Press Release | August 9, 2019
Scorching Heat Challenges Motocross Night Racing in Arizona
This is a race report provided by Canyon Motocross…
Story and Photos by Jonathan Barrett
Peoria, AZ (August 3, 2019) — Canyon Motocross in Peoria, Arizona, hosted round two of its Monsoon Madness night racing series amid scorching 110-degree weather on Saturday, August 3. The series is a favorite among racers as it offers the only night moto racing opportunity in Arizona. With the monsoon season of Arizona in full effect, the track was surrounded by storms on all sides as racing started, although the track location remained dry and steady in temperature until nightfall. Starting the afternoon shortly before sunset, the first riders dropped the gate on moto one, racing into the night and finishing moto two under the lights.
All the 50cc bikes took to the track and showed how the youth can perform in the intense heat. Kayson Avakian took the overall win in 50 Beginner B with a 1-2 performance, followed by Tyler Hogle’s 3-1 and Anthony Sottile’s 2-4 taking second and third respectively. 50 Age 0-6 had three Cobra’s take the podium with Matteo Gallegos going 1-1, followed by Kevin Rodriguez’s 3-2 and Adrian Hopkins’s 2-3 performances. The 50 Open class had the biggest youth turnout of the night with 14 minis battling for the top spot. After the checkered flag flew, it was Gavin Burt taking the overall with a 1-1 showing, followed by Logan Connolly’s 2-2 and Wesley Sawyer’s 3-3.
The 60s were next, with Chase Dugan taking first in Beginner with a 1-1, followed by Landan Prentice going 3-4. Age 0-8 had Wesley Sawyer taking the win in class. Age 9-11 had Jesse Heck take the win with a 1-1 over Christopher Tessier’s 2-2 and Talon Sawyer’s 3-3. Open had Jesse Heck again taking the win over Christopher Tessier in second.
The 80s and 85s battled next, with Samuel Campbell taking the Supermini win. 80 Age 7-11 had Nathan Tessier taking the win over Devin Cook. 80 Age 12-13 had Jeremy Carpenter take the top spot over Samuel Campbell and Nathaniel Fitzgerald. Porter May took the win on his new Husqvarna in 80 Age 14-16. In the 85 Beginner class, Jacob Jewell took the win ahead of Andy Zarate and Macie Paxton. Mini Open had CMPFoto-sponsored rider Dustin Dowland take the win ahead of Porter May and Nathaniel Tessier.
The 250s went out together, with Kohl Bitz (YAM) taking first overall both motos and finishing first in class for 250 Intermediate. In 250 Novice, Sonny Leto (KTM) went 1-1 for first overall, followed by Tanner Walker (KTM) going 2-2 for second overall and Matt Dally (HON) going 3-4 for third overall. 250 Beginner had Logan Dowland (KTM) take the win over Nathaniel Fitzgerald (KAW) and Alex James (KTM). The 125s were next, with 125 Two-Stroke Novice having Jeremy Fjeld (KTM) taking the win ahead of Hunter Haycock (KTM) and Austin Carlson (KAW). 125 Open had Brad Millikan (YAM) on the top spot, followed by Tanner Walker (KTM) and Brian Bovington (YAM).
Open Beginner had Jack Mardell (HUSQ) taking the win ahead of Austin Burkhardt (KAW) and Kody Rayburn (HON). Open Intermediate had Kohl Bitz again taking the win onboard his Yamaha. Big Bike Open had Endurocross/NGPC Beta USA racer Mason Ottersberg going 1-1, followed by Brad Millikan (YAM) in second in the tightest racing of the night. Lastly, the Vets took to the track, with Robert Sawyer (HON) taking the win in Vet Amateur ahead of Brian Magee (KTM). Vet Novice had Tyrell Ellington (YAM) take the win ahead of Chris Rice (KTM) and Shawn Swenson (YAM).
The racing was as hot as the weather and the monsoon storms came just as racing was ending. The next round of Monsoon Madness is set for August 17, starting at 4pm at Canyon MX.