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Hillsamer, the Hill Tamer at Angel Fire!
New Mexico Trials Association
Round 7: Angel Fire
Angel Fire, NM | July 29, 2006
By George Pennington
Teaming up with WeBe racing and the Angel Fire Ski Resort, the New Mexico Trials Association was treated to a unique, high altitude setting for round seven of their Championship Series. Piggybacking on the following days Hare Scrambles race, a few extra entries were gained by visiting Colorado riders. WeBe racing also gained some Hare Scrambles entries as a number of trials riders opted to race also, either on off-road bikes or in the “trials” class created for this event. A unique cross-pollination opportunity!
The course featured sections tucked away in the trees, with tight turns being the most significant obstacle, until the rain came that is! A brief but significant storm hit just as the upper class riders took to the course, causing the sections to become slippery and difficult. Rocks and logs that would have been easy in the dry suddenly became formidable obstacles as riders fought to stay upright. High scores became the norm as riders struggled to keep 3’s from becoming fives!
Sliding and squishing his way to the finish, Tim Hillsamer narrowly edged Robert Hertrich for the Expert Class win, a mere two points separating them, or the difference between a three and a five in a challenging section. Devin Cannady rounded out the Expert podium, finishing another four points back of Hertrich.
Semi-Experts saw a bit of an upset today as Colorado rider, Joey Hamilton traveled south to dominate the class, checking in with a 14 point advantage over second place finisher James Fastle. Fastle, to his credit put in an equally dominating performance, topping Paul Hassler by 15 points. After that, the points spread tightened up considerably as the next four positions finished within a three point spread. Leading the way, David Old edged a tie between Greg Arrants and Bill Benahaum Jr. for fourth on the day, while Neal Pitts trailed the pack in seventh. Hamilton and Fastle would go on to race the following days Hare Scrambles event, with Hamilton finishing fifth in the Pro class and Fastle first in the Trials class.
Clay Pryor found his way to the front of the Sportsman class, topping Beta mounted Bob Micket by a solid four points. Scores tightened after that though as Bandal Cannady checked in just a point behind for third and a couple of ticks ahead of Bobby Nafus and Tyler Nafus who rounded out the top five respectively.
The amateur class belonged to the Jim and Tim show, Jim and Tim Elsen that is, who finished one, two respectively. Jim had the advantage though, finishing on five, to the 16 points dropped of Tim. Another Tim finished third, Tim Brooks this time, while John Brown and visiting Hare Scrambles racer, who was participating in his first trials event, Todd Harrison tied for fourth.
Champ: 1. Chuck Sutton; 2. Dave Cole
Expert: 1. Tim Hillsamer; 2. Robert Hertrich; 3. Devin Cannady; 4. Lance Butler: 5. Brandon Nafus
Semi-Ex.1. Joey Hamilton; 2. James Fastle; 3. Paul Hassler; 4. David Old
Sportsman: 1. Clay Pryor; 2. Bob Micket; 3. Bandal Cannady; 4. Bobby Nafus; 5. Tyler Nafus
Intermediate: 1. George Pennington; 2. Bernie Frederick; 3. Steve Orton; 4. Taco Kachenko; 5. Chris Johnson
Amateur: 1. Jim Elsen; 2. Tim Elsen; 3. Tim Brooks; 4. John Brown; 5. Todd Harrison
Novice: 1. John Perpar; 2. Larry Penick; 3. William Brown; 4. Ralph Saaredra; 5. Allen Witters
Beginner: 1. Elijah Pryor; 2. Garrett Rowland; 3. Gavin Hertrich;