Robby Bell Tops WORCS Opener
Cycle News Staff | January 19, 2015
Robby Bell took the first WORCS win of 2015 by topping the Taft round. Photography by Harlen Foley
The 2015 Rocky Mountain MC World Off-Road Championship Series got things started over the weekend with the opening round taking place in Taft, California. The usually dusty course at Honolulu Hills had limited visibility once again, but this time due to an unusually heavy layer of fog. Many riders faced the unforeseen challenge of goggle issues throughout the 2-hour race, but in the end, it was Robby Bell who finished out front, firing the first shot of the season.
Defending champion Gary Sutherlin was one of the many struggling with vision problems, but he managed to pilot his factory-support KTM to a runner-up finish. It was not the start he’d hoped for in his title defense, but a respectable one nonetheless. He finished ahead of Honda’s Justin Jones, who rounded out the overall podium. Justin Seeds and Eric Yorba completed the top-five.
Defending Champion Gary Sutherlin finished second after struggling with “goggle issues.” Photography by Harlen Foley
In the Pro 2 ranks, Michael Del Fante took the win in his class debut, but it didn’t come easy as Steve Gibson chased him all the way to the finish line. Gibson finished a close second followed by Dalton Shirey.
In the Pro 2 Lites, KTM’s Logan Chambers took the win with Jeremy Newton and Mitch Anderson rounding out the top-three.
Justin Jones rounded out the Pro podium aboard his new Honda support ride. Photography by Harlen Foley
Pro Results
1. Robby Bell (Kaw)
2. Gary Sutherlin (KTM)
3. Justin Jones (Hon)
4. Justin Seeds (Kaw)
5. Eric Yorba (KTM)
6. Blayne Thompson (Kaw)
7. Ivan Ramirez (KTM)
8. Travis Coy (KTM)
9. Jesse Lundin (Yam)
10. Justin Morgan (Yam)
Pro 2 Results
1. Michael Del Fante (Yam)
2. Steven Gibson (Kaw)
3. Dalton Shirey (Hus)
4. Starr Savage (KTM)
5. Travis Damon (Hon)
6. Justin Wallis (KTM)
7. David Broderick (KTM)
8. Erik King (Kaw)
9. Chad Broughton (Kaw)
10. Jakob McCoid (KTM)
Yamaha’s Michael Del Fante shows off his Pro 2 trophy. Photography by Harlen Foley.
