[2007 ATVA MX National Rd#8 "The Stampede"] - ATV Riders Forums - Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Polaris, CanAm, Arctic Cat, Kymco ATVs

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2007 ATVA MX National Rd#8 "The Stampede"
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Posted by: Pappy

Our usual coverage of these events was hampered by technology I am afraid. There was little to no cell phone signal from the High Point facility.

Round #8 of the ATVA MX Nationals rolled into the High Point Raceway facility over this Fathers Day weekend. Over 350 riders registered to compete and were greeted with bright and sunny weather with temperatures in the upper 80's. For many, the weekend turned into a family celebration as Dad's were cheered at every oppertunity.

I arrived friday evening and caught the last few rounds of practice. Heather Byrd was getting the track dialed in.

Posted by: Pappy

I usually cover local MX and the GNCC series, so this was indeed a treat for me as I hadn't been to a National MX race since 2005. With this being a 3 day event, the majority of competitors had already set up their pit areas and were already into the hurried routine of the MX scene.

Posted by: Pappy

Far different routine from what I have become accustom to for sure, as practice sessions allowed each rider to make adjustments to suspension and set up their machine for the racing yet to come.

Posted by: Pappy

For those local to this area, the rider may have needed tweaking as the track was known. Dailing in the jumps and bumps is all in a days work for those that live and breathe motocross.

Posted by: Pappy

Randy Lehr had almost thrown in the towel prior to this season as the immense expense of racing was taking it's toll. Talent abounds with this young rider and with some serious assistance from East Coast ATV, Lehr has been charging to the front as usual in the local series and wanted to show everyone at the national level he was a player. Maturing into a rider that has the ability to run at Pro level speeds, Lehr will be one to watch through the remainder of this season and into the next.

Posted by: Pappy

Clay Holmes has been on fire, securing 4 Pro AM wins this season. Riding out of the Joe Byrd camp, beating this rider would take some serious effort.

Posted by: Pappy

Walking the pits found more then one machine being used to donate parts. One rider had literally a frame left after 2 days of using parts to keep his race quad on the track!

Posted by: Pappy

The track sure appeared to be in race ready condition, with almost every type of jump and turn one could envision was included on this world class track.

Posted by: Pappy

No matter what series you follow, you will always find the core of the sport rooted deep in family.

Posted by: Pappy

Joe Byrd may be the man to beat, but even he had trouble getting a call out

Where is the "Can you hear me now" feller when you need him

Posted by: Pappy

Mechanics busily clean and inspect the quads after each round. Appearence is becoming very important as sponsors expect their products to be shown in the best way possible.

Posted by: Pappy

Didn't bring a quad? Have cash can race!

Posted by: Pappy

Sponsors are coming in alot of different forms these days as the sport goes mainstream

Posted by: Pappy

Shane Hitt had his super trick TT quad out and it wasnt long before he found someone willing to run him

Posted by: Pappy

The racing action fired off saturday morning with more sunshine then anyone looking for a tan could have dreamed of, and the humidity already at peak levels.

The Womans Pro AM class rocketed off the gate and was on the track as Angela Butler was out front and on the gas

Posted by: Pappy

Heather Byrd was not far off Butlers grab bar as the pair sailed out of sight. Butler held off a hard charging Byrd to secure the 1st moto win.

Posted by: Pappy

If my sun baked memory is correct, there were 27 classes on tap for the days event, and several of those featured some of the nations fastest youth riders.

Posted by: Pappy

Track workers did their best to keep dust under control and in good racing condition, but reports from the riders back in from a moto were that it was very one lined and passing difficult

Posted by: Pappy

Pro practice was soon ready to go as the riders meeting commenced.

Posted by: Pappy

Before I knew it, the top pro's were getting warmed up as spectators raced to different positions to check out the big air these guys were getting. Pat Brown sets sail over a large uphill double.

