Schmidt, Pinkstaff and Wood Claim Championships in OMRRA’s Season Finale at Portland International Raceway. 

The October 8th and 9th races summed up racing in the Northwest with sunshine and ideal conditions on Saturday and rain-soaked conditions on Sunday. The changing conditions gave opportunities for hopefuls to rise and frontrunners to falter. 

On Saturday, in Formula Ultra action, Alan Schmidt of Kamloops, B.C., demonstrated his season long dominance by annihilating the competition, leading flag to flag, winning by 7 seconds and sewing up his club record tying 8th overall championship. The battle for second overall came down to Sam Verderico and Kevin Pinkstaff. In race 1, Pinkstaff looked to have Verderico’s number but a flat tire caused him to lose 2nd position on lap 10. Pinkstaff limped home in 3rd, losing 18 seconds to Verderico and barely out sprinting Tony Porter and Scott Decker at the finish line. 

In race 2, Schmidt, with the championship in hand, would sit out and watch Pinkstaff and Verderico fight for the number 2 plate. Pinkstaff and Verderico battled early but Pinkstaff had to win and Verderico just had to survive the rainy conditions and not give up too many points. Pinkstaff finished 6 seconds ahead of Verderico’s 2nd place finish but the points favored Verderico. 

A new threat emerged in Sunday’s race. Taking 5th in his first expert race was 17 year old Kinzer “Speedy” Naylor. Having just graduated from the novice ranks, Naylor competed in 3 expert races, scoring a 2nd, 4th and 5th finishes. Watch for this young gun in 2012. In Clubman Championship action, 17 year old Andy Dibrino scored 5 class championships by raking up wins aboard his Suzuki SV650 and Supermoto prepared Honda CRF450R. Battling Dibrino all year, David James Moore of Vancouver, B.C. and Brian Osborne of Portland, OR, couldn’t keep from snatching victory in late race surges. In the 650 GP Twins race, Dibrino, as was the case in many 2011 races, sat lurking in 3rd while Osborne and Moore battled for the lead. In the latter stages Dibrino would make his move. In this race, on lap 8 he passed Moore in turn 7 and merely a few turns later would pass Osborne down the front straight. 

Dibrino’s efforts and wily style vaulted his 2011 campaign up to 3rd overall in the Clubman Championship. Entering the race weekend, Matt Presting, Kevin Pinkstaff and Sam Verderico were the top three vying for the championship. In Saturday’s 600 Supersport race, Presting would suffer crash in turn 3 going for the lead against Christopher Ancien. Ancien was 6th in the championship standings and the veteran was playing the part of spoiler all weekend to the frontrunners.

Fresh off races in California, teenage sensation Devon McDonough put on a veteran pass on Ancien in the 600 Supersport way on lap 10 to snatch victory. In the second race of the day relevant to the frontrunners championship chase, 750 Supersport, Pinkstaff lead flag to flag, taking victory by over 5 seconds. Presting would rebound from his crash by demonstrating he can get right back on pace and run up front. Ancien had a solid run in 2nd but faded back to 4th with tire issues in the latter stages. McDonough would claim the last step on the podium. 

In Sunday’s races under wet conditions, Jason Gasparinatos took his first victory in 600 Superbike when Ancien crashed out of the lead in lap 2. Matt Presting surged on lap 9, relegating McDonough to 4th and snatched 2nd spot from Verderico on the brakes in turn 7 on the last lap. Verderico and McDonough answered back and Presting held off Verderico and McDonough at the line by less than a tenth of a second. It was the most nail-biting finish of the weekend. The 750 Superbike race in the afternoon complicated things for racers. The track was nearly dry when a misting rain began to fall at the start of the race. Starting from pit lane and one of the few racers back on rain tires, Jason Gasparinatos was able to assume the lead by lap 2 and keep it until a red flag in lap 4. On the restart, Gasparinatos assumed the lead and took the checkers. Kinzer Naylor took 2nd with Kevin Pinkstaff settling for 3rd. The conclusion of the 750 race solidified Pinkstaff’s 2011 run as Clubman Champion with Sam Verderico collecting a matching number 2 plate to go with his Formula Ultra effort. 

