Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1990's

EVENTS Illinois Stale Championship Motocross Randa on the rampage By Merle Acord CASEY, IL, SEPT, 29 im Randa was a busy man as Lincoln Trail Motorsports hosted the 1996 Illinois Motocross Championships and 400 riders in 18 classes vied for the coveted championship "dock" trophies. "Man, it was good racing," Randa said. "I rode six motos today and each one of them was a battle to the finish. 1 had three firsts, three seconds. It has been a long day." Randa won the first 25+ moto, with class points leader Jeff Hill in second. In the second race, Tuf Racing-sponsored Hill was determined to do better. "I came out second behind Jimmy and we were side-by-side for the first four or five turns," Hill said. "Then 1 got him on an off-camber turn going into the woods. With Jimmy it's best to get him in that first lap - otherwise, he's gone. After getting around, 1 calmed down and was able to keep it on two w.heels and win the mota and the overall. I've been racing for 15 years hunting for that clock. I'm so happy I don't know what to say. Now I've got to get that 250cc A:' Randa wouldn't let that happen, taking both 250cc A motos for himself. "Jeff Hill was on my rear tire all the way, waiting for me to make a mistake, Randa said. "I finally relaxed in the last couple of laps and just smoothed out. He was trying to set me up for a pass, but 1rode as smooth as I could, and if he got past me he got past me. Nate Eslinger put together 2-1 moto finishes in the 14- to 24-year-old A class. The next four riders-Fletcher, Modaff, Espinoza and Wilson-swapped track positions during each lap before finishing behind Eslinger in the above order. Dave Brill earned 1-2 finishes for the overall in the 30+ A class. Brill, who has been racing for 20 years ~d has learned a little about handling sponsors, discreetly followed Pro Source Honda coowner Rusty Ott across the line in the second mota. "I didn't get a good start in moto two," Brill said. "But I didn't panic, I thought 1 would wait my turn. I got around a few riders and Dan (Ryder) got a little tired and 1moved into second J \0 0\ 0\ ..... ~ N .ill .g ...... o 48 U (Above) Martin Vaughn (234) won the 125cc A class over Jim Randa at the Illinois State Championship Motocross, Randa topped the 250cc A class. (Right) Donald Huffman (816) charges after Nick Walsh in 125ce B action at the lIIinios State Championship Motocross. Huffman took second, Walsh fifth. and that was all I needed for the overall:' Ott, a former 125cc A, 250cc A and Open District champion, had placed third in the first mota and winning the second moto put him in second overall. Jeff Heaston, National number-two Amateur in his younger years, gave himself an early 41st birthday present in the 40+ class. Heaston was third off the line in both motos. For him to work his way up meant getting around longstanding National-rated Gary Peak of Indiana and 1995 District 17 Over 40 Champion David Shumway. Peak and Shumway finished 2-3 in both motos with Peak getting the nod and second place. World of Motorsports' Chris Schmulbach used two holeshots to take the overall win in the 125cc B class. Schmulbach won big-time in mota one with Jeremy Brewington second. Donald Huffman's pair of third places would take second overall when Huffman dropped to fifth in mota two. "In that second mota I didn't have too easy a time," Schmulbach said. "Espinoza was right behind me all the way. In the middle laps 1 did pull away some, but then the lappers got in the way and he caught right back up. He never made a move to pass, but I knew he was there." Joe McClain in the 30+ B class turned a pair of midpack starts into 2-1 finishes for the overall 30+ B win. "I never was able to get good starts, . so 1 just have to pass'em as 1 cateb 'em," McClain said. Dave Lafond, after racing mota one, tallied a third in mota two for second overall. Tuf Racing's Patrick Profita took both 60cc-class holeshots with Kody Molitor in tow. Profita aced both motos. Molitor, 2-2 and second overall, was on the gas just to stay with Profita as the pair distanced themselves from the field. Marty Vaughn is finishing off a season of mishaps with a good turn of fortune. LaMondes Cycle-backed Vaughn broke his collarbone earlier in the season and is now recovering from a gallstone operation. Vaughn took the overall win in the 125cc A class and said, "I just kept the power on in the first moto, but Jim Randa closed in the second moto and made me ride a good, honest race." Team Green's Chad Johnson also suffered racing mishaps this season, but recovered in time to win the 80cc Senior class handily. "I hurt my ribs and spleen and broke an ankle," Johnson said. "This is my first race back. 1 rode and won the 80cc Open and Seniors Saturday. 1 tried the 12Scc Schoolboy, but my ankle was hurting so I didn't finish." Lincoln Trial Motocross Casey, Illinois Results: September 29, 1996 125 A: 1. Martin Vaughn (Hon); 2. Jim Randa (Hon); 3. Nate Eslinger (Kaw); 4. Nichol Spierowski (Hon); 5. loe Buskirk (Sur). 125 B: 1. Chris Schmulbach (Suz); 2. Donald Huffmnn (Suz); 3. Dnvid Espinoza (Han); 4. Jeremy Brewington (Hon); 5. Nick Walsh (Hon). 125 C: 1. Robert Vodickn (Suz); 2. Will Atlerman (Suz); 3. Justin Miller (Kaw); 4. William Akers (Han); S. Bill Meek (Suzj. 125 0: 1. Robert Rollins (Suz); 2. Craig Nasello (Suz); 3. Gary Edmison (Yam); 4. Randy Padgett (!

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