Posted by: Pappy

Shane Hitt soars high over the High Point track

Posted by: Pappy

Jeremy Lawson takes a hit as he gets the track sorted out

Posted by: Pappy

In Pro AM, Nick Denoble jumped out the the lead and never looked back, taking the moto 1 win

Posted by: Pappy

Some serious bar banging took place as this highly competitive class raced its way around the track. While others suffered from it, those that escaped clean were off and running.

Posted by: Pappy

Randy Lehr got bumped hard in the 6 pack and had to battle his way for position for the rest of the race. (Shane has every frame of the action and how Randy stayed on the quad is beyond me!)

Posted by: Pappy

Cole Tittle grabbed the holeshot in 90 Production Jr and ran all the way to the checkers out front. He was injured in the second moto when his shock bolt snapped, breaking his femur and required surgery. We all wish you a speedy recovery!

Posted by: Pappy

I get more of a kick watching the youth riders then all the Pro's on earth

The future of our sport heads to turn one!

Posted by: Pappy

Moto 2 for the Pro AM Women wasnt going to be a copy of the first race. Heather Byrd got the jump off the gate and was pulling all the way to the first turn with Angela Butler giving chase.

Posted by: Pappy

Bryd was wanting this win and she was riding in top form

Posted by: Pappy

As I hustled to a high vantage point, I could see Butler closing the gap but it would take a serious mistake for Byrd to give up the lead

Posted by: Pappy

Jump for jump and turn by turn, Butler shadowed Byrd

Posted by: Pappy

Lap after lap the two looked more like syncronized riders as the pace never relented.

Posted by: Pappy

In the end, Byrd stood in victory

Posted by: Pappy

The prize set out for all the pro's to see.

Posted by: Pappy

The final pro practice and qualifying for the gate was under way under beautiful skies as Byrd and Lawson give me something to shoot

Posted by: Pappy

Sage baker made the long journey across the country to compete this weekend

Posted by: Pappy

Hitt goes through a six pack...uh... I mean he works through a six pack...uh...it just doesnt sound right

Posted by: Pappy

When the track crews headed out to do what they do, spectators wasted no time in heading off for cold drinks and some killer cheese fries!

Cody Hill Photo:

Posted by: Pappy

Saturday's heat and sunshine faded to dusk and everyone was in severe kick back mode. The sounds of good times could be heard pit after pit as cooler night air gave everyone a welcome break.

I took the oppertunity to shoot Matt Shapaka, a 450 B rider who has been stomping his way to win after win on the national and local circuit. I plan on following Matt as his career continues to explode and I expect to see him on the Pro gate when his time comes.

Posted by: Pappy

If you get a chance, run over and watch him race as I assure you that afterwards you will be impressed. Smart, calculating and fast, 3 ingredients required in a champion.

Posted by: Pappy

Sunday morning at High Point felt more like the beach to me, but chatting with Florida native Jeremy Lawson he said he was feeling right at home in the balmy 90 degree weather.

Pro practice took to the track

Posted by: Pappy

Team mechanics watch for any signs of trouble or for anything that they can change to offer an advantage. Paul Turner has his watchful eye on Pat Brown as he leaves the gate

Posted by: Pappy

Justin Bres was looking to do well on a track he knows well.

Posted by: Pappy

Lawson shows the triple who's boss

Posted by: Pappy

Christopher Tate was looking smooth during practice

Posted by: Pappy

Sage Baker wondering who the big guy with the Nikon is

Posted by: Pappy

Pat Brown is smooth, so smooth that you expect him to just glide his way around the track every lap. He looked surprised when he hooked a rut in this corner as the one line track was showing its short comings. It amazes me how week to week the ground can change.

Posted by: Pappy

Joe Byrd getting things worked out during practice. I watched him closely all weekend, and took notice of how he approaches the track. He is very methodical about looking everything over, much more so then the others from what I saw.

Posted by: Pappy

Justin Bush was riding well during practice

Posted by: Pappy

Shane Hitt is a living legend in his own right, and it is always a pleasure watching him ride. Seeing his son on the same track was a sign that his legacy will live on long past the time when his helmet is hung up for the last time.

