Cycle News - Archive Issues - 2000's

morning, and I got here just before race time, so I knew I had to push myself," said Griffith, "It just feels good to win in front of a home crowd. I want to thank my mom and dad and everyone here. My mom is a little jealous, because I got to fiy home and she had to drive five hours." Griffith will be competing in the Loretta Lynn's Nationals and the Ponca City race in August. Watch for this upcoming star, who is sponsored by Troy Lee Designs, Honda of Houston, and Goathead Eyewear. less than two laps to go, Larson got up and back on the bike and managed to finish second, behind Darrah. . There were 10 riders on the line for the Pro Sport event. Coming out of the first turn, Jimmy Sanchez was in the lead, with Tom Carriger and Nicholas Moore right on his back wheel. Moore got by Carriger. Meanwhile, back in the pack, Rod Spencer was working his way to the front. Sanchez worked hard but went high, allowing Moore to get under him. Spencer gained ground, catching up to Sanchez. Then Sanchez and Spencer both got 'past Moore, and they finished in that order. In the Open A contest, Sanchez, Spencer, Carriger and Moore were all behind Wood Rotax rider Mark Corsetti coming out of the first turn. Corsetti was on a mission, wanting this victory in memory of his friend Tyce Heebner; he didn't give an inch and led this pack from pole to pole. Results P/W (3-6): 1. Colt Nibleu (Yom): 2. Braxton Billings (KTM); 3. Cameron Anderson (KTM). P/W (7-9): 1. lonnie Mobley (Pol); 2. Dominik Monuz (Pol): 3. Kyle Jameson (Han). XR70{75/80 / PW8D / BEG 60: I. Zack Jameson (Hon); 2. Ryan Hllyes (Hon); 3. John Rutledge (Han). 65 BEG: I. Matthew Evans (KllW); 2. Blake Wheeler (KllW): 3. Dustin Maxwell. 65 NOV: l. Seaver Rubadeou (Kaw); 2. Jessica Barlow (Kaw): 3. Brittany Barlow (Kaw). 85 BEG: l. Trevor Decker (Han); 2. D.J. Noerr (Han): 3. Bryar Dillingham (Han). • 85 NOV: I. Kruz Grifflth (Han); 2. Heath Rowh~nd (Yam); 3. Christian Kinney (Yam). 125 BEG: I. Brent Harmon (Yam): 2. Benjamin Heckmann (Han); 3. Michllel Vaughn (Hon). 125 NOV: I. Brent Bowser (Yam): 2. Josh Mason (Yam): 3. Brent Menick. 1251NT: I. Kyle Jones (Yam); 2. Kyle Griffith (Hon): 3. Brian Hulsey (Suz). 250 BEG: 1. Scott Watson (Yam): 2. Brent Dillingham (Yam); 3. Donlel Newkirk (YlIm). 250 NOV: I. Chad Dodson (YlIm); 2. Kyle Miller (Yam): 3. Den· nis Bracken (KTM). 250 INT: J. Travis Ellis (Han) 2. lllk Crabb (Yam). PRO·AM; I. Kyle Griffith (Hon); 2. Chad Vejar; 3. Kyle Jones (Yam). 4·STRK BEG: I. Brent Ortlieb (KTM): 2. JlIke Stubblefield (Yam): 3. John Walker (Han). 4-STRK A.f)V: 1. Kyle Jones(Yam): 2. Bryan Frost (Han): 3. lak Crabb (Yam). WMN: I. R8chel Murphy (Suz); 2. Dawna Ot:lke; 3. Annette Terry. JR VET 25. BEG: l. Tony Crabb (Han): 2. Ron Pomeroy (Han): 3. Scott Grodewald. JR VET 25. NOV: I. Dennis Bracken (KTM); 2. Dan Vt!rtiz (Yom); 3. Tim Delcid (Han). JR VET 25. INT: I. uk Crabb (Yam); 2. TraVIS Ellis (Hon). VET 30... BEG: I. Chuck VOtivll (Yam); 2. Craig Mlilheson (KTM); 3. John Walker (Han). VET 30. INT: I. uk Crabb (Yam): 2. Eric Brust (Yam). SR VET 45. BEG: I. Emit! Barksdale: 2. Bill Dewing (Suz): 3. Ed Turner (Kaw). SR VET NOV: I. J.D. Bramtt!t (Yam); 2. Ed Patterson (Hon). PIT BK: 1. Jt!rry Evans; 2. D.J. Noerr (Han): 3. Chuck VolivlI (Han). Los Angeles County Raceway Gray Makes It Black and White By GREG ROBERTSON PAI.fl\I)ALE, CA, JUNE 28 Skylar Gray is a man on a mission. Gray recently started competing in California Racing Club's 125cc Beginner class. In his debut a couple of weeks ago at Los Angeles County Raceway, Gray just missed cracking the