Bell, Wilson and Cianciarulo Win Motos at Ponca

Shan Moore | July 31, 2009

Rain yesterday and earlier in the week made conditions perfect for racing at today’s round of the NMA Grand National Championships in Ponca City, Oklahoma. A total of 68 motos ran on today’s soft and loamy track as championships were decided in some divisions and line-ups were set in others for tomorrow’s runoffs.

Canidae Powersports Kawasaki’s Dean Wilson was among the riders wrapping up titles during today’s action, the Californian claiming titles in the 250 Stock Pro, 250 Mod Pro and 450 Stock Pro classes. Wilson fell while leading today’s 450 Mod Pro-class moto and ultimately finished second behind Suzuki rider Justin Weeks.

“I came into a corner and leaned into it and the rut just gave out and I went down,” said Wilson. “I really wanted to go four for four this week and that was just a bad race for me but I guess I can’t complain. I came out of here injury free and with three championships, so it was a good week.”

Wilson also crashed in the 450 Stock Pro race and dropped back as far as eighth before rallying to finish second behind Weeks, however, the finish was enough to give him the title in the division.

“That was kind of bittersweet, but it was an awesome feeling,” said Wilson. “After I fell, I just had to charge my through, and luckily, second place was good enough for the title.”

Weeks ended up with the title in the 450 Mod Pro division and added a second place in the 450 Stock Pro class with a 4-1 score.

“I just kept the pressure on Wilson, hoping he would make a mistake and he did and I came out with the win,” said Weeks. “I’ve struggled with starts this week but I haven’t let that bother me. I just been putting my head down and charging through the pack.”

Zach Bell wrapped up titles in the 85 14-16 Stock and 85 14-16 Mod divisions and put himself in good position for tomorrow’s run-off in the Supermini Thru 16 division with an exciting win over Kawasaki teammate Adam Cianciarulo during today’s qualifying moto. Cianciarulo grabbed the holeshot to start the race while Bell went down in the first turn. However, with two laps to go, Bell caught up with Cianciarulo and made a pass just before the white flag.

“Adam got a good start and he cut under me and I crashed in the first turn,” said Bell. “I caught up with him and he went kind of wide in a corner and I just jumped in there. I was just following him and trying to get him to make a mistake and after I got by him I just went for it.”

Earlier in the day, Cianciarulo turned in a dominating ride to win the 85/150 Mod 12-13 Division 2 moto, a class that will be decided during tomorrow’s runoffs.

Other moto winners today included Trampas Parker (Plus 30 Pro), Eli Tomac (250 Mod Intermediate Div 2), and Matt Bisceglia (85/150 Mod 12-13 Division 2).

Shan Moore | Contributing Editor

Moore covers all facets of off-road racing for Cycle News – from AMA Supercross and Motocross to GNCC and National Hare Scrambles events.