TIEARNEY SWEEPS PROS AT MOTOCROSS
FERNLEY (April 12) – The spring motocross series ended here Sunday. And it was the first event put on by the newly reformed Old Timers chapter.
Both president Jeff McCollum and Eric McElroy, with assistance from the Over the Hill Gang set the stage for a day of hard racing at the Sandbox, or the Fernley Lion’s Motocross Track.
And the club was taking donations of non-perishable food for the Lions when people signed in.
Over the past few years the pro turn out has been sparse to say the least. But this event had the largest field seen in years.
After Nate Tiearney won the first 30+ pro moto he said, “I definitely don’t ride enough and I can feel it out there but its been a long time since I rode out here and it just feels good to be back. Got a good start, got out of all the roost early and had a fun race.”
After his own bike had problems Nate Tiearney rode Layne Kolbet’s bike to a sweep of the pro divisions at Fernley.
When the gate dropped Tiearney took off with Drake McElroy in hot pursuit. Although they were close at first it only took a lap for Tiearney to show everyone his heels and storm off the claim the victory.
Due to a failing clutch on his bike Tiearney thought the day might be over until Layne Kolbet loaned him his bike. When the second 30+ pro moto began Tiearney just flat left everyone on his way to sweeping that class although McElroy tried to make it a race but had to settle for the runner-up position.
After sweeping that class Tiearney said, “I had to switch my bike in the first 450 pro moto as my clutch was going out so bad that I couldn’t even ride it so Layne Kolbet helped me out with his bike and it’s feeling good. The track’s good, it’s rough but there are good lines, felt good that time.”
Then he thanked Layne Kolbet again, Richie West at Jones West Ford, Kiwi Car Care and Fly Gear.
The first 250/450 pro moto featured a battle between eventual winner Justin Minsch (X), and Nate Tiearney (66). Minsch won that moto but he fell in the second one giving Tiearney the day’s overall victory.
When the 250/450 pros lined up for their first moto Justin Minsch took off with Tiearney and Robert Tanner close behind. Soon Minsch and Tiearney distanced themselves from everyone as they carried on their own private duel for the win.
At the flag Minsch took the victory, and after catching his breath said, “I knew Nate was there the whole time. At the end don’t know if he made a mistake or got tired but I tried to ride my own race and do what I do. And I need to thank my mom and dad as they help me out a lot.”
When it was time for those pros to take their place on the starting gate everyone was ready to see who would earn the day’s overall victory.
On the start both Tiearney and Minsch took off for what appeared to be a repeat of their first moto. Unfortunately Minsch went down, was able to get back up but ended up a distant second to Tiearney, who earned a sweep of the class.
While Tiearney was happy with the victory he did feel bad about not having to really race Minsch.
“As the day went on I felt better and better so I was pretty confident for this moto but it’s too bad Justin went down,” he said. “It’s not anyway you want to win when your guy goes down when you’re having good race so too bad for Justin, he was hauling butt today, riding really good but think I would have had something for him. And again I have to give it up to Layne again for letting me use his bike.”
Another good showing was in the Women’s class, which has been getting more competitive over this spring series.
In their first moto AshleighTrapanese seemed to be in the catbirds seat but she fell and would finish sixth. Up front Shami Potratz and Jordan Beck were battling until Sedanna Losey (Shami’s older sister) passed both of them on her way to taking the victory.
Sedanna Losey on her way to winning the first Women’s moto at Fernley.
After catching her breath Losey said, “We moved back here this summer, me, my five kids and husband. I was in fourth, worked my way up, passed one by one but Trapanese did fall over. I’m just trying to get back into shape and I’m beat. Want to thank my husband Dana for encouraging me to start riding again and help keeping this bike running.”
The second Women’s moto quickly turned into a four-way battle for the lead with several lead changes during the race.
First on point was Jordan Beck but she soon was caught and the scrap began. About everyone was taking a turn at the lead but finally Trapanese asserted herself and grabbed the point.
