Ryan Nitzen | August 1, 2023
Bringing you all the action from Loretta Lynn’s Ranch, the world’s biggest and most prestigious amateur national. Stay tuned for live stream and results throughout the week.
Day 5 – Saturday
All 36 classes of competition hit the track for the championship-deciding third and final motos. Rain again added a layer of complexity to track as the action-packed week of racing came to a close.
Moto 3: Open Pro Sport
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Daxton Bennick, the odds-on favorite to become the newest Open Pro Sport Champion, came into the final moto with 1-1 scores. The race didn’t start as cleanly as he’d hoped as Phoenix Racing Honda’s Heath Harrison emerged with the STACYC Holeshot and early lead. He was followed by Kawasaki rider Jacob Hayes to put a pair of former pros at the head of the pack. Rock River Yamaha’s Avery Long slotted into third while Bennick had some work to do from fifth.
Bennick battled his way into third by the second lap and quickly latched onto the rear fender of Hayes for second. Bennick needed a couple laps to make a move and faced a five-second deficit to the leader once he completed the pass. On the next lap, Bennick laid down the fastest lap of the moto to move within striking distance of the lead. He applied heavy pressure on Harrison, who kept him at bay before Bennick made the winning pass with just a couple laps remaining.
Bennick completed the sweep of Open Pro Sport by just over two seconds on Harrison, while Hayes was unchallenged en route to third.
Open Pro Sport Moto 3 Results
- Daxton Bennick, Yamaha
- Heath Harrison, Honda
- Jacob Hayes, Menifee, Kawasaki
- Matti Jorgensen Jr., KTM
- Preston Masciangelo, GASGAS
Open Pro Sport Overall Podium (Moto Scores)
- Daxton Bennick, Yamaha (1-1-1)
- Parker Ross, Honda (3-5-8)
- Bryce Shelly, Yamaha (7-4-6)
By virtue of his performance in Open Pro Sport, Bennick became the latest rider to earn the coveted distinction of receiving the Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award, which recognizes the top performing amateur racer on the cusp of graduating into the professional ranks.
Moto 3: 250 Pro Sport
With 2-1 moto scores coming into the final moto, GASGAS Amateur Team rider Mark Fineis was in control of 250 Pro Sport. However, incredibly wet and muddy conditions from the rain would ultimately be the biggest obstacle to overcome.
NSA Yamaha Amateur Factory Team rider Gavin Towers lead the way with the STACYC Holeshot. However, he was passed by AEO Powersports GASGAS’ Lux Turner who showed impressive speed early on. Towers was also passed by KTM Orange Brigade’s Julien Beaumer. Fineis was deep in the field, completing the opening lap in 18th and eventually dropping out of the race.
Beaumer was flying despite the challenging conditions, which forced Turner to up his pace. Unfortunately, Turner slid out and lost the top spot, handing the lead to Beaumer and Towers into second. Turner remounted in fifth and kept pushing to the front. With Fineis out, the battle for the class championship came down to Towers and Bennick, who followed one another in second and third, respectively.
Out front, Beaumer’s pace dropped and led to a a tip over that cost him valuable time, but not a position. He piloted his KTM to a second moto win to bookend 250 Pro Sport with victories. Despite being the winningest rider in the class, Beaumer’s 17th-place finish in Moto 2 prevented him from being in the title picture.
Towers brought home a runner-up finish to complete an incredibly consistent weekend that saw him prevail with the 250 Pro Sport Championship. It marks the first ever Loretta Lynn’s title for Towers, doing so in one of the event’s most high-profile classes.
250 Pro Sport Moto 3 Results
- Julien Beaumer, KTM
- Gavin Towers, Yamaha
- Jayden Clough, Kawasaki
- Lux Turner, GASGAS
- Noah Viney, Honda
Open Pro Sport Overall Podium (Moto Scores)
- Gavin Towers, Yamaha (3-3-2)
- Daxton Bennick, Yamaha (7-2-6)
- Parker Ross, Honda (6-7-7)
Moto 3: 250 B
Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Krystian Janik took a big step in 250 B with a win in Moto 2 and had the confidence knowing a championship was within reach.
The final moto began with Yamaha rider Dilon Blecha out front for the STACYC Holeshot, which he held before Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Aden Keefer came on strong and successfully passed for the lead. However, Keefer’s lead was short lived as well, as his fellow Team Green rider Janik stormed from seventh to first in a matter of a few laps.
Janik closed out the moto and ultimately won the final two motos to clinch his second career AMA National Championship. KTM rider Jordan Renfro followed in second, while Keefer rounded out the moto podium.
250 B Moto 3 Results
- Krystian Janik, Kawasaki
- Jordan Renfro, KTM
- Aden Keefer, Kawasaki
- Casey Benard, GASGAS
- Dilon Blecha, Yamaha
250 B Overall Podium (Moto Scores)
- Krystian Janik, Kawasaki (6-1-1)
- Drew Adams, Kawasaki (2-2-6)
- Casey Benard, GASGAS (7-4-4)
Moto 3: Schoolboy 2 (12-17) B/C
After pulling off the track earlier in the week and forgoing the 250 B title, fans wondered if Casey Cochran’s would continue his pursuit of the Schoolboy 2 crown.
When the final Schoolboy 2 moto got underway it was Cochran who rocketed out of the gate to easily claim the STACYC Holeshot and grab the early lead. Behind him, GASGAS rider Landin Pepperd slotted into second with NSA Yamaha Amateur Factory Team rider Logan Best in third. With the clear track, Cochran sprinted out to a multi-second lead on the opening lap and continued to build the rest of the way. With the leader slipping away, Pepperd and Best battled it out for second, with Best successfully making the pass before experiencing misfortune and losing several positions.
Out front, Cochran capped off his championship-winning performance with a wire-to-wire victory to secure two of three moto wins and clinch his sixth career Loretta’s title. Pepperd finished second but did have to withstand a late charge by fellow GASGAS rider Casey Benard Jr. from third.
