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CMC TransCal Series Final Showdown: Riverfront Park STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOHN BETHEA MARYSVIllE, CA, OCT. 20-21 he CMC-sanctioned series that was created two decades ago to showcase the manufacturers' lineup of professional riders who were at the time on strike with the AMA has now matured into a very prestigious program. This weekend's four-moto, two-day finale spotlighted the vast talents of the Amateur participants, who numbered nearly 600. Top riders from qualifiers held in the Pacific Northwest, Southern California and here in Northern California were all tossed together to fight it out, and only two riders - Bryan Watson of Bakersfield, California, and Ryan ViIlopoto of Poulsbo, Washington emerged as two-class champions in the 20th annual White Brothers TransCal Nationals. Villopoto, riding a factory- and Answer-sponsored Yamaha in both the eocc (12-13) and Supermini events, had his mettle thoroughly tested by an equally talented Justin Keeney, on the Shoei and Team Green Kawasaki. The duo faced off head to head for nearly every lap of seven of the eight motos they entered, making for the best racing of the weekend, which was blessed with ideal racing conditions and weather that vacationers from the north and east can only envy. That they were pushing it to the limit was immediately apparent when they first met in the eocc (12-13) event. Pitted in the second wa ve behind the older 14- to 16-year-olds, they spent little time catching the front-runners in the six-lap encounter, which resulted in officials reversing the wave order for their remaining three races. Villopoto won by a slim margin, and in the second race, when they picked up where they had left off, it was Keeney who was pushing the limits. In an effort to make an early pass, Keeney crashed hard in turn three on the very first lap and could barely crawl off the track. The medical attendants eventually released the youngster to his father, who hoisted him piggy-back style and carried him back to the pits. This mishap ended any chance of his winning the class, of course, but it also looked as though it might end his weekend as well - a bitter disappointment, since he had already held off Villopoto in the first Supermini round for the edge in that class. Therefore, when they lined up for the second Supermini moto, it was gratifying to see Keeney among the field, although there was a great deal of speculation as to whether he would be of any worth after his rough spill. Those concems were put to rest immediately when the gate fell and the two dozen racers hit the first tum. Keeney T 28 NOVEMBER 7. 2001 • (Leftl Kawasaki jockey Justin Keeney takes the Supennlnl checkered flag In the first round on Saturday at the two-day finale of the CMC TransCaI Series. A spill later In the second aocc (12-13) moto diminished his overall chances for the day, but he made up for it with two class wins on Sunday. 1thE BUEllists was right there, fighting hard, and by the end of the first lap he had the lead, with Villopoto in tow. They spent three laps that way before Keeney, wavering slightly, yielded to Villopoto's continued badgering. Keeney finished runner-up behind Villopoto's second overall victory of the day. After a night to heal, they squared off in the fifth event on the program, the Supermini again. Showing incredible recuperative powers, Keeney blasted into the lead, and in only a few laps he had about a seven-length cushion, which lasted until the final lap, when Villopoto closed - but too late to do any damage. cue I . (Above) Yamaha pilot Ryan Villopoto of Washington had a nearly perfect score In the aocc (12-13) series points standings. His only loss was a second place in Sunday's second moto in Marysville, California. (Leftllt _ a toughluck weekend for Jeff Smorada In the 125cc Beginner class at RIverfront Park. He came In as the top points rider from Northern California and pulled out a second-place overall on Saturday, but a first-lap spill In Sunday's opener had him coming from last to only 17th at the checkered. He won the final moto but lost the series championship by only seven points to John Van Dyke. n.vvs (Above) Brian Anderson was the 125cc Junior series champion, winning his class on Saturday and finishing second on Sunday.