top five in the final standings. Last week, he fought his way to 2-3 finishes for second overall, and on this Saturday night, he made things perfectly clear that he was the one to beat. YZ250F-mounted John Pacitto won the drag race to the first turn in moto one to lead Gray, Andrew Dickie, Shane Simons and the rest of the field. Gray latched on to the back fender of PaciUo and hounded his fellow Yamaha rider for the first couple of laps until Padtto lost his front end in a turn and dropped back to seventh place before being able to get restarted. From that point on, the race was all Gray's, as he increased his lead with each passing lap for a most convincing win. Second place went to Simons. Adam Castaneda and Sammy Yacovelli both worked their way up from midpack starts to finish in third and fourth, respectively. Joshua Brandes absconded with the holeshot in moto two but was passed by Castaneda, Pacitto and Yacovelli on the opening lap. Pacitto took a soil sample and lost a few positions, while Gray was on the move from his seventh-place start; he was running in third, behind Castaneda and Yacovelli, by lap two. Gray outjumped Yacovelli for second place and then quickly reeled in Castaneda. Gray shadowed Castaneda's every move for a couple of laps before pulling a textbook blockpass on the final circuit aboard his Axo/Renegade Racing.com-backed YZ125 to secure the lead, and with it his first overall win in the class. Castaneda's runner-up performance earned him the second-place trophy, over Simons (2-4). Yacovelli (4-3) and Chris Dodge (7 -6) rounded out the top five. Results P/W: I. Dominic Colindres; 2. Luke Jump; 3. Kayle Greener. 60 B: I. Bobby Calclt!lra: 2. Jt!ss Garcia. 60/80 C: I. BIllke Jump; 2. Rusty Ungaro; 3. Ricky Collndrt!s. 60 A: I. Frankit! Garcill; 2. Chad CoSt!; 3. Michael Martin. Franklin Field Sports Arena: (From left to right) D.J. Noerr, Kyle Griffith and Kruz Griffith, all from Taft, California, take a break from the practice rounds to sit and consider the track before their second run. Noerr took third in the Pit Bike class, Kruz topped the 85cc Novices, and Kyle was victorious in the Pro-Am event. P/W YAM ADV: I. John Cabrera (Yam): 2. Kristal Smith (Yam). P/W B/BEG: I. Jeremy Mairose (KTM): 2. Nehemiah Crawford (KTM); 3. Jack Evans (Lem): 4. Colton Aeck (Lem); 5. Sean McGren (KTM). P;W B/ADV: I. Cole Safford (KTM); 2. Dillan Drummen (KTM): 3. Matthew Paradll (Pol); 4. David Fullmer (KTM); 5. Giovanni Larin (Pol). S/P/W (4-6): I. Cole Gordner (KTM); 2. Brandon Kaupp (Pol). S/P/W (7-9): I. Dillan Epstein (KTM); 2. Brendan Murray (Cob); 3. Michael Aquino (KTM): 4. Nicholas Mercit!r (Pol); 5. David Fullmer (KTMI. ODD BK: 1. Monique Dubois (Hon). 65 BEG: I. Shane MJIlt!r (Kawl: 2. Vincent Ylicoveill (Suz); 3. Dillan Epstt!ln (Suz); 4. Dollon Bailey (Kaw): 5. James Hen (Kaw). 65 (4-8): 1. Damlon Tackett (Suz). 65 (9-11): I. Tommy AqUino (KTM); 2. Joey SlIvatgy (KTM): 3. Cody Eastman (Kaw); 4. Michael Boker (Kaw); 5. Shllwn Rhinehart (Kaw). 85 BEG: I. Craig Tomlinson (Suz): 2. Ben Hagle (Yam); 3. Justin JOMS (Kaw): 4. Austin Gibbons (Yam): 5. Cody Eo!Istman (Suz). 85 p.II): I. Keith Robinson (Yem). 85 (12.13): I. Nick Sanchez (Suz); 2. Jonathan Hornbeck (Yam): 3. Adas Bakchis (Hon); 4. Justin Eubanks (Suz); 5. Sho!lnt! Jensen (Sut). S/MINI: I. Jonathon Hornbeck (Yam); 2. Justln Eubanks (Suz); 3. Shane Jensen (Suz); 4. Austin Gibbons (Yam); 5. Michael Gonzalez (Kaw). 125 BEG: I. Skylor Gray (YlIm); 2. Ad8m Castaneda (Suz); 3. Shane Simons (Han): 4. Sammy Yacovelll (Yam); 5. Chris Dodge (Kaw). 