Sunday, October 28, 2007

Atlantic GrandPrix Race Info!

What: Round 10 of the Atlantic Grand Prix Series
When: This Sunday October 7th/Race starts appox. at 11:30
Where: Shoreline Sand & Gravel in Little Egg Harbor Township, NJ
*Directions: From Rt 70 and 72 Circle take 72 East untill you come to your first traffic light at Rt 539. Make a right on Rt539 and continue to follow for about 10 minutes untill you see Thomas Avenue on your left. Make left and then about 100 yards on your left will be the entrance to Shoreline Sand and Gravel.
Pit Fee: $10

Monday, October 22, 2007

Atlantic GP Eagleswood Race Recap!

Atlantic GP Eagleswood Pics!

1st to the Turn out of 26 = Holeshot!
Jersey Whoops get Big
2.5 Seconds to Relax
#925 on the Table Top
Attack Position
#925 Stylin'
#099 DHaggs Sr. Back in the Mix!
Setting a Pace...
.5 Seconds to Relax
#099 Uphill Wheelie
Pictures By: EventPhotoNow

Eagleswood Mid-Atlantic GP Race Recap!

Round #9 of the Mid-Atlantic Grand Prix Harescramble Series took place at Sahara Sands Quarry in Eagleswood, NJ. This same location was the home of the AMA National Harescramble just last year. If I remember correctly last year at race time the temperature was around the mid 50’s and the wind was extremely aggressive. This year I don’t think that there could have been a better environment for a dirt bike race. Temperatures were in the mid 70’s with close to no humidity and the track conditions were absolutely perfect with the little bit of rain we received on Thursday and Friday. After riding this track 3 years ago it immediately became our favorite track on the circuit, one, it was relatively close and two, it was nothing but fun for the whole 8+ miles of track. So needless to say I was anticipating this race all week and I could hardly wait to see what kind of track the Atlantic Grand Prix could carve out. I imagined it would be somewhat different now that it was solely their event and not a National Harescramble. Mid-Atlantic courses are naturally more wide open and the woods sections aren’t typically that tight.
When I picked out my spot on the line I notice that they combined the 250 Open with the 250 Lights so there were a combined 26 riders on my line. I got an awesome start, first to the corner and held second place to the second corner before hitting the table top and then the steep spectator uphill. For the whole first half of the first lap I notice there was a big thumper behind me and it wasn’t until I took a turn wide that I noticed that it was Chris Borich who was racing in the same class as me. He made the pass when I went wide and we went back and forth for a bit until I let him go. Currently he is #2 in the country right now for the ATV side of GNCC so I didn’t want to mess with him at all. On the first lap I was trying to figure out if I like the track layout or not. There was a lot of open track which consisted of about 70 percent of the course leaving only about 30 percent in the woods. One things for certain; it was all wide open, blasting as fast as you can for the whole race. At times it got a bit dangerous because the track was wearing down and the speeds were increasing as the race went on. I was getting a bit of arm pump too because I used liner gloves to help my blister problem. They caused my grip to feel a little bulky on the handlebars and it wasn’t until about the 3rd lap when they finally got worn in and I didn’t notice them as much. I decided that I really like the track and continued to push as hard as I could to try and catch up to my Dad who was a line behind me on the start. On the first lap there were 3 huge water crossings, the first one was the worst and the second not as bad and the third got really bad as the race went on. Of course I blitzed the first water hole and went right through the middle and my bike sunk to the seat as a huge wave of brown water went completely over my helmet. I was soaked and shocked at how deep that hole was, I then wondered if they dug that part of the road out and filled it with water. The rest of the track was awesome with different types of terrain and different elevation variations.
As the race went on I picked people off each lap until the second to last lap when I was in third place and I was :51 seconds behind second. I put in a really good second to last lap and thought that I had to have made some time on the racer ahead of me – and I did. When I came through the scanner on the last lap I got the white flag and looked at the board and saw that I was only :21 seconds behind second place - it was on! I came screaming out of that scanner like I was on a mission and I was. I pushed and charged as hard as I could and about half way through the last lap I made a minor mistake which forced me to take a quick breath. I regained my composure and pushed beyond my boundaries and as I came across the finish line I looked at the scanner board and I was still exactly :21 second behind second place so I took home 3rd place.
I was extremely happy with the way I rode but yet a little disappointed that I am finally peaking and the end of the season is one race away. Either way I’m giving it my all to the end and in two weeks I’ll be on the line still trying to chase down DHaggs Sr. before the checkers.
DHaggs Sr. was back in action after suffering his horrific crash that sent us to the hospital just about a month ago. He felt really good for not being in a race for a while and finished in his favorite position of 8th place on the day. He will also finish out the season in two weeks at Little Egg Harbor’s Mid-Atlantic Race on November 4th.
Pitgirl had the day off on Sunday so pictures were taken by a photo company that was at the races. They took some really good pictures of DHaggs Harescramble Racing and you can find them on the web at http://www.eventphotonow.com/
Last race of the year is on November 4th back at Little Egg Harbor in NJ.
I would like to thank my sponsers: DHaggs Harescramble Racing, MSR, Scott USA, TAG Metals, Scott Powersports, Kenda Tires, Twin Air and Pivot Works!

