As temperatures soared and the humidity increased the Monster Army
marched into the Loretta Lynn Dude Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.
The countries fastest amateur racers have been coming to the
ranch to claim the most prestigious Championship in the country since 1982.
This was set to be a game changing year as the level of riding seems to have
hit a spectacular new high…
The Army got off to a great start with multiple first moto
wins… Lance Kobusch stomped his way to a victory in the Supermini 1 class and a
2nd and 3rd place finish which left him with a 2nd
place championship overall. Lance was caught at the bottom of a huge first corner
pile up which put him out of contention for the Supermini 2 title.
Other stand out rides came from Jon Ames of California in
the 450b class, Jon went 1-2-2 for an overall win in the class. He also showed
speed in the 250b class where he got out to some great second place starts but
crashed out, putting him in 10th overall.
Marky Worth couldn’t catch a break this week, after an
impressive win in the first 250A moto he got caught in some pile up’s then
charged back to a strong 9th position but there wasn’t enough time
on the clock to gain any more positions. Unfortunately Mark was in nasty crash right
off the start gate of his 3rd moto which left him just outside the
top 10 in the 250A class. He did however claim an overall 4th in the
pro sport class.
Some other names to watch out for in the B class next year
will be Jordan Bailey and Tanner Stack. Jordan finished with an awesome 2nd
in Schoolboy 2 and a 4th in the 250B class. Tanner just jumped up to
big bikes and looks strong and hungry to show his speed next year!
There’s not much to say about Garrett Marchbanks other than
this kid is going all the way! 4 moto wins and 2 x 2nd places…
Garret has got the speed and determination to be a top contender on big bikes
next year!
Carson Mumford won a Championship in the Mini Sr 1 class and
finished an honorable 3rd in Mini Sr 2. Stilez Robertson had his run
of bad luck here at the ranch this year without breaking in to the top 10
overall. This is definitely not a reflection of this kids ability but more a
soon to be distant memory in what looks to be a bright career for the 13 year
old California kid.
Joey Crown also took home some gold in the 250B limited
class. Joey is a quiet, polite young racer from Michigan but don’t mistake his
quiet nature for that of a timid rider. As a 50cc racer Joey liked to jump the
catapult jump at Arenacross, for those who don’t know, this is the biggest jump
on an AX track, it mirrors that of a Supercross jump, AKA not for 50’s!
Austin Forkner is the name on everyone’s tongues right now,
after rumors of a Geico deal, Monster
Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki secured Austin for the remainder of his amateur
career and the length of his lites career. Austin made sure Mitch Payton was
happy about his investment this week with dominant wins in both the Schoolboy 2
and 250B classes. Austin is set to kill it in the A class next year.
Darian Sanayei had a good week here at the ranch with 2 x 2nd
place titles, in 450A and 250A. But it was privateer and Monster Army Major Bradley Taft who got around Darian for the win in the 250A class. Bradley has
been putting in the work lately and it seems to be paying off as this is his
second year winning titles and the ranch!
Mitchell “The Hitman” Harrison was the man of the hour in
the 250A class. Bringing home the gold in the 250A and taking a 3rd
place in the Open Pro Sport. Mitchell has definitely proved himself as a top
rider and one we will be seeing a lot more of in the future!
All in all the Monster Army took home 10 Championships and
21 Championship Podiums.
We would like to thank all the families who made the journey
to Hurricane Mills. Without the help of the Families, Parents, Siblings etc
none of this would be possible. We at Monster are stoked on each and every one
of our team members and we look forward to the season ahead!
See you at the beach!