125 NOV: 1. Tye Hames (Suz): 2. Cody Murchland (Yam): 3. Kasey Morris (Kaw): 4. Ryan Alexy (Suz); 5. Ken Reed (Kaw). 250 BEG: I. Jason Jefferson (Han): 2. Jason Sanchez (Suz); 3. Nelli Dodge (KlIw): 4. Travis Simons (Han); 5. Tom England (Hon). 250 NOV: I. Kast!y Morris (Kaw): 2. Roy Ledoux (Han): 3. Randy Gorman (Yom). 250 INT: \. Bobby Steffan (KTM): 2. Jason Howard (Kaw): 3. Bryon Ward (Hon). SOO PRO: I. Josh Moson (Kaw). WMN: 1. Ginger Feliz (Suz): 2. Shanll Rhlnehort (Yam). SCHBY: l. Cody Murchland (Yam). JR VET BEG: I. Kurt Wolfe (Suz): 2. Robert Malyazek (Hon). JR VET NOV: 1. Roy Ledoux (Hon): 2. Justy Mendibles (Suz); 3. Los Angeles County Raceway: Skylar Gray was the 125cc Beginner winner during California Racing Club action in Palmdale. Results P/W HON BEG: 1. Jordan Fowler (Hon): 2. Samanthll Epstein (Han); 3. Hagen McGill (Han); 4. Shane Hazard (Han); 5. Randall Dubois (Han). P/W HON ADV: I. TIffany Vanderlip (Han): 2. Mltcht!ll Epstein (Hon). 82 JULY 23, 2003' cue I e n e vv sa Terence Traughber (Kaw). JR VET lNT: 1. Nick SlIntana (Han). VET BEG: 1. Stt!ve Foster (Yam): 2. Brian Upah (Han): 3. Greg McConnell (Yam): 4. Ron Rector (Yam): 5. Eric Gullett (Han). VET NOV: I. Chuck Abbitt (Han); 2. Mark Howell (Yam): 3. David Barlow (Han); 4. Eric Nelson (Han); 5. Geoff Naylor (Yom). VET INT: I. Nick Santllna (Hon). VET EX/PRO: I. Jon Zahrt (Kaw): 2. Nick Mllirost! (Han): 3. Frank Costanzo (Han). SR NOV: I. Ron RectOI'" (Yam); 2. Robert Dickie (Yam): 3. DelIO Jennings (Yam); 4. Jim Dodge (KTM); 5. Spt!ncer Tutty (Han). SR AM: I. Larry WlItkins (Yam); 2. Jerry Asher (Yam); 3. Brian Famt!r (HOll); 4. Bob Dunhllm (Yam): 5. Rick McComb (YlIm). SR EX: I. Leo Saul (Yam): 2. Richard Bunch (YlIm): 3. Russ Schooler (Han); 4. Jeff Hares (Han): 5. Jack MJller (Hon). Buckaroo Rodeo Grounds Corsetti. Biscardi Banzai Buckaroo! BY KAREN GOULD CLEMENTS, CA, JUNE 28 District 36's round 17 was held at the Buckaroo Rodeo Grounds in Clements, California. It was a hot day, so track prep was tough, but by dark the track came in fine. As usual, the Pee Wees started the racing off, and lots of new faces were welcomed to the track. RC Trucking's Dominic Colindres got to the checkers first, followed by Luke Jump. Luke's brother Blake Jump was the first rider into turn one, and he took home the tallest trophy in the Youth 100cc class. Jerred Murry was riding hard behind him, getting past the rest of the pack to the finish in the second position. Kyle Anselmi ted Bobby and Danielle Caldeira to the checkers in the 100cc Youth A class. Frankie Garcia rode a great race in the 80cc A class. Battling for the lead with Bobby Fong, he came from the second spot coming out of turn one on the first lap to win thjs one. Young Mike Rush returned this week to win both the Vintage B and Open B classes. This young man makes flat-track racing look easy as he maneuvers around the track, turn after turn. Riding a De Mario Racing bike, Rush dis· played his natural ability while the crowd watched his every move. Mark Biscardi, Clay Chambers and Robert Bacosa came out of the first tum in front in the Vet A class. By the second lap, it was Biscardi and Bacosa leading, but coming from behind was Robert McDonnell, working his way through the thick of things to pass Bacosa and engage in battle with Biscardi. Finishing first, Biscardi showed his talents on this night. Biscardi was back on the track in the Over 40 Vet A event. He took the lead off the line, followed by John Eichelbaum and Donnie Darrah. Behind them, Riddle Racing's Johnny Larson was riding the low line, picking off riders one by one. Once he got on Biscardi's rear wheel, Larson waited for the opportunity to pass; when it came, he seized the moment and took the win. In the Vintage A event, Larson got the lead coming out of turn one and didn't look back until he lost his front wheel going down. With 100 YrH STK A: I. Kyle Anselmi; 2. Bobby Caldeira; 3. Daniel1e Caldeira. 