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Atlantic GrandPrix Race Info


What: Atlantic Grand Prix Round #9
When: This Sunday October 21st /Pro Race 11:30am
Where: Sahara Sand of Eagleswood 942 Main Street (Route 9)Eagleswood, New Jersey 08092
Directions: Location of the event is at Sahara Sand and Gravel in Eagleswood NJ which is just south of Rt. 72 on Rt. 9 We’re right between Tuckerton NJ and Manahawkin NJ if you are looking for it on the map
Pit Fee: $10

Millville ECEA Pics!

On the Line
Between Trees
On the Charge!
Sand = Deep Ruts
925 Across the Gravel Pit
Pictures By: Christina Haggerty & timdphoto

Monday, October 15, 2007

ECEA Millville, NJ Pics!















ECEA Millville Race Recap

Round #9 of the East Coast Enduro Association Series took place this past Sunday at Ormond Farms in Millville, NJ. Again on race day we were blessed with lucid blue sky and comfortable temperatures hovering in the upper 60’s. Since DHaggs Sr. was still recovering from his bummed knee and suffering from the flu we decided that the GNCC in Ohio would have to wait till next year. The next best racing series on the east coast was racing right in the neighboring state of NJ, so I packed up the van, along with my number one pit girl and headed across the Delaware River. ECEA has some of the best riders from the northern coast so I knew that I was going to have to take care of business if I wanted to place well for the day. What I also knew is that ECEA is a bike strictly series so they don’t race quads, which means they can make the track as narrow as the bikes we ride. I found this out on the second lap; the first lap I was in awe over how tight the trails really were. I got a good start but some undeceive moments where I was questioning where the tracks next turn was helped me fall back some spots. I found a good flow and started to figure the 8+ mile track out. On the second lap I was in a really tight section of trail with about 6 guys in front of me. I knew that we had a way to go before the tracked opened up in the field section so I got impatient and tried to make a pass on a small trail that was just off the main trail. As soon as I saw the opportunity I pinned it and it appeared as if I was going to be back in the front of the pack when I saw two really tight trees that I would have to pass through before I made it back on the track. It was one of those moments where you only have about one millisecond to judge and you just close your eyes and hope that your handlebars fit through – mine didn’t. I hit one of my bark busters on one of the trees going at a good rate of speed and I went down, only to see the 6 other racers pass me. When I came around to the scanner again I was in 11th place and it was time to put my head down and push a bit. Since we were in Jersey it was obviously sandy and when the trail is so tight for the most part there is only one line to take, and with 200 guys taking that same line it get whooped out, really whooped out! The track got super rough really fast; at least it was a long track so all the racers were spread out pretty good. I really liked the track and even though it was so tight and really rough the soil was amazing. It is on a farm and the woods sections were just so loamy and the soil almost resembled a woodchip mulch combo with some sand mixed in. When I came across the finish line my hard push was only good enough for 8th place. I made some mistakes and when you’re riding at that level you just can’t afford to lose seconds let alone minutes. Overall my conditioning felt good, my bike is running awesome and I am really excited about this weekend’s race at Sahara Sands. DHaggs Sr. is supposedly to make his comeback debut so keep you fingers crossed.
My super talented, dedicated and supportive team member/Wife/Pit Girl, Christina, was there to cheer me on and take some really good pictures. I think that she is starting to be a bit of a good luck charm so hopefully she will be able to make it out again this weekend.
I would like to thank my sponsers: DHaggs Harescramble Racing, MSR, Scott USA, TAG Metals, Scott Powersports, Kenda Tires, Twin Air and Pivot Works!

