Buffalo Peaks Hill Climb 2009
- Updated: July 9, 2009
by Pete Page
The Colorado Hill Climb Association (CHCA) held its second event of the 2009 season near Buena Vista, Colorado on Buffalo Peaks. The Colorado Hill Climb Association has been sanctioning hill climb events similar to the world famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, in Colorado since the mid 1970’s. The CHCA has several classes for cars, trucks and rock crawlers, as well as ATVs.
The Buffalo Peaks Hill Climb is a two-day event. The race course is a 3.2 mile gravel road that begins at 8000 feet above sea level. The course winds through the scenic Colorado mountains near the Arkansas River and ends at 8835 feet above sea level. Each competitor races on the course alone and the outcome is determined by the competitor’s time. Seventeen racers riding a variety of ATVs, to include several 500cc Yamaha Banshees, a Suzuki Quadzilla, and many others, took the green flag on Saturday for practice and qualifying.
After two runs on the course, #56 Alex Helton of Las Vegas, NV was the fast qualifier with a time of 3:56.76 on a Duncan Racing International 500cc Yamaha Banshee. #75 Mike “Doc” Tollett of Walter, OK was second with a time of 3:02.27 on a Suzuki Quadzilla. Jim Vidmar #76 of Colorado Springs, CO was third fastest with a time of 3:06.03 on his Duncan Racing International 500cc Banshee and Jason Mayes #78 of Keystone, CO was fourth fastest on a Yamaha Banshee with a time of 3:07.95.
Each competitor was allowed two runs on Sunday to determine the class winner. All 17 ATVs entered took a green flag on Sunday under beautiful sunny blue Colorado skies. Alex Helton, Mike Tollett and Jim Vidmar all were battling for the top spot as the first run began. The first run was slowed when John Pribble slid off the road and received some moderate injuries. John was transported to a local hospital for observation. After all of the other ATVs made it safely to the finish line, Mike Tollett had come out on top with a time of 2:58.80, closely followed by Alex Helton with a time of 2:59.86 and Jason Mayes not far behind with a time of 3:03.38. Jim Vidmar was fourth with a time of 3:04.21. The course begins with several tight turns and ends with two long straight of ways.
The top the riders all prepared for their final run of the day in hopes of bringing home a win. Mike Tollett was looking to make it two in a row. Alex Helton, Jim Vidmar and Jason Mayes all were looking for their first win of the season. Jim Vidmar took to the course first of the top three qualifiers. Then Mike Tollett and Jason Mays completed their second run. Alex Helton took to the course last, looking to move up one spot for the win. Jason Mayes crossed the finish line at 85 mph, Jim Vidmar was clocked at 82 mph, Mike Tollett ran a speed of 82 mph and Alex Helton finished at 84 mph.
When all of the runs were completed, the leader board was shuffled. Alex claimed the victory with a time of 2:57.26 on his second run. Mike Tollett ran a slower time the second run and finished with a 3:00.42. Jason Mayes also slowed on his second run and finished with a time of 3:04.59. Jim Vidmar improved his time and finished with a time of 3:01.00.
Alex Helton’s second run landed him the win with Mike Tollett’s first run time claiming second place. Jim Vidmar’s faster second run time edged out Jason Mayes to claim his 7th consecutive podium finish.
Alex Helton credited the win to his Duncan Racing International Banshee which “performed flawlessly” all weekend. Alex said the only thing he did to the machine all weekend was add fuel.
All of the competitors were pleased with the event and are preparing for the next CHCA event scheduled for August 8 and 9, 2009 in Grand Junction, CO.
Many of the competitors in the Buffalo Peaks event are also preparing for the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on July 19, 2009.
Results:
1. #56 Alex Helton
2. #75 Mike “Doc” Tollett
3. #76 Jim Vidmar
4. #78 Jason Mayes
5. #4 Audie Culp
6. #40 Chad Hazelton
7. #37 Garrett Richard
8. #31 Troy Smith
9. #222 Derek Wilson
10. #29 Bryan Packard
11. #5 Corey Culp
12. #44 Craig Kilday
13. #41 Mark Wellauer
14. #7 Michael Veil
15. #47 Joe Portillo
16. #88 Lawrence Simmons
17. #50 John Pribble
