The Kioti Armstrong Truck and Tractor American Woods Racing Championship Series (AWRCS), presented by Lojaks Cycle Sales, an AMA East Regional Championship, wrapped up its 2026 season at Rock Run in Patton, Pennsylvania, for round 11, sponsored by Krause Tree and Excavation LLC. With double points on the line for the season finale, racers had one final opportunity to battle for championship positions and close out the year on a high note.
Story by Kate Stiller | Photos by Cammi Kunselman
The Adult Bike race saw Keihin Rupp deliver a dominant performance to close out his championship-winning season. Rupp wasted no time establishing himself at the front of the field, taking the overall lead on the opening lap, with Easton Uplinger following just 32 seconds behind. Uplinger, who had already wrapped up the XC-Pro Amateur Championship at the previous round, made the move up to the XC-Pro class for the season finale. Shawn Myers Jr rounded out the top three, while Ruger Morgan worked his way through the field.
As the race progressed, Uplinger proved he could compete with the XC-Pro riders, narrowing Rupp’s lead to just 16 seconds by the end of the second lap. Myers continued to hold steady in third overall, while Morgan made his way from sixth to fourth overall.
On the third lap, Rupp extended his gap over the field, while Uplinger, Myers and Morgan all remained in their same positions.
When the checkered flag flew, Rupp grabbed his seventh win of the season to lock up the 2026 AWRCS Championship and AMA East Hare Scramble Championship. Behind him, Uplinger delivered an impressive XC-Pro debut, finishing second overall in his first race since moving up from the amateur ranks. Myers Jr completed the overall podium in third, while Morgan claimed fourth overall and the XC-Pro Amateur class victory. Colton Mochtyak battled among the top overall contenders throughout the race before moving into fifth overall on the second-to-last lap. Mochtyak held his position through the checkered flag, rounding out the top five overall and claiming the XC-1A class win.
Madison Harmon closed out the 2026 season with another impressive performance in the Women’s class, leading all four laps to claim the victory. Harmon established an early lead over Giada Peluso and continued extending her advantage throughout the race, ultimately taking the win by over three minutes. Peluso maintained second place throughout the race, while Olivia Huber rounded out the podium in third.
Derek Deal dominated the Youth race, leading all four laps to claim the overall victory. Ty Behrendt kept the pressure on throughout the race but ultimately finished second overall. Sahara Robinson worked her way through the field from seventh to third overall, rounding out the podium. Karson Reese finished fourth overall and claimed the YB-Supermini B class win, while Seth Wolota completed the top five. Despite not competing in the season finale, Hunter Hawkinberry secured the 2026 AWRCS Youth Championship.
Baron Evkovich led all four laps of the PeeWee race, holding off a late charge from Audrey Petrilla to claim the overall victory by just one second. Petrilla finished second overall, followed by Mason Ostrowski in third. Matthew Jewell and Reed Myros rounded out the top five. Despite Evkovich taking the final round victory, Josh Erny secured the 2026 AWRCS PeeWee Championship, earning back-to-back overall championship titles.
The Rock Run season finale brought the 2026 AWRCS Racing Series to an exciting conclusion after 11 rounds of competition. From hard-fought battles to championship-deciding moments, the season showcased the talent and determination of racers across all divisions. With the 2026 champions officially crowned, attention now turns to the offseason with the 2027 season just around the corner.CN
2026 American Woods Racing Round 11 Results
Overall (Top 10)
- Keihin Rupp (Kaw) 2:13:49
- Easton Uplinger (Bet) 2:16:26
- Shawn Myers Jr (Yam) 2:18:21
- Ruger Morgan (Kaw) 2:20:14
- Colton Mochtyak (Hus) 2:23:52
- Seth Miller (Yam) 2:24:28
- Joe Schriver (Yam) 2:24:40
- Spencer Knight (Hon) 2:26:00
- Ethan Waddell (Kaw) 2:26:18
- Jacob Blakely (Hus) 2:26:18