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

ECEA Round #9 Info

What: Round #9 ECEA Series
When: This Sunday October 14th / Race starts at 1:00pm
Where: Ormond Farms; Millville, NJ
FROM NORTH, SOUTH & WEST Route 55 to exit #24, Route 49 East approximately 5.0 miles turn left onto Hess Town Rd.
Track entrance is ½ mile on the right.
FROM EAST Garden State Parkway to exit #25 to rote 623 which merges onto route 631 Tuckahoe Road, to route 50 North, turn
left onto route 49 West, turn right onto Hess Town Road, Track entrance is ½ mile on the right.

Pit fee: $5

Monday, October 08, 2007

Atlantic GrandPrix Race Recap!

Little Egg Harbor Township in New Jersey was host of the 8th Round of the Mid Atlantic Off-Road Series. Being its second full year as dual (bike and quad) series, it seems as if the promoters are starting to get the respect they deserve. Not only is the number of racers starting to cultivate but the quality of competition is starting to show. It seemed to me like the event was run like a mini GNCC. Even the pit area showed a glimpse of a National with trailers and Winnebago’s with an array of neighboring state license plates. Racers came from near and far and with the weather forecast hitting the 90 degree mark you would think they came to New Jersey as if it were summer vacation at the shore. My wife sat in for Jimmy B and took over duties as my pitgirl and photographer on race day and I’m sure she would much rather me be writing about lying on the beach for the day. And even though a summer vacation in October sounds enjoyable; everyone was here to race; race in the Mid Atlantic Series.
While sitting on the line waiting for the start of the race I took notice of racers in attendance and I was quite impressed. It’s been a year since I attended one of these Atlantic races and I really felt as if they are starting to get a good following. With that in mind I knew that it was going to be business for the whole race.
I got a really good start, just missed the holeshot but managed to hold onto second at the first turn. I know that the Jersey boys are naturals in sandy conditions so I made a really good push to make sure I kept myself in the front of the pack. I lost sight of the rider in front of me about 4 minutes into the first lap but I continued to push really hard. The track was awesome, I mean it was really wide open and most of the track was wide enough for two quads to pass. It had both hard packed and super deep sand, with some sweet up and down hills. I knew that it was going to get whooped out well into the race so I had to conserve some energy for the finish.
I kept the pace up for the first lap and went through the scanner in second. From that point until the last lap I felt as if I was fighting little wars within a battle. The heat was a bit of a factor in the middle of the race. At times I was going really fast, pushing harder that I normally push just to make it easier on myself riding in the sand. The slower you go the harder it is because you have no momentum to keep you balanced when riding in the deep Jersey sand. Then at times I was feeling heat exhaustion so I slowed it down and kept a steady pace. As the track got whooped and rutted out some nice single track lines developed off the main trail, which I made an appoint to take. That is one aspect I love about this type of racing – creative line selection. As I came through the scanner I was 3rd,3rd,2nd,3rd,2nd until the white flag was waving and I started out the last lap in third. I didn’t remember getting passed but as I looked at the scoring tent I notice that I was only 0:05 second behind 2nd place. The rider, who was on a Honda, was right in front of me as I was getting scanned. NO WAY was I going to give up second place when I was so close. I mean this is the reason why people compete and racers race. The first half of the final lap we would play touch and go, he would take off and I would catch back up. When we reached the half way point I realized that I was going to have to make a move soon which was a good enough reason for me to dig down real deep and find some strength to hold on while blitzing some really deep and nasty whoops. Just when I thought that it wasn’t going to happen we reached 3 lappers on some tight single trail. They slowed us up just enough where I could take a few breathers and get ready for the final push. Just as we were approaching the last half mile of the race 2 of the lappers let their front end wash out on a big right-hander berm. The Honda guy tried going to the left and went over the berm while I pinned it and made it through a space between the fallen riders no bigger than this computer screen. I pinned it for about 150 more whooped out yards until I was out of the woods, and then down a big downhill, a quick left-right turn and to the finish where I held on to 2nd Place. Just as I was getting scanned I looked back at the Honda rider and gave him and thumbs up. I was dead tired, I had nothing left, nothing saved – I laid it all on the table on that last lap and it worked to my advantage. I’d like to think I was lucky, I could have made the pass earlier and that would have been me getting stuck behind the lappers. But a good man once told me that “luck is when preparation meets opportunity.”
Chris Borich who is in the midst of winning the GNCC national championship on quads was in attendance to race. Not only was he there to race quads but he also ran the bike race before and he was in my class. He ended up getting fourth so it’s kinda cool to say that I beat Chris Borich. If the roles were reversed he would run laps around me, like he does every time I see him ride, at every race, to every other rider who tries to challenge him.
My wife/pitgirl/photographer came through with flying colors. She endured the strange summer heat in October and did an awesome job helping me out all day long. Good thing she’s a permanent fix on our team.
I said our team as in DHaggs Harescramble Racing and as you know DHaggs Sr. is still out. His knee is much better and he hopes to get at least one race in before the season comes to and end. Keep checking back on the site to stay updated!
I would like to thank my sponsers: DHaggs Harescramble Racing, MSR, Scott USA, TAG Metals, Scott Powersports, Kenda Tires, Twin Air and Pivot Works!

