The final round of the 2014 MRA Race of the Rockies championship series kicked off this past weekend [September 13-14] at Pikes Peak International Raceway. On Friday persistent rain and even snow flurries wet down the marbled surface of the 7 turn, 1.3 mile road course. As usually the Colorado weather turned for the better Saturday morning and brought another terrific finish to the MRA season.

Congratulations to the second time Overall Race of the Rockies Champion and #1 plate holder, Rob Christman. Closing out Round 7 with a 2nd place finish, behind Peter Tabor, Christman garnered his second Overall Race of the Rockies Championship at Pikes Peak International Raceway in Fountain, Colorado this past September 13th and 14th. Christman put in a solid 20 laps in the Race of the Rockies on Sunday, but Tabor had the edge between turns 1 and 2. Christman was a monster on the brakes through the infield, closing the gap to a bikes length. Both riders were neck and neck, providing to be an epic battle to the finish that allowed for no mistakes. Let’s not forget that earlier in the weekend, Christman triumphed in typical fashion, and hoisted trophies for his first-place finishes in Formula 40 and Open Superbike. Throughout the year Christman has been an animal on and off the track. Physical and mental training has been evident in Rob’s physical persistence and mental focus throughout the season. Rob has won all but three races this year with the MRA, which is an incredible feat considering the competition has been some of the best seen this decade. Christman atop the podium wanted to thank his sponsors: Oscar Solis and Sol Performance, Pirelli Tires, Coyote Motorsports, Roadrace Factory, Rex Coulthard, STM Suspension (Dave Rose), Tri City Cycle, Bell Powersports, and King GMC, with a special shout out to Danny “Ninja Tech” Anderson for all of his help with the bike. Congratulations on a fantastic season Rob!

The outcome of the final ROR-O race this year was rather similar to that of round 7 of the 2013 season at PPIR. Peter Tabor came out hungry this year, and made a point. Tabor found something on Sunday that set him apart from the rest of the group between turns 1 and 2. It was more than enough to take the win in the Race of the Rockies O class.. Tabor set the overall track record in the Race of the Rockies with a blazing 0:56.202. Tabor led Rob throughout 6 laps of the Open superbike race to foil a victory due to a sharp high side entering turn 3 on the last lap, to let Christman blow past for the win. Tabor has had an incredible season, clinching all 21 of 21 first place finishes in the middleweight, heavyweight, and open supersport classes including the overall championship for all 3 classes. Tabor also clinched the championship in the middleweight and heavy weight superbike classes. It has been exciting to watch Peter and Shannon Moham duel it out. Sunday’s led to some of the finest back-to-back lead-changing laps between the two competitors. It will be interesting to see how Peter’s program changes for 2015.

Shannon Moham has tacked up another incendiary race performance this year. On Sunday Moham was only a few clicks off the liter bikes in the Race of the Rockies overall grid. Moham took home another successive win clinching the championship, making for a perfect seven first-place finishes for the year in the Race of the Rockies U class. On Sunday it was once again a close battle for first between Tabor and Moham, lapped traffic caused for a hairy airborne flight that sent Shannon cartwheeling through the air, and his Yamaha R6 flipping end over end. None the less he was back out on grid for the following race on his Suzuki SV650, destroying the field for a first-place finish in modern vintage GTU and a class record of an 0:59.948. Shannon also snagged the first-place finish in the heavyweight superbike and supertwins GTU with another class record setting pace in supertwins GTU with a 1:01.353. In total Moham secured 7 overall class championships! With wins in ROR GTU, Heavyweight Endurance, Lightweight Endurance, Supertwins GTU, Lightweight GP, and Modern Vintage GTU, and Clubman. Shannon is now the 5-time winner of the Overall Clubman Championship, which is an award he has won since its inception. Shannon credits the unwavering support of his wife, Segren, his two daughters Denver and Dakota, his family, his sponsors, his friends and the club for allowing him to be successful and do what he loves to do- race! Shannon would also like to thank his sponsors: Dunlop, Race Tech, Woodcraft, Vortex, FMF exhaust, Galfer, Silkolene, K&N, Renegade Fuel, GPR Stabilizers, Lockhart Phillips, Pit Bull, Bazaaz Performance, Motonation, Rocky Mountain Photo, World Wide Bearings, Ogio, Millennium Technologies, Carrilo/CP Pistons, Rex at Tri City Cycle, Vickery Motorsports, Nordic Nursing, Team Papajohns, REX, and last but not least by Mom. Congratulations to Shannon on an amazing season as well.

