SRA REPORT: FEBRUARY

Trevor Stewart is an SRA success story. Photo by Sean Renshaw.

Round two of the 11-race SRA Grand Prix series took place at Glen Helen Raceway on a cold and windy Sunday, February 25, 2018. The Glen Helen and SRA crews presented riders with a brand new National Track layout combined with the REM track, Lucas Oil truck track and surrounding off-road sections. Also back after a long absence was the Peewee track; adding to the family aspect of SRA events. Rider turnout was up for the second month in a row indicating the re-found popularity of this low-key family oriented grand prix series.

Ryan Dudek was surprised by his own win in the Senior Expert class. Photo by Sean Renshaw.

This month Race One showcased the Senior 40+ riders. There was a tremendous battle at the front of the pack between Ryan Dudek and the always-fast Gordon Ward. Late in the race Gordon managed to pull ahead and seemed to be headed to another victory only to run out of gas on the last lap. Ryan was as surprised as anyone when told of his victory. Mike Baker managed to keep his shirt tucked in and crossed the line second.

Over 60 and tougher than nails: Jim LaTrendresse. Photo by Sean Renshaw.

The Super Senior +50/60 classes took the green flag at the left hand on helmet start of Race Two. Long time SRA racer Jim Latendressse battled for the win and was followed across the line by Craig Adams and Pete “MotoMan” Vetrano in the +60 Expert class. 2017 class champion Rick Sanders was late to the starting line but managed to claw his way up to fourth in class. The competition in the +50/60 race is among the best in the SRA organization with many racers in this class performing at levels that defy their age.

Top dog in the 85 class: Austin Farley. Photo by Sean Renshaw.

Race Three was the “family race” that is made up of classes for all Vets +30, women, 125cc, 65cc, 85cc, and Super Minis. This class is often referred to as the 2-stroke class because of the large turnout in the smaller displacement classes. The performances of the kids in this class are impressive. Austin Farley, the winning 85cc rider pushed his way up to 14th overall and 65cc Expert Jett Lessing came across the line in 26th. Both of these young riders out-performed many riders with more experience on bigger bikes. The diversity of bikes and riders in this class is fun to watch.

Jett Lessing caught all the way up to 26th overall on his 65. Photo by Sean Renshaw.

Trevor Stewart and Nick Stover dominated the four-stroke and 250cc classes respectively in Race Four. Track conditions for this race were brutal; rough, square edged and dry. Trevor Stewart is a true SRA success story. He began his racing career at SRA on an 85 and has progressed to a professional level. The passion and skill that Trevor shows in his riding has its roots at these monthly races and it is a pleasure to see him return from time to time.

Kristofer Kristjansson in the 85cc Amateur race. Photo by Sean Renshaw.

A very excited Cash Daugherty won the Pee Wee Race. A new track has been built specifically for Pee Wee and 65cc beginner riders. The track is fun, challenging (but not too challenging, and safe. SRA plans to continue to support this race and participation should improve as word of the class and Glen Helen’s new Pee Wee track gets out.

Nick Stover has a long history with SRA and is now making his mark in off-road racing on a national scale. Photo by Sean Renshaw.

Although the weather conditions were cool, the competition at Round 2 of the 11-race SRA Grand Prix series was hot. The track layout was well received by the riders as demonstrated by the positive responses given at the finish of each race. Round 3 of the SRA Grand Prix series will be at Glen Helen Raceway on Sunday, March 18, 2018.

For more information, go to SRA.com.