Schoolboy 2 (12-17) B/C Moto 2 Results
- Casey Cochran, Husqvarna
- Landin Pepperd, GASGAS
- Casey Benard Jr, GASGAS
- Collin Allen, Yamaha
- Enzo Temmerman, Kawasaki
Schoolboy 2 (12-17) B/C Overall Podium (Moto Scores)
- Casey Cochran, Husqvarna (1-5-1)
- Landin Pepperd, GASGAS (6-3-2)
- Enzo Temmerman, Kawasaki (4-2-5)
Moto 3: Supermini 1 (12-15) & Supermini 2 (13-16)
The third and final Supermini 1 moto began with Denno out front for the STACYC Holeshot. Despite starting in fifth, Gordon was on the move. He passed for third at the halfway point of the moto and posted his fastest lap of the race to get by for second. He then closed on Denno and made an unchallenged pass for the lead. Gordon charged hard through to the finish to take his first moto win in the class ahead of Denno, while Mortberg followed in third.
Denno’s awareness of the overall classification allowed him to manage the moto as he still wrapped up his maiden AMA National Championship despite losing the lead late. His 2-1-2 moto scored edged out Gordon by a single point to take the Supermini 1 crown.
When the Supermini 2 field launched out the gate for the final time it was Denno at the head of the pack again for the STACYC Holeshot ahead of Dennis and KTM rider Canyon Richards. The early stages of the moto quickly became a three-rider battle as Denno was able to fend off both Dennis and Richards. Behind this battle Gordon was working his way towards the front after starting in 11th and moved up to fifth entering the closing laps.
Back up front Denno and Richards engaged in an exciting battle for the win with Denno countering each of Richards’ attacks. Unfortunately, Denno crashed out of the lead, which handed the moto win to Richards. Gordon charged all the way to second by the end of the moto while KTM rider Cole Timboe rounded out the moto podium.
Gordon’s late run to the podium put the finishing touches on his second Loretta’s championship, which was defined by podium finishes in each Supermini 2 moto. Gordon also finished on the podium in every Supermini 1 moto, going six-for-six in top-three finishes.
Supermini 1 (12-15) Moto 3 Results
- Landen Gordon, Kawasaki
- Deacon Denno, Husqvarna
- Logan Mortberg, KTM
- Cole Timboe, KTM
- Brennon Harrison, KTM
Supermini 1 (12-15) Overall Podium (Moto Scores)
- Deacon Denno, Husqvarna (2-1-2)
- Landen Gordon, Kawasaki (3-2-1)
- Seth Dennis, KTM (1-4-6)
Supermini 2 (13-16) Moto 3 Results
- Canyon Richards, KTM
- Landen Gordon, Kawasaki
- Cole Timboe, KTM
- Deacon Denno, Husqvarna
- Seth Dennis, KTM
Supermini 2 (13-16) Overall Podium (Moto Scores)
- Landen Gordon, Kawasaki (1-2-2)
- Cole Timboe, KTM (3-4-3)
- Deacon Denno, Husqvarna (5-1-4)
Moto 3: Mini Sr. 1 (12-14) & Mini Sr. 2 (13-15)
The Husqvarna of Vincent Way put himself out front for the STACYC Holeshot in the final moto. The second-generation racer led the opening lap over the KTM’s of Kevyn de Pinho and Caleb Wood, but then crashed out of the lead and dropped outside the top 20. That opened the door for de Pinho to take control a late-race crash allowed Wood to claim the top spot and dropped de Pinho back in second. Wood wrapped up the moto win over de Pinho with GASGAS rider Austin Camden in third.
The unpredictable results across the division saw KTM rider Colby Lessar emerge with the Mini Sr. 1 title with 5-4-6 moto scores, narrowly edging de Pinho by a single point. It signified the first AMA National Championship for Lessar in his third year at the Ranch.
The final Mini Sr. 2 moto got underway with Wood out front for the STACYC Holeshot ahead of de Pinho, Husqvarna rider Kade Bollasina, and Wey. Wood paced the field for the opening lap but a bobble caused him to lose the lead to de Pinho, who opened up at 16-second advantage over the field. That left the battle for second to unfold between Wood and Wey, from which Wey moved his Husqvarna into the runner-up spot after more misfortune for Wood. Back out front de Pinho brought home the moto win ahead of Wey, while Wood soldiered home to a third-place result.
A trio of consistent Mini Sr. 2 finishes helped Wey prevail with his second Loretta Lynn’s title.
Mini Sr. 1 (12-14) Moto 3 Results
- Caleb Wood, KTM
- Kevyn de Pinho, KTM
- Austin Camden, GASGAS
- Kane Bollasina, Husqvarna
- Jonathen Getz, GASGAS
Mini Sr. 1 (12-14) Overall Podium (Moto Scores)
- Colby Lessar, KTM (5-4-6)
- Kevyn de Pinho, KTM (7-7-2)
- Austin Camden, GASGAS (10-3-3)
Mini Sr. 2 (13-15) Moto 3 Results
- Kevyn de Pinho, KTM
- Vincent Wey, Husqvarna
- Caleb Wood, KTM
- Talan Staggs, GASGAS
- Jevan Didier, Husqvarna
Mini Sr. 2 (13-15) Overall Podium (Moto Scores)
- Vincent Wey, Husqvarna (1-2-2)
- Kevyn de Pinho, KTM (6-10-1)
- Jonathan Getz, GASGAS (2-4-12)
Moto 3: Senior (40+) & Masters (50+)
Robert Fitch led the pack for the STACYC Holeshot, with Mike Brown in tow. Fitch continued to lead the opening lap, but saw his moto come to a premature end which allowed Brown to assume the lead, four seconds clear of the field. Brown’s engine let go and opened the door for Jeff Emig to claim the top spot aboard his KTM. Shane Kelleher then posted the best time of the race and passed Emig on the final lap for a surprise moto win.
Emig was well aware of his standing in the overall classification and didn’t fight in the final moto 2-2-2 finishes was more than enough to clinch his first AMA National Championship at Loretta’s since 2006.
By virtue of his issues in 40+, Brown was unable to line up for the final 50+ moto later in the day. Emig rode another solid moto to wrap up his second championship of the day. He sprinted away from the field on the opening lap and establish a gap of more than 10 seconds over the Yamaha of Brian Carroll Jr. Emig closed out his title-winning ride with a wire-to-wire victory, followed by Kawasaki rider Gregory Pamart in second and Carroll Jr. in third.
