The race action was hot and heavy once again at round 6 on August 23rd and 24th of the MRA’s Race of The Rockies Championship. Riders as far away as Wisconsin came out to drop the hammer at High Plains Raceway’s 15-turn, 2.55-mile circuit. The local fast guys were setting new class lap records, and with only one round left in the MRA’s Race of the Rockies Championship season, the neck to neck racing was at its finest in classes with undecided champions.
The MRA’s premier Race of the Rockies Open class was dominated for the fifth time this season by Rob Christman. As the front runners lined up for the start, the battle was already brewing between Kawasaki ZX-10R-mounted Peter Tabor, Rob Christman aboard his Pirelli-shod Suzuki GSX-R1000, and Dan Turner riding his GSX-R1000. The starting lights went out, and the race was on as Christman drag raced Tabor and Turner into the first turn and took the lead. With Tabor and Turner on his tail, Christman put his head down and took off, turning the fastest lap of the race. During the first few laps of the race, Christman was closely followed by Tabor. You could throw a blanket over the two as there was only 0.18-second difference between in the early part of the race. As the final laps wound down, Christman kept his head down to gap a distance on Tabor, stretching his lead significantly taking the checkers for the win. Tabor firmly held onto second, with Dan Turner taking third, Ricky Orlando finished fourth, with Ray Thornton rounding out the top 5. Christman proved to be the fastest rider on the track this weekend, taking 3 top podium finishes in total in Race of the Rockies-O, Formula 40-O, and Open Superbike.
With abnormally cool temperatures during the day, and a torrential downpour Friday and Saturday evening, the green track challenged riders to get on pace Saturday and Sunday morning. The middleweight and heavyweight classes showcased some of the best racing of the weekend, with the top two contenders for the championship battling back and forth.. Shannon Moham and Peter Tabor battled it out throughout the weekend, yet Tabor got the best of Moham this time. The championship is still very close in points with the winner of the middleweight and heavyweight superbike championship to be decided at round 7 and PPIR. Moham had been fighting electrical gremlins on his Yamaha R6 throughout the weekend, and is chomping at the bit to get even at round 7.
Peter Tabor was on fire and took home wins in both the Middleweight and Heavyweight supersport classes. Tabor also clinched both wins in the Heavyweight and Middleweight superbike classes. Tabor didn’t stop there and once again rocketed off on his Kawasaki ZX-10R to dominate the Open Supersport class with ease. In total Tabor clinched 5 first place victories for the weekend and two second place finishes behind Rob Christman in the Open Superbike class and Race of the Rockies- O class.
Riddled with frustration of the Yamaha letting him down, Moham continued his blistering pace of his Suzuki SV650 and ran at the front of every class he set foot in. Moham was one of the only riders this weekend to take another class record with a 1:56.053 which obliterated the Lightweight Endurance record set the year before by over 2 seconds. It can be noted the standing Lightweight Endurance class record was set the previous year by Shannon Moham. Moham took the win in the premier 600cc Race of the Rockies – U on his Dunlop shod Yamaha YZF-R6, and took home 4 more wins on his Suzuki SV 650 in Lightweight Endurance, Modern Vintage GTU, Lightweight Grand Prix, and Supertwins GTU. In total Moham took home 5 first place finishes and 3 second place finishes.
Zach Hill stepped it up and fought off Eric Becker for the first place finish in the Novice GTU, however Becker turned the tables and took the win in the Novice GTO later that day. Evan Cordonier was consistently in the fray for a win, and while winning the Amateur GTU class, Todd Larson was able to hold off Evan for the Amateur GTO win. There was an abundance of out of state racers in the field this weekend, as the positive reviews spread about High Plains Raceway and the hospitality of the MRA. Contingents of riders from Wisconsin, Iowa, Utah and elsewhere were welcomed into the paddock.
The MRA was pleased to see its largest SuperStreet grid yet, with 27 street bikes signing up for the intro to racing program. This class is considered to be one of the most enjoyable to spectate, as these riders are all new to racing and thrilled just to be on the track. SuperStreet typically draws a large crowd, and after the race fans rush the hot pit lane to cheer the new racers back into the pits.
Round 7 for the MRA comes September 13th and 14th at Pikes Peak International Raceway (PPIR). The MRA offers reciprocity to most clubs and organizations and encourages racers from all over to come participate with us during this exhilarating yet challenging event! Details can be found in the MRA Rule Book on the MRA website, the forums or you may call the MRA hotline at (303) 530-5678
The MRA offers two full days of racing every race weekend and also includes Saturday and Sunday qualifying for grid positions in all, as well as a wide variety of classes to choose from. Log on to http://mra-racing.org/motorcycle-racing-schedule/… for the full schedule, past results and lap times, and more information. The MRA- its club racing done right.
