adjusted lap times made them 1st and 2nd O/A.  In 3rd position was Schoolboy 2 Jake Plummer - YAM.  At the mid way point Justin Adkins would suffer a dnf with motor problems.  Although Sunday was dry and clear, the previous rains and still wet sand would take its toll on more then just one bike.  We now had an O/A battle for the lead as Przemelewski would drop back a bit allowing Robbins to settle into 1st.  Then Garrison and now Jake Plummer would join in the fun. Meanwhile Przemelewski's transponder decided it would not ping through scoring on lap 3.  On paper he was back in 11th however this was not the case.  In the end it was Robbins, Garrsion and Przemelweski.

Top 5

 

Dalten Robbins - YAM

Zachary Garrsion - KTM

Carter Przemelewski - YAM

Jake Plummer - YAM

Mannix Mathis - HSQ

Youth Main Top 5

 

Rocco Zaccaria - HSQ

Dominic Griffith - KAW

Mannix Mathis - HSQ

Hunter Gardner - YAM

Ryder Doka – KAW

Juniors Top 5

 

Enzo Zaccaria - HSQ

Brendan Gray - YAM

Preston Siniavsky - YAM

Landyn Dalmasso - KTM

Jeremy Stretch - KTM

 

Pee Wees Top 5

 

Wyatt Wheeler - KTM

Jason Vandewater - GG

Parker Wynegar - HSQ

Bantam Borzymowski - GG

Timothy Gauntt - KTM

Kenny Held

AMA Off Road Commissioner

AMA East Hare Scrambles Coordinator

Round One: AHRMA Mid Atlantic Cross-Country – Rocket Raceway - April 10, 2022

Author: Joshua Schucker

Photos: Lorena Walker

Harold Silbaugh leads Jim Laird and Doug Kurz

For the past two seasons, the opening round of AHRMA’s Mid-Atlantic Cross-Country season took place at the familiar Rocket Raceway location outside of rural Three Springs, PA. However, just prior to the kickoff of the 2020 season, the adjacent motocross property had been sold to another operating group, which forced the vintage crew to a less accommodating, but still workable, alternative parking area. 

As the surrounding woodland that housed the majority of the established trails remained in property owner Mark Carlson’s name, the AHRMA bunch continued the legacy of using the Rocket Raceway name while the motocross area took on an alphanumeric moniker. 

Fast forward to the present, and we find that the MX track has once again changed hands and reverted to calling itself Rocket Raceway, which just “sounds right”. The new ownership was gracious enough to cooperate with Mark and series’ coordinator Dave Kutskel for the race weekend and allow a record number of competitors to return to the spacious, flat, parking area from years past as well as use some of the trails that lie on the MX property that were off limits the past couple seasons. Many thanks to the owners of Rocket Raceway for the accommodations!

"Not in front of the photographer Johnny B!"

The Mid-Atlantic group has been using this facility for many years and curated a fine batch of possible course layouts. The 2022 course was typical Rocket, with a tremendous variety of terrain and elevation, plenty of entertaining single track, roots, and rocks, and enough open or two-track mileage to sneak past the bike in front of you. With the series’ trail boss extraordinaire Mike Zdybak on the shelf learning to harness the powers of his new bionic shoulder, Brock Kutskel stepped in to handle a lot of the burden of clearing the winter’s leftover downed trees and ensure a clear path. 

A good amount of consideration was given to avoiding areas that tend to become bottlenecks due to water and mud, which is important considering the recent history here. You see, while springtime weather in general is a gamble, if you had to spin a roulette wheel of “wet” or “dry”, I’d bet it all on “wet” when it comes to spring at Rocket. Of course, this year held true to fashion with a week full of rain leading up to the first green flag of the year. But the careful layout selections paid off, and with just enough clear skies in the hours preceding, the course was far better than expected. Certainly, there were spots where water had to be crossed and the inevitable mud and ruts formed. In general, traffic was able to move through without too much drama. Awesome, competitive racing ensued…despite the frigid temperatures and occasional snow squall (told you the weather is a gamble!).