Posted by: Pappy

Micheal Brown rounded out the pro class as practice came to an end

Posted by: Pappy

Kayla Davis gets ready for her main as the shade gave the gate a reprieve from the burning sun. Kayla went 2-2 at this weekends event

Posted by: Pappy

In Vet 30+ A, Chris Curless #793 and #54 Russell Walker launch off the gate and head to the first turn. Curless went 2-2 in the class and Walker went 4-4

Posted by: Pappy

The racing action is fierce in the youth class, each young rider wanting to be the future series champ. #85 Adam Szymborski went 5-3 in 50 Prod. Auto and 5-4 in 70 Prod

Posted by: Pappy

In 90 Production Jr, Cobras rule the day as this is the quad to run it seems with 5 of the 6 entries running that brand. Caston Mcconnell was easy to spot on his Apex amongst the sea of Cobras, and he showed them he was capable of running up front, taking a 3-3 on the weekend!

Posted by: Pappy

Logan Hitt rips his way to a 3-3 finish for the weekend!

Posted by: Pappy

Nick Denoble walked away from the Pro AM class in the first moto, but in moto 2 he was going to be hunted down by the pack. Denoble finished 1-2 on the day

Posted by: Pappy

#110 randy Lehr works his way through traffic in the Pro AM main shown here trailing Kale Witmer in this shot. Lehr worked his way to the front and caught leader Clay Holmes. Holmes and Lehr had an issue causing Lehr to get into the fence as a pass was attempted dropping Lehr to 4th in the Main. Holmes went on for the moto win.

Posted by: Pappy

450 C rider Michael Long rode to a 1-1 and a 8-1 finish in 4 Stroke C

Posted by: Pappy

Brad Cardwell went 4-6 in 4 Stroke C

Posted by: Pappy

20 entries were registered in 4 Stroke C and the racing was great no matter where the riders were in the finishing order

Posted by: Pappy

90 Modified rider Houston Hinton gets ready to drop in on his way to a 2-3 finish

Posted by: Pappy

Joshua Walker finished 8th in the first moto, and ran into issues during the second going 8-DNF on the weekend in 90 Mod

Posted by: Pappy

Jordan Kaufman was 3-3 aboard his trick 90 Mod machine

Posted by: Pappy

4 Stroke A was a 1-1 for Randy Lehr

Posted by: Pappy

Michael Brewster went 2-3 in 4 Stroke A

Posted by: Pappy

Kyle Dammann had a good ride this weekend, finishing 4-2 in 4 Stroke A

Posted by: Pappy

We sent our half-pint photographer out to see what he could find. Being a munchkin, he saw a few things at his eye level that I missed

Cody Hill Photo

Posted by: Pappy

Austin Fridley gets caught snapping a shot of a racer as he had a blast at the event this weekend.

Cody Hill Photo

Posted by: Pappy

The action at the event seemed to flow very well, with very little in the way of interuptions.

Cody Hill Photo

Posted by: Pappy

For some, the day exhausted them and waiting for the hotel room wasnt going to happen as a power nap was on tap

Codyy Hill Photo

Posted by: Pappy

For myself (pictured) and Shane Hartman, getting all the action kept us out all day and then some. No matter, we all love bringing you the action!

Cody Hill Photo

Posted by: Pappy

For some, being trackside was more for moral support and to keep tabs on everyone instead of racing.

Posted by: Pappy

To help keep the kids cool, Racer productions set up some water activities for the kids. A water slide was just the ticket to cool off in the heat. A kids versus parents water balloon fight and several pinata's also were in store to add to the fun.

Posted by: Pappy

The Pro class moto 1 was on the gate and everyone was anxious to see who would be the victor in the battle that lay ahead. The TV crew was busily filming for upcoming episodes on the Verus network.

Posted by: Pappy

Umbrellas shaded riders as the sun beat down on everyone.

