The Utah Motorcycle Law Masters of the Mountain race series held its season finale on September 2 at Utah Motorsports Campus’ West Track configuration. Come race morning there were two questions on everyone’s mind. First, would series points leader Anthony Norton be able to maintain his unbeaten streak and wrap up a perfect season? And second, would Norton’s quest to post a sub 1:30 lap time finally come to fruition?

Cool temperatures morning temperatures during qualifying for the Moto United/Moto Station King of the Mountains race meant that the answer to question number two would likely be no, at least until track temps climbed in the afternoon. Unable to match his qualifying pace of round 3, Norton was forced to settle for a qualifying time of 1:32.15 but was able to secure the pole position as a consolation prize. In the second qualifying session, Tyler Bengford put in a valiant effort, putting pressure on Norton and clocking a time of 1:32.235. Third place qualifier Brian Childree handed in a time of 1:32.45, meaning the top three qualifiers were separated by just .3 seconds!

When the red lights went out at race time the Norton lead the pack through Turn One. Childree got a better jump than Bengford and took possession of second. In Turn Five of the opening lap Bengford attempted unsuccessfully to take back second. At the start of lap two the top three positions had shuffled with Norton still in the lead and Childree in second and Bengford in third behind. Later that same lap Childree was able to overtake Norton in Turn Five for the lead. Norton would lose another position in Turn Seven to Benford and drop back to third. On lap five Bengford did the fastest lap of the race at 1:30.8 and the lead duo of Childree and Bengford had opened a gap on third place rider Norton, who had lost the pace by this point. Bengford attempted a pass for the lead in Turn Ten multiple times but was re-buffed by race leader Childree each time before Childree was finally able to secure the win. The final top three order being Childree, Bengford, and Norton.

“Qualifying was close between Anthony, Ty and myself so I was looking forward to KOM. At the start I was able to tuck in behind Anthony going into the first turn and Ty was right behind me.  In the first lap I could see Anthony was having some bike issues, so I needed to get past him soon before Ty made a pass on me.  Lap 2 I passed Anthony into the Blackrock hairpin and put my head down, setting my fastest lap of the race.  My pace was good, but Ty was right with me the whole time.  With about 3 laps to go I made a mistake going into the last turn and Ty passed me on the inside, but I was able to cut back on the exit and hang onto the lead and eventually the win,” said Childree. “It was a fantastic race and really well run event by the Utah Sportbike Association. I want to thank the club and volunteers for putting on a great event and my sponsors: Resultrics, Apex Trackdays, Beyond Health Consulting, Canyon Chasers and Big Picture Color for their support,” Childree concluded.

Thankfully Norton’s earlier race wins had established enough of a points lead to secure the overall championship. Of his race round and season Norton commented, “Coming into this round, I was fortunate to have built up quite a lead in my championships, because it was one thing after another preventing me from putting my best foot forward today! I gave it all I had considering the circumstances but the bike did not cooperate. We’ve been flawless all year until this, and that’s what it takes to bring home the #1 plate which I’m proud to have done! Special thanks to club sponsors, Chris from CrossBeam Builders and Dustin from Utah Motorcycle Law for their support for the club and to me personally! Also I couldn’t have done it without my better half Stacey, Richard of Apex Assassins, Dustin of LegalRide NV and Dale, Ian, and Ryan for the support on the new Dunlops this summer. Thankful for this season and the support from all my fellow racers, friends and family!”

Although unable to secure the race win, round four runner up Bengford echoed Norton’s optimism. “I am really happy with the pace we showed this weekend. We were able to live in the 1:30’s for a while after some setup changes with advice from Michael Castro with FuziMoto. Unfortunately with Anthony having some chassis issues, it left a two horse race for lead.  I felt as if I had the pace to win, racing smart through the entire race. Brian (Childree) rode with an incredible defensive effort to hold me off in the final laps. Overall the season went well with progress every round, and coming home with a #2 plate behind Anthony means a lot to me and those who support me.  I would like to say thank you to Gigi with 61 DTC Pirelli for providing tires at a moments notice. Chris Mousley with Crossbeam Builders for supporting the program mid season. Bryce Prince with BPR Racing for building an amazing motorcycle. Richard Findlay and Travis Peterson with Apex Assassins for all their support throughout the years. And last, but definitely not least, my crew chief and future wife, Rainey for all her love and encouragement through every peak and valley!” said Bengford.

