Ponca City 2009: Thursday Champs
Photos/Text: Brent Stallo / David Bulmer
Heath Harrison - 450 Stk Int
There's nothing better than seeing someone enjoying the spoils of victory, so when Heath Harrison crossed the line pumping his fist we couldn't help but join in on the celebration. It was nothing more than Heath deserved, either. After battling hard with Tilford in moto one, he left the field behind in moto two and took the chequered flag by a comfortable margin.Harrison isn't done yet. He's set up for more titles on Saturday, so keep a lookout for his name in the next report.
Tanner Young - 250 2-Stroke Non-Pro
There was some controversy about the 250 2-Stroke Non Pro class victor. As the reports came in that Tanner had cut the track somewhere near the beginning of the race rumor began to spread. However, nothing was ever confirmed so his 2nd place finish stood, giving him a 1-2 result and the class victory. Running in seven classes is never easy so getting a win early on certainly helps with confidence. Hopefully he'll go on and challenge for a few more titles, but if he doesn't, at least he'll have one to take home to the girlfriend.
Stilez Robertson - PW Mod 4-6
Stilez Robertson has won every moto this week in dominating fashion. Robertson has been ripping of titles all year long and he's still got a few more years on a 50cc. But the 50cc class isn't the only one Robertson is capable of winning. After a knock down drag out battle in the 50-450 6-18 Stock/Mod showdown Robertson ended up with yet another amazing win. To see all the race coverage from Robertson's amazing vicotry head on over to Vurbinsider.com.
Zach Bell - 85/150 Mod 14-16
One of the fiercest contested classes Friday was the 85/150 Mod 14-16 where Mitch Oldenburg, Jace Owen, Zach Bell and others went at it in both motos. Oldenburg took the advantage going into race two, but an early crash left him struggling to make up ground. This left Owen and Bell to fight it out with whomever winning the moto, winning the overall. As it turned, there wasn't much of a fight as Bell put the hammer down and took the victory comfortably. Bell has set himself up for numerous titles heading into the final day of racing, one of which being his showdown with Cianciarulo in Supermini Thru 16. Bell is going in with a 1-2 and AC with a 2-1.
Greg Pierce - Plus 40
Congratulations to Greg Pierce for a hard earned 40 Plus title. Pierce went 1-2 on the week to top Taylor Marcell (4-1) and Joe Hitchcock (3-3), respectively.
Trampas Parker - Plus 40 Pro & Plus 30 Pro
When you have World Championships on your resume, winning Ponca should be easy. Well, for two time GP champion Trampas Parker it was. With an FIM World Championship in ’89 and a 250 World Championship in ’91 it’s almost not fair for the rest of the competition. If it weren’t for Parker Don Bisceglia would have been the headline of the day. Bisceglia took an easy second, but was no match for Louisiana’s X-World Champ.
Dean Wilson - 250 Mod Pro
There isn't much left about to say about Dean Wilson this year, he's the rider to beat and everyone knows it. Adding onto his two class victories from yesterday, Dean completed his hat-trick with a smooth performance in the 250 Mod Pro. If this kid doesn't win both his Loretta's classes, there will have been a major upset.
Tyler Bereman - 450 Mod Int
Having come 2nd in moto one, Tyler knew that a victory would be enough to win the class. However, knowing it and doing it are two totally different things. So Tyler put in a ride that removed all doubt from the equation, and even though he was under severe pressure from Gannon Audette the entire moto, he didn't crack and took the win, and his place on top of the podium.
Justin Weeks - 450 Mod Pro
As much as we've been singing the praises of Dean Wilson at Ponca, Justin Weeks deserves an equal amount of credit as he's been the only one to challenge the Canidae rider. However, challenging him and beating him are two totally different things, so when Wilson dropped the Kawi in a corner, Weeks knew this would be his only chance. With still half the race remaining, the Suzuki rider was able to keep his cool and maintain a buffer that would see him through to the finish, allowing him to claim his first class victory of the year.
Brad Allison - 450 Mod Nov
Brad Allison completely dominated the 450 Mod Novice class this week. Allison is currently headed east with high hopes of taking home a Loretta’s title and after watching him throw down at Ponca we have a good feeling about his chances.
Dana Fisher - Plus 30
Local boy Dana Fisher took the top honors in the 30 Plus class. In the last moto of the day Fisher took the win on the roughest track we’ve seen all week. His 2-1 was just good enough to best Kevin Semans 1-3.