The start of Sunday's 450 Pro Moto 2. Nick Paluzzi (No. 385)would eventually come out on top after battling with Gannon Audette (No. 533).
The final day of racing Sunday at the 2010 Mammoth Motocross races was dedicated to those competing on 450s. There were some intense battles in all three classes (Junior, Intermediate, and Pro) as well as some commotion on and off track. Outside of the racetrack we explored some of Mammoth’s exquisitely paved mountain back roads. For more information on what when down earlier peruse the
2010 Mammoth Motocross Friday and
2010 Mammoth Motocross Saturday reports.
Having watched other people ride all weekend I was dying to get out on track and get a taste of what’s so awesome about the Mammoth track. So Sunday morning I strapped on my boots and went out for practice. Having never ridden the track I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous, but as soon as I rolled on track and pinned the throttle on Kawasaki’s phenomenal KX450F the nerves were instantly replaced by pure 100% adrenaline.
Words can barely describe how awesome this track is. Imagine riding a high-speed roller coaster through a thick, mountainous forest. Parts of the track are fast while other sections are almost single track narrow. The track zigs and zags in every direction with relentless elevation changes creating a fun and technically challenging course.
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Above) Frankie got caught up in a first turn pile-up during his heat race then retired early from his LCQ after tweaking his back in the fast and rough downhill section. (
Below) Exploring Mammoth's back roads aboard the 2010 Kawasaki KLX250S.
Even crazier perhaps is the composition of the soil. Considering this area’s fiery past the dirt has a volcanic consistency with rock hard black dirt. On top is a mix of deep brown sand and fine pumice. It’s strange because some areas of the track actually have a good deal of grip than other sections will be as slick as freshly watered hard pack. After practice I was literally kicking myself for not racing, but there is always next year…
After practice it was test rider Frankie’s turn at the controls during his 450 Junior heat race. This time the holeshot master slipped off the line and was mid pack going into the uphill Turn 2. Turn 3 and 4 are really tricky parts of the track and a rider folded the front end through the section causing a massive pile-up and collecting Frankie. He was nearly dead last after getting his bike untangled from the mess. He rode through the field but couldn’t get into a position to transfer to the main meaning he would have to finish inside the top-3 in the LCQ.
In between the motos we hit the asphalt in search of some of the area’s best back roads. Within minutes off pulling out of the track we had already found some. Even though we were riding dual-sport motorcycles with soft, semi-knobby tires these bikes still serve up a surprising level of performance on pavement. And that in essence is the beauty of this style of motorcycle. They’re capable and fun-to-ride both on and off-road. After ripping around for a while we headed back to the track for some more racing action.
When we got back Frankie was on the starting gate for his (450 Jr.) LCQ. When the gate dropped he nailed the holeshot and led the field for the first lap. As he barreled down the steep downhill section he lost control of the bike. Although he didn’t crash he tweaked his back and had to retire due to the pain thereby ending his hopes for Junior class glory.
In the Pro class it was Nick Paluzzi with the win over Georgia’s Gannon Audette. For a good part of the race the Georgia rider was actually leading the race until he tucked the front tire in Turn 1. It took him a few seconds to get up and running again and it was just enough time for Paluzzi to pull away with the win. Noticeably off the pace was third place finisher, Tyler Sjoberg who was probably feeling the effects from his spectacular crash during the first 250 Pro moto on Saturday.
The promoter still hasn’t posted the results from Sunday’s races so we don’t have the final results from the Pro, Intermediate or Junior races. Speaking of the Junior race, after the checkered flag was thrown two riders parents almost got into a brawl and police were called to sort it all out. Aside from this skirmish overall it was a friendly weekend of racing.
More than just a race Mammoth Motocross is a destination. It’s unlike any other motorcycling events I’ve ever experienced. From the fun and challenging track, to the majestic landscapes, countless outdoor activities, not to mention friendly two-wheeled camaraderie, Mammoth is without a doubt one of the most enjoyable places you could ever dream of visiting. Stay tuned for a in-depth feature on the event in an upcoming issue of MotoUSA magazine.
450 Pro Mammoth Motocross Results:
More than just a race Mammoth is a destination and an outdoor enthusiasts dream come true.
1. Nick Paluzzi (Suzuki)
2. Gannon Audette (Suzuki)
3. Tyler Sjoberg (Kawasaki)
4. Bryce Vallee (Yamaha)
5. Kevin Rookstool (Suzuki)
6. Robby Bell (Honda)
7. Justin Soule (Kawasaki)
8. Tye Hames (Yamaha)
9. Michael Sleeter (KTM)
10. Derek Costella (Honda)
11. Jake Oswald (Suzuki)
12. Adam Enticknap (Suzuki)
13. Bobby Garrison (Honda)
14. Jacob Hayes (Honda)
15. Daniel Sani (Honda)
450 Intermediate Mammoth Motocross Results:
1. Brad Frace (Kawasaki)
2. Justin Hill (Suzuki)
3. Austin Politelli (Honda)
4. Bryce Stewart (Suzuki)
5. Aaron Siminoe (Honda)
450 Junior Mammoth Motocross Results:
1. Seth Hughes (Suzuki)
2. Jake Smith (Kawasaki)
3 .Clint Miglia (Yamaha)
4. Jake Mohnike (KTM)
5. Max Groom (Kawasaki)
