STTARS Supermoto Event report: Round #8:
Horse Thief Mile @ Willow Springs Raceway
On a wet and chilly Sunday just days before we stuffed
ourselves with turkey and potatoes, Sttars Rd 8 got underway at
Willow Spring Raceway’s Horse Thief Mile. A small group of 20
riders braved the conditions. The day started with a mild mist
and many running slicks and getting a small taste of what MotoGP
racers experience with two wheels slides in almost every turn.
Heat races got underway quickly with a few classes
combined to try and beat the main weather front that is moving
in quick. Competitive racing started from the slightest movement
from race starter and organizer Don Canet. In the 14 years
Sttars has been racing it has always raced rain or shine. Heat
races went pretty quick and the sky continued to keep the track
moist.
After a short break the Main Events got underway.
The skies were now dropping a steady rain. Many switched to
rain tires to get the best tracking they could, other grooved
their slicks in an attempt to be competitive. Unlimited class
lead the way and did not leave excitement in the pits. At the
end Bronson Pearce took the checkered flag. Pearce has been out
of the picture this race season with a few injuries although his
riding skills did not show and break in seat time. Precepts
Motorsports Dustin Hoffman took second followed by Moto Works
Michael Birchfield.
The first combined class of Vet 30 and 450 are up next.
Some great tight racing ensued and in the end class Champion
Ernie Lyles took the gold with Damn Dummy Racing’s Scott Allen
taking the silver. Martyn Atkins DNS with an injury sustained
during a high side in the warm up prior to the heat races,
speedy recovery Martyn. In 450 was Dustin Hoffman took back the
top spot from Bronson Pearce with PMS Motorsports Andrew Herring
taking 3rd.
The third race was Novice/Intermediate and the action
continued, in the end Andrew Herring bettered his 450 finish and
went straight to the top. Novice brought a surprise DNF when
Vortex racing’s Andrew Lee had a mechanical failure with a huge
lead. Ashley’s Deli Tiger Clifton took top honors with DDR’s
Scott Allen in second closely followed by Jay Wilburn of
Brakelate Racing in third. This DNF will bring added excitement
to the final round as Clifton and Lee are now tied at 88 points
each.
The championship race is heating up!. The newest class of
Pavement Pounders had two entrants and Jay Wilburn crossed the
line first with Tim Clarke hot on his tail. Mini Moto brought
some of the best racing of the day with Nicky Reimer of BLM
Transportation finding the rain to suit his style, finished with
a commanding lead. Andrew Lee took second with Austin Pecaroro
in third. Andrew Lee leads the year with 3 point between him and
recent race winner Nicky Reimer. In the 250 Class Lee and
Reimer switch positions with Clifton taking 3rd. Finishing out
the day Andrew Lee managed to wrap up 400am championship with
six win this year. Nicky Reimer kept his charge up and finished
second with Tiger Clifton in third.
The final round at Buttonwillow Kart track should
be some exciting racing with Hoffmam having a few points over
Birchfield and vise-versa for the 450 class. Lee holds a
comfortable lead in 250 baring no more DNF’s. Phillip Markos has
wrapped up Intermediate with a huge 25 point lead. Looks like
Ernie Lyles will take Vet 30 once again with a 19 point
advantage and Vet 40 as well with a 23 point lead. Andrew Lee
will have to remain calm and collected and race smart with
Novice tied at 88 points with Clifton and a three point lead
over Reimer in Mini Moto 150. So far the weather forcast looks
good and the racing should heat up the chilly December air.
Race report by Scott Allen
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