Atlantic GrandPrix Pics!

90 Degrees in October = Crazy/Hydration
Pre-Holeshot
Muddin It!
Gettin Scanned
Gas'n the Downhill
925 Across the Pond
Pictures By: Christina Haggerty

Saturday, October 06, 2007

Atlantic GrandPrix Race Info

What: Round 8 of the Atlantic Grand Prix Series

When: This Sunday October 7th/Race starts appox. at 11:30

Where: The location of the event is at Shoreline Sand & Gravel in Little Egg Harbor Township, NJ *Location: Shoreline Sand and Gravel Thomas Avenue and Rt. 539 Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey

Pit Fee: $10

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Hurricane Hills Pics!



Pictures By: Pitman Jimmy B

Monday, October 01, 2007

Hurricane Hills Race Recap!

Round #14 of the PA State Harescramble Series was held at Hurricane Hills this past Sunday in Clifford, PA. Yet again, racing conditions were absolutely perfect. I hit the road Saturday to meet up with pit-man Jimmy B at our racing buddy Biggs’ house, which isn’t all that far from the track, since DHaggs senior was still on the DL with a sewn up knee cap. By cutting the ride from home in more than half we had plenty of extra sleep when we awoke Sunday morning. After we arrived at Hurricane Hills and set up camp we walked a lot of the track to see if any changes were made; from what I saw it was the same exact track layout they ran last time. I don’t know if it’s because there is a lot of room in the pits but it always seems as if there isn’t that many people that make the trip to the PA/NY border. It’s always a different story when you get down to the starting line because usually all the top guys are there. I guess it’s good that there isn’t a tremendous turn out because the track is short and that would make for a lot of bottle necks in the technical sections.
I got a great start and held the hole shot for most of the motocross track. I lost a few positions before heading into the woods. The first spot where they drop you into was so rocky and so slick you would think that they just pulled slime molded rocks from out of a nearby creek. After that there was only one other spot on the whole track where there was actually some dark sloppy mud. The track was fast, dusty, dry, rocky and really whopped out in some sections. They really need to do something different there because it’s always the same track and the huge up-hill they have on the fare side of the facility is getting really chewed up! I was pushing pretty hard on the first lap and I got some arm pump which came and went but I just couldn’t shake my sore fingers. I had a heck of a time holding on through some of the super rocky sections. Of coarse there were rocks, we’re still in PA and Hurricane Hills has a lot of those big slate looking rocks that clutter the track. Sprinkled in-between are the little loose rocks that make you concentrate in fear of your front end rolling on one. The track still doesn’t have bar code scoring so I had no idea what place I was in or how far I was from the guy in front of me each lap. I ran a good race and felt good, I just have been off schedule this year and to be competitive at this level I understand that being inconsistent isn’t going to keep me at the top. Because in this sport it’s not necessarily who goes that fastest at each race but who can be the most consistent throughout the whole season. I ran a good race, I pushed as hard as I could and I still managed to get 7th place. I’m still not happy with my results this year but I am learning a lot and getting prepared to battle with the same guys next year.
Placing in the top 5 for the season in the PA State Series is out of the question. My new focus is to finish strong this year and look forward to regrouping for next season. The last round of the PA State Series is this weekend at Dutchmen MX park and it’s the worst track on the circuit. It’s flat as a parking lot and it’s 80 percent motocross track, not even close to a harescramble track. Since I’m out of the points hunt for the season I am heading to NJ to compete in the Atlantic GranPrix Series Race. Ohio GNCC is next weekend and this track will prepare me more than Dutchmen will so I’m heading east on Sunday. On a side note: DHaggs Sr. is slowly improving. He is a little bummed that he will be missing this weekend’s race but he is still sticking to racing in Ohio next weekend. I intend to keep you posted on his progress.
Thanks again to Jimmy B for making the ride with me this past weekend, Biggs for letting me crash at his place, and thanks to everyone else for your support.
I would like to thank my sponsers: DHaggs Harescramble Racing, MSR, Scott USA, TAG Metals, Scott Powersports, Kenda Tires, Twin Air and Pivot Works!