Posted by: Pappy

The riders head off for their hot lap to get one last look at the current track conditions

Posted by: Pappy

Byrd was out front grabbing the holeshot with Lawson and friends in hot pursuit

Posted by: Pappy

The begining of the 2nd lap had Byrd in control with Pat Brown running in second as he over took Lawson on the first lap

Posted by: Pappy

Sage Baker was leading the second group of pro's as they headed for the uphill triple

Posted by: Pappy

The 3rd lap was underway with the running order remaining unchanged, but brown was looking aggressive and things were about to get exciting!

Posted by: Pappy

Brown charged hard and was attempting a pass on Byrd as they came into this corner

Posted by: Pappy

Neither rider was going to lift and contact was made

Posted by: Pappy

Both riders were in it heavy as the force of the hit caused Byrd to loose a hand and Brown was possibly on his way to being ejected from his quad

Posted by: Pappy

Through my lens i was expecting to see Brown flip but his quad remained planted

Posted by: Pappy

Lawson was full speed as he entered the corner as the action unfolded infront of him

Posted by: Pappy

Byrd gives a quick look back as Lawson goes to the inside

Posted by: Pappy

Brown re-fired his quad and was now in the 3rd spot

Posted by: Pappy

Hitt works on Bush as the corner was clear of incidents

Posted by: Pappy

I am not sure what exactly happened when the pair passed me, but a second later I was staring at Shane Hitt on a damaged ride.

Posted by: Pappy

Hitt's left front tire was locked up tight and his moto was done

Posted by: Pappy

Byrd was still in the lead with Lawson shadowing him around the track

Posted by: Pappy

The next lap was almost a copy of the previous, but Lawson had made just the slightest of mistakes allowing Byrd a few more quad lengths advantage

Posted by: Pappy

Brown was still in charge of the 3rd spot but as long as the leaders did not make huge mistakes, his shot at bettering his position was fading

Posted by: Pappy

With the white flag out, this moto was going to be all Byrd unless Lawson could mount one final charge

Posted by: Pappy

The Pro's had been doubling the triple but Lawson was looking to make something happen as he hammered it in an attempt push for the number one spot

Posted by: Pappy

Lawson had pulled back up on Byrd as the pair ripped through the 6 pack

Posted by: Pappy

With 1/2 a lap to go, Lawson was keeping Byrd in check

Posted by: Pappy

When the checkered flag dropped, Lawson followed Byrd in as the finishing order was:

Byrd
Lawson
Brown
Bres
Tait
M. Brown
Bush
Baker
Hitt

Posted by: Pappy

The Pro main was started sharply at 3pm, and the sound of the pro riders heading to the first turn had everyone's attention. lawson was out front and absolutley flying!

Posted by: Pappy

The main was so much more intense, with every rider pushing past 110%

Posted by: Pappy

Lawson was on fire as he lands the uphill double being trailed by a hard charging Pat Brown. Byrd was holding the 3rd spot

Posted by: Pappy

Lawson wasnt just holding the lead, he was pulling away!

Posted by: Pappy

Brown was smoking fast, but the pressure of Joe Byrd on your grab bar has to make you think twice over each jump and through each turn

Posted by: Pappy

Lawson was on a mission, and by the second lap it was going to take a miracle for anyone to catch him!

Posted by: Pappy

Brown was making his YFZ sing as Byrd was ever present in the 3rd spot

Posted by: Pappy

High Points large downhill section had the riders wide open as they passed me and the sound was so sweet! Lawson seemed to float as he heads out of sight

Posted by: Pappy

Justin Bres gets a bit out of shape after hitting the small kicker wide open!

