New Skippack Pics!

Pictures By: John Mroz and Stephanie McMaster

Blue Comet Pics

#099 - #314 - #925
#925 Flagboy's Dream Jump
#925 On The Gas
Bub Haggs #314 Gettin Started

#314 Controling the Pack

#099 Not so Muddy This Year

DHaggs Sr. is Smooth

DHaggs Harescramble Racing Team

Pictures By: Christina Haggerty

Skippack Race Recap

Blue Comet Motorcycle Club 2nd Annual Harescramble race took place this past Sunday in Skippack, PA. Because this was a district 6 sponsored event, and not a PA state series round, only motorcycles would have their chance to conquer a course like this on such a beautiful day. We were blessed with barely any humidity and temperatures hovering around the 80 degree mark. The midweek showers were also a blessing in disguise because they eliminated a reoccurring dust bowl like the previous years race. When entering the Blue Comet grounds, there was a great deal of excitement and anticipation for the days’ events. Just like the year before, there were tons of workers and onsite staff who were there to ensure that the days events ran smoothly. Vendors, refreshments, music, and even a mini track for youngsters to get a taste of riding were some of the highlights of activities that led up to the afternoon’s main event. One of the first things we heard when setting up our camp was that the house and barn section of the track was eliminated from the loop because it was recently donated to the historical society. Blue Comet more then made up for this missing section by adding a sweet little log crossing and some extensions of tight single trails through the woods. Overall I was extremely happy with the layout of the track and some of the minor changes that were made. The course workers really did a good job with the small amount of land they had to work with.
Going against harescramble rules for the first time ever in my racing career, we were allowed to take a practice lap around the track. From a competitive perspective, I disagree that we were allowed to see the track before the start of the main race, but on the other hand, I can see that Blue Comet MC Club was being cautious and trying to adhere to safety procedures. I debated whether or not I would take the practice lap, but then I realized of what an advantage it would be to see the entire track before even starting the race. The starting area for this track is one of my favorites and I still managed to maintain my streak of getting a good start. I was third into the first turn and kept a hard charging pace throughout the first dusty lap. It didn’t take long at all for the field of riders to get spread out on the five mile course. About 75% of the track was really tight single trail which made passing much more difficult and passing opportunities scarce. The first half of the race I maintained my early charge, and not once did I feel as if I was riding over my two hour pace. I was fortunate enough to have numerous friends and family spread sporadically at different sections of the track to cheer me on and keep me motivated. Pitman, Jimmy B, always seemed to have a comment on the pit board that energized me. He continuously kept up with me by running from section to section of the track, and I could always hear him yelling, despite his panting breath. As the race went on and the time ticked away, it occurred to me that my body felt great despite the fast pace I was maintaining. I continued to put my head down – charge, and try to make up time between myself and the rider in front of me. The only battles that I encountered throughout the race were mainly between 4th 5th, and 6th place in my class. When I saw the white flag and one lap remained, I realized my conditioning was getting back to normal. I continued to give it my all and ride as hard as the first lap. When I came through the barrels and the checkered flag dropped, the results showed that I took 5th place in my class. I am getting closer to where I would like to be physically and I am positive that I’ll be there in two weeks when the 2nd half of the PA Harescramble continues at Foot of the Mountain.
The big news that surrounded the pit area was that Bub Haggs did indeed have a bike and was suiting up for his 1st ever Harescramble. Although he was overwhelmed with excitement and the needless practice lap, Bub still managed to grab a 7th place spot going into the first turn out of twenty-some riders in his class. However, his adrenaline combined with the fast paced first lap landed him with a good case of arm pump. Having only ridden a few times pervious to today’s race, arm pump is extremely tough to shake off. Bub Haggs was not discouraged, but rather seemed intrigued and did not rule out giving Harescramble racing another chance in the near future.
D. Haggs Sr.; we don’t know how he does it, but he seemed to pull off another 8th place finish. Although it was not a state series race, a good amount of competitive riders in his class showed up to take on the Skippack course. He too, was satisfied with his efforts and looks forward to the second half of the season.
All of us from the D. Haggs Harescramble Racing team extremely appreciate all of our friends and family who came out to see us race at our hometown track. We were pleased to see returning faces as well as some newcomers. We cannot thank you enough for your support and your cheers throughout the day. We hope you had a much fun watching us as we had racing for you!
I would like to thank my sponsers: DHaggs Harescramble Racing, MSR, Scott USA, TAG Metals, Scott Powersports, Kenda Tires, Twin Air and Pivot Works!

