Russell Pearson Wraps Up Hare & Hound Title
| October 20, 2003
Yamaha’s Russell Pearson clinched his first AMA National Hare & Hound Championship in commanding style by taking the overall win at the 105-mile, series finale in Winnemucca, Nevada. Conditions were dusty, and the YZ450F rider traded places with several others before taking over the lead for good a few miles into the race. Russell held off the Kawasaki KX500s ridden by Team Green’s Destry Abbott, Brian Brown and David Pearson to take the victory and title. Abbott ended up second, followed by Brown and David Pearson. They also finished in the same order in the series. Honda CR125 Pilot Kendall Norman rounded out the top five in Nevada.
Like last year when Pearson finished the season second to Yamaha Teammate Ty Davis, the championship came down to the final round. This year he wasn’t taking any chances and pressed on for the overall win though he needed only a second place or better finish to secure the title.
Taber Murphy wrapped up the Four-Stroke title again with a sixth-place finish, while Rob Zimmerman nailed the 250cc title an injury-induced DNF.
Kelly Yancey topped the Women’s class and will keep her number-one plate for at least another year