In the Vintage Championship, Cody Wood, despite a mechanical in the final race of the season, took home the Vintage Championship. Cody had to little to race for but bragging rights but he kicked off a weekend with a win in 500 Vintage. The real pressure was on Andrew Pignataro to do well. Sitting 5th in the championship entering the weekend, Pignataro needed every point he could collect. Pignataro would collect a 1st and 2nd in Saturday’s 500 Vintage races. Despite good finishes in 500 Vintage, Pignataro would have to do well against Ryan Shanahan in Sunday’s 250 Vintage races. Shanahan only competes in 250 Vintage and has been spoiler and victor all season. Shanahan would take victory in race 1 with Pignataro sitting out with a mechanical. Pignataro fixed his issue and was able to collect valuable by taking a wet-weather victory from Shanahan in race 2. With his effort, Pignataro ascended the ranks and acquired the number two plate in the Vintage Championship. Shawn McKnight is rewarded for his reliability and consistency in keeping his machine functioning and competing all season and secures the final Vintage Championship plate. 

The Oregon Motorcycle Road Racing Association (OMRRA) developed the two-race per weekend Formula Ultra Championship, the ‘your best two classes’ Clubman Championship and the two-race per day, Olympic-scored Vintage Championship, promoting safe, competitive road racing in all categories. OMRRA, incorporated in 1972 as a non-profit, volunteer run organization, has members ranging in age from 12 to over 70, racing motorcycles of many brands, sizes and ages. OMRRA operates at Portland International Raceway, a city park and world class track. For more information, visit www.omrra.com and join us at www.omrra.com

Saturday, October 8th Race Results 

Formula Ultra – Saturday 1. Alan Schmidt (Suz GSX-R1000) 2. Sam Verderico (Suz GSX-R1000) 3. Kevin Pinkstaff (Kaw ZX-10R) 4. Tony Porter (Suz GSX-R1000) 5. Scott Decker (Suz GSX-R600) 6. Marcel Irnie (Kaw ZX6R) 

Open Supersport 1. Sam Verderico (Suz GSX-R1000) 2. Anthony Manciu (Suz GSX-R1000) 3. Tony Porter (Yam YZF-R1) 4. Steve Suitor (Hon CBR1000RR) 5. Mike McBrady (Kaw ZX-6R) 6. Jason Garparinatos (Kaw ZX-6R) 

750 Supersport 1. Kevin Pinkstaff (Suz GSX-R750) 2. Matt Presting (Yam YZF-R6) 3. Devon McDonough (Yam YZF-R6) 4. Christopher Ancien (Yam YZF-R6) 5. San Verderico (Suz GSX-R750) 6. Marcel Irnie (Kaw ZX-6R) 

600 Supersport 1. Devon McDonough (Yam YZF-R6) 2. Christopher Ancien (Yam YZF-R6) 3. Scott Decker (Suz GSX-R600) 4. Sam Verderico (Kaw ZX-6R) 5. Brian Pinkstaff (Kaw ZX-6R) 6. Jay Floyd (Kaw ZX-6R) 

650 Twin Superbike 1. Andy Dibrino (Suz SV650) 2. Brian Osborne (Suz SV650) 3. David James Moore (Kaw EX650R) 4. Skyler Benoit (Suz SV650) 5. David Lane (Suz SV650) 6. Jeff Brooks (Suz SV650) 

Formula III 1. Michael Caravatta (Apr 125RS) 2. Mackenzie Ancien (Hon Moriwaki) 3. John Gessner (Hon RS125) 4. Shannon Lang (Hon RS125) 