Skippack Race Info

What: District 6 Harescramble Race

When: SATURDAY the 11th of August/ Race starts approx. at 1:00 - Youth @ 10:30

Where: Skippack, PA
Directions: (From Horsham Area) From Norristown Rd make a Left onto 202 South. A few miles down 202 South you want to make a Right onto 73 West. Go about 8 minutes down the road on 73 West (through the town of Skippack) and then you want to make a Left onto 113 South (Wawa on your right). Go down the road about a half mile and on your Left you will see Mensch Rd. Make a left and go down Mensch Rd and you will see the Blue Comet MC on your right.

Pit Fee: ($10)

National Harescramble Pics

Not such a bad start for #925
DHaggs Jr. Making the Turn

DHaggs Sr. Charging Up-Hill

Camp KTM Trackside!

Photos By: Pitman Jimmy B

National Harescramble / Round #8 PA Series

Round # 8 of the Pennsylvania State Harsecramble Series was held at Tower City in Good Springs, Pa this past Sunday. This event was also run in junction with the National Harescramble Series. Local top pro-riders such as: Hawk, Raines, Williamson, DuVall, and Rogers were all in attendance. Conditions at Tower City are so treacherous that the once held GNCC series no longer renewed their contract to hold races at this venue. You know it’s not a good sign when a course worker stops to notify riders before the race that this years track was twice as last years. The Good Springs National is not only dangerous and challenging, but a true test of survival. Considering that I recently got married and enjoyed my honeymoon extensively, a three hour national race was not my way of easing back into competition after my three week hiatus. Despite a delay at the starting line, I did not hesitate to take on the challenge that lie ahead for I knew that I needed to earn points that would help my placement in this overall season. I got another great start, probably within the top five in the first turn, but as we rounded the second turn we headed into a tight single trail for about a mile. The two miles that followed that turn were probably the most technical in the overall eight mile course. Throughout the race, there was a problem with bottlenecks in the course due to the track going diagonally off camber up the side of a mountain. Since many riders were stuck on the exposed boulders and tree roots, it was challenging to find a way around these obstacles on such a vertical hill. After completing the first lap, I had a good feel of the track layout and knew that the biggest struggle would be the first three miles of each lap. While I was ascending the challenging mountain on that portion of the course, I made a conscious effort not make any mistakes and focus on just getting through the most difficult part of the track. Throughout the remainder of the race, I felt good, my body wasn’t cramping up; however, my mind is another story. Having been off for three weeks prior to this, I found myself overriding my body limits. This made it that much more difficult on such a demanding track to persevere and push ahead. Regardless, I gave 110% and kept a good pace until I could go no more! With my body spent and my mind exhausted, and after a long two and a half hour battle, the results showed nothing! I was listed not in 250B class, but rather placing 9th in 250A! Placing 9th in 250A at the National Event sounds great to me, but after letting the event staff know that I was in the wrong class, I headed home to nurse my beat up body and to get mentally and physically ready for the 2nd half of the season. DHaggs Sr. decided to run the event and he succeeded in his goal when he managed to go above and beyond his normal two-hour routine. He placed a respectable 8th in Senior B Class. #099 was proud of his efforts and hopes to never see a course this treacherous again! Racing resumes in two weeks on August 11th in our neighboring town of Skippack for Blue Comment MC Club 2nd annual harescramble race. We look forward to seeing all of the same race fans from last year, and some new ones wouldn’t hurt either! I would like to thank my sponsers: DHaggs Harescramble Racing, MSR, Scott USA, TAG Metals, Scott Powersports, Kenda Tires, Twin Air and Pivot Works!

National Harescramble / Round #8 PA Series

What: Round #8 Rausch Creek Motorsports Park - Good Springs, PA

When: This Sunday the 29th of July/ Race starts approx. at 11:00

Where: Directions: 309 North to I-78 West to Rt61 North to 183 West to 209 West to 901 N (Take 901 N through the town of Tremont and when you see I-81 go under it to the first intersection. Right at first intersection toward Good Spring -- Left at 4-way stop -- Look for Harescramble sign on right after railroad tracks.