Vintage Race:

The future of the sport of vintage off-road racing was on display in the morning’s race. Not long ago the duo of Logan Holley and Brock Kutskel would have been making tracks in the youth racing scene held in conjunction with the Mid-Atlantic’s efforts, but the two have now begun to make some noise on the big stage. Logan set the pace early and didn’t look back as he pulled away for the overall and AA class win. 

Brock made a last lap pass on Brett Reichart to take the runner-up position and the class win in the Vintage 200 Expert ranks. Darrell Wassil followed Brock in third overall while Brett held on for fourth. Jacob Williams took the second spot in the Vintage 200 Expert class behind Kutskel and was also solidly in the top-ten overall. Daniel Zell held the early lead on his Suzuki in Vintage 200 Intermediate action but was unable to hold off the charging BS Holley who took over the top spot on lap two and eventually take the checkers with Zell behind. 

Kyle Warner returned to his winning ways in the Vintage 100 Expert class on his screaming Yamaha while his brother Larry took a hard run at the top spot in Vintage 50+ Expert. Larry’s Yamaha fell a minute short of catching winner Joe Cole’s Husqvarna. Greg Barratt rounded out the podium on his Maico. Jim Laird was number one in Vintage 50+ Intermediate on his newly acquired MX250 with Tim Spigelmyer hounding him all race. Tim fell just twelve seconds short of the top spot as he and Ed Weger went 2-3 respectively.

Darrell Wassil had a great showing at Rocket.

Post Vintage Race:

Fresh of the win in the first race, Logan Holley was about to get a lesson in speed from arguably the fastest guy in the series. John Ashcraft took charge of race two and pulled a five-minute lead on fellow fast guy Mike Blackwell for the top two spots overall. Logan hung tight to Mike for third with their pair of ITs only seconds apart. Craig Shenigo took charge of a competitive Post Vintage 50+ Expert pack with a win over Jon Brant. Joe Cole filled out the top three on the only non-Yamaha IT in the class. Darrell Wassil and Geoff Kemp went 2-3 in Post Vintage 200 Expert behind Holley while another youngster with emerging speed took the Post Vintage 200 Intermediate win when Joey Spayd II made a late race pass for the lead on his XR200R in a tight ten-rider class. John Brunnett had no intentions of turning over the Post Vintage +60 Expert class win with a wire-to-wire performance on his SWM. Jack Petrilla and John Zellam diced for the runner-up spot all race with Jack topping John at the finish. Eleven riders took the green flag in Post Vintage +60 Intermediate action with Yamaha pilot Doug Kurz besting the Can-Am duo of Tommy Tippett and 2021 class champion Glenn Hershey. Robert Radcliffe took home the top trophy in the Novice +60 class.

Round #1 is always a little on the wet side.

Disc Brake Race:

After being introduced in 2021, the third race on the schedule has continued to grow. The series has made an additional investment in 2022 by adding several age classes to the event to increase participation. With 43 bikes on the line for race three, the efforts have proven to be worth it! Brett Reichart flirted with the lead on lap one, but John Ashcraft was merely one second behind at the first pass through scoring. John made the pass soon thereafter and took the win while Ethan Waddell hustled his YZ250 to keep him in sight for the second spot in the overall results and AA class. 

Brett and his KX250 held on for a hard-fought top-ten finish in the overall ranks. Sean McKinney survived a last race push by Grant Reichart in the Pre-Modern Open Expert class, but Sean was able to clear Grant’s KDX by less than ten seconds at the checkers for the win. Kelly Ashcraft took the Pre-2K Women’s Expert class in her debut in the third race on a KTM.  Twelve riders entered the various age class in the disc brake race with Craig Lowery setting the pace with a 50+ Intermediate win and top-15 overall. Other winners in the age classes include Dave Kutskel over Steve Sachetti (+50 Expert), Brad Waddell over Jack Petrilla (+60 Expert), and Tommy Tippett on an ATK over Doug Kurz (+60 Intermediate). Interestingly, Kurz competed on what appeared to be a hybrid steel tank Yamaha TT with custom modern suspension.

