THE ANNUAL OTHG NATIONALS INVADE THE SANDBOX AT FERNLEY

FERNLEY (May 24) – The annual OTHG Nationals at the Sandbox or Fernley Lions Motocross track is a sure sign it’s Memorial Day weekend and signals the start of summer.

The local Over The Hill Gang chapter has been staging this race for many years. Beautiful weather set the stage as 209 riders were ready to race as well 50 support racers on Saturday and a few more than that on Sunday.

Saturday had two motos plus the annual BBQ then on Sunday riders competed in two more motos. A racer’s combined finishes determined where they ended up.

And Sunday’s final series of motos were the money rounds where titles were either clinched or secured.

First up was a battle of sisters as Shami Potratz and Sedanna Losey, both from the racing Stillmock clan, went bar-to-bar in both motos. Losey fell in the first then led for a while in the second race until Potratz got past and won the Women’s A overall.

Charlene Spoor was the Women’s B overall winner.

 

“Woo, it was so much fun,” Potratz said. “The track was super nice as they groomed it before and I had a blast.”

Her sister then added, “That was a great race and they did a great job of prepping the track. I held Shami off as long as I could then just got tired so I have to keep training.”

Next up was a race combining the 52+ and 58+ Experts and Masters.

Soon after the gate dropped Randy Law, from the Sierra Chapter, was chasing leader David Rodrigues. After a lap or so Law finally made the winning pass.

 

Then he extended his lead and clinched the 52+ Master class title. Other winners were Joe Madison from the Bay Area, Joel Ellis from Reno and Sierra chapter member Terry Huffer.

“The racing has been awesome,” Law said after taking the checkered flag. “The track is so good it’s just incredible. And I need to thank my wife Patty, our dog Elvis, grandkids as well as my son and daughter.”

For Arnie Davis, from the South Chapter, things weren’t so certain. He won the 52+ Expert final moto but didn’t know how he fared in the total points.

“Joe Madison and David Burk did really well but they both crashed out so I don’t know where they finished behind me. We were all in the top three and there is nothing easy about this class. Just because they’re old, they don’t’ get stupid, they just get really crafty.”

Then he thanked his wife and son for their support. And added that, with one exception, he’s been coming to the Nationals in Fernley since 1998. “I can’t wait until I get to Fernley.”

Coming home third in the 52+ Master class was Robert Roehilk, who said, “Randy won the moto and I got second. I was leading for a few laps, then made a mistake and he got around me. I need to thank Steve Nelson, my riding coach, Enzo Suspension and OTHG as they’ve got an awesome club both at Reno and at Central Valley.”

Next up was the 45+ and 52+ Novice race. Brian Wagoner just left everyone in his dust winning the final 45+ moto while Tim Crossfield from the Bay Area chapter took the 52+ win.

Wagoner didn’t stop for an interview but 45+ Novice Chris Gaarenstroom, one of the local OTHG officers did.

“I didn’t sweep the weekend as it took me too long to figure out the track,” he said with a laugh. “We’re actually ahead of schedule today and the track couldn’t be better.”

In next race Bruce Ashmore, from the South Chapter, came in second at the finish but that was enough to clinch the 52+ Intermediate title while Arch Teer, who was first over all in the moto swept the weekend in 58+ Intermediate.

 

“This gives me the overall,” Ashmore said later. “I was being chased hard but I had to come from behind to catch up. So when I got it, had to hang on as the guy behind me (Anthony Urias) was the one I had to beat and I did.”

Then he thanked his girl friend Karen, family and friends.

After that it was time for the 30+ and 38+ Novice riders to take to the track for their final moto. At the end Greg Pimentel and Alex Paven ended up first and second in the race and overall in the 30+ division.

“I believe it was a sweep as I think I went 1-1-1 but on Saturday I was second in a moto. Couldn’t do this without my family, the Lord above and Max Muscles Supplements for their sponsorship. I’m stoked.”

After finishing second Paven said, “I was trying my best to keep it up on two wheels and not fall.”