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Round #14 Race Info

What: Round #3 Hurrican Hills - Clifford, PA

When: This Sunday September 30th / Race Starts 11:00am

Where: Directions - Take PA Turnpike - NE Extension to Route 81 to Exit 206 (Old Exit 63), Lenoxville. Take route 374 East to Route 106 East, go 3 miles to the track.

Pit Fee: $10

Rausch Creek Race Recap!

DHaggs Jr. on a rocky up-hill!
DHaggs Sr. going through the scanner!
Pictures By: Rapid Image

Round #13 of the PA State Harescramble Series was held at Rausch Creek MX Park in Tremont, PA. Once again we were blessed with absolutely perfect racing conditions. There were crystal clear blue skies lying over dark green wooded mountains with a crisp chill to the air. As we unpacked our pit area I couldn’t help but to feel as if there was something missing from Rausch Creek. Maybe it was because we were spoiled at last weekends GNCC race at Unadilla or maybe because the biggest Motocross race in the world was taking place right down in Maryland, whatever the case I just didn’t feel any excitement in the air.
The turnout seemed to be what I expected with Des Nations taking place on the same day – weak. I also considered the fact that last years track was so absurdly rocky I wouldn’t blame anyone for not showing up this year. Most of the regulars on the state circuit showed with some of the local Rausch Creek motocross riders. When we were sitting on the line the track announcer made it clear that the track wasn’t nearly as rocky as last year because they took out the lower section of the mountain. This didn’t mean to much to me because no matter what he said I knew that this was Rausch Creek and where ever that trail leads to after the start it isn’t going to get any less rockier. Good turn out or not I was finally feeling as if I was back in race shape and I needed to get a good two hours in.
I got a really good start, second into the first turn but I backed off of the gas because the dirt was super slick. Course workers watered it just before the green flag dropped so it was smooth as ice. Nobody wants to crash at the beginning of a race so I was extra cautious on the throttle until I got away from the start section. A couple of guys passed me a few turns in because the track direction changed from when I walked the start section previous to the start of the race. I hesitated again on a blind jump section and two other riders aired it out right next to me. When we finally went into the woods I was about mid pack. I was pushing hard right away until I reached the first fire road; they use long fire roads to piece the woods sections together on the mountain. The woods were so dark and the soil is that grayish blackish color which blends in with rocks that stick out like the tips of glaciers. The fire roads are a great way to make up time but they are so dangerous because it’s like your riding blind. I was flying down the first road and my front tire hit some rocks and made my front end look like it was doing some kind of salsa dance. When you loose control like that it’s kind of scary when you’re in 4th gear doing around 40mph. I don’t know what some of these younger kids think because they fly down these roads like they were paved. I guess they don’t have to worry about going to work the next day, or knowing what it would feel like to crash at that speed, or answering to a wife.
After my little bobble I got back in my groove and blitzed the rest of the course. I felt absolutely perfect, I felt like I was back on track like last year. My bike was working great, I felt great, the track was as good as it can get for Rausch Creek, and the weather was more that cooperative. I caught a guy here and there and for a good bit I found myself riding alone, just looking for someone ahead of me to push for. They decided to use parts of the motocross track again which was cool because there were no peaked doubles, just jumps that you could really launch off of and not have to worry about not making the landing. I felt so great and I knew that this was by far the best ride of the year. It wasn’t till about the 6th lap when I saw DHaggs Sr. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him out on the track so it was cool to catch up to him at this race. I passed him on a nice off-camber uphill that opened up to the last section of fire road on the mountain, I yelled at him but it wasn’t till after I learned that he didn’t hear or even see me pass him. He had some trouble of his own on the start. I guess he was a little confused as well and had a little crash that may have slowed him down but it didn’t stop him from finishing the race. He finished the raced and told me of his crash and when I looked at his knee I knew that it was pretty serious because blood was showing through his riding pants and those babies are made of some thick material. When he managed to start getting unchanged as soon as the van doors closed they seemed to open again and he said, “pack it up, I’m gonna have to go to the hospital for stitches.” So I packed everything up and headed home to drop him off at the local hospital. He left his one knee brace on and it’s a good thing he did because when he got to the hospital and they took it off the gauge in his knee split all the way open.
On the way home I just couldn’t help but to feel really good about my ride. I pushed as hard as I could for the whole two hours and four minutes that it took me to complete 7 laps on the 6 mile track. I ended up finishing in 7th place but I’m not worried because I know that the results will come. What’s important is that I feel like I’m in race shape again and I am looking forward to this weekends race at Hurricane Hills.
I will have to represent this weekend for DHaggs Harescramble Racing because #099 will be trackside nursing his knee. There were about 25 total stitches that went on the inside and outside of his wound. It’s amazing to think that he rode the whole race like that and managed to pull of a 6th place. Hopefully he’ll have a speedy recovery and make it back for one more race before the end of the season!
I would like to thank my sponsers: DHaggs Harescramble Racing, MSR, Scott USA, TAG Metals, Scott Powersports, Kenda Tires, Twin Air and Pivot Works!

