Despite having already clinched the Parts Unlimited Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV Nationals Series Championship, Jimmy Jarrett rode like the title was on the line at the final race of the 10-round 2004-2005 series at Cooperland Raceway in Stillwater, Oklahoma, yesterday.
The Wiseco Cooperland Grand Prix saw Jarrett, on the Andrews Cycles/Kenda/Moose Suzuki RM250, get out in front early but never have any room for error, as Justin Williamson hounded him for nearly the entire distance on his Williamsonracing.com Yamaha YZ250. By the time the checkered flag came out, less than a second separated the two after 10 laps and more than two hours of racing.
Matt Fish ended up third on his KTMHutt.com/Fun Mart Cycles/Moose KTM 250 EXC in his first Pro race after wrapping up the Open A Series class championship at round nine.
“I got a good start and it was dusty, and I knew if I just stayed in front of them, they weren’t going to pass me,” Jarrett said.
Williamson said, “I was right on him trying to make passes, trying to press him, but nothing happened. It was a good, fair race, so I really enjoyed it. I had a real good time racing. I’m sure it was an excellent show for the crowd.”
“Definitely the pace was different today in the Pro class,” said Fish of his first Pro race. “Usually in the A class, I just ride my race, and today I was forced to ride a little bit out of my comfort zone for those first few laps.”
Shane Watts finished fourth to claim third in final series points behind Jarrett and Williamson. He had his KTMHutt.com/Fun Mart Cycles/Moose KTM 200 XC in cruise mode, as he was scheduled for both carpal tunnel and knee surgery the following day in California. Afterwards he’ll head to Australia for a few weeks.
Dave Neumeister rounded out the top five on his Fun Mart Cycles/FMF/MSR KTM 450 MXC.