There were tight battles in numerous classes this past weekend with, over half of the classes without a clear champion. The Production classes were especially fun and exciting to watch with Jason Madama fighting head to head with Tony Baker. In the production class all three riders set new class lap records this weekend. Joseph Washburn clinching the 300 production class championship with a 1:07.333, David Absolon took the 250 class championship with a 1:06.502, and Jason Madama secured the 500 production class championship with a smoking 1:03.847. Chris Weed put on a show chasing Rick Grosse in the modern vintage U class, and powered his way to a Colorado Class overall championship. Aaron Hersh rode the wheels off his Suzuki this year and captured the overall championship in Open Endurance. Zach Hill, hailing all the way from Kansas City, came out this year and won the novice GTO overall championship while John Borst securing the Novice GTU overall championship. Todd Larson ticked off another win in the Amateur GTO class and in doing so took home the overall class championship. Evan Cardonier also had an impressive season taking home another 1st place finish and overall championship in the Amateur GTU class.

This final round of the 2014 season also had one of the biggest and best attended Corner Worker Appreciation events in recent years. The MRA had two corner workers serving for over 20 years. “Starter Bob” Heaton retired this year with over 20 years corner working in the MRA, and was known for his keen weather knowledge, and running the starting light and grid. Bob was always mixing it up with the light box timing, keeping the grid true, and serving the grid jumpers with a fat meatball. Chaplain Paul “Boots” Reimer served as the club resident chaplain for over 25 years, and retired this year. Boots will be forever be remembered as well respected and honorable individual. Boots was known to roll through the pits blasting the pies on his Harley around 6:00 a.m. to wake up the club for the daily invocation. In a packed room full of racers, friends, families, spectators, and fans, the MRA does, arguably, what it does best; say thank you. As racers, we all know the importance of the men and women who make it possible for us to do we love to do. So, for a most memorable season, thank you to all who have helped the MRA this year. We are proud to have put on a fantastic race season and here’s to many more epic battles in race seasons to come.

The MRA was pleased to see its largest superstreet grid yet, with 31 street bikes signing up for the intro to racing program. This class is considered to be one enjoyable race to spectate, as these riders are all new to racing and thrilled just to be on the track. It was nice to see a solid number of superstreet riders license up to come out and race in the novice classes for the 2014 season. Being an excellent turnout for the 2014 year, the MRA expects an even larger group this coming 2015 as the sport continues to grow rapidly in Colorado.

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 7 Results:

Race of the Rockies GTO
1. Peter Tabor (Kaw ZX-10R)
2. Rob Christman (Suz GSX-R1000)
3. Dan Turner (Suz GSX-R1000)
4. Ricky Orlando (Kaw ZX-10R)
5. Aaron Hersh (Suz GSX-R1000)
6. Travis Graham (Suz GSX-R1000)

Race of the Rockies GTU
1. Shannon Moham (Yam YZF-R6)
2. Jon Glaefke (Pierobon X-60R)
3. Nik Lenski (Yam YZF-R6)
4. Joseph Washburn (Kaw ZX-6R)
5. Dennie Burke (Suzuki GSXR-600)
6. Wyeth Jackson (Kaw ZX-6R)

Race of the Rockies Championship Overall
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. Aaron Hersh (Suz GSX-R1000)
6. Shannon Moham (Yam YZF-R6)
7. Erik Peat (Suz GSX-R1000)
8. Geoffrey Snyder (Suz GSX-R1000)
9. Rick Grosse (Kaw ZX-6R)
10 Nik Lenski (Yam YZF-R6)

Middleweight Supersport
1. Peter Tabor (Kaw ZX-6R)
2. Shannon Moham (Yam YZF-R6)
3. Joseph Washburn (Kaw ZX-6R)
4. Nikolas Lenski (Yam YZF-R6)
5. Dennis Stowers (Tri Daytona 675)
6. Nyles Gourlie (Yam YZF-R6)

Heavyweight Supersport:
1. Peter Tabor (Kaw ZX-6R)
2 Shannon Moham (Yam YZF-R6)
3. Nikolas Lenski (Yam YZF-R6)
4. Nyles Gourlie (Yam YZF-R6)
5. Dennis Stowers (Tri Daytona 675)
6. Joseph Washburn (Kaw ZX-6R)