Middleweight Supersport 1. Andy Dibrino (Suz SV650) 2. David Lane (Suz SV650) 3. Kelly Johnson (Yam FZR-400) 4. Jeff Brooks (Suz SV650) 5. David Lane (Suz SV650) 6. Keith Dibrino (Suz SV650) 

Open Superbike Senior 1. Vince Burroughs (Hon CBR1000RR) 2. Scott Claboe (Hon CBR1000RR) 3. James Moody (Hon CBR900RR) 4. Kevin Lafavor (Suz GSX-R1000) 

750 Superbike Senior 1. Chuck Bannister (GSX-R750) 2. Joshua Melanson (Yam YZF-R6) 3. Aaron Miles (Suz GSX-R750) 4. Andrew Johnson (Suz GSX-R750) 5. Monica Wallace (Suz GSX-R750) 

600 Superbike Senior 1. Steve Hildum (Yam YZF-R6) 2. Bryan Rothenburger (Yam YZF-R6) 3. Jason Doody (Yam YZF-R6) 4. Joshua Melanson (Yam YZF-R6) 5. Jay Floyd (Kaw ZX-6R) 6. Jerry Cowan (Tri Daytona) 

500 Vintage Race 1 1. Cody Wood (Hon CL175) 2. Andrew Pignataro (Hon CB160) 3. Matt Rask (Hon CB160) 4. Bennie Goodson (Hon CB160) 5. Mica Grohn (Hon CL175) 6. Daric Cheshire (Hon CB160) 

500 Vintage Race 2 1. Andrew Pignataro (Hon CB160) 2. Michael Fontanarosa (Hon CB160) 3. Cody Wood (Hon CL175) 4. Matt Rask (Hon CB160) 5. Bennie Goodson (Hon CB160) 6. Mica Grohn (Hon CL175) 

Novice 4 1. Kinzer “Speedy” Naylor (Kaw ZX-6R) 2. Wes Stults (Yam YZF-R6) 3. Austin Carroll (Hon CBR600RR) 4. Anthony Iven (Yam YZF-R6) 5. Evans Tomassini (Yam YZF-R6) 

Novice 5 1. Joe Rocha (Kaw ZX-10R) 2. Bo Scott (Suz GSX-R1000) 3. Lance Monagon (Hon CBR1000RR) 4. Andrew Nebergall (Apr RSV1000) 5. Conor Bennett (Apr RSV4) 

Ninja 250 Cup (Exhibition Race 1) 1. Kelly Johnson (Kaw EX250) 2. Jonathan Wood (Kaw EX250) 3. Joseph Wright (Kaw EX250) 

Ninja 250 Cup (Exhibition Race 2) 1. Kelly Johnson (Kaw EX250) 2. Jonathan Wood (Kaw EX250) 3. Joseph Wright (Kaw EX250) 

Sunday, October 9th Race Results 

Formula Ultra Sunday 1. Kevin Pinkstaff (Kaw ZX-10R) 2. Sam Verderico (Suz GSX-R1000) 3. Marcel Irnie (Kaw ZX-6R 4. Tony Porter (Yam YZF-R1) 5. Kinzer “Speedy” Naylor (Kaw ZX-6R) 6. Donny Schultz (Hon CBR1000RR) 

Open Superbike 1. Sam Verderico (Suz GSX-R1000) 2. Jason Gasparinatos (Kaw ZX-6R) 3. Donny Schultz (Hon CBR1000RR) 4. Kinzer “Speedy” Naylor (Kaw ZX-6R) 

750 Superbike 1. Jason Gasparinatos (Kaw ZX-6R) 2. Kinzer “Speedy” Naylor (Kaw ZX-6R) 3. Kevin Pinkstaff (Suz GSX-R750) 4. Marcel Irnie (Kaw ZX-6R 5. Sam Verderico (Suz GSX-R750) 