Coming home in the 38+ Novice class was Reno chapter member Travis Hilbish, who lives in Winnemucca.

 

“I won all but the third one where I got second by .36 of a second,” he said. “There are some tough guys out there but the track is pretty good as we got it right after they groomed it. Want to thank all my buddies and Rich Thorwaldson from Moto Source for doing my suspension.”

Next up was a race featuring four divisions of beginners. While the top three were close they soon spread out as leader Paige Marciel, president of the Bay Area chapter, distanced herself from the nearest competitor 45+ Beginner winner Sean Anderson.

Anthony Young won the 30+ Beginner honors while Don Martin topped the 52+ Beginners.

 

After sweeping the weekend in the 38+ Beginner class Marciel said, “I went 1-1-1 this weekend and was on the gas that moto. The track’s beat up but that’s the way I like it. I’ve got Armex for my suspension, Cross Fit Whip for train, Fly Racing, FM Moto for my graphics and need to thank the guys in my pit, Dwayne, Jeb and Tim.”

Next up was a sweep by the host club as three of their members swept their divisions. A.J. Turnage in 38+ Expert, Marcus Gentry in 45+ Expert and Dustin Smith in 30+ Expert.

 

After taking the checkered Smith said, “The race was good, track’s a lot rougher this moto but I found some good lines and it came around all right. Just having ot get a good start and hope my arms hold up. Got to thank my wife that encourages me to do what I love to do and a big shout out to OTHG.”

The 30+, 38+ and 45+ Masters got a race of their own and Jason Labare took the 38+ Master win for the weekend.

Coming home in the final moto was 30+ Master Ronnie Raymond from Santa Cruz, a Bay Area Chapter member.

“I won all the motos this week, this track’s so good right now, the best it’s been all day. I got a good start and checked out,” Raymond said. “I want to thank my wife, grandparents and my dad as Sky High Sports is the biggest sponsor I have.”

The 45+ Master winner was Kevin Williams from the Sierra Chapter, who said, “I won all four motos and yesterday I caught and passed the 30 and 38 Masters from the second gate. So I had the fastest lap time of the whole event and being 47 I’m feeling pretty good about that.

“Have to thank my family of course but a big thanks goes out to Roseville Yamaha, Works Connection, Oakley, Renthal, Fox Racing and I’ve got a bunch of sponsors that help out an old guy. I didn’t start riding until I was 35 so feel fortunate that they’d help an old guy out and I love the sport.”

There were enough 58+ Novice riders that they got their own race. And some of these riders are actually in their 70’s and still going.

The race came down to leader and Reno chapter member Ted Griffin being chased by Sierra chapter member Steve Machado. In the end Griffin prevailed winning both the moto and sweeping the weekend.

 

“We were dicing good there for a while,” Griffin said, “He got a good start, had to work my way to him but it was a lot of fun. I’m 64 years old and have to thank the family for helping me out and my son’s on the line right now.”

When the gate dropped on the 30+, 38+ and 45+ Intermediate final moto Dan DePuglia took off with Stan Griffin in hot pursuit. Finally Griffin got past and left DePuglia in his dust.

 

After winning the 30+ Intermediate race South Chapter member Griffin said, “Lost the lead, then he stalled it, got it back and was just hoping I didn’t see him (DePuglia) again. I’m first over all with a 1-2-2-1 for the weekend. The track’s pretty rough, not bad and better than yesterday.”

Then he thanked his kids for coming with him and his father Ted for having a motor home he could use as well as his sister that came out from Reno.

Each day when the OTHG motos end there are support races to round out the show. First off was the 65cc and 85cc divisions, which are the next generation earning their racing spurs before moving up to the big bikes.

 

Dylan Thorwaldson was the class of the 85 group as he left everyone in his dust and showed that racing is in his DNA. All this a week before he turns 13.

And young Chase Cannizzaro won the 65cc division. Blake Horn won the Beginner, Avery Dyrr the Novice race while Corey Matthews topped the Intermediate support race.