Emig’s 1-2-1 moto scores were well ahead of his rivals to make him two-for-two in championships at the Ranch this summer.
Senior (40+) Moto 3 Results
- Shane Kelleher, Honda
- Jeff Emig, KTM
- Kris Keefer, Yamaha
- Christopher Hunter, Kawasaki
- Scott Metz, KTM
Senior (40+) Overall Podium (Moto Scores)
- Jeff Emig, KTM (2-2-2)
- Kris Keefer, Yamaha (3-6-3)
- Dennis Stapleton, Honda (4-5-7)
Masters (50+) Moto 3 Results
- Jeff Emig, Riverside, Calif., KTM
- Gregory Pamart, Birdsboro, Pa., Kawasaki
- Brian Carroll Jr., Vineland, N.J., Yamaha
- Barry Carsten, Bayville, N.J., Suzuki
- Gabriel Guardado, Mexico, GASGAS
Masters (50+) Overall Podium (Moto Scores // Event Total)
- Jeff Emig, Riverside, Calif., KTM (1-2-1 // 4)
- Gregory Pamart, Birdsboro, Pa., Kawasaki (4-4-2 // 10)
- Barry Carsten, Bayville, N.J., Suzuki (3-3-4 // 10)
2023 Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Champions
Vet (30+): Broc Peterson, GASGAS
450 B: Jadon Cooper, Yamaha
125 C: Makai Olerich, KTM
85cc (10-12): Wyatt Thurman, KTM
65cc (7-9) Limited: Jaydin Smart, Cobra
450 C: Chase Haynes, Kawasaki
250 B Limited: Jeremy Fappani, KTM
65cc (10-11) Limited: Jackson Vick, KTM
125 Jr. (12-17) B/C: Klark Robbins, KTM
Junior (25+): Heath Harrison, Honda
250 C: Robert Weiss, Husqvarna
WMX: Kyleigh Stallings, Kawasaki
College (18-24): Jesse Wessell, Husqvarna
65cc (7-9): Nico Verhoeven, KTM
250 C Jr. (12-17) Limited: Robert Weiss, Husqvarna
450 B Limited: Leum Oehlhof, Yamaha
85cc (10-12) Limited: Nolan Ford, KTM
Schoolboy 1 (12-17) B/C: Klark Robbins, KTM
Senior (45+): Ronnie Renner, KTM
250 C Limited: Chase Haynes, Kawasaki
Girls (11-16): Mayla Herrick, Husqvarna
65cc (10-11): Easton Graves, KTM
Micro-E (4-7) Limited: Jarrett Tincher, Cobra
Micro 2 (4-6) Limited: Kameron Buckman, Cobra
Micro 3 (7-8) Limited: Kannon Zabojnik, Cobra
Micro 1 (4-6) Shaft Dr. Ltd.: Brody Jones, Yamaha
Day 4 – Friday
A second day of weather delays on Friday morning resulted in a condensed schedule for the fourth day of action at the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, presented by AMSOIL. Racing started in the late morning, which led to a jam-packed afternoon schedule and ultimately pushed back all the third, championship-deciding motos to Saturday’s finale.
Moto 2: 250 Pro Sport
After an impressive ride in the first moto, GASGAS Team rider Mark Fineis made things easier on himself in Moto 2 of 250 Pro Sport by capturing the STACYC Holeshot. Fineis’ lead didn’t last long as GASGAS rider Evan Ferry took over the top spot, only to crash out of the lead and hand the position back to Fineis. Moto 1 winner Julien Beaumer started deep in the top 10 aboard his KTM Orange Brigade ride.
The clear track in slick conditions paid big for Fineis as his lead continued to grow. Towers soon took over second from West, but faced a deficit of more than 10 seconds to Fineis. Multiple riders took turns running third, until Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Daxton Bennick asserted himself into the spot following a 15th-place start. Further back, Beaumer experienced misfortune after getting stuck under his KTM following a crash but successfully returned to the track, well out of contention.
Fineis went wire-to-wire to seize control of the overall classification entering the third and final moto. Bennick’s stellar charge landed him in second, while Towers held on for third.
250 Pro Sport Moto 2 Results
- Mark Finies, Westfield, Ind., GASGAS
- Daxton Bennick, Morganton, N.C., Yamaha
- Gavin Towers, Venetia, Pa., Yamaha
- Trevin Nelson, Stokesdale, N.C., Yamaha
- Parker Ross, Herald, Calif., Honda
Moto 2: Schoolboy 2 (12/17) B/C
After a breakthrough ride to claim a moto win in 250 B, Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Krystian Janik brought momentum for the second moto of Schoolboy 2. Janik led the field into the first turn to open the moto with the STACYC Holeshot, while misfortune struck both Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Casey Cochran, the Moto 1 winner, and Logan Best.
The clear track helped Janik open up an early lead while his Team Green counterparts Drew Adams and Enzo Temmerman gave chase. A miscue by Adams cost him several spots and allowed Temmerman to assume second, while a fierce battle ensued between KTM rider Jordan Renfrow and GASGAS rider Landin Pepperd.
Temmerman kept his Kawasaki teammate honest, but some mistakes late in the moto allowed Janik to finish in full control of the moto. Temmerman made it a Team Green 1-2, while Pepperd got the better of GASGAS rider Casey Benard Jr, with a late pass for third. The win puts Janik atop the overall classification with one moto remaining, followed by Temmerman and Cochran.
Schoolboy 2 (12-17) B/C Moto 2 Results
- Krystian Janik, Oak Lawn, Ill., Kawasaki
- Enzo Temmerman, Visalia, Calif. Kawasaki
- Landin Pepperd, Wasilla, Ala., GASGAS
- Drew Adams, Chattanooga, Tenn., Kawasaki
- Casey Cochran, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna
Moto 2: 450 B Limited
After trading wins throughout the week, NSA Yamaha Amateur Factory Team rider Leum Oehlhof and KTM Orange Brigade’s Jeremy Fappani had the chance to square off once more in the second moto of 450 B Limited. However, a tale of two starts ultimately gave Oehlhof a significant upper hand on Fappani, who found himself outside the top 10 out the gate.