Jordan Beck parlayed her two second place finishes into the overall day’s victory in the Women’s division.
Around this time Beck, who was fourth swept past both sisters, Poratz and Losey, and claimed second. After that the chase was on but Trapanese prevailed with Beck finishing second, good enough to give her the day’s overall victory.
“It was tiring,” Trapanese said. “Jordan) rides very well and it was quite difficult because she was in every line I was in.”
As for Beck she was glad to have taken the overall victory.
“I thought I was doing pretty good then I got passed by Shami and her sister,” Beck said. “Then out of no where Ashleigh came, she was flying today and riding really good. My dad’s been all over me about riding every single lap as hard as I can, never stopping before the end and I was super tired but just trying to make him happy.”
There were so many riders that two classes had to be split up into separate divisions. One of them was the 125/250 Beginner class.
In Division 1 Garrett Knudson won both of those motos followed by Jaron W. Thompson, who turned a pair of third place finishes into second overall for the day. Behind him in third was Zac Pelcher.
In Division 2 Josh Greene won the first moto but behind him Ashleigh Trapanese was second for much of the race until she fell to third behind Travis Strawn.
In the second moto Trapanese grabbed the lead shortly after the start and would win that race. Behind her Mason Martin was second, ending up third overall for the day, while the day’s runner up was Josh Greene, who ended up fourth in the second moto.
Ashleigh Trapanese flies toward the checkered flag on her way to taking the day’s overall win in the 125/250 Beginner, Division 2 class.
A pretty good finish for Trapanese as this is the first time she’s raced since hurting her shoulder at the second round of the series. So she was riding in a bit of pain after going down in the first Women’s moto.
The other class that had to be split in two divisions was 85 Beginner. Both bode well for motocross in this area as one feeds the big bike classes while the other feeds the 250/450 classes.
The 85 Beginner, Division 1’s second moto began with a four-way battle for the lead that lasted most of the race. In the end Nakana Domingo won the race and clinched the day’s overall victory.
Behind him Cody Zimmer was second overall followed by Greg Bradshaw and Cooper Bell.
In 85 Beginner, Division 2 the overall winner was Tommy Jackson followed by Jared Mariscal and Garrett Rychlik. Now they will move up the 85cc ranks and into the big bike ranks where I’m sure they’ll make their presence known.
In the 52+ classes Lonnie Madsen was the junior winner while Allan Rudd won the Expert class. Kirk Sego was the Club winner as well as winning the 38+ Intermediate division and in the Schoolboy motos, Dylan Galliett took that overall victory.
Dylan Galliett won the Schoolboy Class at Fernley on Sunday.
In the 65cc classes Lux Turner won the open and Chase Cannizzaro was the runner up but won the junior division.
Zade White won the 4-6 Pee Wee class at the Motocross races on Sunday.
In the Pee Wee classes Zade White won the 4-6 division. Cash Dunbar was one of the trio of riders that scored double victories. He won the Pee Wee Open as well as the 7-8 class honors.
Cash Dunbar scored two victories, one in the Pee Wee 7-8 class and in the Pee Wee open division.
However LaLa Turner might have scored an upset in the 7-8 Pee Wee class but she had bike problems in the first moto then was setting the track on fire in the second but had to settle for second overall.
While a few riders did crash most injuries were minor although at least one might need to be checked on later.
At the end of the day both McElroy and McCollum spoke about how when they took the club over it has less than $200 in its bank account. This event has helped turn things around and both are looking forward to continuing on, along with the Over the Hill Gang to restore the area’s motocross scene to what it was over a decade ago.
They also expressed their appreciation to Ken Money, owner of KRM Motorsports, a repair facility by the truck washing station close to the track. He’s keeping the water trucks in repair for both clubs and helping out where he can.
OTHER RACING NEWS
• Next weekend the action continues as the Old Timers chapter hosts a round of the OT Nationals at Fernley. Riders from across the west and Canada are expected for two days of action.
