NQRA, Monster Mountain MX, Tallassee, AL 2004
- Updated: March 11, 2004
Jason Luburgh skies air off the big uphill step up in route to the overall victory.
Maxxis NQRA US ATV Nationals
Monster Mountain MX
Tallassee, AL
March 13-14, 2004
Round two of the newly formed Randy Dinkins and Billy Spruill mastermind, otherwise known as the Maxxis US ATV Nationals, under NQRA (National Quad Riders Association) sanctioning took place in a Tallassee, AL at perhaps the most under rated motocross tracks in the country, – Monster Mountain MX. The multi-event featured ATV motocross racing at its best on one of the better motocross tracks in the country. Every rider in attendance was impressed with what Monster Mountain offered. The track seemed to be built specifically for ATVs, as widths were wide and the clay terrain held together nicely. Jumps were plentiful, big yet safe. Even the enormous triple step-ups were safely completed by several amateur riders. Those who missed this event, and there were many, missed out on some excellent racing and much more. The event featured six live rock bands (the gig was appropriately called “Tallapalooza”), ATV Drag Races and a Utility Challenge, (also very appropriately titled, since several quads could not finish due to the thick mud and massive obstacles).
McCarley carves a hard left-hander.
The feature race of the day was the pro motos. Big names, Dana Creech and Jason Luburgh topped the 9 rider field. In moto one Luburgh passed Creech early but spun out in a slippery area of the track allowing Creech to get by. Luburgh slowly faded off pace until the last two laps, where he made up valuable Alabama ground on Creech but not enough to threaten him for the win. Gilbert, AZ’s Skyler Stewart held on to third all the way to the moto one checkers.
The surprise of the weekend came on the last moto of the day, – the pro main event. Luburgh slowly and steadily walked away with the win and the overall. Meanwhile Box Springs, GA’s WL McCarley slipped into second place while Creech worked through the ranks after a bad start. McCarley rode a spent 250R in the first moto, where he could barely hold up the rear of the pack. In moto two he hopped on a borrowed race worthy quad (a CRF450 formerly Keith Little’s) and rode one hell of en impressive moto to say the least. What’s more it was McCarley’s first time on a four stroke powered ATV. We’re thinking that his old 250R is up for sale by now, because Mcarly, only 18 years old, took to the borrowed thumper extremely well. Only last year, he finished 3rd for the year in the B class, but today he rode ahead of Creech for the entire moto.
The ride of the day went to WL McCarley (last year’s GNC B class #3), who borrowed a quad to finish second in pro moto two and third overall.
2003 NQRA champ, Richard Newbern proudly runs the NQRA #1 plate in the pro class.
In closing laps, Creech put the pressure on McCarley even though he sacrificed his goggles. “I had a few opportunities to put a pass on but didn’t want to crash either of us out there”, said Creech after the race. “It’s a long season and I want to be safe this year, besides I had second overall whether I passed him or not. He rode an excellent race with very few mistakes. He’s definitely a great up and coming rider.” McCarley held his ground and finished the moto second with Creech about two quad lengths behind him. “I’m sure Dana was wondering where in the world I came from out there. I really felt comfortable on that four-stroke. I need to find a sponsor to help me get a YFZ. We just can’t come up with the money for one right now. My hats off to these top pros. It was an honor to get to ride with them today and I had a blast”, said a very satisfied WL McCarley after the moto.
Tallapallooza rockers rock on!
“I thought there would be a lot more people here this weekend. The track is really awesome. It’s GNC worthy without a doubt. In fact, I like it better than the Gatterback track. It’s a shame so many people chose not to come. They missed a great time”, summed up overall winner, Jason Luburgh.
