Cycle News - Archive Issues - 2000's

AMA/Yamaha/Maxxis Western Four-Stroke Nationals Round 6: Honey Lake Motocross Park By CASHEL HACKLAND PHOTOS BY DIANE GARLAND --- Jl\lLFORD, CA, J{]LY 6·7 CiToney Lake Motocross Park hosted ril the sixth round of the AMA Western Four-Stroke Nationals, presented by Yamaha Motor Corporation and sponsored by Maxxis Tires, MotoworldRacing.com, White Brothers. American Honda, Husqvarna, Maxima Racing Oils, VP Racing Fuels, FMF, Thor, Spy, Big Gun Exhaust, DeCal Works, Thunder-1 Racing T-shirts, DirtbikeTV.com, Jak·Bakz # Plates For Your Body, Race Tech, Power Start Systems, Series Tracker Software, Metaltek Bike Stands, Hooters Restaurants, Pro Photo Las Vegas, PixeIThisPhoto.com, Barnet Clutches and Superfast Fuels. With this being one of the only "old-school' tracks on the circuit, 90 percent of the riders were in for a surprise. The Pro Am riders took to the track on Saturday afternoon for an hour of practice, most of which they spent finding their footing and the best Hnes to clear one of the triple jumps that's situated at the base of the monster off-camber section; for those unfamiliar with the track, this section lends a laugh, as more than one rider missed the turn and instead had an unexpected trip into the snow-fencing. (Crews were on hand with repair kits for such riders!) With 52 entries for the Pro Am class, the day's program kicked off with a morning qualifier. Tim Weigand dominated this ride early with the holeshot and a considerable lead on the pack, and he secured his spot in the main with a first-place finish. The last·chance qualifier saw Ryan Dudek displaying his talents, finding his way into the main, Moto one appeared to be cut and dried, as Paul Carpenter came bearing down on the first turn to claim the holeshot, with Rich Taylor (riding a White Brothers/American Honda CRF450R for an upcoming show on Speed Channel called "A Day Uke A Factory Rider in the AMA Western 4-Stroke Nationals') and Mike Mason in second and third, respectively. Carpenter, however, misjudged "Clubhouse Corner" and went down, and half the pack passed him, including Spud Walters, who set about chasing down Taylor. Walters and Taylor were neck and neck going up the 500-foot vertical uphill; although Taylor had the inside edge, Walters launched himself off the top and landed just ahead of Taylor. Walters built his newfound lead into an almost-30·second gap and easily rode to a first-place finish. Carpenter made up some ground after going down again in front of the scor· ing tower - not enough to win, but enough to finish in the top five, allowing Dustin Nelson and Weigand to podium. "I haven't ridden on a lot of tracks on the West Coast, but this track is definitely challenging: said Carpenter. "I had a good ride. I am in pretty good shape, but it doesn't change the degree of difficulty." Out of the gate in moto two, it was a White Brothers one-two-three, with Carpenter leading Walters leading Taylor, with Woods and McAlister rounding out the top five. Carpenter was full of renewed determination, Carpenter went 5-1 for third overall. and he set his sights on a podium finish. Jimmy LaMastus showed the pack how not to tackle the downhill