Taylor Robert won the Glen Helen round of the WORCS series. Photography by Harlen Foley
Taylor Robert claimed his fourth straight WORCS win at Glen Helen Raceway in as many years at round eight of the 2014 Rocky Mountain MC World Off-Road Championship Series, presented by Motoworks and Dirt Bike Magazine. RPM/KTM’s Travis Coy wrapped up the Pro 2 Championship, and Maxxis’ Michael Del Fante clinched the Pro 2 Lites Championship.
It was a scorcher at Glen Helen with a high of 111 degrees, which took its toll on many of the racers and motorcycles, and with the unbearable heat also came the relentless dust that kept the water truck running none stop throughout the race battling the dust, which was kept to a minimum considering the conditions.
Despite the brutal racing conditions, KTM’s Taylor Robert was up to the challenge, once again, as he got off to a great start in the second spot behind RPM/KTM’s Justin Jones, but Robert made the pass on Jones in lap two as he recorded the fastest time of the race and began building on his lead over second place.
Unfortunately for Jones, he snapped a chain, which took him out of the running for a podium finish.
“I didn’t get the holeshot, which I usually get here at Glen Helen, but I got around Justin on the second lap, and just rode my own race,” said Robert. “I had some pretty good lines, and just tried to stay as smooth as possible.”
Robert held the lead to the finish to secure the win. This was his last WORCS race for the season, as he said that he won’t be attending the season finale in Primm. This was just his second WORCS event of the year.
“It feels awesome to be back in the WORCS series because this is where my roots are, and I wish that I could do more of them, but the schedule conflicts with my other races, and I won’t be back for Primm. But it feels great to get my fourth win at Glen Helen.”
Robby Bell rode to a solid second-place finish. Photography by Harlen Foley
Reigning WORCS Champion, Robby Bell, gained some valuable points with his second-place finish at Glen Helen. Bell charged his way past Jones during the fourth lap to take over the second spot, but he wasn’t able to challenge Robert for the win and settled into the second spot for his sixth podium finish of the 2014 WORCS season.
“I got off to a pretty good start, and had a good little battle with JJ [Jones], and I was able to get around him,” Bell said. “Then I was trying to match Robert, but he had the pace today. I hung with him for a couple of laps, and then I made a few mistakes and went down a few times, and that was pretty much it as I hung on to take second, so I am pretty happy.”
NTS’ Gary Sutherlin overcame several obstacles this weekend to score a spot on the podium as he chases after the 2014 WORCS Pro Championship. Nearly a month ago, Sutherlin broke his collarbone, which he had plated, and if that wasn’t enough, he came down with a cold before the race this weekend. To top it off, shortly into the race, he collided with Tim Weigand, which sent him to the back of the pack, but he wasn’t about to give up as he put his head down and quickly charged his way into the top five by the end of the first lap.
Sutherlin continued his charge in the excessive heat to secure the third spot at the checkered flag, which is exactly where he needed to finish to continue his run for the championship.
Gary Sutherlin maintains his points lead with one round to go. Photography by Harlen Foley
“I really want to win this championship, so I wasn’t going to let a cold stop me, and I finished behind Robby [Bell], which I needed to do,” Sutherlin said. “After breaking my collarbone several weeks ago, I am happy to be on the box.”
For the second time this year, the 2013 Baja 1000 Champion, Colton Udall, finished out the day in the fourth spot. “I made some mistakes early because it was pretty hot, but I regrouped and started catching [Justin] Seeds, then he crashed, but I could see he was coming, so I knew that I had to match him and started charging, and finally he let off, which was a breath of fresh air,” said Udall on taking fourth.
Precision Concept’s Justin Seeds held on to round out the top five, which has him fourth in the championship point’s race.
Justin Morgan won the Pro 2 class. Photography by Harlen Foley
In the Pro 2 class, Husqvarna’s Justin Morgan claimed his first win of the season as he ran away from the competition after taking over the lead in the second lap, which moved Morgan into a tie for the second spot in the championship points, but the Pro 2 Championship belongs to RPM/KTM’s Travis Coy who finished in the second spot for his seventh straight podium finish to wrap up the championship with one round remaining.
Travis Coy clinched the Pro 2 class Championship. Photography by Harlen Foley
David Broderick rounded out the top three. He has finished on the podium at all five events that he’s raced this season.
In the Pro 2 Lites class, Focus’ Blayne Thompson secured his third win of the season as took over the lead in lap one and held it to the checkered flag for the win.
Michael Del Fante raced smart and finished in the second spot, which was more than enough to wrap up the Pro 2 Lites Championship. Noah Kepple rounded out the Pro 2 Lites podium in the third spot.
Blayne Thompson won the Pro 2 Lites division. Photography by Harlen Foley
The 2014 World Off-Road Championship Series heads to Buffalo Bill’s Casino and Resort for the season finale October 17-19 in Primm, Nevada.
WORCS
Round 8
September 14, 2014
Glen Helen Raceway
San Bernardino, California
RESULTS
PRO
1. Taylor Robert (KTM)
2. Robby Bell (Kaw)
3. Gary Sutherlin (KTM)
4. Colton Udall (Hon)
5. Justin Seeds (Kaw)
PRO 2
1. Justin Morgan (Hus)
2. Travis Coy (KTM)
3. David Broderick (KTM)
4. Starr Savage (KTM)
5. Erik King (Kaw)
PRO 2 LITES
1. Blayne Thompson (Hon)
2. Michael Del Fante (Yam)
3. Noah Kepple (KTM)
4. Schuyler Schoonmaker (Yam)
5. Travis Damon (Hon)
