Jones makes it 6 in row in dramatic Victory - Sidecar National Championship, Victorville, CA. If it was a familiar name atop the podium at Victorville on Saturday, the story of how it was won is anything but monotonous and predictable. Joe Jones claimed his 6th Sidecar National in 6 years, whilst 1st year passenger Johnny Glover scored his first. The format saw 10 teams compete over 4 rounds of heats that had the traditional 3, 2, 1, 0 scoring. These were added to season long 'bonus points' for the years results and the combined scores settled which of the three Mains each rider would partake in. The Mains also provided points to be added and the grand totals would determine the winner. Jones and Glover had a 2 point lead of 2011 runners up Dylan and Crystal Beard who in turn had two points up on Jeff Medberry and Josh Bennett. With the 15, 12, 10, 9 points spread in the A Final either Jones / Glover or the Beard's would win with a victory, whilst Medberry and Bennett would claim the title with a victory and Jones / Glover being third or fourth. The tapes rose and the #5150 team of Beard & Beard led into turn one. They locked up coming out of turn 2, Jones and Glover went for the gap and heavy contact caused the 5150 team to dismount. The referee ordered a full restart. Again Team 5150 led away and after two laps they looked to be headed towards the title. Jones and Glover were having none of it and after looking inside once or twice they made a gargantuan dive around the outside at the end of lap three. They emerged across the start line ahead and carried the momentum to the chequered flag to deliver the most satisfying of all of Jones's titles. Medberry and Bennett were third in the A-Final and on the night. It was the biggest field of riders in a National in the recent era and the expansion of the Sidecar class will hopefully see the #s reach 16 for 2013. The Clubman National, for Division Two and Three riders also saw some last lap drama. Davey Shaw, who won both of his heats, led from the tapes going up but was reeled in by local rider Joey St. Louis. St Louis dived inside for the lead into turn one but could not hold the line exiting turn two to give Shaw a well deserved win. Brad Moreau was third. The 200cc title went to the much improved Michael Wells, who won all three races including the main from flag to flag. 2nd place went to Courtney Crone, with Sebastian Palmese holding off Stirling Martin for third. The Pee Wee's had two titles up for grabs. Sara Cords won the Open Title with the stock going to Dakota Shockley. Luke Becker showed very impressive pace in defeating Dillon Ruml in all three 250cc races. Eddie Castro was the familiar winner in the First Division class leading home Max Ruml and Michael Hull. Castro won two of the heats with Ruml winning the third. Results CLUBMAN NATIONAL FINAL LAST CHANCE 200cc NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PEE WEE NATIONAL DIVISION 1 250cc JUNIOR The Victorville season wraps up in 3 weeks with the 'Masters Track Championship' which will feature championships for all Divisions. The November 10th has an earlier than usual start time of 4pm. |
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