AZOP Returns To Action With Payson Double-Header

AZOP Rowley White RV Series, Rounds 4 And 5, Payson, AZ October 3-4 And 10-11, 2020

Written by: Miller Truby, All images © Miller Truby (October 2020)

After a seven-month layoff due to COVID-19 and the related permitting issues, AZOP's Rowley White RV Series made a triumphant return to action in 2020 with two races on consecutive weekends at the ever popular rodeo grounds in Payson, AZ. With sponsorship from Nash Powersports, Five18 Designs, and GO AZ Motorcycles both races were able to take advantage of the perfect weather, proximity to town, and ample spectating and racing opportunities provided by the fan-favorite location. The layout of the track was similar to what AZOP did for the Payson event in October of 2019, with a short-course feel that took elements from motocross tracks and featured a majority of man made obstacles. A section of unimproved single-track on the hills above the rodeo arena was included for the Big Bikes to bash through.

While from a distance the double-header may have appeared to be a normal event, the mood in the pits - especially during the first weekend - was one of cautious celebration; a much-needed return to normalcy for many folks who had been cooped up at home much longer than expected. Many competitors wore nervous smiles as they went through tech or warmed up an engine before practice, and it was clear that a large portion hadn't taken to a track in anger since AZOP's season was suspended in early March. The youth classes especially had an air of excitement around them as several regular competitors were riding or driving totally new vehicles or even competing in totally new classes.

The Big Bikes had the honor of being the first major race of the first weekend and it was Drake Hacker taking the wire-to-wire win on his 2-stroke KTM over James Clark and Kyler Heimer on Saturday. Hacker would repeat the feat on Sunday, followed once again by Clark. Austin Alexander put in a good ride to get third overall and win the Open A class.

In the Big Quads/ATV's race it was Nick Helton taking the top podium spot on Saturday, followed closely by Koby Dodson and Sean Johnson. Sunday saw Evan Spooner swoop in for the win, relegating Helton to second. Ron Suor took third.

In the Big UTV race it was Abe Martinez bringing his naturally aspirated Yamaha YXZ across the line first on Saturday, followed by Paul Obrien and Timothy Kern. Kern would return with vengeance in mind on Sunday and get the win, followed by Obrien once again in second and Daniel Hurn rounding out the top three.

For the second weekend of racing a few changes were made to the track with some new obstacles added and - most notably - a different entry point for the big bikes to get into the single track section; something the promoters hoped would help to mitigate a nasty bottlenecking issue from the first weekend. The weather was predictably great with temperatures hovering in the high 70's most of the day and the track had been watered and prepped continuously in the days prior to the race, which helped to mitigate dust and traction issues throughout the weekend.

The Big Bikes were first up once again on Saturday and this time it was Collier Martinez taking the overall win while competing in the 125/250cc A class. Dominic Dugi finished second overall and Dayton Raper took home third. On Sunday it was Kyler Heimer getting the win, followed by Raper in second and Tate Van Voorst in third.

Ron Suor got the Saturday win in the Big Quads/ATV's race, followed by Abe Martinez in second and Ransom Martinez in third. Suor turned in a weekend sweep by taking the overall win again on Sunday. Scott Yarber got second and Ransom Martinez made another appearance on the podium with another third place finish.

The Saturday Big UTV race was exciting with Chris Leaming eventually taking the win by 4 seconds over Paul Obrien. Abe Martinez rounded out the top three. It would have been hard to imagine going into the event, but the final race of the double-header would end up being one of the closest finishes in AZOP history. Starting from the back of the field in the naturally aspirated class, Bo Radavich worked his Polaris RS1 through the field and avoided potential issues all over the course to eventually finish first on elapsed time with a margin of victory of only 0.04 seconds! Jeremiah Scott took home second place honors and Neil Carse took third.

Despite the severely condensed schedule dictated by COVID-19, there are still plenty of racing opportunities left in 2020. AZOP will be holding as many events as possible over the last two months of the year. Head over to www.azopracing.com to look at the official schedule and take note that event dates and details can change due to event restrictions and the concerns of public health officials. AZOP is committed to the health and safety of all racers, spectators, and staff and will continue working to hold events in a manner that encourages fun and competition without compromising anyone's health.

As always AZOP would like to thank all of the sponsors, staff, volunteers, racers, and spectators for making this another successful and fun weekend of racing. For full race results, videos, and photos or to find out about upcoming events go to www.azopracing.com.

