Race four on the 2014 calendar turned out to be nearly perfect, the weather was just right for the Perna Hare Scramble and 142 racers came out to compete. Most were prepared for declining weather as rain threatened all day but never fell until late.
The morning was filled with great racing action in all of the kids divisions with a lot of young racers and some really proud moms and dads. We had 2 Peewee racers and race enthusiasts if you’ve never seen a PeeWee race it will tickle your bones and warm your heart!
In the Kids advanced race Marissa Bracey took the early lead and held off the field for three laps and a charging Kaden Prather until the 4th lap. Bracey had major trouble and dropped back. Prather got by and finished the remaining laps with the lead and a 1st place finish.
In the Short C class Evan Webb, Garrett Schwindt, and Chase Daily topped the podium in that order. The Short A class continues to deliver fan excitement. Luke Smith from Greenbrier jumped out with the early lead. Hot on his wheels were Cassie Dupriest, Brett Vollmer, Christian Godfrey and Braxton Burns. Burns and Godfrey were neck in neck throughout most of the race, giving chase to Smith, and by lap four had closed the gap to Smith going through the scoring gate wheel to wheel. Smith gave up the lead and Burns, Godfrey and Vollmer stood atop the podium in that order by race end. If you like parity in a race these young guns are delivering a show!
97 racers went to the line for the long course in the afternoon and took to the five-mile course with delight. The Pro line was stacked with talent. Three-time defending champion Parker Nolen was intent on getting another race win but would have to battle with the likes of Trevor Mulhern, Trent Keen, Preston Caple, Lee Taylor and another former Champion, Zach Ingram.
Nolen got the lead on the first lap and was looking like another solid finish but by the 2nd lap Ingram had come from back in the pack to close the gap on Nolen and took the lead on the 3rd lap. Once in the lead Ingram put a stranglehold on the rest of the field and completed 11 laps in just over 2 Hrs/5 Mins. Nolen kept on the gas and also finished 11 laps to earn 2nd overall followed by Preston Caple who earned 3rd overall.
Series President Zac Crowl with the Overall Podium, Zach Ingram, Parker Nolen and Preston Caple.
Like we said starting out, this race was nearly perfect, and the only thing that spoiled the day was a terrible crash for Doug True in the B50+ class. True was on the ridgeline section of the course and was heading downhill when something went awry and True went down. As of this report, Doug is still in the hospital at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock. He suffered several broken ribs and a broken shoulder blade and will have a long recovery ahead. Racers and friends should take a minute and send him a “Get Well” email. You can do that here. Doug is in Room 672.
Next the AHSCS series heads to the Hot Springs area for the Hot Water race on May 4th.