Primm, NV (4/19/2007) -
An international roster of supermoto stars went bar-to-bar
last weekend, while the Stateline Supermoto Challenge
raised its own bar by setting a new record as North
America's largest supermoto race with an astounding
926 entries.
"All I can say is 'wow'!" enthused one
father with his family in tow. "It was one awesome
race after another, and we could watch from practically
anywhere around the track, including a couple of sets
of bleachers that were located in great viewing locations.
Fantastic weekend!"
Not only was every motorcycle, ATV, and UTV OEM represented
at Stateline, but the huge event also brought together
supermoto champions from every continent on Earth,
including Japan supermoto champion Yaashi Matsumoto,
riding for Troy Lee; South Africa's Michael Kok, imported
for the Stateline race by HMC Racing; Husky-mounted
Adam Cini from Australia; European superstars like
Kurt Nicoll and David Baffeleuf; and of course North
American champ Jeff Ward, who turned in another stellar
performance on Saturday. (OK, no riders from Antarctica
... maybe next year.)
"I couldn't have asked for better racing,"
said Stateline impresario and track designer Marche
Karger after the event ended. "There are getting
to be more and more skilled supermoto riders every
year, and the competition really heats up when they
all show up in one place like this. We had three different
classes that had over 100 riders in each this weekend.
And I was especially pleased to see so many novice
and intermediate racers turn out."
Pilots were faced with a three-hairpin opening turn
sequence that created almost a triple holeshot scenario,
resulting in some head-turning action and spectactular
getoffs, especially for the quad racers. The technical
asphalt sequence was followed by a super-sized dirt
section that served up numerous big air opportunities,
tricky tabletops, and enough width to allow for plenty
of passing activity.
Weekend racing highlights included a Jeff Ward-Troy
Herfoss 450 Pro Class showdown with Wardy shadowing
the fast young Aussie lap after lap before pouncing
for the lead on one of the very last turns before
the checkers. Sunday's 250 final was red-flagged after
one lap as a shower dampened the track, but following
a change to rain tires, KTM's mercurial Josh Hansen,
a supermoto virgin, out-dueled Brandon Currie to log
his first win.
In the pro quads, the podium was populated by the
usual suspects, with Nic Granlund and Daryl Rath going
one-two and last year's late-bloomer Frank Batista
taking third.
Full race results can be found at www.statelinechallenge.com.
Besides all the great supermoto racing out on the
course, the Stateline paddock was abuzz with celebrities
of every stripe. While former AMA motocross champs
Ronnie Lechien and Mike Bell wagered with each other
on their favorite riders, custom bike master Jesse
Rooke profiled through the pits seeking inspiration
for his next creation. Caught up in the Stateline
rapture was BMX star TJ Lavin who proved that his
competitive talents transcended pedal power by suiting
up and riding in the team ATV race.
Between racing sessions renowned supermoto street
stunt specialist Ryan Moore dazzled the crowd by defying
the laws of physics - and common sense-aboard his
sparkling new Aprilia V-twin machine. His seemingly
effortless, yet impressive wheelie workouts, 5th gear
stoppies, and tire smoking donut demos are always
a sight to behold. Stateline fans already familiar
with Moore's high-octane artform rushed the fences
for a better look and those who hadn't were dumbstruck
when his show was over with.
Also spotted holding court throughout the paddock
area was the sport's founding father, Gavin Trippe.
Besides overseeing son Gavin, Jr.'s racing exploits,
Trippe offered a congratulatory approval to Marche
Karger and the hardworking Stateline Supermoto Challenge
staff.
"This is really a spectacular racing event.
World class," offered Trippe. "Marche has
again done a great job and it should serve as an inspiration
to other supermoto event promoters out there who now
have a new standard to meet. This race was well publicized,
his track appears to be a lot of challenging fun and
everywhere I look I'm seeing smiling faces. He is
really on his way to making a name for himself."
Another event hightlight was Friday night's Moto
Brew Welcome Party complete with outstanding live
karaoke band "Cover Me Badd" and free Moto
Brew. The party was the perfect way to kickoff a first-class
race weekend and it was an ideal time to sample Greg
Primm's (yes, as in Primm, Nevada) microbrewed excellence.
Surprisingly, the genesis of his beer was almost accidental.
"Moto Brew was an idea that came together a
few years back with a couple of buddies and I sitting
around at an event and thinking out loud that there
should be a beer dedicated to motorcycles and motorcycling,"
said Primm at Stateline. "Right then I sketched
some ideas out on a napkin, then had a conversation
with my lifelong pal Scott Kendall, who is today Moto
Brew's General Manager, and before we knew it we were
with Troy Lee approving his packaging and label designs.
It's a lot of fun and we're keeping it small on purpose.
Our payoff is seeing people like this crowd enjoy
it so much."
So once again the North American supermoto season
has been kicked off with a major bang. And the best
news is that racers and fans will not have to wait
a full year for the next blockbuster event at this
appealing resort/casino venue. Karger has announced
another Stateline event of this caliber in September:
Stateline Supermoto-Cross.
"My intent is to continue to grow the sport
of Supermoto. I specifically am making the course
50/50 dirt/asphalt with the intent of attracting more
motocrossers and ATV riders." Said Karger. "The
event will again be held here at Buffalo Bills the
weekend of 9/21-9/23/07 with an all new course layout.
Pre-registration will begin June 15th online at www.statelinechallenge.com."
SPECIAL THANKS TO: All Access, Moto
Brew / Primm Investments, Troy Lee Designs, 3 Bros,
70/30 Racing, Carter Power Sports, Cheetahs, DNA,
Duro Tire, GP Motorcycles, KTM, Laker Custom, Motocomm,
Motostrano, QTM, Rath Racing, Red Baron Racing, Sportsman
Cycle, Sunoco Race Fuels, Supermoto Engineering, The
Plumber, USA Motor Toys, Wheel Wright
www.snvsupermoto.com
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