LL North Central Area Qualifier Lincoln Trail Race Report
Thursday, April 7, 2016 | 9:40 AM
Another chapter in the Road to Loretta’s was added last weekend at Lincoln Trail Motosports in Casey, IL and the story got intense. It was clear with 1151 rider signups on Saturday and Sunday, 325 for practice on Friday, and Mother Nature unleashing here fury; apparently, it was going to be a long day for the track crew and personnel.
Some of the top amateur motocross hopefuls were vying for a chance to qualify for the North Central Regionals on Saturday and Sunday. In order to claim victory, riders not only had to battle each other for eighth place or better to qualify, but also an early spring chill and gusty winds.
April weather in Illinois typically means showers or thunderstorms will make an appearance at some point during the weekend, but instead Mother Nature sent her wrath via gusty winds often reaching 50 mph with temps struggling to hit 50 degrees.
Jacob Baumert took three overall wins back to Buckner, KY in the 250A, 250 All-stars A/B (14+) and Open Pro Sport. Nathan Hall, also from Kentucky, was the only rider to take motos away from Baumert during the weekend.
“It was a great weekend of fun racing,” said Baumert. “Saturday was probably the windiest conditions I've ever raced in with 60+ mph winds that you could feel off every jump. The track crew was able to do a good job with the weather conditions as the track was in phenomenal shape all weekend. I haven't been doing much racing lately, so it was fun to come out and do battle with some good riders.”
In the 85cc classes, Brock Lassiter left the rest of the field battling for second. The Asbury, MO native swept all his motos on Saturday and Sunday in the 85cc (9-11) Limited and 85cc (9-12). In fact, Lassiter led every one of his motos from start to finish. The 103 has been working hard lately and installed a new diet into his training program that seems to be working for the youngster.
“I had a really awesome weekend up at Lincoln Trail MX,” said Lassiter. “The competition was as strong as the wind Saturday. I had a great ride Saturday and Sunday getting all four holeshots and moto wins. The track crew did a great job keeping the track in good condition for as windy as it was. I couldn't have done it without all of my sponsors behind me and Trampas Parker for giving me the motivation to do what it takes to be the best. After training with Trampas, I've learned the importance of working out and eating better.”
The local, number 51, Carter Gordon scooped up four moto wins to earn overalls in the 250B Limited on Saturday and 250B on Sunday. Gordon faced Blake Taylor and a slew of other fast riders on a full gate. Taylor scored overall wins too in the 450B Limited and 450B.
On Saturday, three divisions made up the 250 C Limited class with an average of 28 riders lined up on each gate during moto one. Brandon Yates won his moto but a few mistakes in moto two had cost him the overall. However, on Sunday, the gates were just as full in the 250 C and 450 C and this time Yates swept his motos for two overall wins.
”I wasn't sure what to expect going into last weekend because I just recently broke my scapula at the James Stewart Spring National a couple weeks ago,” said Yates. “I went out for my first Moto Saturday, and felt great and was able to get a Moto win. I made a few mistakes in my second Moto and ended up with a fourth overall. I tried getting it out of my head, went back into it on Sunday with a strong mindset and was able to win all four motos. Overall, my shoulder held up and I couldn't have be happier with how the weekend turned out and am looking forward to regionals.”
Despite the cold and windy weather, a lot of people were watching the battle in the Super Mini 1 (12-15) in moto one between Team Green’s Lance Kobusch and Carter Biese of Appleton, WI. Biese was perhaps the most surprised to be battling with the Monter Energy Cup Super Mini Class Champion. After a quick battle, Kobusch took over the lead but Biese tried to keep the Kawasaki rider in sight. Kobusch took four checkered flags to sweep both Super Mini 1 and Super Mini 2 classes. Despite defeat, Biese was excited about his performance.
“I had never been that close to Lance before so I was pumped to be up there with him,” said Biese. “He pushed me every step of the way. I like to race someone that respectful on and off the track. Even though he got me at the end, it was still awesome to have a nice clean battle like that.”
While Biese’s steadily fast speed was only good enough for second place in the Super Mini classes, he went on to dominate the Mini Sr 1 (12-13) and Mini Sr 2 (12-14) classes during the weekend.
Written and Photos by: Kurt Schellenberger