Oehlhof positioned himself near the front of the field and methodically worked his way forward with passes on Honda rider Alvin Hillan for third, KTM rider Reece Clason for second, and eventually early leader and STACYC Holeshot recipient Tommy Callow.
Oehlhof took the lead with his fastest lap of the moto and quickly established a major 10 second advantage over the field. While the Yamaha rider ran away with the moto, a multitude of riders traded third place over the course of the race. Husqvarna rider Evan Stewart secured a firm grasp of third and pressured Callow for the runner-up spot.
Oehlhof surged to another moto win while Fappani never factored into the race, getting as high as seventh before a miscue dropped him outside the top 10 once more. Back out front, Oehlhof captured the moto win with ease over Stewart, while Callow completed the moto podium. Fappani settled for eighth. Oehlhof sits in control of his own destiny headed into the final moto, while Fappani sits tied with Yamaha rider Jadon Cooper for second, several points behind.
450 B Limited Moto 2 Results
- Leum Oehlhof, Oak Hills, Calif., Yamaha
- Evan Stewart, Canada, Husqvarna
- Tommy Callow, Dade City, Fla., KTM
- Jadon Cooper, Baytown, Texas, Yamaha
- Reece Wheaton, Irvine, Pa., Kawasaki
Moto 2: Supermini 2 (13-16)
After capturing the Supermini 1 victory on Thursday a motivated and confident Deacon Denno lined up for Moto 2 in Supermini 2 looking for more success.
As the field exited the first turn, KTM rider Canyon Richards was leading the way for the STACYC Holeshot with the KTM of Logan Mortberg tucked in behind him. Giving chase behind the front pair was Denno and Moto 1 winner Landen Gordon aboard his Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green machine.
Denno went on the attack and was able to make the move around Mortberg for second and applied heavy pressure on Richards for the top spot before taking control of the moto on the second lap. Gordon made his move into third and continued a battle with Mortberg for the position.
Both Denno and Richards were able to pull away from the field, with Denno comfortably ahead. Richards encountered misfortune in the late stages of the moto and was unable to finish, which allowed Gordon to take second on the final lap. Denno took the moto win by more than 20 seconds over Gordon, while KTM Orange Brigade’s Seth Dennis clawed his way into third after overcoming an eighth-place start.
Supermini 2 (13-16) Moto 2 Results
- Deacon Denno, Malakoff, Texas, Husqvarna
- Landen Gordon, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki
- Seth Dennis, Groveland, Fla., KTM
- Cole Timboe, Calimesa, Calif., KTM
- Logan Mortberg, Pierson, Fla., KTM
Moto 2: 85cc (10-12) Limited
The second moto of 85cc Limited saw the KTM of Nolan Ford surge out to the early lead after grabbing the STACYC Holeshot with the GASGAS of Darren Pine in pursuit. Ford looked to take advantage of the clear track but a determined Pine made the pass and soon sprinted out to a multi-second advantage as Ford settled into second. Behind the leaders the Husqvarna of Braxtyn Mes moved up to third and looked to track down Ford.
Pine continued to lead, which expanded to more than 20 seconds over the second half of the moto. Ford, meanwhile, needed to minimize mistakes to keep a persistent Mes at bay. Pine was never challenged and successfully rebounded from his disqualification in Moto 1 to capture the Moto 2 win.
A strong close to the moto allowed Ford to maintain his runner-up result, while Mes followed in third. Pine’s consistent 2-2 finishes have him poised to bring home the title entering the third and final moto.
85cc (10-12) Limited Moto 2 Results
- Darren Pine, Montgomery, Texas, GASGAS
- Nolan Ford, Fairfield, Calif., KTM
- Braxtyn Mes, Temecula, Calif., Husqvarna
- Wyatt Duff, Lexington, Ky., KTM
- Chase Dashiell, Fairfax Station, Va., KTM
Moto 2: 65cc (10-11)
When the field stormed out the gate to open the second moto it was EastonGraves out front for the STACYC Holeshot, taking full advantage to establish a lead of nearly eight seconds by the completion of the opening lap.
The big lead proved to be all Graves needed to dominate the moto. He increased his advantage to double digits while JK Powersports KTM’s Jackson Vick held an equally firm hold on second place, well clear of any challengers.
Graves was in a class of his own and wrapped up another moto win to establish a 1-1 entering the final moto. Vick finished strong in the runner-up spot, while GASGAS rider Eidan Steinbrecher prevailed with the third and final spot on the podium.
65cc (10-11) Moto 2 Results
- Easton Graves, Walker, La., KTM
- Jackson Vick, Highland Village, Texas, KTM
- Eidan Steinbrecher, Fair Oaks, Calif., GASGAS
- Chase Brennan, Winchester, Calif., KTM
- Dylan Graham, Canyon Lake, Calif., Husqvarna
Friday Winners
250 C Jr. (12-17) Limited: Robert Weiss, Woodland, N.J., Husqvarna
Schoolboy 1 (12-17) B/C: Klark Robbins, Shamong, N.J., KTM
Senior (45+): Ronnie Renner, Floral City, Fla., KTM
250 C Limited: Chase Haynes, Scottsdale, Ariz., Kawasaki
Girls (11-16): Mayla Herrick, Thornton, Colo., Husqvarna
Micro 3 (4-7) Limited: Jarrett Tincher, Elkview, W. Va., Cobra
Micro 1 (4-6) Shaft Dr LTD: Brody Jones, Blair, Neb., Yamaha
Micro 2 (4-6) Limited: Kameron Buckman, Huntington, N.Y., Cobra
Micro 3 (7-8) Limited: Kannon Zabojnik, Rowlett, Texas, Cobra
Day 3 – Thursday
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms forced an extended delay at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch on Thursday. When racing resumed, racers were greeted with a wet and challenging racetrack, which resulted in an unpredictable afternoon of competition.
Moto 2: 250 B Limited
The only class not affected by the rain was 250 B Limited, which opened the morning before the eventual weather delay. After a win in Moto 1, NSA Yamaha Amateur Factory Team rider Leum Oehlhof entered the second moto as the rider to beat, but another victory would include resistance from KTM Orange Brigade’s Jeremy Fappani.
