The Utah Sport Bike Association resumed the Utah Motorcycle Law Masters of the Mountains Race Series on May 29th. Round 2 of the series was held on the Utah Motorsports Campus’ West Track. Road racers from all over the western United States traveled to Grantsville to enjoy great temperatures and even better racing.

The morning was off to an early start, after racers got their leathers on and warmed up their slicks it was time for Moto Station/Pirelli and Trackstar/Dunlop King of the Mountain Qualifying. Jerry Hicks started the session motoring his brand new Kawasaki ZX-10R to an early 1:33. Hicks’ previous Kawasaki was totaled during Round 1 in a practice day mishap that left him racing a borrowed bike and scrambling to build a new one between rounds. Hicks put the new build to work and was able to drop his time to a 1.32.091 to take the pole position. Michael Bradshaw was on the charge and laid down a 1.32.361 which was enough for P2 on the grid. Close behind was Anthony Norton who went third on the grid with a 1.32.667. Fourth went to Eric Jones who had a 1.33.006, and Genaro Lopez took fifth with 1.33.743 rounding out the top spots.

The morning’s racing heated up as riders took to the grid for the Karl Malone Powersports Moto 2 race. Brian Childree sat on pole and as the lights went out Childree surged his Kawasaki into the lead at turn one and began his stretch away from the rest of the group. Nicholas Schmit got a good start off the grid where he was in P4 and came out of turn one in second place followed closely by Cole Phillips and Peter Hofpointner. Hofpointner was all over the rear tire of Phillips and found a way past in the first turn on lap three. Hofpointner then shifted his attention to Schmit in lap four attempting a turn 1 pass but Schmitt swatted him away. Undeterred, Hofpointner finally made the turn 1 pass stick at the start of lap 5. In the final lap, disaster struck for Hofpointner as he became entangled in lapped traffic and failed to make the passes necessary to keep Schmitt and Phillips at bay with both riders overtaking him in the fray. In the final turn Hofpointner managed to sneak his way back past Phillips into third place. As the checkered flag flew it was Childree with a substantial lead followed by Schmitt and Hofpointner close behind.

As the afternoon sun started to bake the track, riders in the KOM race took their grid positions. As the lights went out Lopez lifted the front wheel of his BMW all the way from the line into turn 1, holeshotting Bradshaw and Hicks. Bradshaw quickly made a move on Lopez in turn five to lead the race, not long after, Lopez lost a spot to Hicks and dropped back to third. Jones was the next to make a move on Lopez, but Lopez was determined to hold onto a podium spot and on lap eight he found a way through Jones in turn one. Hicks, now tailing Bradshaw,  was biding his time and feeling out the new Pirelli SCX tire he was riding for the first time. By lap 10 Hicks had worked himself into striking distance of Bradshaw, overtaking the leader in turn 3. Bradshaw wasn’t done and continued pushing Hicks until the start of lap 12 when a false neutral sent him into the gravel in turn 1, Bradshaw quickly collected himself and got back on track to maintain his lead over Lopez. When talking to Bradshaw after the race he said “I thought I might have been able to make a move on Jerry near the end but maybe next time”. As the checkered flag waved Hicks was the first to cross the line and take KOM gold, followed by Bradshaw in second and Lopez in third.

In a post race interview Hicks was ecstatic about the success of his racing during Round 2. Hicks was exceptionally grateful for the efforts of the UtahSBA community who helped him recover from the complete loss of his race bike during Round 1 and enabled him to build a new ZX-10 prior to Round 2. He wanted to extend a special thanks to Barry Ketmany and Moto United South Valley for sourcing a replacement ZX-10 “within a few days” and “saved his race season.” He also wanted to thank his friend James Peterec at Moto Station who Hicks said “pulled some very late nights with me building the new bike up. I doubt it would have been finished in time without his help.” Hicks also wanted to thank his sponsors Moto Station and Pirelli tires for their continued support both on and off the track. Finally he wanted to thank his wife Carrie for her support and enthusiasm over the years. Hicks is excited to be on the new Kawasaki, telling us that, “I have not been a fan of big bikes in the past—but this thing may truly be my favorite bike I’ve ever ridden.”

The Harrison Eurosport Combined GTO race was next and racers flocked to the pit to get on track for their sighting lap. This race start was not without drama as the pole position rider, John Tran, was late to the grid forcing him to start from the hot pit lane. Track Marshalls cleared the grid and the lights went out, Andrew Skov led the race off the line, put his head down, and got to work. As the racers made their way into the first turn Tran was released from the hot pit. On lap three Rick Squires who started P20 on the grid was up and into second place where he would remain for most of the race. Meanwhile, Tran was bound and determined to make up for his late start, powering through riders, advancing into sixth place on his third lap, then moved up to third by his fifth lap. That wasn’t going to be it for Tran who found a way to overtake Squires on the final lap. The race came to a close and Skov took home the win, Tran finished in second, and Squires took third.