Pit Fee: ($10)

Round #7 Race Recap

Round #7 of the PA State Harescramble Series was held by South Pennsylvania Enduro Riders, a riding club stationed in south west PA. Not only was this event a PA points paying event, it was also an East Coast (ECEA) race as well as AMA District 6 and 7. Needless to say with a joint series event, only the best in the area showed up….Mike Lafferty and Ryan Rodgers are some pro names you would recognize.
The weather was again, amazingly perfect. Crisp blue sky with puffy white clouds falling backdrop to full green mountains surrounded the nearly 7 mile laid out course.
I found it extremely odd that just on the other side of Blue Mountain sat Foot of the Mountain, another track on the circuit know for its super rocky conditions. It was no surprise after watching the amateur race that these conditions seemed quite different. The track resembled riding in the deep Jersey pine-barons sand, not the rough rocky conditions that beat you up like the other side of the mountain.
When it came time to line up the field was packed and it was noticeable that there were some really fast guys there. The starter yelled 10 seconds and soon after the green flag dropped and we were off. I got another good start, probably top 5 into the first turn. A holeshot would have been ideal because even being one of the top 5 into the first corner you couldn’t see a thing because of the major dust problem due to the dry conditions. (See Picture Below) I gave a really good push the first lap but saying it was a good push is really a fabrication of I went fast when I could see the track. You couldn’t see anything at all! The dust was so bad half the time when it cleared for a second I wasn’t even on the track, and having never raced here before it was a bit dangerous. I got through the first lap and had an idea of the overall layout of the course. The second lap wasn’t much better; riders were still stuck together because you couldn’t push it too hard due to the visibility factor. When I came through the second check point there was a little field section the snaked it’s way back into the woods and barely being able to see I could barely make out a tree line and having come through that section just one lap before I remembered that there were two huge haystacks protecting the trees to the entrance back into the wooded section. Needless to say I ran right into one, not seeing it until my front tire actually hit it, that’s how thick the dust was. While I managed to pick my bike up there were about 6 or 7 guys that passed me while they could see at the time. I maintained my composure and made up some time in the middle laps. About the half way point – an hour into the race – everyone was getting spaced out and you could see more times on the track than none. I felt really good when I could see and I maintained that speed for a majority of the race. I don’t know who the other riders were but we were really battling for about 4 or 5 laps, constantly switching positions as we came through the scanner. There was a really cool section of the track where all of the spectators hung out. It consisted of an uphill under a bridge, a bridge, a car tire field, car tire logs, log lanes, a lose dirt hill with a funky tree trunk on top and a nasty little rock garden with some logs thrown in that mix as well. It didn’t seem as dusty on the top of this hill so it was a good place to try and make up some time. Towards the end of the race I started to feel a little sick, I don’t know if it was from pushing it for so long or due to the fact of all of the dust I was sucking up and breathing in. My front wheel washed over a big sandy burm in the woods on the last lap when I was fighting hard to not loose my position. I got back up, pushed as hard as I could to the finish, and managed to not loose my spot. I finished 9th on the day, which is respectable given the amount of talent that was on the line. My goal was top ten so I was happy with my efforts and results. DHaggs Sr. came through with another sold performance coming in 10th in the Senior B division. With some last minute changes to his suspension his bike ran good and he finished the, a bit longer than usual, race strong.
DHaggs Harescramble Racing will resume at the National Harescramble held at Tower City on July 29th. As you may have heard Christina and I are getting married on this Saturday, the luckiest day known to man, 07-07-07. When we come back from our honeymoon I may be a different man, but I’ll still be looking forward to getting back to business at the National Harescramble. Till then….
I would like to thank my sponsers: DHaggs Harescramble Racing, MSR, Scott USA, TAG Metals, Scott Powersports, Kenda Tires, Twin Air and Pivot Works!

Round #7 Race Recap

Round #7 Pics

I heard a lot of "endo's" took place here... not a problem for #925

The whole 2 hour race was this dusty!

DHaggs Jr. #925 in the Rock Garden!

#925 in the Log Lanes

#925 A little Air Time

DHaggs Sr. #099 in the Rock Garden!

Nice Form from DHaggs Sr. #099

A good rider listens to his pit man -"Stay on the Gas!"

Pictures By: Christina Mykijewycz and Jimmy B

Round #6 Pics

#925 DHaggs Jr.