Saturday October 3rd - Motorcycle Results

Big Bikes - Overall:

1. #254 Drake Hacker
2. #824 James Clark
3. #300 Kyler Heimer

Pro:

1. #254 Drake Hacker
2. #824 James Clark
3. #300 Kyler Heimer

Open A:

1. #243 Dominic Dugi
2. #95 Austin Alexander
3. #036 James McNally

Open B:

1. #814 Lewis Wright
2. #98 Donovan Cross
3. #149 Robert Beecroft

Open C:

1. #213 Trent Sherwood
2. #023 Kyle Bills
3. #174 Tanner Lindley

125-250cc A:

1. #415 Tate Van Voorst

125-250cc B:

1. #4295 Jonathan Kirat

125-250cc C:

1. #177 Porter May
2. #130 Clayton Hixon
3. #199 Jaxon Steele

Vet 30+ A:

1. #19 Dayton Raper
2. #046 Jason Williams

Vet 30+ B:

1. #732 Darren Ben

Vet 30+ C:

1. #668 Jonny Gates
2. #420 Kevin Rennaker
3. #980 Adriana McNeme

Senior 40+ A:

1. #294 William Bedlion
2. #037 Samuel Cristenson

Senior 40+ B:

1. #053 Lee Nix

Senior 40+ C:

1. #035 Michael Rector
2. #831 Lewis Stephan
3. #315 Jason West

Master 50+ A:

1. #746 Brandon Roberts
2. #59 Gary Peterson
3. #311 Richard Heyer Master

50+ B:

1. #144 Dallas Brown
2. #042 Bob Chartier

Super Senior 60+:

1. #1946 Ron Kenyon

Mini Bikes - Overall:

1. #381 Keegan Hardy
2. #811 Jon Nordling
3. #78 Jacob Jewell

65cc A:

1. #44 Bryce Petrie
2. #928 Owen Wesley

65cc B:

1. #187 Braydon Dodge

80-150cc A:

1. #381 Keegan Hardy
2. #362 Demarco Dugi

80-150cc B:

1. #811 Jon Nordling
2. #78 Jacob Jewell
3. #2 Tristin Andrade

80-150cc C:

1. #185 Donoven Christenson
2. #044 James Dixson
3. #028 Kyle Daria

Women's C:

1. #93 Ellie Koester
2. #330 Caidyn Breaux
3. #046 Becky Lowery

Pee Wee Bikes

1. #3 Ashton Stowell
2. #153 Ryder Yates
3. #898 Kade Schmidt

Pee Wee 50cc 4-6 years:

1. #298 Harvey Kleck
2. #203 Radley Konkright
3. #821 Audrina Andrade

Pee Wee 50cc 7-8 years:

1. #299 Cayden Kleck
2. #70 Owen Morris
3. #301 Jayce Tracy

Pee Wee 65cc C:

1. #3 Ashton Stowell
2. #153 Ryder Yates
3. #898 Kade Schmidt

Saturday October 3rd - Quad/ATC Results

Big Quads/ATCs - Overall:

1. #808 Nick Helton
2. #32 Koby Dodson
3. #552 Sean Johnson

Pro:

1. #808 Nick Helton
2. #32 Koby Dodson

Vet Pro:

1. #504 Abe Martinez

Expert:

1. #911 Mike Morgan
2. #029 Ryan McKinney
3. #18 James Wylie

Sportsman:

1. #552 Sean Johnson
2. #555 Ransom Martinez
3. #3 Dylan Rimer

ATC:

1. #71 Paul Airey
2. #055 Ryan Miller
3. #208 Ed Hicks

Mini Quads - Overall:

1. #57 Dakota Hibler
2. #95 Brendan Turner
3. #84 Michael Owens

250-400cc:

1. #57 Dakota Hibler
2. #526 Maddie Freshour

91-300cc 10-15 Years:

1. #95 Brendan Turner
2. #84 Michael Owens
3. #17 Brayden Earlewine

71-150cc 8-11 Years:

1. #79 Alyssa Miller

Pee Wee Quads - Overall:

1. #31 Kaiden Lee
2. #187 Jose Llamas
3. #88 Tyler Wade

Pee Wee 50-79cc 4-6 Years:

1. #6 Emma Martinez
2. #711 Kyle Wade
3. #89 Zane Gehrts

Pee Wee 80-150cc Beginner:

1. #31 Kaiden Lee
2. #187 Jose Llamas
3. #88 Tyler Wade

Saturday October 3rd - UTV Results

Big UTVs - Overall:

1. #504 Abe Martinez
2. #11 Paul Obrien
3. #1912 Timothy Kern

Pee Wee 50cc 4-6 years:

1. #203 Radley Konkright
2. #298 Harvey Kleck
3. #142 Mike Isaac

Pee Wee 50cc 7-8 years:

1. #70 Owen Morris
2. #299 Cayden Kleck
3. #301 Jayce Tracy

Pee Wee 65cc C:

1. #6 Ryland Stowell
2. #898 Kade Schmidt
3. #153 Ryder Yates

Sunday October 4th - Quad/ATC Results

Big Quads/ATCs - Overall:

1. #221 Evan Spooner
2. #808 Nick Helton
3. #102 Ron Suor

Pro:

1. #221 Evan Spooner
2. #808 Nick Helton

Vet Pro:

1. #102 Ron Suor

Sportsman:

1. #20 Jared Rimer
2. #050 Cutter Landress
3. #172 Scott Yarber

ATC:

1. #71 Paul Airey
2. #060 Tommy Harris
3. #208 Ed Hicks

Mini Quads - Overall:

1. #57 Dakota Hibler
2. #95 Brendan Turner
3. #333 Jayse Miller

250-400cc:

1. #57 Dakota Hibler
2. #526 Maddie Freshour

91-300cc 10-15 Years:

1. #95 Brendan Turner
2. #333 Jayse Miller

Pee Wee Quads - Overall:

1. #200 Cutter Gehrts
2. #31 Kaiden Lee
3. #187 Jose Llamas

Pee Wee 50-79cc 4-6 Years:

1. #89 Zane Gehrts
2. #711 Kyle Wade
3. #6 Emma Martinez

Pee Wee 80-150cc Advanced:

1. #222 Jack Wilson

Pee Wee 80-150cc Beginner:

1. #200 Cutter Gehrts
2. #31 Kaiden Lee
3. #187 Jose Llamas

Sunday October 4th - UTV Results

Big UTVs - Overall:

1. #1912 Timothy Kern
2. #11 Paul Obrien
3. #969 Daniel Hurn

Pro Turbo:

1. #11 Paul Obrien
2. #969 Daniel Hurn
3. #2020 Jeremiah Scott

Pro NA:

1. #504 Abe Martinez

1000cc Turbo:

1. #553 Jon Froust

1000cc NA:

1. #1912 Timothy Kern
2. #314 Katin Ladin
3. #999 Bo Radavich

570cc UTVs - Overall:

1. #57 TJ Siewers
2. #147 Braden Krah
3. #721 Victoria Leaming

570cc RS1:

1. #721 Victoria Leaming
2. #765 Presley Ladin

570cc Advanced:

1. #57 TJ Siewers
2. #14 Ryan Bedoya

570cc Beginner:

1. #147 Braden Krah
2. #566 Alexia Leaming
3. #866 Jaxon Leaming

170cc/250cc UTVs - Overall:

1. #147 Braden Krah
2. #866 Jaxon Leaming
3. #86 Allison Furnell

250cc:

1. #147 Braden Krah
2. #116 Erik Alvidrez
3. #765 Presley Ladin

170cc Advanced:

1. #866 Jaxon Leaming
2. #979 Kenzey Graham
3. #1948 Cooper Lake

170cc Beginner:

1. #86 Allison Furnell
2. #31 Evan Atkins
3. #1866 Cameron Leaming

Saturday October 10th - Motorcycle Results

Big Bikes - Overall:

1. #073 Collier Martinez
2. #243 Dominic Dugi
3. #19 Dayton Raper

Open A:

1. #243 Dominic Dugi
2. #57 Thomas Maynard
3. #291 Colton Edwards

Open B:

1. #127 Shaun Weese
2. #249 Dylan Manning
3. #814 Lewis Wright

Open C:

1. #139 Cody Reyes
2. #240 Steven Harmon
3. #277 Caden Cribbs

125-250cc A:

1. #073 Collier Martinez
2. #415 Tate Van Voorst

125-250cc B:

1. #033 Dominic Craighill

125-250cc C:

1. #130 Clayton Hixon
2. #074 Joseph Schlosser
3. #075 Chase Massey

Vet 30+ A:

1. #19 Dayton Raper
2. #754 Michael Whiteley

Vet 30+ C:

1. #813 Edgar Medrano
2. #420 Kevin Rennaker

Senior 40+ A:

1. #56 Andrew Smallhouse

Senior 40+ C:

1. #981 Jason Baxter
2. #831 Lewis Stephan
3. #423 Allen Craighill

Master 50+ A:

1. #746 Brandon Roberts
2. #59 Gary Peterson
3. #311 Richard Heyer

Super Senior 60+:

1. #1946 Ron Kenyon

Mini Bikes - Overall:

1. #2 Tristin Andrade
2. #21 Marley Kuhn
3. #188 John Smallhouse

65cc A:

1. #928 Owen Wesley

80-150cc B:

1. #2 Tristin Andrade
2. #21 Marley Kuhn
3. #188 John Smallhouse

80-150cc C:

1. #087 Darringer Rotsteen
2. #55 Kayla Duke
3. #266 Jason Trubey

Women's C:

1. #93 Ellie Koester
2. #191 Grace Vinagro

Pee Wee Bikes:

1. #153 Ryder Yates
2. #3 Ashton Stowell
3. #6 Ryland Stowell

Pee Wee 50cc 4-6 years:

1. #298 Harvey Kleck
2. #203 Radley Konkright
3. #821 Audrina Andrade

Pee Wee 50cc 7-8 years:

1. #70 Owen Morris
2. #299 Cayden Kleck
3. #36 James Madril

Pee Wee 65cc C:

1. #153 Ryder Yates
2. #3 Ashton Stowell
3. #6 Ryland Stowell

Saturday October 10th - Quad/ATC Results

Big Quads/ATCs - Overall:

1. #102 Ron Suor
2. #504 Abe Martinez
3. #555 Ransom Martinez

Vet Pro:

1. #102 Ron Suor
2. #504 Abe Martinez

Expert:

1. #555 Ransom Martinez
2. #174 Tanner Lindley
3. #911 Mike Morgan

Sportsman:

1. #172 Scott Yarber
2. #084 Cutter Landress
3. #68 Chris Guevara

Mini Quads - Overall:

1. #95 Brendan Turner
2. #17 Brayden Earlewine
3. #526 Maddie Freshour

250-400cc:

1. #526 Maddie Freshour
2. #98 Kash Schmidt
3. #57 Dakota Hibler

91-300cc 10-15 Years:

1. #95 Brendan Turner
2. #17 Brayden Earlewine

Pee Wee Quads - Overall:

1. #200 Cutter Gehrts
2. #187 Jose Llamas
3. #31 Kaiden Lee

Pee Wee 50-79cc 4-6 Years:

1. #89 Zane Gehrts
2. #6 Emma Martinez

Pee Wee 80-150cc Beginner:

1. #200 Cutter Gehrts
2. #187 Jose Llamas
3. #31 Kaiden Lee

Saturday October 10th - UTV Results

Big UTVs - Overall:

1. #866 Chris Leaming
2. #11 Paul Obrien
3. #504 Abe Martinez

Pro Turbo:

1. #11 Paul Obrien
2. #2020 Jeremiah Scott
3. #969 Daniel Hurn

Pro NA:

1. #504 Abe Martinez

1000cc Turbo:

1. #866 Chris Leaming
2. #316 Chris Lindstrom

1000cc NA:

1. #999 Bo Radavich
2. #314 Katin Ladin
3. #824 Robert Furnell

570cc UTVs - Overall:

1. #1910 Grace Vinagro
2. #721 Victoria Leaming
3. #809 Jaxen Gibson

570cc Advanced:

1. #1910 Grace Vinagro

570cc Beginner:

1. #809 Jaxen Gibson
2. #866 Jaxon Leaming
3. #225 James Thomas

570cc RS1:

1. #721 Victoria Leaming

170cc/250cc UTVs - Overall:

1. #866 Jaxon Leaming
2. #765 Presley Ladin
3. #1948 Cooper Lake

250cc:

1. #765 Presley Ladin
2. #116 Erik Alvidrez

170cc Advanced:

1. #866 Jaxon Leaming
2. #1948 Cooper Lake
3. #115 Liam Salas-Fisher

170cc Beginner:

1. #1866 Cameron Leaming
2. #226 Reed Rather
3. #87 Bentley Rainer

Sunday October 11th - Motorcycle Results

Big Bikes - Overall:

1. #300 Kyler Heimer
2. #19 Dayton Raper
3. #415 Tate Van Voorst

Pro:

1. #300 Kyler Heimer

Open A:

1. #57 Thomas Maynard
2. #291 Colton Edwards

Open B:

1. #149 Robert Beecroft
2. #721 Weston Atwater
3. #202 Chris Otero

Open C:

1. #240 Steven Harmon
2. #92 Juan Robles
3. #277 Caden Cribbs

125-250cc A:

1. #415 Tate Van Voorst
2. #077 Wyatt Zerkle

125-250cc B:

1. #033 Dominic Craighill
2. #90 Michael Maclean
3. #37 Brad Bootz

125-250cc C:

1. #130 Clayton Hixon
2. #694 Dylan Skaggs
3. #075 Chase Massey

Vet 30+ A:

1. #19 Dayton Raper

Vet 30+ B:

1. #32 Kegan Seftner

Vet 30+ C:

1. #420 Kevin Rennaker

Senior 40+ C:

1. #831 Stephan Lewis
2. #5 Juan Rivas
3. #46 Samuel F. Hedz

Master 50+ B:

1. #144 Dallas Brown

Mini Bikes - Overall:

1. #2 Tristin Andrade
2. #185 Donoven Christenson
3. #21 Marley Kuhn

80-150cc B:

1. #2 Tristin Andrade
2. #21 Marley Kuhn
3. #188 John Smallhouse

80-150cc C:

1. #185 Donoven Christenson
2. #696 Logan Skaggs
3. #55 Kayla Duke

65cc A:

1. #928 Owen Wesley

Mini Open:

1. #105 Rush Wermes
2. #414 Bryson Miller
3. #155 Ryder Wermes

Women’s C:

1. #93 Ellie Koester

Pee Wee Bikes:

1. #153 Ryder Yates
2. #091 Adrian Hopkins
3. #3 Ashton Stowell

Pee Wee 50cc 4-6 years:

1. #203 Radley Konkright
2. #298 Harvey Kleck
3. #441 Parker Miller

Pee Wee 50cc 7-8 years:

1. #091 Adrian Hopkins
2. #70 Owen Morris
3. #299 Cayden Kleck

Pee Wee 65cc C:

1. #153 Ryder Yates
2. #3 Ashton Stowell
3. #419 Wyatt Massey

Sunday October 4th - Quad/ATC Results

Big Quads/ATCs - Overall:

1. #102 Ron Suor
2. #172 Scott Yarber
3. #555 Ransom Martinez

Vet Pro:

1. #102 Ron Suor

Expert:

1. #555 Ransom Martinez

Sportsman:

1. #172 Scott Yarber
2. #302 Noah Fisher
3. #95 Brendon Turner

Mini Quads - Overall:

1. #95 Brendon Turner
2. #17 Brayden Earlewine
3. #526 Maddie Freshour

250-400cc:

1. #526 Maddie Freshour
2. #98 Kash Schmidt
3. #57 Dakota Hibler

91-300cc 10-15 Years:

1. #95 Brendan Turner
2. #17 Brayden Earlewine
3. #333 Jayse Miller

Pee Wee Quads - Overall:

1. #222 Jack Wilson
2. #31 Kaiden Lee
3. #200 Cutter Gehrts

Pee Wee 50-79cc 4-6 Years:

1. #89 Zane Gehrts
2. #6 Emma Martinez

Pee Wee 80-150cc Advanced:

1. #222 Jack Wilson
2. #31 Kaiden Lee
3. #200 Cutter Gehrts

Pee Wee 80-150cc Beginner:

1. #128 Keagan Truckey
2. #187 Jose Llamas
3. #623 Cain Llamas

Sunday October 4th - UTV Results

Big UTVs - Overall:

1. #999 Bo Radavich
2. #2020 Jeremiah Scott
3. #602 Neil Carse

Pro Turbo:

1. #2020 Jeremiah Scott
2. #11 Paul Obrien
3. #969 Daniel Hurn

Pro NA:

1. #504 Abe Martinez

1000cc Turbo:

1. #602 Neil Carse
2. #618 Cody Peacock
3. #316 Chris Lindstrom

1000cc NA:

1. #999 Bo Radavich
2. #314 Katin Ladin
3. #117 Cameron Bookey

570cc UTVs - Overall:

1. #721 Victoria Leaming
2. #1910 Grace Vinagro
3. #866 Jaxon Leaming

570cc RS1:

1. #721 Victoria Leaming

570cc Advanced:

1. #1910 Grace Vinagro

570cc Beginner:

1. #866 Jaxon Leaming
2. #566 Alexia Leaming
3. #809 Jaxen Gibson

170cc/250cc UTVs - Overall:

1. #866 Jaxon Leaming
2. #1866 Cameron Leaming
3. #1948 Cooper Lake

250cc:

1. #116 Erik Alvidrez

170cc Advanced:

1. #866 Jaxon Leaming
2. #1948 Cooper Lake
3. #115 Liam Salas-Fisher

170cc Beginner:

1. #1866 Cameron Leaming
2. #31 Evan Atkins
3. #86 Allison Furnell