Reporters Note: Racer Mike Subocz, 2nd O.A. in the 58+ Expert class, was also taking photographs of the races. He shot the 30, 38, 45 Intermediate and Expert races as well as the Beginners and 30 and 38 Novice races.

If you want to see those photos here is the link;

http://www.tractionaction.com/OTHG-Races/Reno-National-2015/i-B6LbLzQ

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RESULTS:

58+:

Nov: 1. Ted Griffin, 2. Steve Machado, 3. Duane Quick, 4. Steve Mizrani, 5. David Drake, 6. Ben Paris, 7. Michael Nitkin, 8. Chuck Nerviani, 9. Jim Jensen, 10. Leroy Francard, 11. Russ Greenfield, 12. Harry Badwell, 13. Reid Franke, 14. Dave Watt, 15. Perry Black, 16. Eric Call

Intrm: 1. Arch Teer, 2. Mike Bulter, 3. Kevin Ridgman, 4. Mark Stirling, 5. Tommy Pearl, 6. Garry Castillo

Exp: 1. Joel Ellis, 2. Mike Subocz, 3. John Traverso, 4. Jeff Blix, 5. Tim Alarcon, 6. Mike Wilson, 7. Dana Nelson

Master: 1. Terry Huffer, 2. Steve Law

52+:

Nov: 1. Tim Crossfield, 2. Jim Collins, 3. Brent Allen, 4. Steve Galland, 5. Charlie Baldwin, 6. Lee Seyle, 7. Mark Cross, 8. Scoctt Douglas, 9. Mike McLaughlin, 10. Kevin Gotto

Beg: 1. Don Martin, 2. Guy Eathchel, 3. Marion Tucker

Intrm: 1. Bruce Ashmore, 2. Anthony Urias, 3. Chris Skillman, 4. Michael Guiso, 5. James Skelly, 6. Peter Mayforth, 7. Joe Lozowski, 8. Dennis Foster, 9. Duane Joice, 10. Jev Velez, 11. Brad Putnam

Exp: 1. Joe Madison, 2. Arnie Davis, 3. Ron Horner, 4. David Blunk, 5. Dave  Mozingo, 6. Jim Zack, 7. Richard Peacock, 8. Eric Watt, 9. Michael Renner, 10. Gary Plaatje, 11. David Pile, 12. Gilbert Chick, 13. Allen Rudd

45+:

Nov: 1. Brian Wagner, 2. Rob Muehleisen, 3. Bill Philpot, 4. Chris Gaarenstroom, 5. Rex Tener, 6. Denny Shelton, 7. Dan Lawson, 8. James Hendricks, 9. Mike English, 10. Sean Jackson, 11. Todd Sayls, 12. Ron Easley, 13. Kim Kinslow, 14. Matt Nichols, 15. Michael Thomas, 16. Tom Wyatt

Beg: 1. Sean Anderson, 2. Phillip Miller, 3. Michael Govero-Cox, 4. Richard Hurtado, 5. Curtis Weathersbee, 6. Ken Johnson, 7. Allen Lott, 8. Daniel Lang, 9. Fred Biagini, 10. Jason Deryckx, 11. Greg Provencio

Intrm: 1. Chris Cumbo, 2. Dan Jones, 3. Chris Dyer, 4. Mike Maciel, 5. Mike Muzio, 6.John Barsell, 7. Darren Tamayo

Exp: 1. Marcus Gentry, 2. Tony Fagundes, 3. Robert Austin, 4. Kon Baur, 5.  Layne Kolbet, 6. Matt Ddrury, 7. Rick Jameson, 8. John Lombardo, 9. Eugene  Spoor, 10. Brent Workman, 11. Andy Hernandez

Master: 1. Kevin Williams, 2. Troy Cardiel, 3. Aaron Mattson, 4. Darin Powell, 5. Johnny Souza

38+:

