ELKO, MN

Elko Speedway hosted the "Eve of Destruction" event on the three-eighths-mile asphalt oval. With perfect weather for Minnesota in April, the motorcycles returned with fast company for the opening round of this new series. Elko Speedway showed the large, loud and appreciative crowd that the motorcycles are here to stay.

The 2009 I.C.E. Champion, Kevin Anderson, found the setup to win qualifying heat one on his CRF450 Honda. Fresno, California's Lindsey King (87, below), an Asphalt first-timer, was second on a Yamaha YZF450, followed by South Dakota Experts Clint Erickson (42, below), riding an XR750, and Chris Lodes, on a Suzuki SV650.

In heat two, another Asphalt first-timer, Expert rider Josh Koch, the Daytona Short Track fast-time rider, showed that's what he does - set fast time, on his 2002 Honda CRF450. Former Elko 2009 winner Todd Giese from South Dakota looked like a contender once again on his Yamaha YZF450 in the number-two slot. They were followed by Expert rider Duke Erickson (55K, above), riding his Suzuki SV650, and rookie Pro "Dangerous Dakota Dan" Jacobson, showing some super talent on a Honda CRF250.

The main event was preceded by a parade wave lap and then a couple of hot laps. Giese ran it hard into turn one, lost the front wheel, and headed to the wall with a scary thud. After the Elko Speedway's quick-response units arrived, Giese bounced to his feet, checked out his Yamaha, and rejoined the start.

There were no big surprises in the main: "Captain" Koch led lap one and then pulled away from second-placed Anderson. Back in the field, the Erickson brothers, Clint and Duke, appeared to be stuck together the whole race, with Pro Singles rider King closing on the two Experts. Chris Lodes appeared to be riding a different track - practicing his cushion-riding style, thrilling the fans with massive tire smoke from the apex onto the straightaways. After getting his tire temperatures up, Giese reeled in Chris Lodes, on overheated tires, in the closing laps.

Meanwhile, with Koch and Anderson still out front on the last lap, King drove around Clint and Duke Erickson exiting turn four. Giese passed Lodes. After running eighth and closing on Giese and Lodes, the 250-mounted Jacobson's hotshoe came loose and he dropped out of the race, gifting the position to South Dakota's Bob Anderson. Josh Koch (68K, below) topped the podium.

"I just love this racing," said Lindsey King afterward. "It's so consistent and fun."

Results

HEAT 1: 1. Kevin Anderson (Honda); 2. Lindsey King (Yamaha); 3. Clint Erickson (H-D); 4. Chris Lodes (Suzuki).

HEAT 2: 1. Josh Koch (Honda); 14-Todd Giese (450 Yam); 55k-Duke Erickson (650 Suz); 4. 44-Dan Jacobson (250 Hon).

MAIN: 1. Josh Koch (Honda); 2. Kevin Anderson (Honda); 3. Lindsey King (Yamaha); 4. Clint Erickson (H-D); 5. Duke Erickson (Suzuki); 6.Todd Giese (Yamaha); 7. Chris Lodes (Suzuki); 8. Bob Anderson (Honda), 9. Dan Jacobson (Honda).