by going over the side of the berm and having to re-enter the track at the base of this section. Carpenter led the entire moto, with Walters a consistent second. A little further back, Karlsen was swapping second with Woods; Karlsen secured the spot when Woods punctured his front tire on the downhill, finishing 21 st one out of the AMA championship points. The final results saw Dustin Nelson joining Honda riders Carpenter and Walters on the podium after an incredibly dominating ride by Carpenter. "This was definitely one of the most grueling tracks on the circuit," Walters declared. "Larry and his crew have set a standard of how to make a track work for everyone. The Pros get the MX395 uphill, and that is a big Paul Carpenter nails the holeshot at the unleashing of the sixth round of the AMA Western Four-Stroke Nationals. Ryan Dudek (KTM); 10. Chaun McAlister (KTM); I J. Rory Sullivan (KTM); 12. Kenny Heess (Hon); 13. Vincent Blair (Hon); 14. Frankie Mecono (Yam): 15. Michael Stanton (Hon); 16. Erik Anderson (Hon); 17. Ryan Orr (Hon); 18. Mark T;Uey (Yam); 19. Mike Mason (KTM); 20. Shewn MacDoneld (Hon); 21. Nathan Woods (Yam); 22. Sven Stillmock (Can); 23. Beau Judge (Yam); 24. Jeff Simas (Yam); 25. Nick Foister (Yam); 26. Trevor Brooks (Yam); 27. Kelly Andris (Hon); 28. Brlllndon Thomllls (Hon); 29. Tim Nobles (Y8m); 30. Steve M8rty (Han); 31. Greg Cr8ter (Hon): 32. Kenny L8sh (Han); 33. Jimmy L8M8stus (KTM); 34. M8tt Bussell (Hon); 35. Joe B8iley (Yam): 36. DZlOiel BI"ir (Y"m): 37. Patrick Ranniger (Hon); 38. Kenny Lash (Hon); 39. Carter Gumee (Hon); 40. Matt Barber (Yam) 0/A: 1. Spud Walters (Hon); 2. Dustin Nelson (Y"m); 3. P8uJ C8rpenter (Hon); 4. Rich Taylor (Hon); 5. Tom Weogand (Hon); 6. Robb Floth (Hon); 7. Ryan Dudek (KTM); 8. Chaun McAlister (KTM); 9. Billy Mercier (Han): 10. Rory Sullivan (KTM): 11. Frankie Mecono (Yam); 12. MIlItt. Karlsen (Yam); 13. Kenny Hoess (Hon); 14. Michael Stanton (Hon); 15. Erik Anderson (Hon); 16. Mark Tilley (Yam); 17. N8than Woods (Yam); 18. Vincent Blair (Hon); 19. Daniel Blair (Yam); 20. Ryan Orr (Yam); 21. Mike Mason (KTM); 22. Brandon Thomas (Hon); 23. Shawn MacDonald (Hon); 24. Jimmy LaMastus (KTM); 25. Sven Stillmock (Can); 26. Trevor Brooks (Yllm); 27. Greg Crllter (Hon); 28. Nick Foister (Yam); 29. Jeff Simas (Yam); 30. Matt Bussell (Hon); 31. Joe Bailey (Yam); 32. Beau Judge (Yam); 33. Steve Marty (Hon); 34. Tim Nobles (Yam); 35. Kelly Andris (Hon); 36. Patrick Rllnniger (Hon); 37. Shane Smith (Hon); 38. Kenny Lash (Hon); 39. Carter Gumee (Hon); 40. Matt Barber (Han). AMA WESTERN FOUR-STROKE NATIONAL MOTOCROSS SERIES POINTS STANDINGS (After 6 of 10 rounds): 1. Spud W81ters (275/4 wins); 2. Paul Carpenter (230/1 win); 3. Dustin Nelson (205); 4. Matt Karlsen (166); 5. Nathan Woods (163); 6. Chaun McAlister (121); 7. Brandon Thomes (92); 8. Lance Smail (87); 9. Frankie Mecono (75); 10. Tim Weigand (74); 11. Ryan Dudek (69); 12. Erik Anderson (67); 13. Ty Carson (61); 14. Carter Gurnee (58); 15. (TIE) Rich Taylor/Billy Mercier (50); 17. (TIE) Robb Floth/Danoel Blair (48); 19. Beau Baron (44); 20. Sean Hamblin (43/1 win); 21. (TIE) Mark Tilley/Craig Decker (42); 23. Robert Nau9hton (40); 24. Kenny Heess (39); 