Convington, Worth Take Sat Western Pro-Am
By Mike Emery
Welcome to sunny Arizona where we find ourselves at the third annual Western Pro-Am here at Arizona Cycle park. A big turnout of pros and amateurs lined up today for day one of this weekend long event. The track was prepped and the riders were ready to take to the track. Here are some highlights from Day 1.
Saturday’s 250 pro class had multiple heavy hitters on the gate, but turned into a bit of a runaway win by Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Thomas Covington. It didn’t come without a little work in moto one though, as he would have to push through a few positions in the early laps to eventually take the lead and walk away with it. Moto two would be much easier for him as he took the holeshot and checked out to an easy victory. Cole Martinez would end up second overall with a set of solid fast motos despite riding a foreign suspension--he was riding a borrowed bike from Mark Worth! Rounding out the top three was an impressive Jaisaac Sloan who had a big lead early on in moto one, but fell back a few positions before the checkered flag flew. Sloan took second place in moto two in a very solid ride, securing his third overall. It would be fair to mention another rider who impressed and fell just short of the podium, Kyle Swanson. Kyle mounted a first moto charge from a bad start all the way to third place, but missed the podium by just one position, finishing fourth on the day. Great rides regardless, but the days honors were all Covington’s.
Covington and Sloan do battle.
Mike Emery photo
Some other notable racing today included a few solid rides by Gage Scher aboard his CRF150, who had his bike out front in most every moto but did hand a class win to Tanner Amerillas. Mark Worth found himself at the front of the pack in every intermediate class moto and swept his classes.
Darius Glover hauling in AZ.
Gage Scher rode the wheels off of his 150.
The 250 pro podium.
Mike Emery photos
Possibly the most inspiring rider out there today was well-known paraplegic rider Darius Glover, who was ripping it up and showing people what is possible in life even when you are faced with setbacks. After the racing, a free dinner was served and the fans and racers enjoyed a freestyle show. Check back tomorrow for coverage from day two, which will include the 450 pro shootout and a very healthy payout!
