A
m Pro Racing's Charles Mullins proved that he can, in
fact, avoid incidents and win races, as he led from
start to finish at the ITP Moonshine Cross Country,
round six of the Parts Unlimited Off-Road Motorcycle
and ATV Nationals. The Factory Connection/Bridge-
stone/MSR YZ250-mounted rider has run at the front in the late
going of both his previous OMA appearances this year, but luck
wasn't on his side.
This time, no one could touch the young man from Ohio as he
completed four 11-mile laps through tight, technical woods, the
fast, sweeping grass track and a flowing motocross course in one
hour, 43 minutes and 49 seconds. In fact, he pulled out enough of a
lead that he had time to stop and take a brief dip in one creek cross-
ing as a way of combating the oppressive heat and humidity that
gripped the area.
"It feels good to finally win a race this year," he said. "I wasn't
feeling my best - I felt kind of tired - but I just didn't give up."
And neither did eventual runner-up Justin Williamson, who went
down in turn three off the start after running into the back of Shane
Watts. Williamson, who got his own first win in Missouri last year,
picked himself up and got going near the back of the pack. By the
halfway mark, he was second on his Williamsonracing.com YZ250,
but there would be no repeat of 2005's triumph - his first - for him.
Third went to Jason Thomas, completing a Yamaha sweep of the
podium on his Fun Mart Cycles YZ250.
Mullins shot off the start and into the first turn clearly in front,
picking up the $150 holeshot bonus that was put together after the
autograph session by fellow Pro Tracy Bachman. Though Williamson
followed him into the first turn, Shane Watts put a move on
Williamson in the next turn to steal second with Thomas grabbing
ITP Moonshine XC
Memphis, MO
Round 6
July 30, 2006
AUGUST 16, 2006 • C Y C L E N E W S
72
Parts Unlimited Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV Nationals
Mullins Magnificent
in Missouri
Charles Mullins (112) grabbed the lead
right away, followed by Justin
Williamson (2) and Shane Watts (3). Also
in view are Aaron Branham (32) and
Alan Westerfield (7).
ROOKIE AM PRO RIDER
LANDS HIS FIRST PRO WIN
STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARK KARIYA