Riders were greeted to a damp racetrack as the field stormed out the starting gate, from which Yamaha rider Thomas Ralston appeared to secure the STACYC Holeshot before Fappani went to the lead. With his rival out front, Oehlhof was forced to do work on the opening laps to overcome a top 10 start. Despite the slippery conditions, Oehlhof carved his way through the field with ease and soon slotted in behind Fappani in second.
More than 10 seconds separated the lead rivals just two laps into the moto, but it was apparent that Oehlhof liked the conditions. He soon started to take big chunks out of his deficit to Fappani. At the midway point of the moto, Oehlhof had closed to within striking distance of the lead. As he looked to mount a charge and pressure Fappani, Oehlhof suffered a costly tip over that ultimately ended his hopes of another moto win.
The clear track off the start was the difference maker for Fappani as he led every lap en route to the Moto 2 win. Oehlhof followed all alone in second, while KTM rider Grayson Fair rounded out the moto podium in third. With identical finishes through the first two motos, Fappani and Oehlhof are now set up for a winner-take-all showdown in Moto 3, which will commence on Friday.
250 B Limited Moto 2 Results
- Jeremy Fappani, Scottsdale, Ariz., KTM
- Leum Oehlhof, Oak Hills, Calif., Yamaha
- Grayson Fair, Jonesboro, La., KTM
- Thomas Ralston, Dalhart, Texas, Yamaha
- Trace Holland, Spicewood, Texas, KTM
Moto 2: 250 B
All eyes were on Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Casey Cochran as the 250 B field lined onto the starting gate for moto two. Cochran came into the day undefeated and had yet to be seriously challenged in any moto.
As the field emerged from the first turn it was the Yamaha of Rodrigo Borges out front for the STACYC Holeshot. He was soon passed by the KTM of Jordan Renfro and several other riders as AEO Powersports GASGAS’ Casey Benard Jr. grabbed the lead, followed by the Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green duo of Krystian Janik and Drew Adams.
Benard held a tenuous lead for the opening laps as Janik was all over his rear fender. The Kawasaki rider’s persistence finally paid off as he seized control of the moto on the third lap. Behind this, the hunt for the 250 B title took a dramatic turn when Cochran, who was running sixth, was on the side of the track favoring his right arm. The Moto 1 winner’s race was over, along with his title aspirations, which opened the door for another rider to grab control of the class.
Once in the lead, Janik was able to increase his pace and laid down the fastest lap of the moto just past halfway to push his advantage to nearly 10 seconds. After a persistent battle with Benard, Adams took control of second and brought along NSA Yamaha Amateur Factory Team rider Logan Best with him into third.
Janik’s control of the moto was never in doubt and he easily took the win over Adams for a Team Green 1-2, while Best rounded out the top three. Adams is the lone rider in the class to post back-to-back podiums, which has put him in control of his own destiny entering the final moto on Friday.
250 B Moto 2 Results
- Krystian Janik, Oak Lawn, Ill., Kawasaki
- Drew Adams, Chattanooga, Tenn., Kawasaki
- Logan Best, North Port, Fla., Yamaha
- Casey Benard Jr., Gilbert, Ariz., GASGAS
- Jordan Renfro, Lake Park, Ga., KTM
Moto 2: Masters (50+)
After a miscue cost him the Moto 1 victory on Tuesday, Munn Racing KTM’s Mike Brown entered Thursday’s second Masters moto focused on reasserting his dominance. While a challenge from fellow KTM-mounted legend Jeff Emig was to be expected, Brown’s overwhelming success at the Ranch speaks for itself.
Brown grabbed the STACYC Holeshot with relative ease to start the moto. With a clear track ahead, he sprinted away on the opening lap to establish an initial lead of nearly five seconds over Emig, who jockeyed his way into second place. The pair proceeded to distance themselves from the rest of the field for a head-to-head battle that never fully materialized.
Brown’s fastest lap of the moto came just prior to the midway point of the race and came just before Emig endured through some misfortune to post his slowest lap of the moto. The saw the lead expand to more than a half minute, ending any hopes of a battle between the two. Brown went wire-to-wire to capture the Moto 2 victory while Emig followed in a distant second. More than 90 seconds behind the lead in third was Suzuki rider Barry Carsten.
Masters (50+) Moto 2 Results
- Mike Brown, Bluff City, Tenn., KTM
- Jeff Emig, Riverside, Calif., KTM
- Barry Carsten, Bayville, N.J., Suzuki
- Gregory Pamart, Birdsboro, Pa., Kawasaki
- Brian Carroll Jr., Vineland, N.J., Yamaha
Moto 2: Mini Sr. 1 (12-14)
One of the more unexpected outcomes came in Mini Sr. 1, where KTM rider Jayce Wolf, Husqvarna rider Vincent Wey, GASGAS rider Jonathan Getz, and KTM rider Cole Blecha all figured to be factors in the battle for the win. Instead, a rider who didn’t even finish inside the top 10 in Moto 1 stole the spotlight.
Wey put his Husqvarna out front and raced to the STACYC Holeshot. However, the slippery track conditions caused him to lose traction and go down in front of his rivals and dropped him to the tail end of the field. That opened the door for KTM rider Dakota Baker to take control of the moto. Interestingly enough, it was the last time any other rider would have a shot at challenging for the top spot.
Baker, who finished 15th in Moto 1, was exceptional in his ability to navigate the conditions. His posted the fastest single lap of the race on the second to last lap which helped his advantage surpass 20 seconds.
Baker was in a class of his own out front and captured a surprising moto win over Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Carson Wood, who also never factored in the opening moto battle. Completing the moto podium was another shock in GASGAS rider Austin Camden.
As a result of the wild action in Moto 2, the Super Mini 1 crown now has four riders within three points of one another heading into the third moto. Both favorites, Wolf and Wey, will face steep odds in their hopes of capturing the title.
Mini Sr. 1 (12-14) Moto 2 Results
- Dakota Baker, Bowling Green, Ind., KTM
- Carson Wood, Zephyrhills, Fla., Kawasaki
- Austin Camden, Edmond, Okla., GASGAS
- Colby Lessar, Centennial, Colo., KTM
- Cole Blecha, Fruita, Colo., KTM
Moto 2: Supermini 1 (12-15)
Husqvarna rider Deacon Denno seized the moment with the STACYC Holeshot which put him out front ahead of his toughest rivals. Riders jockeyed for position behind Denno, including Moto 1 winner, KTM Orange Brigade rider Seth Dennis and Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Landen Gordon.