Picture By: Dennis Haggerty Jr.

New Skippack Pics!

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Round #13 Info

What: Round #13 Rausch Creek Motorsports Park - Tremont, PA

When: This Sunday the 23th of September/ Race starts approx. at 11:00am

Where: Directions: 309 North to I-78 West to Rt61 North to 183 South to 901 West to 209 South (Take 209 S through the town of Tremont and when you see I-81 about 200 yards in front of you the park is on your Right)

Pit Fee: ($10)

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Unadilla Highlights Video!

Check out this awesome video posted by Racer X Films. It features highlights of this past weekends GNCC race at Unadilla. Just click on the logo above and it will take you directly to their page.
(*Sorry to say that either rider of the DHaggs Harescramble Racing Team does not make an appearance)

Unadilla GNCC Pics!

DHaggs Sr. Race Face
DHaggs Sr. on the Starting Line
DHaggs Jr. Standing Out
DHaggs Jr. after 3Hours
DHaggs Jr. Coming Outta Gravity Cavity
HillClimb - Pick a Line?
World Famous Unadilla Valley
What a Tease!


VIDEO: DHaggs Sr. on the Track!

Pictures By: Dennis Haggerty Jr. & Racedaypics.com

Video By: Dennis Haggerty Jr.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Unadilla Race Recap