100 YTH STK: I. Blake Jump; 2. Jerred Murry; 3. Chm Ferroni. 100 SmMN STK: I. Donny Cantaloupie: 2. Joseph SaconettJ; 3. Sieve Jump 250 C: 1. Rodney Spt!ncer. 2. Rodney HlIlstead; 3. Joseph Her· nllndez. VINT A: I. Donnie Darroh; 2. Johnny Larson: 3. Mlchat!1 Riddell. V1NT B/C: I. Mike Rush; 2. Michael Crump; 3. Steve Runnel. VET A: I. Mark BIscardi: 2. Robert McDonnell: 3. John EIchel· blIum. VET C: I. Ronald KnIght; 2. Randy Berunelll: 3. Charies Fabrianl. VET 40. B/C: I. Rodney Halstead: 2. Donald Firanzi. 40. A: I. John Larson: 2. Robert McDonnell; 3. John Elchel· baum. KNBY: I. Chris Sage: 2. Jon Fontaln: 3. Joshua Darrah. OPEN A: 1. M8rk CorsetU; 2. Rodney Spencer; 3. James Bayhe: 4. Nicholas Moore: 5. Thomas Carriger. OPEN B: 1. Mike Rush: 2. Danny GIguere; 3. Michat!1 Crump. OPEN C: 1. Charlt!s Fabiani: 2. Randy Berunelll; 3. Steve Pattee. PRO SPT: I. Jessit! Sanchez: 2. Rodney Spenct!r; 3. Nicholas Moore: 4. Matthew Proto; 5. Kenny Carlotta. Port City Raceway The Kings are Kings of the City BY BOB OERTLE TULSA. OK, JUNE 29 The racing action was hot on Sunday afternoon at Port City Raceway, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Danny Eslick of Team Suzuki was on hand in the press box; he is still recuperating, haVing recently broken his collarbone at the Peoria, Illinois, TT AMA GNC. Danny's older brother, A.J. Eslick, was competing at the Progressive Insurance AMA GNC at Lima, Ohio, the night before, and was traveling back from that event. The Eslicks got most of their seat time and training on this fast short track called Port City Raceway. Racing got under way with the Pee Wee class. Christian York took the win, in his first time riding a motorcycle in a race. The combined 125cc/250cc contest was extremely close in the qualifying heat races. The son of old Pro rider Randy King, Honda rider Hunter King from Beggs, Oklahoma, finished a very close second to Cleveland, Oklahoma's Chance Osburn, also on a Honda. Finishing third and fourth were Claremore, Oklahoma, cousins Dylan and Dalton Marlin, riding out of the John Meeker racing stables. The Marlins get lots of seat time at the Aubrey Lynn Memorial Dirt Track, located at John and Tammy Meeker's ranch outside Pryor, Oklahoma, on Highway 20. The main event pitted Hunter against heatrace winner Chance Osburn. Though Osburn led the race up to the last corner of the last lap, Hunter put his Honda on the bottom of the track and made an excellent, clean pass under Osburn, who experienced a push going out of the tum. Then the Mad Dogs took over the track. There is never a dull moment when the Dogs are loose. Randy King, aboard his Honda, won both the qualifying heat race and the main event, but not without a workout from Kevin Ellingsworth and Jeff Bostic. While racing each other, Bostic and Ellingsworth kept Randy fighting for the lead. Racing at Port City's one-sixth-mile, banked, clay short-track oval takes place on Sunday afternoons. For more information, check out the website at http://portcityracin.com.CN Results 125·250 COMB: I. Hunter King (Han): 2. Chance Osburn (Han): 3. Dylan Mllriin (Hon); 4. Dalton Marlin (Han). MAD DOG: I. Randy King (Hon); 2. Kevin EIlingslllorth (Hon); 3. Jeff Bostic (Hon); 4. Mark Ellingsworth (Han).

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