Old Timers National Flyer
In addition to the motos scheduled there is a special place for those wishing to show or maybe even race their vintage bikes. And all support riders are welcome as there will be races for those riders.
• Only two Nevada natives are competing in NASCAR’s upper divisions these days. That is until Kyle Busch has recovered enough from his injuries to resume racing again.
At Texas Motor Speedway on Saturday night Kurt Busch started on pole for the Sprint Cup event and ended up 14th. In Friday’s Xfinity event Brendan Gaughan started 12th but a wreck dropped him to 33rd at the finish.
If you enjoyed this article and coverage please “like” and share it as much as possible. And comments are always welcome.
RESULTS
Over the Hill Gang Motocross – April 12
Fernley Lion’s Motocross Track – The Sandbox
Pee Wees:
+4-Stroke – 1. Lylend Jackson
+4-6 Years – 1. Zade White, 2. Hub Losey
+7-8 Years – 1. Cash Dunbar, 2. Lala Turner,3. Nathan Riippi, 4. Tanner Ines, 5. Colby Olson
+Open – 1. Cash Dunbar, 2. Zade White
65cc:
+Beg. – 1. Sam Roby, 2. Zackary Rosenthal, 3. Conner Gaarenstroom, 4. Declan Kahabka, 5. Colton Chamness, 6. Ollie M. Bonner, 7. Tovin Kahabka, 8. Cole Palotas, 9. Gant Stephens, 10. Landon Wilkins, 11. Liam Spears
+Jr. – 1. Chase Cannizzaro, 2. Zachary Larsen, 3. Lux B. Turner, 4. Wyatt Brixey, 5. Owen J. Bills, 6. Sam McCord, 7. Rogen Hill, 8. Drake Lanning, 9. Treyton M. Maskaly
+Open – 1. Lux B. Turner, 2. Chase Cannizzaro, 3. Owen J. Bills, 4. Zachary Larsen, 5. Sam McCord, 6. Rogen Hill, 7. Drake Lanning
85cc:
+Beg., Div. 1 – 1. Nakana C. Domingo, 2. Cody Zimmer, 3. Greg W. Bradshaw, 4. Cooper Bell, 5. Chance Morlan, 6. Justin Larsen, 7. Chandler Beueridge, 8. James Larsen, 9. Holland Losey, 10. Hunter D. Herchenroder, 11. Tanner W. Robsinson, 12. Aryan T. Weed, 13. Bryce Fettic, 14. Nolan Olsen
+Beg., Div. 2 – 1. Tommy Jackson, 2. Jared Mariscal, 3. Garrett Rychlik, 4. Kai J. Kapahee, 5. Haydn Miguel, 6. Trevor Marlin, 7. Taren J. Turnage, 8. Brendin Pinkston, 9. Riley Blanchette, 10. Jocelyn Bitz
+Jr. – 1. Colton English, 2. Ethan Lewis, 3. Jaxon Pokorny, 4. Hayden A. Fagundes
Open – 1. Ethan Lewis, 2. Mitchell L. Keen, 3. Hayden A. Fagundes, 4. Jaxon Pokorny
+Supermini – 1. T.J. Taylor, 2. Julian Domingo, 3. Mitchell L. Keen
52+:
+Jr. – 1. Lonnie Madsen, 2. Ted Griffin, 3. Ken Feulner
+Exp. – 1. Jim Koschella, 2. Allen Rudd
45+:
+Jr. – 1. Brian T. Wagoner, 2. Lonnie Madsen, 3. Jim Shepard, 4. Chris D. Gaarenstroom
Exp. – 1. Layne Kolbet
38+:
