Jim Bull's - Outdoorz Magazine: Round 1 - SRT - AMA East Hare Scramble Series

02-17-19 Union, SC

Rd 1 of the SRT-AMA East Hare Scrambles Series hosted by Mid East Racing was an incredible event. Attendance was high regardless of the less then stellar weather conditions. Lower than average temperatures, winds and rain did not affect the professionalism of the Mid East Racing rank and file.

In the main event 14 Pro's and 20 AA's line up on Row 1 and 2 respectively. There was certainly no shortage of talent. The track itself was a mix of grass track, slick tight woods, abrupt elevation changes and high speed connectors.

What makes this event extremely competitive is that many of the GNCC Racers hit this event as a warm up for their Rd 1 the following weekend. Make no mistake, this event delivered equal quality. This was also Rd 1 of the AMA East which attracts many racers from the North. When the flag dropped HSQ mounted Bollinger with a narrow holeshot and he would quickly establish a 30 second lead at midway point on lap 1.

Running in second position was Johnson aboard his Kawasaki. A few seconds back from him was Yamaha's Ricky Russell. Just outside the top 3 was Honda's Austin Lee. Making a surprise attack was, dare I say it, YZ125 Yamaha mounted Evan Earl. Evan had that 125 screaming and gaining ground.

At the mid point Bollinger would continue his 1st place momentum. The race was now focused on the top AA's. Local racer Taylor Johnson was to face off against the AMA East's regular Mike Beeler Jr. and NYOA's Mike Delosa. The 3 were never out of the top 5. Back in the Pro Class Bollinger would establish a + minute lead over 2nd place Russell and 3rd place Lee. This is how they would finish.

Back in the AA's, on the white flag lap Johnson, who was in the lead, would have some difficulty in the dreaded Mid East "Hogwaller" section allowing Beeler to make the pass. Johnson eventually got going again but Beeler would take the lead to the checkers. Johnson would have to settle for 2nd place. Delosa would settle for 4th behind Josh Lee who made a dramatic push from 11th place to 3rd, WOW!

Earlier we reported that Johnson had run out of fuel but we must retract as it was Zach Davidson who was running a solid 3rd who ran out of gas. Davidson would settle for 9th.

Bollinger wins the Main at Round #1

Main Event top 10

Trevor Bollinger HSQ

Ricky Russell YAM

Jonathan Johnson KAW

Austin Lee HONDA

Evan Earl YAM

Kyle McDonal BETA

Brody Johnson YAM

Michael Beeler Jr KTM - Top AA

Anthony Federico YAM

Taylor Johnson YAM

In the Morning Event it was the Women's A/B that would steal the show. They netted 1st and 2nd Overall. Becca Sheets would take the lead on lap 1 but Tricker was right behind her. At no time were they ever more then a few seconds apart. This was the battle. Tricker would take over the lead on lap 2 and hold it for the 1:45 minute event. Sheets would settle for 2nd back less then 30 seconds. Rounding out the podium was A Super Senior David James. Top C racer in the morning adult event would be Canon Kudeff who just finished winning the Youth event.

Morning Event Top 5 OA

Mackenzie Tricker

Becca Sheets

David James

Rachel Guttish

Kendall Lafollette

Morning Event Top 5 C-Riders

Canon Kuneff

Benedict Donadio

Ben Thomason

Steve Falzone

Wyatt Keisler

In the Youth Event there was no shortage of technical terrain. They would run a similar course as the Morning Adult Race. The 7 mile technical trail would test ability and endurance. Several water holes and deep ruts were present on the 1st lap. You really had to scan ahead for the best lines. It was no surprise that 14-16 Super Mini racer and local favorite Canon Kuneff would take the early lead and just hammer down to the finish. This kid always rides in control but does it very fast. Watch for him in the near future. He later took the top C position in the Morning adult race.

Top 5 Youth Event

Canon Kuneff

Drew Calloway

Gage Etheridge

Ayden Myers

Prestin Haines

Pee Wees Top 5

Maddox Moretz

Nash Peerson

Ethan Harwell

Colby Goodman

Trent Gaines