2026 WORCS Round 2 Results

| February 17, 2026

The Rocky Mountain ATV/MC WORCS Series returned to the desert over the February 14-15 weekend at Twentynine Palms Motorsports Complex, delivering two full days of close racing, technical challenges, and early-season momentum shifts.

Mason Semmens at 2026 29 Palms WORCS — **Last year’s 250cc champ, Mason Semmens, topped the Pro 450 class for the first time at the Twentynine Palms WORCS round.**

Story & Photos by Connor Moore

Saturday featured the 55-minute Open Pro and Women’s Pro races, while Sunday’s Pro 450 and Pro 250 classes competed in a demanding two-hour format that included a tough, raw Pro section with steep hillclimbs and small rock gardens before rejoining the main course. The added terrain proved to be a key factor in several races. When the dust settled, Mason Semmens was the big winner, topping Sunday’s Pro race.

Saturday’s Open Pro class saw Tristun Alvarez put together a calculated and consistent ride to take the overall victory. After settling in during the opening laps, Alvarez moved into control by lap three and maintained it to the checkered flag. His fastest lap of the race came on lap two with a 9:54.460, setting the tone for the remainder of his effort.

Tristun Alvarez at 2026 29 Palms WORCS — **Tristun Alvarez (114) won Saturday’s Pro Open race.**

Colton Aeck stayed close early and remained within striking distance, ultimately finishing second, while Harlem Nelson rounded out the podium in third after steadily gaining pace as the race went on.

In the Women’s Pro race, action started right away. Maddie Weber and Lauren Woods swapped positions early in the first lap, each briefly taking the lead as they navigated the initial parts of the course. That early exchange set the stage for what looked to be a battle, but once Woods found her rhythm, she began to widen the gap. From there, it was all Woods. She managed the race from the front and finished her performance with the fastest lap of the class on lap five—an 11:23.848—taking the win. Weber rode steadily to finish second, while Dana Raynor rounded out the podium in third.

While Saturday offered its share of excitement, Sunday’s two-hour Pro 450 and Pro 250 races became the weekend’s highlight. The longer race duration combined with the physically demanding Pro Section created a true test of endurance and focus. Riders had to balance aggression with accuracy, especially through the rocky climbs and technical lines that allowed little margin for error.

Cole Zeller at 2026 29 Palms WORCS — **Cole Zeller was the Pro 250-class winner.**

In the Pro 450 class, Dare DeMartile (Beta) started strong and took an early lead. He set a fast pace in the first laps and recorded the race’s quickest lap on lap two with a 10:44.723. Early on, DeMartile seemed in control, navigating the Pro Section smoothly and maintaining a comfortable margin.

However, the turning point came in the Pro Section when DeMartile encountered a fallen lapped rider. The incident disrupted his momentum and allowed Semmens to close in. Semmens, who had been applying steady pressure from just behind, took advantage of the opportunity and made the decisive move into the lead.

Once out front, Semmens never relinquished the lead. Running consistent laps in the 10:58 range, including a 10:58.690 on lap four and a 10:58.674 on lap five, Semmens managed both the technical terrain and the faster desert sections with composure. After earning consecutive Pro 250 Championships, the move to the premier class has been a progression, and Sunday marked a milestone. Semmens claimed his first Pro 450 victory, proving he’s here to stay.

Lauren Woods at 2026 29 Palms WORCS — **Lauren Woods dominated the Women’s Pro class.**

DeMartile regrouped to finish second and earn valuable championship points despite the setback.

Justin Hoeft delivered a steady, measured performance to claim third, completing the Pro 450 podium after two demanding hours.

Further down the order, Tyler Lynn entered the weekend managing a wrist injury sustained just weeks earlier. Instead of sitting out, Lynn lined up with a focus on limiting damage and preserving championship points. Through the physical challenges of the Pro Section and the extended two-hour format, Lynn battled through discomfort to finish fifth, a crucial result that keeps him firmly in the championship hunt.

The Pro 250 race was just as intense. Jake Alvarez took the holeshot to start the race, but the situation changed quickly once the riders entered the Pro section. Cole Zeller wasted little time making a move. By the time the leaders finished the technical terrain, Zeller had taken the lead and was opening the gap. Zeller’s speed was obvious early on. He recorded the fastest lap of the Pro 250 race on lap two with an 11:06.463 and kept control of the lead from there. As the two-hour clock wound down and the course wore on, Zeller stayed calm, navigating traffic and the Pro section without major errors.

Behind him, Sam Pretscherer worked to keep the pressure on. Pretscherer maintained steady mid-11-minute lap times and gradually tried to close the gap. A small mistake in the Pro section, however, allowed Zeller to extend his lead just enough. Despite Pretscherer’s late-race push, the time deficit proved too large to overcome.

Noah Gordon and JP Alvarez both experienced mechanical issues that forced them to retire early from the Pro 250 race.

With the win, Zeller goes two-for-two to start the season, firmly establishing himself as the early championship leader. Pretscherer took second, while Colton Aeck finished third after a steady and consistent ride. CN