+Beg. – 1. Jamie Bonner, 2. David R. Blanchette, 3. Brian Johnson, 4. Josh Pinkston, 5. Daniel Hunter, 6. Mike Thompson
+Jr./Novice – 1. Killy Hilbert, 2. Chris Pilkington
+Intr. – 1. Kirk Sego, 2. Chad Olson
+Exp. – 1. Aaron J. Turnage
+Pro. – 1. Kevin DeCarli
30+:
+Beg. – 1. Matt Wilkins, 2. Zach Howell
+Jr. – 1. Garrett T. Gilmore, 2. Justin Amos, 3. Jon Remien, 4. Nathan L. Rogne, 5. Patrick A. Griffith
+Intr. – 1. Ryan McElfish, 2. Joel Slaughter
+Pro. – 1. Nathan Tiearney, 2. Drake McElroy, 3. Ryan Manha, 4. Dean Wilcox, 5 Matt Manha, 6. Jeff Klino
25+:
+Open – 1. Ryan McElfish, 2. Joel Slaugher, 3. Jared Bussard, 4. Garrett T. Gilmore
18+:
Open – 1. Bryce Garrison, 2. Jarrin Conn, 3. Brendon Borrego, 4. Matt Schlittenhart, 5. Rowdy Wachsmuth
Schoolboy – 1. Dylan Galliett, 2. T.J. Taylor, 3. Zane A. Clarke, 4. Avery Dyrr, 5. Layne Hornback, 6. Colton M. Lara
Women – 1. Jordan D. Beck, 2. Sedanna Losey, 3. Shami Potratz, 4. Ashleigh Trapanese, 5. Taylor Kemp, 6. Ashtyn Shepard, 7. Hayden Losey
125/250:
+Beg., Div 1 – 1. Garrett Knudson, 2. Jaron W. Thompson, 3. Zac Pelcher, 4. Parker McCombs, 5. Nadthan Dains, 6. Shane Vandamme, 7. Dalton Chard, 8. Colby D. Clements, 9. Dawson Fettic, 10. Lyle Stoddard, 11. Tristan Furlong, 12. Anthony Vandoves, 13. Kyle W. Zinda, 14. Kyle J. Zimmer, 15. Jordan Brown, 16. Devin Zinda
+Beg., Div 2 – 1. Ashleigh Trapanese, 2. Josh E. Greene, 3. Mason Marlin, 4. Travis Strawn, 5. Chase Rychlik, 6. Nicholas Lapin, 7. Anthony C. Monachelli, 8. Ashtyn Shepard, 9. Devin W. Mallery, 10. Matthew Church, 11. Dalton A. Reed, 12. Logan Holmes, 13. Justin Larsen
+Jr. – 1. T.J. Taylor, 2. Avery Dyrr, 2. Nason McCombs, 4. Hunter Roberts, 5. Zane A. Clarke, 6. Matt Schlittenhart, 7. Jarrin Conn, 8. Jordan D. Beck, 9. Julian Domingo, 10. Max Case, 11. Bryce Archer
+Intr. – 1. Collin McHaney, 2. Caleb T. Duster
+Pro. – 1. Ryan Eager
250/450:
+Beg. – 1. Casey Segale, 2. Mason Marlin, 3. Tyler L. Reid, 4. Shane Vandamme, 5. Nicholas Lapin, 6. Dawson Fettic, 7. Gary Dyrr, 8. Joseph Iribarren, 9. Joey O’Brien, 10. Tristan Hunter, 11. Nick D. Trainor, 12. Robert Atencio, 13. Todd Contino, 14. Jesse Bergen
+Jr. – 1. Michael Jepsen, 2. Bryce Garrison, 3. Tim E. Trainor, 4. Ted Johanson, 5. Jon Pelcher, 6. Brendon Borrego, 7. Tim P. Stone, 8. Justin Amos, 9. Jon Remien, 10. Jake Williams, 11. Layne Hornback, 12. Nathan L. Rogne, 13. Robert Egesdahl, 14. Rowdy Wachsmuth
+Intr. – 1. Collin McHaney, 2. Dylan Galliett
+ Pro. – 1. Nathan Tiearney, 2. Justin Minsch, 3. Robert A. Tanner, 4. Ryan Manha, 5. Jeff Klino, 6. Ryan Eager
