Dietrich Makes It Two out of Three

By Joe Colombero; Click for Photo Report

Lake Havasu, Arizona Ricky Dietrich took over the lead on the second lap of the third round of the World Off Road Championship Series (WORCS) and proceeded to ride the tough Havasu course like it was a freeway, gapping the field and winning his second main even in three tries this season. Dietrich’s victory netted him 30 Championship points and moved him up to second in the title chase, just six behind point’s leader Mike Brown.

Close behind Dietrich for much of the race was the surprising Taylor Robert. Robert, who dominated the Pro 2 class last season, was racing as a Pro1 for only the third time in his career. He had the large Havasu crowd on their feet as he repeatedly charged after Dietrich and left the rest of the WORCS veterans in his dust. Robert finished a strong second place for his second podium finish in three tries.

Mike Brown came into Round three with the points lead after decisively winning round two. For round three Brown overcame a poor start to work his way through the field and wrestle his way onto the podium with a second hour charge. The third place finish left him still in control of the title chase, six points ahead of Dietrich.

Fourth place fell again to Tim Weigand, who has finished fourth in every single WORCS race so far this season. The string of “podium alternate” finishes has Weigand sitting, (can you guess?) fourth in the points chase.

Defending WORCS Champion Bobby Bonds had an off day. Riding in pain from a broken “throttle thumb” Bonds hit the ground often then charged back through the field for a 10th place finish. Former WORCS Champion Nathan Woods, who came to Havasu second in points, hit the ground hard himself at the end of the first hour and was knocked out. Woods remounted and motored into the pits, groggy and in pain; he did not finish the day. And, the likeable Justin Soule kept his title hopes alive with a sixth place finish after getting the holeshot. Soule now sits third in points just 12 out of the lead.