Rocket Raceway never disappoints in delivering a great experience to kickoff a fresh season of fun in the Mid-Atlantic. There’s lots more fun to come in the 2022 season with several full weekend events, an entirely new venue in late summer, and a revamped Mid-Atlantic motocross series that will be a companion to the cross-country schedule for most of its dates presenting even more opportunity to race vintage motorcycles and hang around some truly great people. 

Thank you to Rocket Raceway, Mark Carlson, and the AHRMA Mid-Atlantic volunteers under the tutelage of Mr. Kutskel for making this possible. Please continue to support the sponsors that make the effort to ensure the success of this great series: Potomac Vintage Riders, Preston Petty Products, Stainless Cycle, Grove Printing, KMI Printing, Horizon Homes, and Works Enduro Riders. 

The 2022 schedule and complete results from this event can be found at https://www.ahrma.org/ahrma-mid-atlantic-region. Follow the series’ Facebook page @ AHRMA Mid Atlantic Cross Country for updates and news throughout the year.

See ya at the next round....

Spring is Coming - So What Next

 I don't know about you, but I am excited to get right into it. I know I'm a little early, as the official start of the season isn't marked on our calendars until March 21st, but we've had a cold and icy winter here in the PA Wilds and we're ready for a break.

Traveling thru West Branch Township today.

The weather had us fooled about a week ago as all the snow melted off and the temps rose into the 50 and 60 degree ranges. We were making plans for the weekend when Mother Nature struck again. We saw about five inches of snow mid week followed by another half foot coming into the weekend.

A typical scene outside our home, all winter long.

The extended forecast looks good the next couple of weeks as we head into the start of Trout Season. The Fish and Boat commission has made some changes this year however and opening day falls on April 2nd statewide.   

You can get more details by: clicking here

The Pine Creek originates in Potter County and is one of Pa's most fished trout streams.

It also attracts thousands every year for canoeing and kayaking and the 

Pine Creek Rail Trail originates near us in Tioga County and travels south 62 miles.

Get more details on the rail trail and the Pine Creek Gorge by: clicking here

Trout season is always a sign that spring is coming here among many other things. Today we decided to take a drive and soak up the warm weather and look for game. It was a tough season for the deer and other animals to find food with the solid ice that blanketed the ground for most of the winter. You know however when you see the deer in the field in the middle of the day - that spring is on its way.

We spied this big guy one evening last fall, 

today in the same location we found a herd of doe grazing. 

There are tons of things to do here in #godscountry this spring. We have the Susquehannock State Forest System which has an 85 mile hiking loop and is also home to one of Pa's longest ATV and UTV trail systems. In addition, most townships have opened their dirt roads adding hundreds of miles to the system.

A group of ATV riders last fall in Potter County.

The dual sport and adventure bike riding is terrific here too as long as you have a street legal bike.

Get info on the PA Route 6 Motorcycle Loops by: clicking here

The area is home to many state parks that offer miles of hiking, swimming, mountain biking, camping, kayaking and fishing.  In addition Cherry Springs State Park is rated one of the best night sky observatories on the east coast. Any wonder they call it Gods Country.

You can also venture over into Tioga County if your thing is boating, several large lakes grace the area that do allow motor boats that support fishing and skiing.

Get more details about Cherry Springs by: clicking here

Bring your camper for a fun family outing in the great outdoors

As you can see whether it be spring, summer winter or fall, the area offers just about something for everyone. I don't know about you, but I'm getting excited just thinking about it. Please check with the local authorities on time specific seasons and please make sure you take everything out of the great outdoors that you carried in with you.

The 2021 “Mighty RORR” Dual Sport

 Author: Joshua Schucker

Pictures courtesy of Joshua Schucker, Bill Lemunyon, Dave Bittner, and Don Fegley

Each year, just in time for the beginning of fall’s color changing beauty, the town of Pine Grove is awakened by the sound of hundreds of dirt bike enthusiasts setting out for a trip through the scenic and challenging terrain left behind by the area’s legendary mining operations. 