With each lap, Denno’s lead continued to grow, as Dennis and Gordon were doing their best to make passes after starting sixth and eighth, respectively. Gordon appeared to settle into a nice flow which allowed him to run the fastest lap of the moto and surpass Dennis on the way to fourth. He continued forward and found his way into the top three. Gordon continued his push to improve another position for third over KTM rider Canyon Richards.
Denno maintained a double-digit margin throughout most of the moto before backing it down for a big moto win. Gordon put in a valiant effort to secure the runner-up spot, while Richards fended off a late push by Dennis to secure third. The chase for the Supermini 1 crown will come down to Denno, Gordon, and Dennis. The third and final moto is scheduled for Saturday.
Supermini 1 (12-15) Moto 2 Results
- Deacon Denno, Malakoff, Texas, Husqvarna
- Landen Gordon, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki
- Canyon Richards, Estell Manor, N.J., KTM
- Seth Dennis, Groveland, Fla., KTM
- Logan Mortberg, Pierson, Fla., KTM
Thursday Winners
65cc (10-11) Limited: Jaydin Smart, Berry Creek, Calif., Cobra
125 Jr. (12-17) B/C: Kyle Paleologos, Auburn Ala., Yamaha
Junior (25+): Jeremy Fappani, Scottsdale, Ariz., KTM
250 C: Wyatt Thurman, Burleson, Texas, KTM
WMX: Ronnie Renner, Floral City, Fla., KTM
College (18-24): Chase Haynes, Scottsdale, Ariz., Kawasaki
65cc (7-9): Easton Graves, Walker, La., KTM
Day 2 – Wednesday
Day two of racing witnessed 22 more gate drops from sun up to sun down. The roster finished up all the first motos and even dipped into the second motos for some classes.
Moto 1: 250 Pro Sport
After a dominant performance in Open Pro Sport on Tuesday, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider Daxton Bennick was one to watch in 250 Pro Sport. However, Bennick would no doubt face challenges from the likes of KTM Orange Brigade’s Julien Beaumer, GASGAS riders Evan Ferry and Mark Fineis, Rock River Yamaha’s Avery Long, and NSA Yamaha Amateur Factory Team rider Gavin Towers.
Out the gate it was Towers who led the field briefly but was soon overcome by Beaumer before the completion of the opening lap. Muc-Off/FXR/ClubMX Yamaha’s Trevin Nelson slotted into third ahead of Yamaha rider Brad West, while Ferry completed the top five. Bennick was several spots back deep in the top 10, with Fineis also outside the top 10.
The clear track allowed Beaumer to build a multi-second advantage over Towers, who also distanced himself from the rest of the field. Both West and Ferry were able to get by Nelson and each rider held onto the third spot for a brief period, but Fineis was on a charge through the field. After he methodically improved one position each of the opening laps, he was able to pass multiple riders through the halfway point of the moto and soon found his way into podium position in third. As the fastest rider on the track, the GASGAS rider quickly caught Towers and made the pass for second with a couple laps remaining.
Beaumer enjoyed a pressure-free ride to capture his first moto win of the week, while Fineis impressed in his climb to second. Towers parlayed his strong start into a third-place finish. Bennick was unable to make up the kind of ground he did in Open Pro Sport and was never a factor, ultimately settling for seventh.
250 Pro Sport Moto 1 Results
- Julien Beaumer, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., KTM
- Mark Fineis, Westfield, Ind., GASGAS
- Gavin Towers, Venetia, Pa., Yamaha
- Avery Long, New London, Minn., Yamaha
- Jayden Clough, Elko New Market, Minn., Kawasaki
Moto 1: Schoolboy 2 (12-17) B/C
With a win in 250 B to start the week, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Casey Cochran was another rider garnering attention in Schoolboy 2. Another stacked field also featured the Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green riders of Drew Adams, Krystian Janik, and Enzo Temmerman, along with NSA Yamaha Amateur Factory Team rider Logan Best.
As the field emerged from the first turn it was Janik out front accompanied by his teammate Temmerman. They easily paced the field through the opening laps, during which Temmerman made the pass for the lead. Their battle allowed Best to close in from third after starting fourth. Best was the faster rider of the trio and was patient in his pass on Janik for second. He shadowed Temmerman for a couple laps before going on to take the lead halfway through the moto. Their battle continued, as the pair traded the top spot several times.
As the lead trio duked it out, Cochran was making his charge to the front. The Husqvarna rider didn’t get a great start but he wasted no time picking off riders in the opening laps. He soon made it a four-rider affair, running the fastest laps on the track which allowed him to go from fourth to first in just two laps. Once he took control of the moto Cochran never looked back.
Cochran stormed to his second moto win in as many days, doing so with a savvy climb through the field, while Best kept him honest through the finish in second. Janik reclaimed third from his teammate late to secure the final spot on the moto podium.
Schoolboy 2 (12-17) B/C Moto 1 Results
- Casey Cochran, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna
- Logan Best, North Port, Fla., Yamaha
- Krystian Janik, Oak Lawn, Ill., Kawasaki
- Enzo Temmerman, Visalia, Calif., Kawasaki
- Drew Adams, Chattanooga, Tenn., Kawasaki
Moto 1: Schoolboy 1 (12-17) B/C
Following an impressive victory in 125 Jr. (12-17) B/C on Tuesday, GASGAS Amateur Team rider Tiger Wood made an even bigger statement on Wednesday during the first moto of Schoolboy 1.
The GasGas rider put himself at the front of the field from the outset of the moto, ahead of the Husqvarna of Owen Covell and the KTM of Klark Robbins. The clear track allowed Wood to sprint out to a multi-second advantage that grew to nearly double digits.
The rider on the move was EBR Performance/Altus Motorsports Yamaha’s Landon Hartz, who started the moto in ninth but rocketed up the running order to take control of second at the halfway mark. Hartz continued to run the fastest laps on the track to chip away at his deficit to Wood, but the GASGAS rider managed his comfortable lead, riding conservative but consistent lap times to bring home his second win of the week. Hartz turned heads with his resiliency and strong finish in second, while GASGAS rider Carter Malcolm rounded out the top three.