Open Supersport:
1. Peter Tabor (Kaw ZX-10R)
2. Ricky Orlando (Kaw ZX-10R)
3. Mike Applegate (Suz GSXR-1000)
4. Carl Sorensen (Kaw ZX-10R)
5. Chris Terrinami (BMW S1000RR)
6. Dennis Stowers (Tri Daytona 675)

Middleweight Superbike:
1. Peter Tabor (Kaw ZX-6R)
2. Evan Cardonier (Suz GSX-R600)
3. Rick Grosse (Kaw ZX-6R)
4. Dennis Stowers (Tri 675R)
5. Christopher Cooneshead (Yam YZF-R6)
6. Nyles Gourlie (Yam YZF-R6)

Heavyweight Superbike:
1. Shannon Moham (Yam YZF-R6)
2. Peter Tabor (Kaw ZX-6R)
3. Casey Smith (Aprilla RSV-R)
4. Rick Grosse (Kaw ZX-6R)
5. Dennis Stowers (Tri Daytona 675)
6. Brian Dobrowolski (Suz GSXR-600)

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. Aaron Hersh (Suz GSXR-1000)
6. Mike Applegate (Suz GSXR-1000)

Solo Endurance Middleweight
1. Eric Becker (Tri Daytona 675)
2. Brian Dobrowolski (Suz GSXR-600)
3. Evan Cardonier (Suz GSXR-600)
4. Christopher Cooneshead (Yam YZF-R6)
5. Rick Grosse (Kaw ZX-6R)
6. John Borst (YZF-R6)

Solo Endurance Lightweight
1. Shannon Moham (Suz SV-650)
2. Randal Adami (Kaw 650R)
3. Jeremy Widmann
4. David Absolon (Kaw 250R)
5. Matt Galloway (Suz SV650)
6. Jose Rivera (Kaw 250R)

Solo Endurance Heavyweight
1. Shannon Moham (Yam YZF-R6)
2. Dennis Stowers (Tri Daytona 675)
3. Christopher Cooneshead (Yam YZF-R6)
4. Casey Smith (Aprilia RSVR)
5. Rick Grosse (Kaw ZX-6R)
6. Tim Young (Yam YZR-R6)

Solo Endurance Open
1. Aaron Hersh (Suz GSXR-1000)
2. Travis Graham (Suz GSXR-1000)
3. Todd Larson (Suz GSXR-1000)
4. Ryan Burke (YZF –R1)
5. Carl Sorensen (Kaw ZX-10R)
6. Chris Terrinami (BMW S1000R)

Formula 40 GTU:
1. Rick Grosse (Kaw ZX-6R)
2. Patrick Lansu
3. Eric Becker (Tri Daytona 675)
4. Wyeth Jackson (Kaw ZX-6R)
5. Aaron Fisk (Kaw ZX-6R)
6. Timmay Young (Yam YZF-R6)

250 Production Cup Race 1:
1. David Absolon (Kaw 250R)
2. Rachel Gillie (Kaw 250R)
3. Mike Kionka (EX 250R)
4. Timmay Young (Kaw 250R)
5. Matt Diehl (Kaw 250R)
6. Lars Lofgren (Kaw 250R)

250 Production Cup Race 2:
1. Rachel Gillie (Kaw 250R)
2. David Absolon (Kaw 250R)
3. Matt Diehl (Kaw 250R)
4. Mitchell Kibel (Hon CBR250R)
5. Tim Young (Kaw 250R)
6. Lars Lofgren (Kaw 250R)

400 Production Cup Race 1:
1. Joseph Washburn (Kaw 300R)
2. Jose Rivera (Kaw 250R)
3. Jay Russell
4. Brandon Fosbinder (Kaw 250R)
5. Holly Hendrickson (Kaw 300R)
6. Brian Jackson (Kaw 250R)

400 Production Cup Race 2:
1. Brian Jackson (Kaw 250R)
2. Brett Leveque (Kaw 250R)
3. Jose Rivera (Kaw 250R)
4. Jay Russell
5. Warren Cook
6. Brandon Fosbinder (Kaw 250R)

500 Production Cup Race 1:
1. Jason Madama (Hon CBR500R)
2. Tony Baker (Suz GS500)
3. Blair Harness (Hon CBR500R)
4. Christopher Cooneshead
5. Jeremy Widman

