USGPRU Season Opener Results Odenton, MD. The USGPRU rolled in and out of Firebird Raceway batting 1000 this weekend! Even though MLB spring training was in full swing in Pheonix, nothing could stop the excitement of the USGPRU season opener. On Saturday during 125 qualifying, Jon Schendel posted the fastest time of the session at 1:00:165 to put his Honda 125 on pole. Tyler Reiswig, who had been playing with his 2006 RS250 setup all day, jumped on his 125 to qualify second with a 1:01:486 and John Hjelm reeled in third with a 1:01:614. Completing the front row was Canadian (turned Texan) Alex Welsh with a 1:02:420 In the 250 qualifying, local James Monson threw down a 59:389 to grab pole with Schendel aboard a 125 taking 2nd with a 59:936. Rounding out the front row was the crew from Infinity Racing, Alex Welsh and Ryan Ferris, with respective times of 1:00:110 and 1:00:168. Defending West Coast champion Vince Rolleri overcame an earlier crash to qualify 6th. In the 125 race, the hole shot was taken by Reiswig followed by Welsh and Schendel. Early passing relegated the Canadian to third behind Schendel and Reiswig until a mechanical problem took Welsh out of the race. Schendel passed Reiswig and began opening a gap by turning a bunch of sub1 minute laps. Aboard his CN Racing tuned Honda, Schendel set a new lap record and proceeded to break the new record again 2 laps later, Schendel lapped up to 3rd place to take the win with Tyler Reiswig taking 2nd. It looked like John Hjelm had a firm grasp on the final podium spot until Debra Kuick slowly snuck up and passed for third when Hjelm low-sided in turn 10. A few laps later Kuick returned the favor and blew turn 7 allowing the bent but not broken Hjelm to regain the position and take the final podium spot. In the 250 race Alex Welsh got a monstrous start to pull an 8 bike lead going into turn 1. Unfortunately for Welsh, the lead only lasted a few laps as Reiswig and Monson got by and started to pull a gap. Welsh’s teammate, Ryan Ferris, was poised to take the final podium spot a mechanical problem forced to retire from the race. Reiswig looked to have the win wrapped up but without the benefits of a pit lane or the ability to show the rider a pit board, he turned the cruise control on too early. Welsh came alive in the second half of the race to pass Monson and slowly reeled in Reiswig. By lap 15 the lead had been cut to about 5 bike lengths and on the last lap Welsh passed Reiswig for the lead. Reiswig fought back and the two riders were side by side going into the last turn. Welsh was able to get a great drive and pull Reiswig down the “freeway” for the win. Monson rode a lonely last few laps to claim the final podium spot. The dynamic duo of Rolleri and Lytle both experienced TZ electrical gremlins and unfortunately posted a DNS each. The USGPRU would like to thank Red Bull USA for bringing out the Panzgeur, and Red Bull hospitality tent. We would also like to thank CCS/ASRA and Roadrace South West for providing a great of racing. A special thanks to the Gila River Indian Community for the use of their land. For more information about the USGPRU please visit www.usgpru.net . The next West Coast round is at Reno-Fernley on April 8th. 125GP Race results: 1. Jon Schendel (Hon RS125) 2. Tyler Reiswig (Yam TZ125) 3. John Hjelm (Hon RS125) 4. Debra Kuick (Hon RS125) 5. Kevin Murray (Yam TZ125) 6. Britt Arechiga (Hon RS125) 7. Phillip Krenn (Hon RS125) 8. Robert Johnston (Hon RS125) 9. Trina Turner (Yam TZ125) 10. Kim Brauneis (Yam TZ125) 11. Alexander Welsh (Hon RS125) 250GP Race results: 1. Alexander Welsh (Hon RS125) 2. Tyler Reiswig (Hon RS250) 3. James Monson (Yam TZ250) 4. Jon Schendel (Hon RS125) 5. Derek Dutt (Yam TZ250) 6. Alex White (Yam TZ250) 7. Jesus Ameecua (Hon RS250) 8. Phillip Krenn (Hon RS125) 9. Sean Jordan (Yam TZ250) 10. Andrew Edwards (Apr RS250) 11. Daniel Qualtire (Yam TZ250) 12. Rand Jusi (Hon RS250) 13. Randy Ray Miller (Yam TZ250) 14. Ryan Ferris (Hon RS250) 15. Jorge Miguel Arotola (Hon RS250) About USGPRU The USGPRU is the officially recognized Motorcycle 125 Grand Prix National Championship ® and 250 Grand Prix National Championship TM series. The USGPRU emulates true World MotoGP racing experience and serves to attract young riders to gain experience in a professional environment and provide a path to world-class motorcycle racing. The USGPRU structures events with extended length grand prix racing exclusive to the GP machines, timed qualifying and strong contingency and sponsor support. For additional details, visit www.USGPRU.net