Round #10 of the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series stopped in upstate New York at the world famous Unadilla Valley Sports Center. The all natural motocross track that lays in the foothills of scenic mountain backdrops is known to be one of the most rugged tracks in the country. 1600 plus riders, who raced this past weekend, not only tried their fate on such a track but also accepted the challenge to concur whatever nasty terrain laid in the dark neighboring woods. Mother-nature played a tease with down pours Friday night and hints of bright sunshine throughout the day on Saturday. For the first time in the three years since GNCC has been held at Unadilla, it seemed as if we were looking at perfect race conditions.
Jason Weigandt, who is the mastermind behind the GNCC website and plays host on the GNCC Racer Productions Television show, made a comment about how the weekends forecast looked great and how he foresaw no reason for it to be a washout like the years previous. Having known what it was like to race in such conditions at Unadilla in 2006, I found that his “jinx” made me feel a little aggravated. I made it a conscious effort to be on the lookout for Mr. Weigandt over the weekend just to say, “thanks a lot Weigandt, you almost jinxed us!” DHaggs Sr. raced in the morning and his class (Senior C 45+) was the last on the starting line. I was looking around at the first couple of turns to see if I could give him some advice as to what line to take and wouldn’t you believe that their stood Jason Weigandt about 10 feet behind me. I then simply said thanks for almost jinxing us like I planned and continued to tell him that he is a good writer and I check up on all of his work daily. He mentioned that there are a few Weigandt fans out there and how he couldn’t race in the morning race because of a bummed shoulder. It’s a weird feeling when you get to know someone just from reading their work and then you talk to them like you’re a complete stranger. Bottom line is Weigandts a cool guy, a good writer, and a first-class host and he’s just lucky that it wasn’t raining out when I saw him.
After my Dad and 600+ other riders rutted out the course in the morning amateur race, the starting lines began to fill again for the afternoons pro race. DHaggs Sr. ran a really good race finishing just over two hours. His results got a bit confusing because he was listed in the wrong class. His bar code was for the Senior C 40+ but he had a color sticker that lined him in the 45+ line so he was far behind on the start. I took his lap times and he would have placed 19th in the right class, which is impressive for his first showing at Unadilla. He gave me a little heads-up on the track when he came back to the pits and then I was off to the stating line for the three hour pro race.
There were about 45 guys in my line (250 B) and I got an okay start. On the second turn there was a pile-up so I was able to sneak around and make up some time on the first straight-away. I was probably about 7th or so heading into the woods behind my fellow District 6 racer, Jarod Kulp. The first lap was awesome, I don’t know what it was but I picked awesome lines as if I knew that everyone was the quickest. The track was laid out with a little bit of everything and there were a lot more rocks then I remembered from last year. One hill climb especially because they weren’t boulders like here in the state of PA. These rocks were loose and round like river rock and they were really slick. I had some trouble with two of these hill climbs because riders were getting stuck and although I was in a different line they seemed to find a way to fall in front of me. Finally the motocross track was chargeable and boy was that something that I have been waiting for. As tired as I was towards the end of the race I still found some energy to pin it all the way around the world-famous track. I was feeling a lot better then the previous weekends race where I was struggling with endurance due to my lingering lyme disease. I felt great and I was pushing hard through the first couple of laps. I got hung up here and there but overall I was making up time and I felt as if I was almost back into race shape. Problem is I would have been fine if it was a two hour race but in GNCC’s it’s the real deal and the checkered flag drops at 3 hours. After I made my pit stop, the lap that followed was when I began to feel fatigued. The course was getting really difficult because the hill-climbs where so rutted-out and the down-hills had tons of spider-web roots exposed. I came back around and pitted again to get some water and think about continuing the race. My pit-man DHaggs Sr. (Jimmy B was on medical leave) was yelling at me to just go out and finish and as out of breath as I was I still managed to get out how awesome David Knight is and how fast he passed me. It was Unadilla and that was all I had to think about so I was done with my water and headed out back into the woods. I made one more lap, I could barely hang on to my bike when I finished but seeing that checkered flag made it all worth while. I got my one point by finishing in 20th place. Not bad considering 250 B at a National level is no joke, and I was severely sick just about 3 weeks prior.
Overall it was a great weekend; I guess it just wouldn’t be a Unadilla GNCC without some rain. Racing resumes this weekend at Rausch Creek for round #14 of the PA State Series. We have one more GNCC on the schedule for the year in Ohio. Stay posted for results and pictures.
I would like to thank my sponsers: DHaggs Harescramble Racing, MSR, Scott USA, TAG Metals, Scott Powersports, Kenda Tires, Twin Air and Pivot Works!

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Unadilla GNCC Race Info!

Round 10, Sept. 15 & 16
Unadilla Valley Sports Center in New Berlin, NY
From: GNCCRacing.com

This was an instant classic after its debut in 2005. The legendary Unadilla Valley Sports Center has been hosting motocross races since the late 1960’s, and the track has a world-wide reputation as one of the fastest, roughest moto courses ever made.The full-scale Unadilla motocross track (U1) will be used for the GNCC, which means wide, sweeping corners and some very steep elevation change. There are big jumps, but they are formed using the natural elevation of the terrain (no peaked doubles). In addition, the "U2" Unadilla amateur track will be used as well, so you'll see two motocross tracks per lap here.
The woods are fresh and tight, and covered in that trademark black NY loam. It rained in 2006, and the course became ver, very tough due to the soft soil. The New Yorkers are a hearty bunch and they're not afraid to tackle the mud.

One of the other benefits of this race is that a variety of local Hare Scramble series will be paying points. They include AMA District 3 in the CATRA and State Line Series, and AMA District 4 in the WNYOA Series. Also, WNYOA will be arranging pee wee racing for 50cc bikes on a seperate course, and, just added, 50cc ATV racing. There will also be a 60+ class, as well, as arranged by WNYOA.
There will NOT be an adult minibike race on Saturday night.
We WILL have Parts Unlimited dinner served from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday night.
So we've got room for everyone to get involved, young and old, series regulars or newcomers. It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance to race on the legendary Unadilla track. Come check it out.

Can-Am is planning demo rides of their product across the street from the GNCC track.