600 Superbike 1. Jason Gasparinatos (Kaw ZX-6R) 2. Matt Presting (Yam YZF-R6) 3. Sam Verderico (Kaw ZX-6R) 4. Devon McDonough (Yam YZF-R6) 5. Brian Pinkstaff (Kaw ZX-6R) 6. Anton Brown (Suz GSX-R600) 

Formula Female 1. Kelly Johnson (Yam FZR400) 2. Christine Porter (Yam YZF-R1) 3. Monica Wallace (Suz GSX-R750) 

Formula II 1. Michael Caravatta (Apr 125RS) 2. Mackenzie Ancien (Hon Moriwaki) 3. John Gessner (Hon RS125) 4. Shannon Lang (Hon RS125) 

Middleweight Superbike 1. David James Moore (Kawasaki Ninja 650R) 2. Andy Dibrino (Suz SV650) 3. Skyler Benoit (Suz SV650) 4. Jeff Brooks (Suz SV650) 5. Kelly Johnson (Yam FZR400) 6. Chris Burgess (Suz SV650) 

Lightweight Superbike 1. Kelly Johnson (Kaw EX250) 2. Cody Wood (Hon CB160) 3. Andy Dibrino (Hon CRF450R) 

750 Supersport Senior 1. Andrew Johnson (Suz GSX-R750) 2. Joshua Melanson (Yam YZF-R6) 3. Aaron Miles (Suz GSX-R750) 4. Monica Wallace (Suz GSX-R750) 

Open Supersport Senior 1. Vince Burroughs (Hon CBR1000RR) 2. Aaron Miles (Suz GSX-R750) 3. James Moody (Hon CBR900RR) 

750 Supersport Senior 1. Andrew Johnson (Suz GSX-R750) 2. Joshua Melanson (Yam YZF-R6) 3. Aaron Miles (Suz GSX-R750) 4. Monica Wallace (Suz GSX-R750) 

600 Supersport Senior 1. Jerry Cowan (Tri Daytona) 2. Steve Hildum (Yam YZF-R6) 3. Joshua Melanson (Yam YZF-R6) 

250 Vintage Race 1 1. Ryan Shanahan (Hon CB160) 2. Michael Fontanarosa (Hon CB160) 3. Cody Wood (Hon CL175) 4. Bennie Goodson (Hon CB160) 5. Mica Grohn (Hon CB160) 6. Daric Cheshire (Hon CB160) 

250 Vintage Race 2 1. Andrew Pignataro (Hon CB160) 2. Ryan Shanahan (Hon CB160) 3. Mica Grohn (Hon CB160) 4. Daric Cheshire (Hon CB160) 5. Shawn McKnight (Hon CB160) 

Novice 4 1. Kinzer “Speedy” Naylor (Kaw ZX-6R) 2. Wes Stults (Yam YZF-R6) 3. Anthony Iven (Yam YZF-R6) 

Novice 5 1. Conor Bennett (Apr RSV4) 2. Lance Monagon (Hon CBR1000RR) 3. Joe Rocha (Kaw ZX-10R) 

2011 OMRRA CHAMPIONS 

Formula Ultra Champions 1. Alan Schmidt 258 pts 2. Sam Verderico 228 pts 3. Kevin Pinkstaff 219 pts 4. Tony Porter 195 pts 5. Anthony Manciu 102 pts 

Clubman Champions 1c. Kevin Pinkstaff 250 pts 2c. Sam Verderico 237 pts 3c. Andy Dibrino 231 pts 4c. Matt Presting 225 pts 5c. Christopher Ancien 219 pts 

Vintage Champions 1v. Cody Wood 2v. Andrew Pignataro 3v. Shawn McKnight 2011 

SuperTeams Champions

Heavyweight Division HPP Performance (Suz GSX-R1000) 

Middleweight Division SpeedMoto Company (Kaw ZX-6R) 

Lightweight Division Some More Clowns Racing (Suz SV650)