"Roostin the start"

#925 on the Charge!

"Air'n it Out!

Pictures By: Sara

Round #6 Race Recap

This past Sunday Round #6 of the PA State Harescramble Series was held “down by the river” at BMER in Dallas, PA. Not a cloud was to be seen in the bright blue sky while temperatures were teetering, at a comfortable 80 degrees. The track was absolutely perfect and the atmosphere had a feeling of anxiousness coming off a three week break. The BMER crew could not have run a more professional event, the track layout was awesome, there were flagmen surrounding the course, the scoring worked great and the over-all even ran smoothly. Having good results in the past in Dallas I looked forward to one of my favorite tracks on the circuit. Because the starting area was a bit smaller than normal and the number of riders, more than anticipated, the traditional start standing in front of your machine was turned into a normal on your seat dead engine start.
I got another great start and went into the first turn second. I made a conscious effort to continue to push to make sure that I didn’t loose sight of the front of the pack like previous races. I pushed hard and stayed behind the leader for the whole first 7 mile lap. The course was awesome and I felt really comfortable on the bike. After coming through the scanner 2nd on the first lap I felt as if I had a good enough push to settle into my race pace. I was passed on the 2nd lap dropping me to 3rd and then again on the 3th lap dropping me to 4th. I got my second wind and continued to race towards the front of the pack. The track wore in really well and the soil was just awesome, there was a little sand, a little dirt, a little bit of roots, some uphills, some sweet drop offs, multi line tight tree sections, grass fields, and even some shale sections. This track had just about everything you could think of except my friends, the boulders most other tracks contain. I felt really good and on the 4th lap but I made a mistake and both the D’Antonio brothers passed me. We all hung together for a good 4 miles and then Luke took off leaving Noah and I to battle it out. It took another mile or two for me to put my head down and charge around Noah but by the time I made the pass I saw Luke was a good 40 seconds in front of me.
I came around for the 5th lap and the guy was standing there with the flag, not looking at me, and when I was getting scanned I asked if it was half way and they indicated that it was in fact the last lap. I’m starting to get used to getting screwed with lap indications. Coming through the scanners on the last lap I found myself in 5th. After giving it my all and using up everything that I saved for the last lap; pushing ahead and trying to catch up to Luke, I still found myself in 5th place when I crossed the checkers.
After all was said and done, just being able to race on such an awesome track, on such an outstanding day and come home healthy – that’s all that mattered.
DHaggs Sr. had a good ride despite his demanding work schedule from the prior week pulling in a 13th on a packed line.Racing stays in full effect when we travel this weekend to an area just outside of Johnstown, PA. Having this event being a combined series with the ECEA there is no doubt that the cream of the crop will be in attendance and the racing action will be packed!
I would like to thank my sponsers: DHaggs Harescramble Racing, MSR, Scott USA, TAG Metals, Scott Powersports, Kenda Tires, Twin Air and Pivot Works!

Round #6 Info

What: Round # 6 Back Mountain Enduro Riders Club - Dallas,PA
When: This Sunday June 24th/Race Starts at 11:00
Where: Directions - I-476 NORTH to BEAR CREEK/WILKES-BARRE, exit #105, take a left onto PA-115 North. At the bottom of the mountain take Exit 1 (Rt 315 & 315 bus). This ramp will end take a right follow the To 81 signs. At the light take a left and stay on the lane from the ramp. This will put you on Interstate 81 South. Interstate 81 to Exit 164 (Nanticoke, old exit 44) to Route 29 North five miles to Route 11 North. The track is about 200 yards on your right.
Pit Fee: $10

Round #5 Video (Evansville 250B Start)

*I'm in my teal blue MSR gear...third one to the first corner on the orange KTM.

Round #5 Pics (Evansville)

Above: DHaggs Jr. #925

Below: DHaggs Sr. #099

Photos By: Christina Mykijewycz

Round #5 Info

What: Round #5 Evansville MX Park - Evansville, PA

When: This Sunday May 20th / Race Starts 11:30

Where: Directions - Google Maps

Pit Fee: $10

Start of Round #4 at Foot of the Mountain!

*I am the first one to arrive at the first turn and the rider behind me crashes and starts a pile-up. I am on the Orange KTM with yellow number plates wearing my black and white MSR gear.