2006 Winners: Bike - Nathan Kanney/ATV - Bill Ballance

Weekend Race Schedule
SATURDAY RACING - ATV
SUNDAY RACING - Bikes

10 AM: AMATEUR BIKES (2 hr)
Senior C (40+) ---> DHaggs SR.

1 PM: PRO BIKES (3 hr)
XC1 Pro
XC1 Pro
XC2 Pro Am
XC2 Pro Lites
College A (16-21)
Open A
Junior A (22+)
250 A
Vet A (30+)
200 A
College B (16-21)
4-Stroke A Lites
Junior B (22+)
Vet A (30+)
Vet B (30+)
Senior A (40+)
Senior (40+)
Open B
250 B ---> DHaggs JR.
200 B
4-Stroke B Lites
Vet B (30+)
Senior B (40+)

Fees:Weekend facility gate pass:$12 per weekend at all events.
Gates open at 9:00 am the Friday before before events, and close daily from midnight to 6:00 am. Please plan accordingly.

Directions: Located on State Highway #8, five miles north of New Berlin, New York. From the north take NYS Thruway (Rt. #90) to exit 31 (Utica). After the tollbooth, begin following signs for Route #8 SOUTH. Turn right after the tollbooth and make another right at the first light. You will go about 50 feet and exit to your right. Continue about 1 ½ miles and you will exit again at Route #8 south/ Route 5/12. Approximately 4 miles later you will exit one more time at “Route #8 South-New Hartford”. Once you exit here, you will stay on this road right to the racetrack.
From the south, take Rt. #81 north to Rt. I-88 east. Exit at exit #9- Sidney. At the top of the ramp, turn left onto Route #8 NORTH. Do not go to the Town of Unadilla.

UDVSC
5986 State Hwy 8,New Berlin, NY 13411

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Round #12 Pics

"Pre-Race"
"On the Charge"
"925 'Cross the Field"
"DHaggs Jr. on the UpHill"
Pictures By: Christina Haggerty

Round #12 Race Recap

Round #12 of the Pennsylvania State Championship Harescramble Series was hosted by Back Mountain Enduro Riders in Dallas, PA. Once again for the second time this year both riders and spectators enjoyed nearly perfect conditions for a harescramble race. Although temperatures were in the 90’s, track conditions were perfect.
As many of you know Round #12 marked my return to racing after having Lymes disease for the past couple of weeks. It was unfortunate for me to miss Foot of the Mountain and the race I was looking forward to all year, the Somerset GNCC, which was held in Pennsylvania. I am by no means 100 percent race ready; I only was able to complete a couple of full workouts last week. I took this Back Mountain race as a pre-race to get ready for the granddaddy of them all – Unadilla, which is this weekend in upstate New York. I have been able to complete all of my workouts this week so Unadilla should be a better showing of results.
Everything is great about the event that is put on by the BMER club, from the $5 spectator fee to the spectacular track layout. I was upset that I wasn’t 100% for this round because Back Mountain is one of my favorite tracks. The track was laid out in reverse from the spring race and there were a couple new sections added on to make for better racing. After a rain storm on Saturday the track had some muddy spots but overall the soil was amazing. The only set back of the layout was how rough some of the sections were because they were extremely whooped out. Maybe it was my condition but I had some trouble hanging on in some sandy whooped out spots, other than that the track was awesome!
The race didn’t start off good for me because I had to double kick on the line so I got a crappy start. Once I came around to the scanner after the first lap I saw that I was way back in the pack. I thought that maybe I could push really hard on the second lap and try to maintain a points position for the rest of the race. After making my push I was dead exhausted and realized that I would be lucky to even finish. I realized that although I was feeling better, I was by no means in shape like I used to be. My body was drained for the past couple of weeks and although I’d like to think it; I wasn’t going to be in race shape in a weeks time. So I made the best of it and thought of it as riding time. I just tried to maintain a good speed through the course and not make stupid mistakes. I was happy to at least finish the race but I couldn’t help but to feel frustrated about how this season has been going. It certainly hasn’t been going as planned but I look forward to pushing through it and getting back on track and in the front of the pack, I know it’s not too late. I am doing everything I can to stay on schedule and put together some strong finishes to wrap up the year.
I am extremely excited for Unadilla this weekend! It will be good to not think about points but rather think about getting back on track, no pun intended. DHaggs Sr. is even going to ride this historic track in the morning race. Either way about it we’ll both be riding at the world famous Unadilla Valley Sports Center – DHaggs Harescramble Racing is BACK!
I would like to thank my sponsers: DHaggs Harescramble Racing, MSR, Scott USA, TAG Metals, Scott Powersports, Kenda Tires, Twin Air and Pivot Works!

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Round #12 Info

What: Round # 12 Back Mountain Enduro Riders Club - Dallas,PA
When: This Sunday September 9th/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

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

New Skippack Pics!





Pictures By: John Mroz and Stephanie McMaster