Beg: 1. Page Mardciel, 2. Rich Harrington, 3. Bishlam  Bullock

Nov: 1. Travis Hilbish, 2. James Van Duinwyk, 3. Jason McIntosh, 4. Jamie  Bonner, 5. Ben Jay, 6. Jason Ferre, 7. Bruce Mayhood, 8. Mike Stumbaugh, 9. Kosta Baladakis, 10. Edward McIlree, 11. Jason Seaton, 12. Dennis Matthews, 13. Robert Haaverson, 14. James Silva, 15. Jason Spicer, 16.      Kelly Hilbert, 17. Brian Miller

Intrm: 1. Jeston Ponciano, 2. Kelly Maack, 3. Jeff Neumann, 4. Kirk Sego,  5. Jeff Whitaker, 6. Chris Weathersbee, 7. Brian Allman, 8. Mikel Cimmino,  9. Rob Kuzminski, 10. Jeromie Sorbouet, 11. Jerry DeBaca, 12. Eric Allred, 13. Craig Donohue, 14. Marc Maroni, 15. Aaron White, 16. Paul Schoep, 17.  Kevin Westmoreland

Exp: 1. A.J. Turnage, 2. Jason Garcia, 3. Mark Finders, 4. Bryan Gambill

Master: 1. Jason Labare, 2. Justin Mastalka, 3. Randy  Blair, 4. Kevin  DeCarli, 5. Scott Stillmock, 6. Pete Cannizzaro

30+:

Beg: 1. Anthony Young, 2. John Richardson, 3. Jason Holland

Exp: 1. Dustin Smith, 2. Walker Martin, 3. Joson   Augustson, 4. Adam  Huffer, 5. Garrett Law

Nov: 1. Gret Pimentel, 2. Alex Pavan, 3. Craig Owen, 4. Lisa Glynn, 5.  Missle Duttan, 6. George Aza, 7. Brian Keating, 8. Dan Green

Master: 1. Ronnie Raymond, 2. Eric Gillen, 3. Bryan Maze

Women:

A: 1. Shami Potratz, 2. Sedanna Losey, 3. Jennifer Rockenstein, 4. Linda  Thomas, 5. Dee Jay, 6. Kimie Raymond

B: 1. Charlene Spoor, 2. Tammy Horner, 3. Camie Alfred, 4. Heather O’Moore, 5. Denise Schwartz, 6. Coleen Dwyer, 7. Shannon Tamayo

Support:

65cc: 1. Chase Cannizzaro, 2. Sam McCord, 3. Connor Gaarenstroom, 4. Ollie M. Bonner, 5. Archie Teer, 6. Mason Kauffman

85cc: 1. Dylan Thorwaldson, 2. Tommy Jackson, 3. Taren Tunage, 4. Branden Neumann, 5. Holland Losey, 6. Zanden Rockenstein, 7. Gizele Spoor, 8. Rhiannon Whitaker, 9. Kaden Allman, 10. Hailey Muehleisen, 11. Trevor Hargett, 12. Garrison Dyrr, 13 Cameron Radll

Novice: 1. Avery Dyrr, 2. Layne Hornback, 3. Brent Mayhood, 4. Tim E. Trainor, 5. Jesse Mulock, 6. Jesse Mulock, 7. Josh McClenathen, 8. Chauncy  Sharp, 9. Michael Jepsen, 10. Matthew Sorhouet, 11. Colton M. Lara, 12.  James A. Swain, 13. Jonathan Sawyer, 14. Tony Vandover, 15. Josh Kauffman, 16. Robert Donohue

Beginner: 1. Blake Horn, 2. Nate Hunter, 3. Jaron W. Thompson, 4. Drew Nelson, 5. Erike Mattson, 6. R.C. Muehlesisn, 7. Nicholas D. Trainor, 8. Michael Jensen, 9. Austin Long, 10. Kevin Hargett, 11. Tyler Spoor, 12. Gary Dyrr, 13 Robert Atencio

Intermediate: 1. Corey Matthews, 2. Nolan A. Rudd, 3. Christ Cumbo, 4. Kody  L. Jackson, 5. Emmett Ramirez