At the conclusion of our 2023 season the UtahSBA would like to say thank you to all of our generous sponsors, volunteers, and members. The board would also like to say a special thank you to Garrett, Jen, Terry, and the staff of the Utah Motorsports Campus. We couldn’t do it without you. We look forward to racing with you all again next year!

The Utah Sport Bike Association is a Utah Non-Profit dedicated to promoting education, safe riding, and competition in the Intermountain West. You can find more information about the USBA, upcoming events, and schools at www.utahsba.com or find us on Facebook.

USBA Round 4 – UMC West – September 2nd, 2023
 

Motostation/Moto United KOM Overall:

1. Brian Childree (APR RSV4)

2. Tyler Bengford (YAM R1)

3. Anthony Norton (KAW ZX10R)

4. David Meyer (YAM R1)

5. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

6. Christopher Mousley (YAM R1)

Motostation KOM GTO:

1. Brian Childree (APR RSV4)

2. Tyler Bengford (YAM R1)

3. Anthony Norton (KAW ZX10R)

4. David Meyer (YAM R1)

5. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

6. Christopher Mousley (YAM R1)

Moto United KOM GTU:

1. Josh Fisher (KAW ZX6R)

2. Lee McNutt (YAM R6)

3. Justin Delong (YAM R6)

4. Kinzer Naylor (KAW ZX6R)

5. Braxton Young (HON CBR600RR)

6. Zach Jenson (YAM R6)

AZ Riding Academy Combined GTO:

1. Steven Marco (YAM R1)

2. John McKown (YAM R1)

3. Aubrey Credaroli (YAM R6)

4. Max Tseng (YAM R1)

5. Jared Baird (DUC 1299)

6. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR600)

Off Highway Van Combined GTU:

1. Kirk Doyle (KAW ZX6R)

2. Alisson Melo (KAW ZX6R)

3. Belisario Arango (KAW ZX6R)

4. Phil O’Bryan (KAW ZX6R)

5. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR600)

6. Brian Gerwe (HON CBR600RR)

The Edge Powersports Deseret Dash – Expert

1. Steven Marco (YAM R1)

2. Alban Bonilla (BMW S1000RR)

3. Joshua Fisher (KAW ZX6R)

4. Geiser Hernandez (KAW ZX6R)

5. Braxton Young (HON CBR600RR)

6. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR600)