Schoolboy 1 (12-17) B/C Moto 1 Results
- Tiger Wood, Cairo, Ga., GASGAS
- Landon Hartz, Wilsonville, Ala., Yamaha
- Carter Malcolm, Elizabeth, Colo., GASGAS
- Jesson Turner, Wills Point, Texas, GASGAS
- Kade Johnson, Hideaway, Texas, Yamaha
Moto 1: Supermini 1 (12-15) & Supermini 2 (13-16)
The two respective Supermini classes finished the first round of motos, with talent headlined by KTM Orange Brigade’s Seth Dennis, Husqvarna rider Deacon Denno, and Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Landen Gordon. All three riders were in the mix across both classes.
Supermini 1 opened the morning, and it was Dennis who controlled the moto from start to finish. The young racer got a stellar jump out the gate to easily claim the STACYC Holeshot and quickly gapped the field by nearly 10 seconds. Denno started the moto in third and soon took control of second, which allowed him to keep Dennis honest throughout the remainder of the moto. Dennis and Denno were never challenged out front and finished 1-2, while Gordon endured an adventure of a moto to ultimately claim the final podium spot. After starting all the way back in 28th, Gordon managed to pass 25 riders to break into the top three.
The final class to complete its first moto was Supermini 2 with KTM rider Max Shane out front early. He was quickly overcome by Gordon, who was determined to reverse his fortune from earlier in the day. He appeared to have control of the moto until an early tip over dropped the Kawasaki rider from first to fourth. That handed the lead to KTM rider Canyon Richards and initiated a three-rider battle with the KTM mounted duo of Dennis and Cole Timboe. This played back into the hands of Gordon who fought back to the tail of the KTM trio and made quick passes to reclaim the top spot just a couple of laps after his misfortune. Once he regained the lead Gordon inched away and carried on to take the moto win. A late pass by Richards helped him finish second, while Timboe settled for third.
Supermini 1 (12-15) Moto 1 Results
- Seth Dennis, Groveland, Fla., KTM
- Deacon Denno, Malakoff, Texas, Husqvarna
- Landen Gordon, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki
- McKayden Fitch, Elbert, Colo., Husqvarna
- Brennon Harrison, Jacksonville, Fla., KTM
Supermini 2 (13-16) Moto 1 Results
- Landen Gordon, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki
- Canyon Richards, Estell Manor, N.J., KTM
- Cole Timboe, Calimesa, Calif., KTM
- Seth Dennis, Groveland, Fla., KTM
- Deacon Denno, Malakoff, Texas, Husqvarna
Moto 2: Open Pro Sport
Open Pro Sport highlighted the second motos that concluded Wednesday’s racing as Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Daxton Bennick looked to pick up where he left off . Unfortunately for his competitors, that’s exactly what happened.
Bennick opened the moto with the early advantage and grabbed the early lead over NSA Yamaha Amateur Factory Team rider Gavin Towers. The Yamaha rivals were chased briefly by former pro Ben Lamay aboard his KTM, but soon distanced themselves as Bennick’s lead grew to over five seconds. As Towers settled into second, Julien Beaumer, fresh off his 250 Pro Sport win, was forced to battle his way from a ninth place start but broke into the top five by the midway point.
Beaumer closed onto the rear fender of Triangle Cycles Yamaha’s Bryce Shelly, who ran third for most of the moto, and successfully made the pass with just a handful of laps remaining. Beaumer then set his sights on Towers, who had fallen back more than 10 seconds to Bennick. Once he got close enough, Beaumer made quick work of Towers to take over the runner-up spot.
Bennick never put a wheel wrong and looked even more impressive en route to his second moto win. Beaumer’s valiant effort was rewarded with a second-place result, while Towers once again leveraged his good start into a podium result in third.
Open Pro Sport Moto 2 Results
- Daxton Bennick, Morganton, N.C., Yamaha
- Julien Beaumer, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., KTM
- Gavin Towers, Venetia, Pa., Yamaha
- Bryce Shelly, Telford, Pa., Yamaha
- Parker Ross, Herald, Calif., Honda
Wednesday Winners
Moto 1
65cc (7-9): Jaydin Smart, Berry Creek, Calif., Cobra
250 C Jr. (12-17) Limited: Kyle Paleologos, Auburn Ala., Yamaha
450 B Limited: Jeremy Fappani, Scottsdale, Ariz., KTM
85cc (10-12) Limited: Wyatt Thurman, Burleson, Texas, KTM
Senior (45+): Ronnie Renner, Floral City, Fla., KTM
250 C Limited: Chase Haynes, Scottsdale, Ariz., Kawasaki
Girls (11-16): Mayla Herrick, Thornton, Colo., Husqvarna
65cc (10-11): Easton Graves, Walker, La., KTM
Moto 2
Vet (30+): Carlos Badiali, Venezuela, Yamaha
450 B: Jadon Cooper, Baytown, Texas, Yamaha
125 C: Makai Olerich, Waddell, Ariz., KTM
85cc (10-12): Wyatt Thurman, Burleson, Texas, KTM
65cc (7-9) Limited: Jaydin Smart, Berry Creek, Calif., Cobra
Mini Sr. 2 (13-15): Jayce Wolf, Franklin, Wis., KTM
450 C: Makai Olerich, Waddell, Ariz., KTM
Day 2 Recap
Day 1
Racing at The Ranch is officially underway as the action kicked off on Tuesday with a full slate of 23 motos. Tuesday was the first opportunity for title hopefuls to make their first statement in the tension-filled week that lies ahead for 36 different classes.
Moto 1: Open Pro Sport
One of the most high-profile classes at the Ranch, lots of attention is centered on Open Pro Sport. Yamaha rider Mitchell Frantz emerged with the STACYC Holeshot, but was quickly overtaken by Bryce Shelley, followed by GASGAS rider Evan Ferry and Honda rider Noah Viney. The Yamahas of Keegan Rowley and Daxton Bennick slotted into fourth and fifth, respectively.