The sold-out event is a part of the East Coast Enduro Association’s (ECEA) yearly schedule and begins and ends at the North End Fire Company in this small Pennsylvania town. The fire company has been a long-time partner with the Reading Off Road Riders (RORR), who are the brains and brawn behind the event.

The club’s members are hard at work for several weeks ahead of the event maintaining trails and mapping a unique dual sport experience. The course is laid out in two loops, morning and afternoon, that take place on property that was once considered “open” riding, These areas near Tower City, Joliet, Good Spring, Blackwood, and Llewelyn are a source of great memories to the folks that grew up riding the region in the later 20^th century. 

Unfortunately, times change and increases in vandalism, injuries, insurance claims, ownership changes, etc. all played a hand in losing access to these areas. Thankfully, RORR has been able to maintain long-standing relationships with the various landowners throughout the years and provide the sport with a “one-time-only” annual access to the historic areas and a great reason to mark this event on your calendar.

At just over ninety miles, the ride is certainly a full day, and while you will justify that license plate by spending some time on blacktop, don’t let the dual sport moniker fool you…this ride is no jaunt through some graded forestry service dirt roads. After all, the event is brought to you by the same folks that present the “Tough Like RORR” extreme enduro, and it’s only natural for the club to incorporate a bit of that attitude into all of its events. But, to clarify, and lessen the scare factor for next year’s participants, the majority of the difficult sections are incorporated as options that are clearly marked for you to decide your fate. However, there are some rocky areas even on the main trail. This is Central PA…you cannot avoid rocks, you just have to embrace them.

A brisk overcast morning greets the riders as they leave North End Fire Company warmed from the breakfast provided by the North End’s volunteers. The ride heads west into the land managed by Rausch Creek Trailriders Club. Today’s access is granted only for the event by the Rausch Creek management team, but memberships, as well as campsites, are available for purchase to enjoy this vast riding area annually by visiting https://www.rauschcreekracing.com/. Here the main trail will follow mostly two-track trails, mine access roads, and scenic paths with terrain ranging from the aforementioned rocks, black coal dirt, hard pack, and even sand. Several optional routes incorporate some wonderful, challenging single track and romps along the spine of “dragon-backs”, piles of overburden and manipulated ground left over from strip mining activites.

A return to the fire company for a tasty lunch follows before setting off to the Blackwood/Llewelyn section for the afternoon loop. This area is accessed by the longest stretch of blacktop in the event, but once the tires hit dirt again, you quickly realize the trek was worth it. Unlike the morning’s section, where there is an active club using the land, this area is off limits except for the Mighty RORR. So, the trails are fresh and neatly trimmed from the club’s preparation. As in the morning, the main line will traverse a mix of dirt roads and wider paths and the rocks are resigned to background noise compared to earlier. There is one difficult bit of main trail toward the end of the loop that is a consequence of the terrain and access but be sure the RORR representatives are willing and able to assist as needed. The fun level really amps up when choosing to tackle the options as the single track is truly spectacular. And, if you make it through one of the last, and most challenging options, where you ascend the mountain side through a tangle of rocky trail and tight trees, you may be rewarded with a hearty cheer and snack from the fire as you pass by an accommodating welcoming party at a rustic cabin atop the hill.

Not far beyond the cabin, the trail returns to the blacktop for a return to the starting area concluding another year’s Mighty RORR. The members of RORR are very grateful for the cooperation of the various landowners that provide the access for the event and well as the support of Rausch Creek Trailriders Club, the North End Fire Company, and the ECEA and its sponsors. Make your plans to join in next year, but be sure to watch the website https://www.rorr.org/ for sign-up information in late summer/early-fall as the event is known to sell-out quickly!

