Wet and wild at the Northwestern MotoAmerica stop
There have been many anecdotes about rainy weather throughout history, but this past weekend at Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington brought to mind one that is parodied more often than others. Even Snoopy used Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s quote, “It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents-except at occasional intervals, when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which swept up the” track. Friday, June 26th was a challenging day for everyone at the racetrack. Wind and rain, in sheets, rolled through off and on during the day, yet somehow MotoAmerica riders managed to brave it all and complete qualifying for Saturday. Teams, crews, riders, media and everyone it takes to run a race event hunkered down without complaining and got the job done!
As our lead photo illustrates, #70 Tyler Scott and others did their jobs in the pouring rain. The Supersport class was an exciting event. Showers downpoured through the paddock, grid and track. Everyone scrambled to take cover under the nearest Easy-Up tent. Once the green flag dropped, the riders launched out onto the soaked course. An incident occurred that caused a red flag and everyone came back to the pits, just in time for another drenching downpour. Our best wishes for continued recovery to #71 Torin Collins and #47 Avery Dreher, who were not able to continue. A clear battle emerged for the lead between #19 Kayla Yaakov and #2 Josh Herrin with #53 Darryn Binder in the hunt for the podium.
#2 Josh Herrin & #19 Kayla Yaakov battling up the front straight.
Josh Herrin was able to win Race 1, Kayla Yaakov took 2nd and Darryn Bider secured the last spot in winner’s circle. Sunday’s Race 2 was run in much better conditions and on a dry track. The competition was fierce between the lead riders. Josh was able to repeat his success, while Kayla will be ready to battle again at Laguna Seca.
#2 Herrin taking the win in the wet on Saturday, then repeating on Sunday, lofting a wheelie while crossing the finish.
The weather cleared later in the afternoon, and MotoAmerica fans were treated to a fantastic Super Hooligans race. #23 Cory Alexander, riding for ARCH Motorcycle Racing, took the team’s first win in MotoAmerica.
Super Hooligan racer #23 Cory Alexander in Turn 15
The wet weather and stormy conditions throughout the day seemed to increase his determination to put everything into his riding for his team. Leading through the tricky Complex portion of the course, Cory secured the lead and once the race was over, thanked the fans along the Turn 15 viewing area.
Alexander leading the charge through The Complex, then celebrating with fans as the ARCH team takes their first win.
Despite the weather slowing down the daily schedule, we had a great time at the Ridge again this year. Getting to chat with riders, teams, and fans while the rain came down is just part of racing. Many we will meet again in Monterey at the legendary Laguna Seca, July 10-12.
Geoff & Barb Nickless
All photos by Nickless Photos
For more on the upcoming MotoAmerica race rounds, results and current standings in each class, click here:
Supersport rider #137 Logan Oster protecting his electronics in pit lane.
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