The Edge Powersports Deseret Dash – Novice

1. Alisson Melo (KAW ZX6R)

2. Jordan DeJarnett (YAM R6)

3. Mario Fernandez (YAM R6)

4. Miguel Alamillo (SUZ GSXR1000)

5. Jared Baird (DUC 1299)

6. Michael Hicks (YAM R1)

Eurosports Utah Formula 40 – GTO

1. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

2. Christopher Mousley (YAM R1)

3. Jeff Taylor (YAM R1)

4. Dave Loynd (HON CBR1000RR)

5. John McKown (YAM R1)

6. Jason Redman (BMW S1000RR)

Eurosports Utah Formula 40 – GTU

1. Brian Naylor (KAW ZX6R)

2. Lee McNutt (YAM R6)

3. Sahar Zvik (KAW ZX6R)

4. Kirk Doyle (KAW ZX6R)

5. Phil O’Bryan (KAW ZX6R)

6.  Belisario Arango (KAW ZX6R)

Velosio Lightweight Superbike

1. Jasn Parkinson (YAM R7)

2. Daniel Christiani (YAM R7)

3. Ian Nielsen (KTM RC390)

4. Kyle Kacprzynski (KAW 400)

5. Brad Moore (YAM R3)

6. Raab Gisseman (YAM R3)

The Weekend Garage Middleweight Superbike

1. Brian Naylor (KAW ZX6R)

2. Sahar Zvik (KAW ZX6R)

3. Joshua Fisher (KAW ZX6R)

4. Christopher Mousley (KAW ZX6R)

5. Scott Christensen (YAM R6)

6. Geiser Hernandez (YAM R6)

Toxic Moto Racing Middleweight Superstock

1. Brian Naylor (KAW ZX6R)

2. Joshua Fisher (KAW ZX6R)

3. Justin Delong (YAM R6)

4. Kinzer Naylor (KAW ZX6R)

5. Sahar Zvik (KAW ZX6R)

6. Christopher Mousley (KAW ZX6R)

MC & Associates Modern Vintage – GTO

1. Kevin Dolan (SUZ GSXR1000)

2. Dave Loynd (HON CBR1000RR)

3. Kohl Burmester (BMW S1000RR)

4. Chris Golmon (SUZ GSXR1000)

5. Cameron Holladay (YAM R1)

MC & Associates Modern Vintage – GTU

1. Justin Delong (YAM R6)

2. Belisario Arango (KAW ZX6R)

3. Braxton Young (HON CBR600RR)

4. Peter Hofpointner (YAM R6)

5. Kirk Doyle (KAW ZX6R)

6. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR600)

Karl Malone Powersports  Moto 2

1. Kinzer Naylor (KAW ZX6R)

2. Joshua Fisher (KAW ZX6R)

3. Christopher Mousley (KAW ZX6R)

4. Braxton Young (HON CBR600RR)

5. Zach Jenson (YAM R6)

6. Nolan Kiiskila (KAW ZX6R)

Redline Realty Moto 3

1. Ian Nielsen (KTM RC390)

2. Raab Gisseman (YAM R3)

3. Kyle Kacprzynski (KAW 400)

4. Brad Moore (YAM R3)

Legion of Speed Novice GTO

1. Nolan Kiiskila (KAW ZX10R)

2. Jordan DeJarnett (YAM R6)

3. Jared Baird (DUC 1299)

4. Mario Fernandez (YAM R6)

5. Ray Vernon (DUC 899)

6. Owen Austad (KAW ZX6R)

MC & Associates Novice GTU

1. Alisson Melo (KAW ZX6R)

2. Nolan Kiiskila (KAW ZX6R)

3. Mario Fernandez (YAM R6)

4. Jordan DeJarnett (YAM R6)

5. Joseph Ruck (YAM R6)

6. Ian Jenson (YAM R6)

Vortex Racing Open Superbike

1. Tyler Bengford (YAM R1)

2. David Meyer (YAM R1)

3. Alban Bonilla (BMW S1000RR)

4. Steven Marco (YAM R1)

6. John McKown (YAM R1)

6. Kevin Dolan (SUZ GSXR1000)

MotoUnited Open Superstock

1. Anthony Norton (KAW ZX10R)

2. Brian Childree (APR RSV4)

3. Tyler Bengford (YAM R1)

4. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

5. Jeff Taylor (YAM R1)

6. Christopher Mousley (YAM R1)

Crossbeam Builders Open Twins

1. Jason Johnson (DUC 848)

2. Jared Baird (DUC 1299)

3. Ray Vernon (DUC 899)

4. Lucas Brown (TRI 675R)

5. Jasn Parkinson (YAM R7)

6. Ryan Richardson (YAM R7)

Karl Malone Powersports Production 500

1. Ian Nielsen (KTM RC390)

2. Kyle Kacprzynski (KAW 400)

3. Raab Gisseman (YAM R3)

4. Brad Moore (YAM R3)

Trackstar Stock 1000

1. Anthony Norton (KAW ZX10R)

2. Tyler Bengford (YAM R1)

3. Gilbert Gonzalez (KAW ZX10R)

4. Alban Bonilla (BMW S1000RR)

5. Alex Zinaich (YAM R1)

6. Geiser Hernandez (KAW ZX6R)

Carbonsmith Super Street Bike

1. Cameron Holladay (YAM R1)

2. Chris Golmon (BMW S1000RR)

3. Robert Jojola (DUC S2R)