A few laps in, Bennick went on the charge and began a march to the front. He moved into the top three by the completion of the second lap and didn’t relent, passing both Viney and Shelley on the same lap to seize control of the moto. He then dropped his fastest lap to establish a gap he would never relinquish.
As Bennick walked away, the action for a moto podium saw early frontrunners of Shelly, Viney, and Ferry coming under pressure from a bevy of hard chargers. After starting ninth, Parker Ross piloted his Honda into the top five and continued into the top three halfway through the moto. Right behind him, Yamaha rider Avery Long was on a big move forward from 15th. Shelly went from the early lead to dropping multiple positions in the second half of the moto, while Viney battled it out with Ross and Long.
Bennick took an assertive opening moto win by a double-digit margin, while Long closed out the moto strong with a late pass on Ross for the runner-up spot. Ross followed closely in third.
Open Pro Sport Moto 1 Results
- Daxton Bennick, Morganton, N.C., Yamaha
- Avery Long, New London, Minn., Yamaha
- Parker Ross, Herald, Calif., Honda
- Mark Fineis, Westfield, Ind., GASGAS
- Gavin Towers, Venetia, Pa., Yamaha
Moto 1: 250 B
Fresh off a win at the first Moto Combine in July, Husqvarna rider Casey Cochran carried the momentum into the Ranch and won the opening moto of 250 B. Out the gate it was Hayes Edward who led through the first turn.
As Cochran looked to establish a lead, Kawasaki rider Aden Keefer made his own push into second and dropped Edwards to third. Misfortune struck Edwards on the next lap and which notched another Kawasaki rider, Drew Adams into third. Adams eventually got the better of Keefer and took second.
While the lead duo asserted themselves out front, a multi-rider battle for third headlined the second half of the moto. Keefer fended off GASGAS rider Landin Pepperd and Kawasaki rider Enzo Temmerman for several laps, but eventually dropped from third to fifth as both his rivals got by. Temmerman found his way from fifth to third on a single lap and successfully established some breathing room over Pepperd in fourth.
Cochran built his lead to more than 20 seconds in the closing laps and cruised to a dominant opening moto win. Adams climbed from sixth off the start to an impressive runner-up effort, while Temmerman also impressed from 13th to third.
250 B Moto 1 Results
- Casey Cochran, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna
- Drew Adams, Chattanooga, Tenn., Kawasaki
- Enzo Temmerman, Visalia, Calif., Kawasaki
- Landin Pepperd, Wasilla, Alaska, GASGAS
- Aden Keefer, Hesperia, Calif., Kawasaki
Moto 1: Mini Sr. 1 (12-14) & Mini Sr. 2 (13-15)
Coming into Loretta’s, Vincent Wey, Cole Blecha, Jonathan Getz, Colby Lessar, and Jayce Wolf were all poised to be the top minibike contenders. All riders were in the mix across the Mini Sr. 1 and Mini Sr. 2 divisions.
The first of the two classes to hit the track was Mini Sr. 2 with Wolf making his presence known with the first STACYC Holeshot. However, Wey quickly managed to storm around Wolf into the lead right as the field completed the opening lap. Wey was able to sprint out to an early lead while Getz fought his way around Wolf for second. Lessar was also able to get around Wolf for third.
Wey and Getz started to distance themselves while the battle for third continued with KTM mounted trio of Lessar, Wolf, and Blecha. Wey carried on to the moto win with Getz and Blecha rounding out the podium.
When the gate dropped on Mini Sr. 1 it was KTM rider Chadwick Nower grabbing the holeshot. He held onto the lead for several turns before Wey passed for the lead again. The ability to get out front early allowed Wey to establish a multi-second advantage over Wolf, who moved into second, ahead of Blecha in third and Getz in fourth.
Wey enjoyed control of the majority of the moto and managed a handful second margin over Wolf. Wolf’s persistance paid dividends when Wey crashed out of the lead after he cross-rutted and went down, allowing Wolf to assume the lead. Wey mounted another charge but another miscue put him on the ground and saw him drop off the moto podium. Wolf closed out the moto win over Getz in second, with Blecha in third and Wey fourth.
Mini Sr. 1 (12-14) Moto 1 Results
Jayce Wolf, Franklin, Wis., KTM
Jonathan Getz, Old Town, Fla., GASGAS
Cole Blecha, Fruita, Colo., KTM
Vincent Wey, Murrieta, Calif., Husqvarna
Colby Lessar, Centennial, Colo., KTM
Click for Full Results
Mini Sr. 2 (13-15) Moto 1 Results
Vincent Wey, Murrieta, Calif., Husqvarna
Jonathan Getz, Old Town, Fla., GASGAS
Cole Blecha, Fruita, Colo., KTM
Colby Lessar, Centennial, Colo., KTM
Jayce Wolf, Franklin, Wis., KTM
Vet (30+): Broc Peterson, Delta, Ohio, Honda
450 B: Nicolas Israel, Lake Elsinore, Calif., GASGAS
125 C: Makai Olerich, Waddell, Ariz, KTM
85cc (10-12): Darren Pine, Montgomery, Texas, GASGAS
65cc (7-9) Limited: Kade Nightingale, Mounds, Okla., Yamaha
450 C: Chase Haynes, Scottsdale, Ariz., Kawasaki
250 B Limited: Leum Oehlhof, Oak Hilla, Calif., Yamaha
65cc (10-11) Limited: Jackson Vick, Highland Village, Texas, KTM
125 Jr. (12-17) B/C: Tiger Wood, Cairo, Ga., GASAS
Junior (25+): Heath Harrison, Silverhill, Ala., Honda
250 C: Damion Holmes, Kaneohe, Hawaii, Husqvarna
WMX: Kyleigh Stallings, Yukin, Okla., Kawasaki
College (18-24): Jaxon Pascal, Hudson, Colo., Honda
Micro 1 (4-6) Shaft Dr. Ltd.: Ollie Johnson, Alva, Fla., Yamaha
Micro-E (4-7) Limited: Levi Meyer, Okeechobee, Fla., KTM
Micro 2 (4-6) Limited: Kameron Buckman, Huntington, N.Y., Cobra
Micro 3 (7-8) Limited: Abshur Hall, Morganton, N.C., Cobra
Tuesday Recap Video