Round #4 Pics (Foot of the Mountain)

Photos By: Christina Mykijewycz

Round #4 Info

What: Round #4 Foot of the Mountain - Neelytown, PA

When: This Sunday May 6th / Race Starts 11:30

Where: Directions - 76 West - Get off at Willow Hill (Old Exit 14) - Left on Rt 75 follow 6 miles to flashing red/yellow light - Left on Rt 641 and follow that up and then back down the mountain and you will see a Red Barn - Make a left and the track will be just down the road on your left.

Pit Fee: $10

Round #3 Race Recap

Round #3 of the Pennsylvania State Harescramble Series was held this past Sunday at Foot of the Mountain in Neelytown, PA. Anyone who races dirtbikes could tell you, “by coincidence” on many race days the weather doesn’t always agree with the days events. The conditions are usually a muddy sloppy mess, not so true on this day. With green mountains protruding to the horizon and a crystal clear blue sky as a backdrop, the scene was set for an absolutely perfect day of racing. There were some track changes that were made from the last time we raced at Foot of the Mountain. Mainly a lot more single trail then usual, a switch in the track direction and some nice little mud pits, (where my Scott Works Goggles came in handy) that were sporadically placed around the track. The farmer’s field and the starting line were the same; mainly the trail up on the mountain is where the most noticeable changes were made.
I got a really good jump off the line and I headed into the first turn only to get closed in by two other bikes from the outside. I liked my inside spot on the line but I think taking a wider spot next week will give me the momentum that the other bikes had to get up the hill just after the holeshot. Since the track direction changed we went into the farmer’s field first this time. I’d much rather head right into the woods because if you get a good start it gives opportunity to make some space between yourself and the rest of the field. I stayed in the front of the pack until we made our way back into the woods section of the track which went up the mountainside. I couldn’t help but notice right off the bat how rocky the track was. They ran us over old beat up trail and some new trail that exposed some gnarly boulders. It wouldn’t have been that bad but it just didn’t seem like there was anywhere to take a break up there. I thought my suspension was set up great, and my Kenda tires were hooking up really well but there were a couple of spots where I was getting battered around pretty well. After flying around some of the open spots on the course and then being funneled into these single trails and forced to slow down I really felt heated up. My MSR vented gear really worked well and with some sips of my camelback I was forgetting about the heat factor. On the first lap I was heading down a rocky down hill when my bike abruptly stopped. I thought for sure that I had a flat tire so I looked over my right shoulder but everything appeared to be fine. I looked at my rear brake thinking that something was stuck and holding my pedal down but again, nothing. I then looked over my left should at my sprockets and there it was, a baseball bat sized branch and it was jammed in my chain guide pinching my chain. I kicked at it and tried pulling it out but I was going down the hill pretty fast so it was really jammed in there. I then tried leaning the weight of the bike on it and kicking it as hard as I could, half of it broke off, the rest I struggled to pull out while I lost about 4 spots, I finally got it out. The next two laps I was pretty fired up about the stick so I charged hard and played catch up. I got a bit of arm pump but rode it out and kept looking for more riders in my class. I thought it was pretty weird but for the rest of the race I was all alone. It wasn’t until the last lap I ran down a guy on a Honda and made a pass stick on him. I managed to save some steam for the last lap and made another good charge but the damage was done on the first lap so I had to settle for 3rd on the day. I know that it could have been a lot worse so I was happy with the outcome.
DHaggs Sr. put in another consistent ride picking up an 8th place finish in his class. He managed to salvage some points out of the day despite already feeling worn out before the race even started. He’ll be back and be stronger for Round #4 which will be held at the same track, Foot of the Mountain in two weeks.
I would like to thank my sponsers: DHaggs Harescramble Racing, MSR, Scott USA, TAG Metals, Scott Powersports, Kenda Tires, Twin Air and Pivot Works!

Round #3 Pics

DHaggs Jr. #925 behind DHaggs Sr. #99 on the Starting Line

DHaggs Sr. #099 Staying Sharp

DHaggs Sr. #099 Lookin Ahead

DHaggs Sr. #099 Stayin Smooth

DHaggs Jr. Makin a Pass

DHaggs Jr. #925 Stayin on Pace

DHaggs Jr. #925 on the Charge!

Photos By: Christina Mykijewycz