Precision Concept’s Robby Bell reclaimed the number one plate with second-place finish at round eight of the 2015 Rocky Mountain MC World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS) presented by Maxxis and Dirt Bike. KTM’s Gary Sutherlin dominated the hilly course of Glen Helen for the win, followed by Bell. Justin Jones made an impressive return to racing aboard his Hinson Honda, and put his home court advantage to work en route to a third-place finish. In the Pro 2 division, Zip-Ty Husqvarna’s Dalton Shirey also clinched the Pro 2 Championship with his sixth win of the season.
WORCS racer were greeted to near record heat in the triple digits at Glen Helen in Southern California, but despite the brutal conditions, but the WORCS crew was determined to not let dust be an issue, and kept several water trucks going non-stop throughout the weekend. There were three Pro sections added in for the main event: a single-track down the backside of Yamaha Hill, a drop-off in front of the Glen Helen sign, and a firewood pit, all of which played havoc on the racers each lap.
Sutherlin jumped out to the early lead on the first lap. Once out front, the defending champion never looked back; he quickly began to build his lead, which he extended to nearly a minute at the checkered flag.
Despite his commanding win, he couldn’t stop Bell from claiming the championship.
“Once I made it through the fire pit on the last lap, which I crashed in a couple of times today, I finally let it soak in that I knew I had second place and I had the championship,” Bell said. “Crossing the finish line felt really, really good with everything that happened to me the last couple of months and just mentally trying to get back to full form and fitness. With nothing on the line as far as the championship goes at Primm, I just want to go out there and make a statement, and end the season on a high.”
After a serious wreck at the Baja 500 several months ago, Justin Jones made an impressive return to WORCS racing by claiming the final spot on the podium. The Glen Helen regular made his return a notable one, running in the second spot for most of the race.
RPM/KTM’s Travis Coy finished in the fourth spot. He inherited the point from his teammate, Eric Yorba, who had issues on the final lap and had to retire to the pits. Jeffrey Loop, who grabbed the holeshot, rounded out the top five.
Pro Results:
1. Gary Sutherlin (KTM)
2. Robby Bell (Kaw)
3. Justin Jones (Hon)
4. Travis Coy (KTM)
5. Jeff Loop (Yam)
6. Blayne Thompson (HSQ)
7. Ivan Ramirez (KTM)
8. Justin Seeds (Kaw)
9. Jesse Lundin (KTM)
10. Justin Bonita (Yam)
Pro 2 Results:
1. Dalton Shirey (Hus)
2. Benny Breck (Hon)
3. Travis Damon (Suz)
4. Michael Del Fante (Yam)
5. Justin Wallis (KTM)
6. Noah Kepple (KTM)
7. Matthew Maple (Hon)
8. Ryan Means (KTM)
9. Nick Stover (Hus)
10. Erik King (Kaw)