AHRMA Mid-Atlantic Cross-Country

 Round Nine – Frackville, PA: October 10, 2021

Author: Joshua Schucker

Photography: Nolan Matthews

After a successful inaugural event in 2020, the accomplished competitors and event coordinators from South Penn Enduro Riders (SPER) once again welcomed the Mid-Atlantic gang back to its stomping grounds outside Frackville, Pennsylvania. The racers were greeted by a picturesque fall day with leaves starting to begin their seasonal color change and temperatures settling into the low sixties. Looking north, the scene was dominated by a large pile of culm blanketing the horizon reaffirming the history of this land and its striking features. Everything was in place for a spectacular start to the series’ penultimate event. It is remarkable to think that forty-eight hours ago we weren’t supposed to be here…well, not this exact “here” anyway.

If the previous round in Ohio had to deal with a last-minute change of venue, the folks at SPER had to deal with a last second change in Frackville! You see, the event in 2020 was held across the street from where we’ve set the stage for this event. And, all of that event’s layout and acclaimed trail from last year was all set-up, trimmed, and marked as a repeat in 2021 until SPER was notified by the land’s management that, due to an unforeseen communication lapse, the event would NOT be able to commence as planned. The SPER team had to quickly leap into action to salvage round nine.

Thankfully, the club also has access to the land south of the blacktop road and is intimately familiar with its topography through years of hosting modern hare scrambles events there. So, with only Saturday to work with, SPER leveraged its knowledge and willing manpower to connect existing trails, cut a bit of fresh trail to reroute some areas for vintage friendliness, and just get the site in general ready for the incoming racers. A serious amount of coordination and effort went into relocating the event to the southern side of Morea Road in such short time, but amazingly the SPER team was able to make it happen with no sacrifice to the experience. Anyone unfamiliar with the tribulations that occurred would not have known the event wasn’t intended to be in this spot from the start…that’s high praise in itself!

Ultimately, the course was a blast with a combination of existing and fresh trail with the requisite number of exposed roots, rocks, ruts and mud puddles, all connected by old access roads, and with an occasional view of the unsuspecting traffic hustling by on Interstate 81. A few rock gardens were encountered, with the shortest route arrowed, while some nice elevation changes came courtesy of fresh trail through abandoned mining pits. Huge thanks to series’ regulars, and SPER members, Mark Hummel, Steve Bowman, and Sandy Quickel, who with many more volunteers, too numerous to mention here but equally appreciated, made this event happen.

Vintage Races:

Josh Zerance jumped in front early to take the overall and AA class lead, but he ran into trouble on lap three as Dave Kutskel was able to squeeze his Yamaha MX360 past for the overall win. Zerance’s Can-Am fell to third behind Brett Reichart before Josh put on a last lap charge past the Puch of Reichart to take the AA win (second overall) while Brett hung on to third overall. Sandy Quickel (Penton) secured the Classic Expert class victory along with fourth overall. Jay Parkins had no answer to Ed Weger’s performance as Weger led from the start and relegated Parkins to the runner-up position in Vintage 50+ Intermediate. Ryan Horan would finish just ahead of Parkins in the overall standings as he put in an impressive ride for a novice; however, Brandon Rowe would outclass Horan and take top novice honors. Both novices would take their respective Vintage class wins with Rowe topping the Open class and Horan the 200 class. Charlie Walker scored his first win of the season in Vintage 60+ Expert class over Randy Marshall (Husqvarna).

Post Vintage Races:

John Ashcraft (CR480) laid down the fastest lap times throughout the middle race in claiming the overall and AA win over fellow AA rider Mike Blackwell on an IT175. SPER’s Mark Hummel would hang close to Blackwell on his Husqvarna but was unable to make his way past in settling for third. Hummel was able to win the competitive Post Vintage Open Expert class as Adam Stelmack and Dane Brownawell followed Hummel closely across the line going two-three in class. Father and son IT175 pilots dueled in the Post Vintage 200 Intermediate class with the elder Merrell, Sam, taking runner-up as his progeny Sylas steadily pulled away in a convincing victory. Eric Rupp made a last lap for third and completed a trifecta of sky-blue Yamahas. Nick Patterson, also riding an IT, would nail down the Novice win in Post vintage 200. Craig Shenigo, making his series return after a rib shaking crash at Coyote Run, proceeded to chase down early leader Eric Weiland to make the pass for the Post Vintage 50+ Expert win on lap four. Joe Cole was able to hustle his Husqvarna past Weiland on the last lap to take second with Weiland sliding back to third.