500 Production Cup Race 2:
1. Tony Baker (Suz GS500)
2. Jason Madama (Hon CBR500R)
3. Christopher Cooneshead
4. Jeremy Widman
5. Blair Harness (Hon CBR500R)

Novice GTU:
1. Brett Leveque (Tri Daytona 675)
2. Zach Hill (Yam YZF-R6)
3. Syrus DeJong (Yam YZF-R6)
4. John Borst (Yam YZF-R6)
5. Eric Becker (Tri Daytona 675)
6. Timothy Rich (Duc 848)

Novice GTO:
1. Eric Becker (Tri Daytona 675)
2. Zach Hill (Yam YZF-R6)
3. Syrus DeJong (Yam YZF-R6)
4. Brett Leveque (Tri Daytona 675)
5. John Borst (Yam YZF-R6)
6. Randy Throckmorton (Suz GSXR)

Formula 40 GTO:
1. Rob Christman (Suz GSX-R1000)
2. Ricky Orlando (Kaw ZX-10R)
3. Mike Applegate (Suz GSX-R1000)
4. Travis Graham (Suz GSX-R1000)
5. Todd Larson (Suz GSX-R1000)
6. Geoffrey Snyder (Suz GSX-R1000)

Amateur GTU:
1. Evan Cordonier (Suz GSX-R600)
2. Brian Dobrowolski (Suz GSX-R600)
3. Syrus DeJong (Yam YZF-R6)
4. Eric Becker (Tri Daytona 675)
5. Kenneth Yee (Hon CBR600RR)
6. Andrew Holey (Suz GSX-R600)

Amateur GTO:
1. Todd Larson (Suz GSX-R1000)
2. Evan Cordonier (Suz GSX-R600)
3. Brian Dobrowoski (Suz GSX-R600)
4. Eric Becker (Tri Daytona 675)
5. Kenneth Yee (Hon CBR600RR)
6. Randy Throckmorton (Suz GSX-R1000)

Modern Vintage GTU:
1. Shannon Moham (Suz SV650)
2. Rick Grosse (Kaw ZX-6R)
3. Raymond Richard
4. Luke Miller (Kaw 636R)
5. Chuck Shettsline (Yamaha TZ250)
6. Christopher Weed (Yam TZ)

Modern Vintage GTO:
1. Erik Peat (Suz GSX-R1000)
2. Casey Smith (Aprilla RSV-R)
3. Erik Sipila (Suz GSX-R)
4. Zach Frilly (Honda CBR)
5. Kyle Coles
6. Codi Moses (Yam YZF-R1)

Lightweight GrandPrix:
1. Shannon Moham (Suz SV650)
2. Christopher Weed (Yam TZ)
3. Randall Adami (Kaw 650R)
4. Jason Madama (Hon CBR500R)
5. Matt Galloway (Suz SV650)
6. Jeff Winter (Honda RSF 450X)

Supertwins GTO:
1. Pat Lansu
2. Jon Glaefke (Pierobon X60R)
3. Casey Smith (Aprilla RSV-R)
4. Jim Brewer (Duc 1098R)
5. Todd Larson (Duc 848)
6. Tim Meiners (Duc 749R)

Supertwins GTU:
1. Shannon Moham (Suz SV-650)
2. Christopher Weed (Yam TZ)
3. Chuck Shettsline (Yam TZ250)
4. Bart Mckiernan (Suz SV650)
5. Matt Galloway (Suz SV650)
6. Jeff Winter (Hon RSF450X)

Colorado Class:
1. Christopher Weed (Yam TZ)
2. Jason Madama (Suz SV650)
3. Jeff Winter (Hon RSF450X)
4. Tony Baker (GS500)
5. Jeremy Widmann
6. David Absolon (Kaw 250R)

Ladies of the Rockies:
1. Wyeth Jackson (Kaw ZX-6R)
2. Rachel Gillie (Kaw ZX-636R)
3. Trina Dawson (Yam YZF-R6)
4. Siobhan Bennet (Hon CBR600RR)
5. Samantha Coleman
6. Tiffany Maestas (Yam YZF-R6)

Thunderbike:
1. Jon Glaefke (Pierobon X60R)
2. Patrick Lansu
3. Casey Smith (Apriia RSV-R)
4. Dennis Stowers (Tri Daytona 675)
5. Eric Becker (Tri Daytona 675)
6. Todd Larson (Duc 848)