The Kioti Armstrong Truck & Tractor American Woods Racing Championship Series (AWRCS), presented by Lojaks Cycle Sales and an AMA East Regional Championship, continued its 2026 season in St. Clairsville, Ohio, July 11-12, for the Nine2 Powerline Park race as the series officially crossed the halfway point of the season. Keihin Rupp emerged victorious after an impressive race.
Story by Kate Stiller | Photos by Taylor Carratura
The riders faced one of the most recognizable courses on the AWRCS schedule as Nine2’s Powerline Park once again featured its signature Powerline Creek Jump along with a demanding mix of fast fields, wooded trail and technical terrain. When the green flag flew, Rupp wasted no time taking control of the race, leading from the opening lap through the checkered flag. Rupp set the pace throughout all four laps, consistently turning the fastest times of the day to earn the overall victory.
Behind the leader, the battle for the remaining podium positions unfolded between defending series champion Sawyer Carratura and Jay Lipscomb. Carratura held second on the opening lap before Lipscomb moved into the runner-up position on laps two and three. Carratura remained within striking distance, however, reclaiming second on the final lap to earn the runner-up finish, while Lipscomb completed the overall podium in third.
Further back, Carlo Clary steadily worked his way forward after beginning the race in fifth. Clary moved into fourth on the third lap and maintained the position through the checkered flag to secure a top five overall finish. Joshua Staats also put together a consistent ride, remaining inside the top five throughout the day to round out the XC-Pro overall in fifth.
In the XC-Pro Amateur division, 2024 AWRCS overall champion Mack Riemer put together a flawless ride of his own, leading every lap to take home the class victory and finish fourth overall. Ruger Morgan maintained second from start to finish to earn the runner-up position, while Tanner Stennett completed the podium in third after a consistent ride that saw him hold the final podium spot all day.
The XC-Women class saw Sahara Robinson earn her third consecutive victory of the season after taking control of the race on the second lap. Madison Harmon set the early pace and led the opening circuit, but Robinson made the move into the lead on lap two and held it through the final lap to secure the win aboard her KTM. Harmon finished second after a strong ride, while Giada Peluso rounded out the podium in third.
In the Youth Bike division, Hunter Hawkinberry continued his dominant 2026 campaign by leading every lap to take home another win. Evan Porter put together a strong ride to finish second overall after moving into the runner-up position on the second lap, while Derek Deal completed the overall podium in third. Dalton Yeany finished fourth overall, with Ty Behrendt earning fifth overall and the top spot in the YB-Supermini B class.
With the series now past the halfway point of the season, the AWRCS championship heads to round seven at Riverfront Raceway in West Virginia. The event will mark the series’ first visit to the venue, giving riders a fresh challenge as they continue their pursuit of valuable championship points heading into the final stretch of the 2026 season.CN
2026 American Woods Racing Round 6 Results
OVERALL (Top 10)
- Keihin Rupp (Kaw) 1:50:34
- Sawyer Carratura (KTM) 1:52:29
- Jay Lipscomb (Hon) 1:53:26
- Mack Riemer (Hus) 1:54:03
- Carlo Clary (GG) 1:54:26
- Joshua Staats (GG) 1:58:16
- Joe Schriver (Yam) 1:58:31
- Colton Mochtyak (Hus) 1:58:51
- Spencer Knight (Hon) 1:59:08
- Ruger Morgan (Kaw) 1:59:32