Disc Brake Races:

John Ashcraft’s overall win put an exclamation point on his domination for the day with another show of blistering speed besting runner-up Michael Cramer by nearly a minute per lap. Mark Hummel secured another third in the overall standings and a class win in Early modern Open Expert with the KDX of Roy Miller and Brain Schwein’s YZ250 going two-three. Fellow SPER member Steve Bowman took fourth on his CR250. Joe Wallace (expert) and Brian Turk (intermediate) took the wins in the Pre-Modern 200 classes. The KDX200s of Ken Wagner and Greg Kemp took the top two spots in “KDX Battleground” Early Modern 200 Intermediate.

As always, thank you to the Mid-Atlantic region’s volunteers and the sponsors that support the regional events; Potomac Vintage Riders, Preston Petty Products, Stainless Cycle, Vee Rubber, Grove Printing, KMI Printing, Horizon Homes, and Works Enduro Riders. The complete results from this event and the upcoming schedules can be found at https://www.ahrma.org/ahrma-mid-atlantic-region

AMA East Harescramble Series presented by Beta

 November 14, 2021

Photos by: Scott Mickelsen at  Roots, Rocks and Mud

Eagleswood, NJ was the setting for the final rounds of both AMA East and ECEA Hare Scrambles.  Its been 2 years since we were able to do a co sanction with ECEA but it was great to be home for the AMA East HQ's and staff.  

Over 750 racers from NYOA, NETRA, D6, ECEA and AMA East regulars converged on the small town of Eagleswood, NJ.  This was the largest off road race within the Tri State area for 2021. The club, Motorcycle Competition Inc, began prepping the course several weeks ago as they were anticipating the larger then normal crowds.  With this many racers, the course was sure to get hammered rather quickly.  Fortunately MCI did not let this happen.  Working directly with the management of Sahara Sands Mining facility, the club was able to put in several miles of single track trail with superb connector sections.  Added to the mix was 3 MX Grass tracks with each heat getting their own catered affair.  A great menu!

In the main event we had a dozen Pros thirsty for a year end win.  The current AMA East points leader, Kyle McDonal (Beta) had already cinched the title in Stillwater OK the week before but truly wanted to celebrate at home with friends and family. If he was to win this day, it would only add to the 2021 celebration.  Also on the line were several of the Lafferty family racers as well as some notable D6 and NETRA Rockstars.  

When the green flag was raised it was AA Veteran Rich Lafferty (KTM) with the Hole Shot.  Directly behind him was his nephew Justin Lafferty (KTM).  The 2 immediately became targets and the roar at the shore was under way.  McDonal got squeezed on the inside and had his work cut out for him with a mid pack start.  By the time they reached the 1st mile marker, McDonal would take the lead.  

Behind him was yet another seasoned AA Vet Andrew Delong aboard his Privateer Honda. The 2 would begin a 4 lap battle which was 2 close to call when they came through scoring on lap 1.  Separated by only seconds, McDonal and Delong would set the pace.  Shortly after the start of lap 2, McDonal was forced to pit due to a bent rear brake lever which he caught on a root.  the lever was completely bent under the foot peg.  His pit crew got it bent back out and he was gone with the lead changing hands and Delong in front.  

McDonal now had current ECEA points leader Jason Tino (KTM) stalking him less then 20 seconds back.  McDonal told this reporter, prior to the race, that 2nd would not be an option this day.  At the end of lap 2 McDonal was back in the lead with Delong one bike length behind with Tino still in contention.  On lap three McDonal and Delong would begin to pull away.  Behind them we saw New Englander Brayden Nollete from the A 250 Class move into the top 5.  There was no shortage of excitement going into the final 13 mile lap.  Our spotters at the halfway mark advised it was still to close to call.  McDonal was leading but just by a few seconds.  One mistake would force a lead change.  Fortunately for McDonal, he held his lines and surfaced onto the final stretch with Delong directly on his back fender.  Tino would settle for 3rd this day and secure the #1 Plate for the ECEA Series. 