The rest of the race day was filled with competitive races that left riders climbing for the top spot. Harrison Eurosports Formula 40 GTO saw Jones and Bradshaw dice it up for 1st place honors with Bradshaw ultimately prevailing with a smooth turn 5 pass. In Brighton Peak Financial Novice GTU Chayce Lance had a dream start moving from P10 on the grid into second, eventually taking the lead during lap 3. But Lance was not alone as Joshua Fisher kept pace eventually passing Lance to take the win. Norton and Hicks had an awesome back and forth in Vortex Open Superbike where Norton led the majority of the race but ultimately, Hicks took the win.  When asked about the battle with Norton, Hicks said “we were going two-wide through three or four corners. I really like when riders have the skill and patience to have close battles like that. The guy is fast, so I’m sure there will be plenty more opportunities for that!”

The UtahSBA will be back June 18th  with our New Racer Certification School (NRC) and Advanced Racer Course (ARC) with both being conducted during the Friday track day preceding Round 3. The NRC is for anyone who has a track day prepped bike and is wanting to learn about racing and see if they have what it takes to become a licensed racer. The ARC, which is taught by current KOM champion Jerry Hicks and former KOM Champion Brian Childree, focuses on more technical methods to help racers get around the track both faster and safer. Then on Saturday June 19th the UtahSBA will be hosting Round 3 on Utah Utah Motorsports Campus’ East Track as well as its longstanding Advanced Rider Training(ART) school which will take to the track at the conclusion of the race day. The ART uses Yamaha Champions Riding School techniques to teach riders skills to make them safer and more proficient no matter where they ride. We hope to see you out at the Utah Motorsports Campus for our schools and some awesome racing.

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.

Results:

Motostation/Trackstar KOM Overall:

1. Jerry Hicks (KAW ZX-10R)

2. Michael JR Bradshaw (SUZ GSX-R1000)

3. Genaro Lopez (BMW S1000RR)

4. Anthony Norton (KAW ZX-10R)

5. Eric Jones (YAM YZF-R1)

6. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

Motostation KOM GTO:

1. Jerry Hicks (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

2. Michael JR Bradshaw (SUZ GSXR1000)

3. Genaro Lopez (BMW S1000RR)

4. Anthony Norton (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

5. Eric Jones (YAM YZF-R1)

6. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

Trackstar KOM GTU:

1. Brian Childree (KAW ZX-6R)

2. Cole Phillips (YAM YZF-R6)

3. Miles McElhany (YAM YZF-R6)

4. Richard Findlay (SUZ GSXR-600)

AZ Riding Academy Combined GTO

1. Andrew Skov (SUZ GSXR-1000)

2. John Tran (YAM YZF-R1)

3. Rick Squires (SUZ GSXR1000)

4. Lee McNutt (YAM YZF-R6)

5. Marshall Miller (BMW S1000RR)

6. Peter Hofpointner (YAM YZF-R6)

C&R Coatings Combined GTU

1. Lee McNutt (YAM YZF-R6)

2. Peter Hofpointner (YAM YZF-R6)

3. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR-600)

4. Joshua Fisher (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

5. Braxton Young (HON CBR600RR)

6. Kirk Doyle (KAW ZX-6)

The Edge Powersports Deseret Dash – Expert

1. Eric Jones (YAM YZF-R1)

2. Braden Jones (YAM YZF-R1)

3. Tyler Bengford (KAW ZX-10)

4. David Meyer (YAM YZF-R1)

5. John Tran (YAM YZF-R1)

6. Tyler Jones (YAM YZF-R1)

The Edge Powersports Deseret Dash – Novice

1. David Behrend (YAM YZF-R1)

2. Joshua Fisher (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

3. Sam Arquit (HON CBR1000RR)

4. Brian Gerwe (HON CBR600RR)

5. Omar Carrillo (YAM YZF-R1)

6. Sam Corser (YAM YZF-R6)

Harrison Eurosports Formula 40 – GTO

1. Michael JR Bradshaw (SUZ GSXR1000)

2. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

3. Eric Jones (YAM YZF-R1)

4. Andrew Skov (SUZ GSXR-1000)

5. David Meyer (YAM YZF-R1)

6. Steven Marco (YAM YZF-R1)

Harrison Eurosports Formula 40 – GTU

1. Lee McNutt (YAM YZF-R6)

2. Raymond Clark (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

3. Brian Naylor (KAW ZX6R)

4. Victor Arias (SUZ GSX-R600)

5. Daniel Egbert (SUZ SV650)

6. Dustin Lance (YAM YZF-R6)

Bingham Cyclery Lightweight Superbike

1. James Snow (SUZ SV650)

2. Daniel Egbert (SUZ SV650)

3. Andrew Gawer (KAW NINJA-400)

4. Rachel Kuns (KAW NINJA-400)

5. Chris Cramer (KTM 690-SMCR)

6. Sean Groenstein (HON NSF250R)

Blud Racing Lubricants Middleweight Superbike

1. Brian Childree (KAW ZX-6R)

2. Cole Phillips (YAM YZF-R6)

3. Lee McNutt (YAM YZF-R6)

4. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR-600)