Posted by: Pappy

Sage Baker had to swap some parts between moto's but was still running hard

Posted by: Pappy

With Lawson running away with the race, the battle for second was still smokin' as Byrd started applying pressure to Brown

Posted by: Pappy

Hitt and Micheal Brown battle for position

Posted by: Pappy

I was starting to wonder if lawson would start to fade as the pace he had set in that heat was an incredible feat

Posted by: Pappy

I could tell that Byrd was getting ready to put a pass attempt on Brown, I was just hoping it happened where i could see it

Posted by: Pappy

Somewhere out of my sight, Byrd put it on Brown and he over took the 2nd spot

Posted by: Pappy

Shane Hitt had finally put some breathing room between himself and Micheal Brown and held the the 4th spot

Posted by: Pappy

Tait was running good, but would have to settle for the 7th spot

Posted by: Pappy

The white flag was out and Lawson was well on his way to victory

Posted by: Pappy

Byrd had pulled from brown and was riding hard, with Lawson not letting up any mistake could give byrd the chance he would need

Posted by: Pappy

Pat Brown put in an awesome ride, but 3rd was the best he would be able to do on this day

Posted by: Pappy

I meant to use this photo earlier to show the lead Lawson had opened up!

Posted by: Pappy

Lawson smoked'em up on the podium!

Posted by: Pappy

Jeremy Lawson was pumped for sure, and he had to be stoked to have won the main in such a commanding fashion.

Posted by: Pappy

Joe Byrd accepted his 2nd place finish and wasted no time in drenching anyone in range!

Posted by: Pappy

Pat Brown took home the 3rd podium spot and also won the ATVriders.com holeshot award!

Posted by: Pappy

That wraps up our forums coverage of this round of racing. be sure to watch the homepage for a full in depth pro report to be posted shortly!

Posted by: etondaddy

Pappy you are no doubt the best, well done my friend...... I like page two forth pic down myself lol Can�t wait to see the pics of Kyle on your site.

Posted by: Pappy

For your viewing pleasure, the galleries are almost complete

Youth gallery

Amatuer Saturday pics

Pro Pics

Posted by: Maxxis96

I looked on your site and there are no pics of Plus 25 class.....

Do you more to put up yet?

Thanks

Posted by: MX450

Awsome coverage papster.

Congrats to Lawson he is one of my favorite riders.

Posted by: JessetheKid

geez im upset that i left before the pro main, but my buddy wrecked...nice work. I was kinda disapointed in the pro turnout though, this was my first gnc this year and I was shocked at the small turn out compared to the previous years.

Posted by: tuefelhunden

By far the absolute best coverage I have seen this year. Thanks Pappy!!!

Posted by: Race4Yamaha38

awesome coverage! thanks pappy!

Posted by: 400grl

Pappy!!! You are HIRED!!! EXCELLENT EXCELLENT COVERAGE!!! Great pics!!! Can you come to the West Coast and do some coverage???

Posted by: Pappy

quote:
Originally posted by 400grl
Pappy!!! You are HIRED!!! EXCELLENT EXCELLENT COVERAGE!!! Great pics!!! Can you come to the West Coast and do some coverage???

I would love to come west, but my personal funds limit me to what I can cover

The color on the west coast is insane for pictures and I will one day get a chance to shoot in it.

Ya'll aint seen nothing yet

Posted by: Pappy

quote:
Originally posted by Maxxis96
I looked on your site and there are no pics of Plus 25 class.....

Do you more to put up yet?

Thanks

Everything I have Amatuer related is posted. When we cover these races, we dont try and cover everything (kind of tuff on 1 guy) however Dave at racedaypix is the series photographer and he will spend all day making sure he captures each rider as this is his job etc. I am sorry if i did not get a shot of you etc.

Posted by: Maxxis96

No big deal....I looked at racedaypix....Thanks

Posted by: etondaddy

Try looking here also
http://www.shanehartmanphotography.com/blog/

Posted by: God'sGirl.MQ.20

Where was Adrienne Cooper?

Posted by: 5thgearpinned

Fantastic Coverage! Very upset I couldnt make it out to race. My boy Mikey Browns holdin it down! Track looked great!

Posted by: catch22blaster

Thanks for the pics Pappy. It was also nice to meet you.

Posted by: bkp

I am planning on going to Muddy Creek this Saturday the 30th. What would be a good time to get there so I can get a pretty good place to setup and spectate. And how much does it cost. My first pro Atv race that I am going to watch. Thanks