 

Top 10 

Kyle McDonal - Beta

Andrew Delong - Hon

Jason Tino - KTM

Brayden Nolette - KTM

Salvatore Cusimano - Yam

Hunter Bush - GG

Justin Lafferty - KTM

Kyle Grenewicz - Yam

Corey Doughten HSQ

Nathan Dulaney - Yam 

In the morning C event over 350 racers would fill the starting grid to capacity.  The top pilots would not come from the C open class or the C 250 class.  The young rocketeers would come out of the Schoolboy 1 and 2's.  Many of them had raced the day before in the Youth Main.  By the end of lap one we had 5 Schoolboy 1's leading the heat.  Out front was local favorite Lucas Seelman aboard his KTM.  Directly behind him was Dalton Hook (Yam) and Sahara Sands regular Joey Rainone (Kaw).  They would hold these positions for the 1.5 hour race. 

 Top 5

 Lucas Seelman - KTM

Dalton Hook - Yam

Joseph Rainone - Kaw

Justin Adkins - KTM

Domenico Marts

 

Youth Main 

GNCC regular Robert "Christopher" Weiss would get the holeshot racing a row forward in the 14-15 Super minis.  Wiess, a regular on the East Coast running with the 12-13 Super minis would up the anti at this final race and put a challenge to the older kids.  Weiss would check out within the 1st mile and never look back.  In 2nd place was Lucas Seelman and Joseph Rainone.  After 1.5 hours, this is how they would finish. 

Top 5

Robert Weiss - HSQ

Lucas Seelman - KTM

Joseph Rainone - Kaw

Austin Tsakanikas - KTM

Carter Przemelewski - Yam

Juniors

Camryn Popek on his Precision Powersports Yamaha would take the hole shot and would not see another racer until he would come upon the lappers.  Trying to draft him was his long time buddy and Yamaha Team Mate Gabe Molinari.  Cutting through the pack from the 2nd row was Enzo Zaccaria (HSQ).  Enzo would make the pass on Molinari for 2nd overall.  Enzo did try frantically to catch Popek but to no avail.  Popek was turning out 30 second faster lap times.  Enzo knew he had to keep up the pressure.  He is a 6 year Off Road racer and knows that it aint over till the checkers are dropped and anything can happen.  Fortunately for Popek....nothing happened and the checkers he would get.  Enzo would still take the win in his class 7-9 65c and 2nd OA.  On lap 4, 7-9 65cc racer Preston Siniavsky would had made a charge and would go from 5th to 3rd Overall and 2nd in his class. This would remain till the end.  Great job boys!

 

Top 5

Camryn Popek - Yam

Enzo Zaccaria - HSQ

Preston Siniavsky - Yam

Tyler Sztancsik - KTM

Gabe Molinari - Yam

Pee Wee 50's

 Its no secret that the future AMA AA's are coming from the front line in this heat.  Brendan Grey (KTM) who had already clinched the AMA East and the ECEA title was just out for a ride with his buddies.  This kid loves to race.  The battle today was for 2nd place for the year.  both Brian Sands and Landyn Dalmasso were only separated by a few points for the ECEA series heading into this final round.  Sands did not get the start he was hoping for which allowed Dalmasso the put some distance between them.  Sands was sitting back in 8th by the end of the 4th lap.  On the final lap, Sands did make a final lap push and got himself up to 4th position but just could not catch the determined Dalmasso.  In the end it was Grey, Dal

 

Top 5

Brendan Grey - KTM

Landyn Dalmasso - KTM

Aubrey Tsakanikas - KTM

Brian Sands - KTM

Preston Siniavsky - HSQ

 

 

Kenny Held

AMA Off Road Commissioner

AMA East Hare Scramble Coordinator

americanmotorcyclist.com