25. Craig Truglio (34); 26. (TIE) Rory Sullivan/Michlliel Stanton/Ryan Abri90 (32); 29. Andy Boller (25); 30. Gordon Ward (21); 31. Jimmy laMastus (18); 32. (TIE) Todd Downs/Josh Chisum (17); 34. Josh Kello99 (16); 35. Beau Boynton (15); 36. (TIE) Vincent BlairfTerry Hamness{Tiger Lacey (13); 39. (TIE) Shawn MlllcDonald/Tony Graves/Dustin Bloomfield (11); 42. (TIE) Derek Mahoney/Mike Roth/Dennis Stapleton (10); 45. RYllin Terlecki (9); 46. (TIE) Ryan Orr/Justin Acker (7); 48. (TIE) Crai9 Davis/Brandon Uoyd/Chris Barrett (5); 51. (TIE) Joe Bailey Ill/Jason Mathews/Jason Matthews/Scot Steffy (4); 55. Cliff Cook (3); 56. (TIE) Mat Bateman/Mike Mason/Ryan Huffman/Bryan Jar8mille (2); 60. Brad Hendry (I). plus. Paul rode great today. I am not sure if I could have taken him in the second moto, even though I closed in; my pit board said '20 seconds out on third place, BACK OFF and win.' I did it, since I took first in moto one the math was easy." Having riders of such caliber in Lassen County was a particularly proud moment for the locals, and the show put on by the Pro Am riders was awesome; there were a few theatrics displayed by riders and the dramatic riding gave way to fun for everyone at the track . with the possible exception of track photographer Diane Garland, who ended her day with a memorable war wound received when Mark Tilley roosted her with a rock on the forehead as she was cheering him on at the top of MX395. Honey Lake Motocross Park hosted a successful event, with nearly 2000 people in attendance. Larry and Lise Wosick and their awesome crew did another outstanding job. At the end of the day, Walters had extended his points lead to 45, and if Lady Luck is on his side at the remaining rounds, he appears to be set for another Four-Stroke Championship. CN Haney lJoke Motocross Park Mlltard, California Results: July &-7, zaaz (Round &J M.OTO 1: 1. Spud W81ters (Hon); 2. Dustin Nelson (Yam); 3. Tim Weigand (Hon); 4. Rich Taylor (Hon); 5. Paul Carpenter (Hon); 6. Robb Floth (Hon); 7. Ryan Dudek (KTM); 8. Chaun McAlister (KTM); 9. Frankie Mecono (Vern); 10. Rory Sulliv8n (KTM); 11. Nethan Woods (Yam): 12. Billy Mercier (Hon); 13. Daniel Blair (Yom); 14. Mark Tilley (Yam); 15. Michael Stanton (Hon); 16. Erik Anderson (Hon); 17. Kenny Heess (Han); 18. Ryan Orr (Yam); 19. Brandon Thomas (Hon); 20. Jimmy LliMastus (KTM); 21. Vincent Blair (Hen): 22. Greg Crater (Han); 23. Joe Bailey (Yam); 24. Matt Bussell (Hon); 25. Matt Karlsen (Yam); 26. Sven Stillmock (ClIn); 27. Trevor Brooks (Yam); 28. Shawn MacDonald (Hon); 29. Nick Foister (Yam); 30. Mike Mason (KTM); 31. Steve Marty (Hon); 32. Jeff Simas (Yam); 33. Patrick Renniger (Han); 34. Shene Smith (Hen); 35. Tim Nobles (Yam); 36. Certer Gurnee (Han); 37. Beau Judge (Yam); 38. Kenny Lash (Hon); 39. Kelly Andris (Hon); 40. Matt Barber (Yam). MOTO 2: I. Paul Carpenter (Han); 2. Spud Walters (Han); 3. Dustin Nelson (Yam); 4. Matt Karlsen (Vern); 5. Rich Taylor (Han); 6. Billy Mercier (Hon); 7. Tim Wei9and (Hon); 8. Rob Floth (Hon); 9. Rich Taylor went 4-5 for fourth overall at Honey Lake Motocross Park in Milford, California. cue I e n e _ S • JULY 24, 2002 61

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