The Motorcycle Roadracing Association is 501(c)(7) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting safe and competitive motorcycle road racing events for enthusiasts in Colorado and the surrounding area. For more information, go to http://www.mra-racing.org/
Round 6 Results:
Race of the Rockies GTO
1. Rob Christman (Suz GSX-R1000)
2. Peter Tabor (Kaw ZX-10R)
3. Dan Turner (Suz GSX-R1000)
4. Ricky Orlando (Kaw ZX-10R)
5. Ray Thornton (Honda CBR-1000RR)
6. Aaron Hersh (Suz GSX-R1000)
Race of the Rockies GTU
1. Shannon Moham (Yam YZF-R6)
2. Nik Lenski (Yam YZF-R6)
3. Rick Grosse (Kaw ZX-6R)
4. Nyles Gourlie (Yam YZF R-6))
5. Jon Glafke (Pierobon X-60R)
6. Christopher Weed (Yamaha TZ)
Middleweight Supersport
1. Peter Tabor (Kaw ZX-6R)
2. Shannon Moham (Yam YZF-R6)
3. Nikolas Lenski (Yam YZF-R6)
4. David Purcell (Yam YZF-R6)
5. Nyles Gourlie (Yam YZF-R6)
6. Rick Grosse (Kaw ZX-6R)
Heavyweight Supersport:
1. Peter Tabor (Kaw ZX-6R)
2. Shannon Moham (Yam YZF-R6)
3. Nikolas Lenski (Yam YZF-R6)
4. David Purcell (Yam YZF-R6)
5. Rick Grosse (Kaw ZX-6R)
6. Dennis Stowers (Tri 675R)
Open Supersport:
1. Peter Tabor (Kaw ZX-10R)
2. Ricky Orlando (Kaw ZX-10R)
3. Carl Sorensen (Kaw ZX-10R)
4. Chris Terrinami (BMW S1000RR)
5. Jon Perrot (Suz GSXR)
6. Anthony Beatie (Yam YZF-R6)
Middleweight Superbike:
1. Peter Tabor (Kaw ZX-6R)
2. Shannon Moham (Yam YZF-R6)
3. Evan Cardonier (Suz GSX-R600)
4. Rick Grosse (Kaw ZX-6R)
5. Dennis Stowers (Tri 675R)
6. Nyles Gourlie (Yam YZF-R6)
Heavyweight Superbike:
1. Peter Tabor (Kaw ZX-6R)
2. Rick Grosse (Kaw ZX-6R)
3. Casey Smith (Aprilla RSV-R)
4. Scott Rybarik (Duc 899)
5. Dennis Stowers (Tri 675)
6. Jon Perrot (Suz GSXR)
Open Superbike:
1. Rob Christman (Suz GSXR-1000)
2. Peter Tabor (Kaw ZX-10R)
3. Dan Turner (Suz GSXR-1000)
4. Ricky Orlando (Kaw ZX-10R)
5. Ray Thornton (Hon CBR-1000RR)
6. Carl Sorensen (Kaw ZX-10R)
Solo Endurance Middleweight
1. Rick Grosse (Kaw ZX-6R)
2. Nyles Gourlie (Yam YZF-R6)
3. Eric Becker (Tri 675)
4. Brian Dobrowlowski (Suz GSX-R600)
5. Jon Glafke (Pierobon X60R)
6. Syrus DeJong (Yam YZF-R6)
Solo Endurance Lightweight
1. Shannon Moham (Suz SV650)
2. Christopher Weed (Yam TZ)
3. Randal Adami (Kaw EX650R)
4. Matt Galloway (Suz SV650)
5. Tim Young (Kaw 250R)
6. Mitchel Kibel (Hon CBR)
Solo Endurance Heavyweight
1. Rick Grosse (Kaw ZX-6R)
2. Dennis Stowers (Tri 675)
3. Kenneth Yee (Hon CBR600RR)
4. Tim Young (Yam YZR-R6)
5. Jeff Healey (Duc 848)
6. Louden David (Kaw ZX-6R)
Solo Endurance Open
1. Aaron Hersh (Suz GSX-R1000)
2. Ray Thornton (Hon CBR1000RR)
3. Ryan Burke (Yam YZF–R1)
4. Carl Sorensen (Kaw ZX-10R)
5. Geoffrey Snyder (Suz GSX-R1000)
6. Todd Larson (Suz GSX-R1000)
Formula 40 GTU:
1. Rick Grosse (Kaw ZX-6R)
2. Eric Becker (Tri 675)
3. Wyeth Jackson (Kaw ZX-6R)
4. Jon Glafke (Pierobon X60R)
5. Dennie Burke
6. Timmay Young (Yam YZF-R6)
250 Production Cup Race 1:
1. David Absolon (Kaw 250R)
2. Mike Kionka (Kaw 250R)
3. Timmay Young (Kaw 250R)
4. Mitchell Kibel (Hon CBR)
5. Edward Lindgren (Kaw 250R)
6. Rachel Gillie (Kaw 250R)
250 Production Cup Race 2:
1. David Absolon (Kaw 250R)
2. Rachel Gillie (Kaw 250R)
3. Mike Kionka (Kaw 250R)
