Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128206
National Arenacross Series Final Round: Pepsi Center It was an amazing year for the Texan who now calls Haslet home, and he gives all the glory to his number-one fan. "I feel so blessed," Demuth said Demuth Inishes Up with JJ wins (out of 56 mains} By DAVE DERINGER PHOTOS BY RAYMOND GUNDY DENVER, CO, MAR. 7·8 osh Demuth had nothing to lose at the final round of the National Arenacross Series in Denver, Colorado. Demuth had won the series championship for the second straight year two weeks earlier and had also surpassed Buddy Antunez's seasonvictory record as well. Demuth could have come in and helped teammate Tommy Hofmaster for second overall in the points, but Demuth was out for himself at the final round, and as luck would have it, so was Hofmaster. Demuth took three main-event victories and a huge Dash For Cash win (the biggest of the year at over $1700) and walked out of Denver with an amazing 33 wins, another number-one plate, and a bonus check for $25,000 from the banquet a few days later. (Above) Josh Demuth got his 33rd win of the season on Saturday. That's the new record. He went three for four in Denver. (Left) Tommy Hofmaster (3) overtook Buddy Antunez for second In the series by one point. 52 MARCH 26, 2003' cue • e n eVIl's after all of the festivities. "' put all my faith in Jesus Christ, and he rides with me. There's no better way to provide for myself and my family than racing motorcycles. I've got the best sponsors in the world, and we [Shogun Yamaha] were just out here doing our best, and the whole team gives it everything. I'm happy for Tommy, too. He went out and did what he had to and didn't ask for any of our help. Yamaha has got to be happy with going one and two." Demuth then added, "It was a tough year. I knew Buddy was coming back, and with Darcy and Tommy out there, I knew that it wouldn't be easy. They're no slouches, and I did the best I could and was on the best motorcycles possible. I have a wonderful wife and two beautiful kids, and it was an honor to be out there. A lot of people have said that I should go to supercross, but I'm staying right here. It's like a family here, and I have a great group of friends, so I'll be back." Hofmaster had a weekend he will not forget as he went 3-2-2-4 throughout the 125cc and 250cc finals on Friday, and Saturday, respectively, and he took a Dash win on Friday also. The Illinois native gets to wear the number-two jersey next year, though barely, as he just squeaked out his rival and friend Antunez by one point in the final standings. Going into the final main event on Saturday, Hofmaster had a two-point lead on Antunez, and the "Bud Man" beat him by one position in the 250cc final, but that was just not enough for the $15,000 bonus. Hofmaster stood on the podium three times over the weekend, mak· ing for a total of 25 podiums for the year along with his five wins. Two of the podiums over the weekend were with his teammates Demuth and Phil Lawrence, making for an all-Shogun Yamaha podium twice in two nights. After struggling and forging ahead as a privateer in the series for so long, Hofmaster can now be considered among the Arenacross elite. "Man, if you would have talked to me six months ago, you wouldn't have thought that I would have even been here," Hofmaster recalled of his injured back. "' was about to hang it all up, but Shogun believed in me, and we both gave it a shot. I said a little prayer with Josh before the final, and I want to thank the Lord for watching over us. I've got to thank everybody at Yamaha and Shogun for giving me a shot on what I consider the dream team of Arenacross with Josh and Phil. It was good, clean