Three Palms Loretta Lynn Area Qualifier Race Report

By: Emil Shebelbon

What a weekend! We had close to 400 race entries for the opening qualifier and things went very well. First, I want to thank everyone for coming out for the weekend. Friday we had over 150 riders out for practice, most were here for the race and focused on doing laps on the Royal Purple Extreme Track. I want to point out that we added about 70 loads of brand new dirt; the track was plenty rough by the end of the day for sure. Not only did we have the RP track dialed in, we had the other tracks ready to go as well. There were lots of talented riders out there for sure so I enjoyed watching and just hanging out with everyone.

Saturday, we started on time, but we did not start the first moto until around 9:30 due to some mechanical issues with one of the irrigation pumps. The weather was perfect and the track conditions were even better. All of the mini classes with a few of the big bike classes ran their motos on Saturday.  The 50cc and 65cc classes were packed with action. Actually, there was not a bad or boring race all day. What's cool is watching the top 65cc riders clear the big finish line jump lap after lap. The entire time I'm watching it, I'm thinking, "make that jump longer"! These kids make most of us look SLOW...................well they make me look slow for sure.

The 51cc (4-6) class winner was Seth Milam from De Berry, TX. With Gage Blocker from Floresville, TX finishing in second right on his heels in both motos. Harley Lopez from Marengo, IL went 3-3 for the day.

The 1, 2, 3 spot in the 65cc (7-9) class went like this in both motos; Grant Harlan, Colby Halpain, and Charles Tolleson. All three Texas riders were showing off their skills for the crowd, way to go!

The 250 C stock class was stacked. Number 70 Kyle Hopkins and the 94 machine of Aaron Mahlmann had a great battle but it was Kyle going 1-1 for the day.

If you have not had the chance to watch some of the local B riders, all I can say is they go fast! The 250 B stock class went like this: Beau Baldwin, Christopher Morris, Krae Weldon and Jacob Blomfield. Beau was on his game getting several holeshots for the day.

Beau Hudson went 1-1 for the day in the 450A class. Zachery Stone was close behind in moto 1 but Rodolfo Hernandez got by Stone in moto 2.

The 450 B Stock class was one of the most exciting races of the day. Jeremy Martin from Millville, MN grabbed the holeshot with Beau Baldwin right on his heels. By lap 3 they were more than 10 seconds in front of third place. Only four riders were able to crack the 1:51 lap times and these two were doing it all day. Jeremy would have the advantage over Baldwin's two stroke in the end of moto one. Moto two was off to another great race with Jeremy once again grabbing the holeshot. While running in second, Baldwin got out  of shape in the back section, hit a flag stand, but still managed to end the day with an 8^th overall.

Stone Edler grabbed his share of holeshots and wins for the day looking very much in control of the #60

Yamaha, the track, and the competition. Dalton Gray went 2-4 in the Super Mini #1 giving him 2^nd overall for the day. Austen Wiser from Mansfield Tx came in third for the day in in the Super Mini #1. Andrew Pierce had a terrible first moto but bounced back with a second place in moto 2 putting him in 5^th overall and earned a qualifying position. All in all, Saturday was a great day with the exception of broken pumps, tractors, and a bunch of work for the Three Palms staff.

Sunday's weather was nice but super windy. This made the track dry out a bit but the TP staff was on top of things so we were in good shape for the day. The racing went well for the first set of motos......... then the carnage began to unfold in moto 2 of the 250C class. With 32 riders on the line, all but one rider made it thru the first turn. Three turns later Elleana Poulls went down hard and got hit by at least one or two riders.  Get well soon girl and we will see you back on the track soon. Kyle Hopkins took the moto win and the overall for the day with a 2-1 moto score.

I have to give it up to the local vet riders, John Coco, David Espinoza, and Hans Marschler all won their motos and qualified for the regional. A special "Thank You" goes out to Beau Hudson for not running me over during his moto. We had so many great races and what a treat to be able to host this event. I want to thank everyone for coming out to race as well as practice. We enjoyed it and we hope to see you again soon.