4. Tim Young (Kaw 250R)
5. Michael Henao
6. Mitchell Kibel (Hon CBR)
400 Production Cup Race 1:
1. Joseph Washburn (Kaw 300R)
2. Jay Russell
3. Holly Hendrickson (Kaw 300R)
4. Brian Jackson (Kaw 250R)
5. Jim Soiland
400 Production Cup Race 2:
1. Joseph Washburn (Kaw 300R)
2. Brian Jackson (Kaw 250R)
3. Jose Rivera (Kaw 250R)
4. Jay Russell
5. Holly Hendrickson (Kaw 300R)
6. Brandon Johnson
500 Production Cup Race 1:
1. Jason Madama (Hon CBR500R)
2. Tony Baker (Suz GS500)
3. Blair Harness (Hon CBR500R)
4. Jose Rivera (Kaw 250R)
5. Brad Morris
500 Production Cup Race 2:
1. Jason Madama (Hon CBR500R)
2. Tony Baker (SUZ GS500)
3. Blair Harness (Hon CBR500R)
4. Warren Cook (Kaw EX250)
5. Aaron Hersh
Novice GTU:
1. Zach Hill (Yam YZF-R6)
2. Syrus DeJong (Yam YZF-R6)
3. John Borst (Yam YZF-R6)
4. Eric Becker (Tri 675)
5. Brian Moore (Tri 675)
6. Andrew Holey (Suz GSX-R600)
Novice GTO:
1. Eric Becker (Tri 675)
2. Zach Hill (Yam YZF-R6)
3. John Borst (Yam YZF-R6)
4. Zach Frilley ( Hon CBR)
5. Brian Moore (Tri 675)
6. Patrick Paranto (Suz GSXR-600)
Formula 40 GTO:
1. Rob Christman (Suz GSX-R1000)
2. Ray Thornton (Hon CBR1000RR)
3. Ricky Orlando (Kaw ZX-10R)
4. Todd Larson (Suz GSX-R1000)
5. Geoffrey Snyder (Suz GSX-R1000)
6. Chris Terrinami (BMW 1000RR)
Amateur GTU:
1. Evan Cordonier (Suz GSX-R600)
2. Syrus DeJong (Yam YZF-R6)
3. Brian Dobrowoski (Suz GSX-R600)
4. Kenneth Yee (Hon CBR600RR)
5. Syrus DeJong (Yam YZF-R6)
6. Dylan Hale (Yam YZF-R6)
Amateur GTO:
1. Todd Larson (Suz GSX-R1000)
2. Evan Cordonier (Suz GSX-R600)
3. Eric Becker (Tri 675)
4. Brian Dobrowoski (Suz GSX-R600)
5. Richar Liedtke ( Hon CBR)
6. Zach Ritchey (Suz GSX-R1000)
Modern Vintage GTU:
1. Shannon Moham (Suz SV650)
2. Rick Grosse (Kaw ZX-6R)
3. Erik Sipila (Suz GSXR)
4. Christopher Weed (Yam TZ)
5. Luke Miller (Kaw 636R)
6. Chuck Shettsline (Yamaha TZ250)
Modern Vintage GTO:
1. Erik Peat (Suz GSX-R1000)
2. Casey Smith (Aprilla RSV-R)
3. Zach Frilly (Honda CBR)
4. Erik Sipila (Suz GSX-R)
5. Luke Miller (Kaw 636R)
6. Chris Humphrey (Kaw ZX-7R)
Lightweight Grand Prix:
1. Shannon Moham (Suz SV650)
2. Christopher Weed (Yam TZ)
3. Stewart Aitken-cade (Mor MD250H)
4. Randall Adami (Kaw 650R)
5. Matt Galloway (Suz SV650)
6. Tony Baker (Suz GS500)
Supertwins GTO:
1. Michael Henao
2. Casey Smith (Aprilla RSV-R)
3. Scott Rybarik (Duc 899)
4. Tim Meiners (Duc 749R)
5. Jim Brewer (1098R)
6. Christopher Weed (Yam TZ)
Supertwins GTU:
1. Shannon Moham (Suz SV650)
2. Christopher Weed (Yam TZ)
3. Jason Madama (Suz SV650)
4. Chuck Shettsline (Yam TZ-250)
5. Matt Galloway (Suz SV-650)
6. Jeff Winter (Hon RSF-450X)
Colorado Class:
1. Christopher Weed (Yam TZ)
2. Jason Madama (Suz SV650)
3. Jeff Winter (Hon RSF-450X)
4. Jay Russell (Kaw KX-450)
5. Tony Baker (GS500)
6. John Beldock (Tri Thruxton)
Ladies of the Rockies:
1. Wyeth Jackson (Kaw ZX-6R)
2. Donna Turner (Yam YZF-R6)
3. Rachel Gillie (Kaw 636R)
4. Trina Dawson (Yam YZF-R6)
5. Siobhan Bennet (Hon CBR600RR)
6. Tiffany Maestas (Yam YZF-R6)
Thunderbike:
1. Casey Smith (Apr RSVR)
2. Erik Becker (Tri 675)
3. Dennis Stowers (Tri 675)
4. Tim Meiners (Duc 749R)
5. Jon Glafke (Pierobon X60R)
6. Scott Rybarik (Duc 899)