5. Braxton Young (HON CBR600RR)

6. Richard Findlay (SUZ GSXR-600)

Toxic Moto Racing Middleweight Superstock

1. Brian Childree (KAW ZX-6R)

2. Cole Phillips (YAM YZF-R6)

3. Peter Hofpointner (YAM YZF-R6)

4. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR-600)

5. Brian Naylor (KAW ZX-6R)

6. Braxton Young (HON CBR600RR)

The Mechanic Modern Vintage – GTO

1. Kevin Dolan (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

2. Marshall Miller (BMW S1000RR)

3. Joshua Snow (YAM YZF-R1)

4. Barry Ketmany (YAM YZF-R1)

5. Sam Arquit (HON CBR1000RR)

The Mechanic Modern Vintage – GTU

1. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR-600)

2. Richard Findlay (SUZ GSXR-600)

3. Braxton Young (HON CBR600RR)

4. Kirk Doyle (KAW ZX-6)

5. Victor Arias (SUZ GSX-R600)

6. Kevin Caputo (YAM YZF-R6)

Karl Malone Powersports  Moto 2

1. Brian Childree (KAW ZX-6R)

2. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR-600)

3. Peter Hofpointner (YAM YZF-R6)

4. Cole Phillips (YAM YZF-R6)

5. Lee McNutt (YAM YZF-R6)

6. Joshua Fisher (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

Redline Realty Moto 3

1. Rider Disqualified

2. Andrew Gawer (KAW NINJA-400)

3. Chris Cramer (KTM 690-SMCR)

4. Rachel Kuns (KAW NINJA-400)

5. Brian Gerwe (KAW NINJA-400)

6. Sean Groenstein (HON NSF250R)

Legion of Speed Novice GTO

1. Joshua Fisher (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

2. David Behrend (YAM YZF-R1)

3. Sam Arquit (HON CBR1000RR)

4. Pratt Wellman (APR RSV4-RR)

5. Omar Carrillo (YAM YZF-R1)

6. Barry Ketmany (YAM YZF-R1)

Brighton Peak Financial Novice GTU

1. Joshua Fisher (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

2. Chayce Lance (YAM YZF-R6)

3. Raymond Clark (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

4. Belisario Arango (KAW ZX6R)

5. Kirk Doyle (KAW ZX-6)

6. Brian Gerwe (HON CBR600RR)

Vortex Open Superbike

1. Jerry Hicks (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

2. Anthony Norton (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

3. Michael JR Bradshaw (SUZ GSXR1000)

4. Genaro Lopez (BMW S1000RR)

5. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

6. John Tran (YAM YZF-R1)

MotoUnited Open Superstock

1. Michael JR Bradshaw (SUZ GSXR1000)

2. Jerry Hicks (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

3. Anthony Norton (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

4. Genaro Lopez (BMW S1000RR)

5. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

6. Tyler Bengford (KAW ZX10)

Karl Malone Powersports Open Twins

1. Joshua Fisher (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

2. Donald Rothfuss (DUC 848-EVO)

3. Raymond Clark (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

4. Daniel Egbert (DUC 1199S)

5. Tyler Donaworth (TRI DAYTONA-675)

6. James Snow (SUZ SV650)

Velosio Production 500

1. Brian Childree (KAW NINJA-400)

2. Andrew Gawer (KAW NINJA-400)

3. Brian Gerwe (KAW NINJA-400)

4. Rachel Kuns (KAW NINJA-400)

5. Alex Hatfield (KAW NINJA-400)

6. Stephen Webster (YAM YZF-R3)

Monarch Powersports Sportsman

1. Belisario Arango (KAW ZX6R)

2. Alex Hatfield (KAW NINJA-400)

3. John Tillotson (YAM YZF-R1)

4. Russell Carpenter (YAM YZF-R6)

5. Andrew Gawer (KAW NINJA-400)

6. Moe Fareed (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

Napa Auto Parts Tooele Stock 1000

1. Jerry Hicks (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

2. Genaro Lopez (BMW S1000RR)

3. Anthony Norton (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

4. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

5. John Tran (YAM YZF-R1)

6. David Meyer (YAM YZF-R1)

Carbonsmith Super Street Bike

1. Victor Arias (HON CBR1000RR-SP)