12 Hours of ATV America 2002

Team Comments
There were so many stories within the story, so in effort to tell some of them we’ll let the teams take it from here…

1. Team Walsh Racecraft

Mike Walsh – Preston, CT
Doug Gust – Salem, WI
Joe Byrd – Union City, WI
Class: Pro
Main Sponsors: Walsh Race Craft, Joe Byrd Quad Riding School, Digger Dougs
Excavating, Sheridan Race Products, Columbia Motorsports, K+K ATV, Curtis
Sparks Racing Engines, Hinson, Hardkor Engineering, IMS, PEP Suspension, Renthal,
Maxxis Tires, Outerwears, UNI, DG, Douglas Wheels
Bike: WRC 250R (265cc)
Number: 75

Team Strategy
“To stay fast and fresh”, – Michael Walsh

The Race
“We took a four minute lead into the intermission, but they’re saying
that time is not carried into the second session – only laps are. We disagree
with that. Other than that everything went great. We really didn’t have any
problems at all”, – Mike Walsh.

Next Year
We’ll be back for sure, but I think it should be 12 straight hours. What
do you need a break in the middle for?”, – Joe Byrd.

Johnny Gallagher – Parkman, OH
Kory Ellis – Murrietta, CA
Rich Phillips – East Rochester, OH
Class: Pro
Main Sponsors: GT Thunder, Pro Series Performance, Lonestar, Carb Parts, HMF,
ATV Foreplay
Machine: Suzuki Z400
Number: 111

4. Team LRD

Nate Frees – Solon, IA
Jerimiah Jones — Bowling Green, KY
Jason Dunkleburger – Trevorton, PA
Class: Pro
Main Sponsors: LRD, RPM, Klotz, Ricky Stator, ITP, Fullbore, Iowa City
Motorsports, Lost Creek Cycle, Raush Creek, Nacs, JPMX, AXIS
Machine: LRD 350
Number: 112

Team Strategy
“To ride consistent, and keep a good pace”, – Nate Frees.

The Race
“We were running real strong the first session untill the last lap when
we blew the transmission. At the start of the second session we replaced the
motor and later worked our way back up to fourth”, – Nate Frees.

Next Year
“Next year all depends on the money. We were very dissapointed in the
payout. We built a brand new quad for this race with a brand new motor and
completely trashed it out for only $400. That didn’t even pay the entree fee.
If I was too race this next year I would want to know the purse right off
the bat and know what the track was going to be like. I thought the idea of
having the race was good. I thought the track layout was good (except it was
way too long). I went to France for the Pont De Vaux, and the lap times were
only around 3 minutes. This was good because it gave you a chance to make
up laps on other teams, and it also made it quicker to lap people and the
track was wide so lapping people was fun and it made it not so boring. In
Fort Dodge the track was so long it was near impossible to make up laps on
anybody. This really gave people no incentive to ride as hard as they could
in the first six hours, because you probably wouldn’t make up a lap. The track
was also too much cross country. I personally think that when you came up
out of the back to go by the front stretch to the other back section, you
should have made it come back onto the straight and not even have the second
back section. This would have shortened the lap times and taken out a lot
of the cross country. Other than that the track was pretty fun, but could
have been a little wider.

6. Team KY Kult

Josh Starrett – Scottsville, KY
Zac Willett – Henderson, KY
Doug Flinner – Gallipos, OH
Class: Pro
Main Sponsors: KY Kult, Nac’s, JPMX
Machine: Cannondale
Number: 44

Team Strategy
“We wanted to stay fresh, ride smart, fast, and consistant, and hopefully
have zero mechanical failures. This was each of the three rider’s first pro
race so we were really hoping to finish top 5”, – Doug Flinner.

The Race
“We had a bad break off of the line, which left us in last place, as
in 54th! We lost a few minutes on the lead pack on the first lap, so we played
catch-up all day. At one point we had worked up to 3rd place. Not bad at all.
The Pro class is just too tough to lose that much time and try to make it
up, there’s too many fast riders out there”, – Josh Starrett.

“We ended up stripping a sprocket hub, which dropped us to 6th overall.
Our Maxxis tires held up great with no flats and plenty of tread left, and
our Cannondale held up great also. All in all, we’re happy”, – Doug Flinner.

“We worked our way up to 7th in the pro class and continued to improve
throughout the day. We settled into fourth with 40-minutes left. Then the
axle splines stripped out. We had to replace the axle (did it in 15 minutes)
and dropped back to 7th. We passed into 6th place where we finished overall”,
– Zac Willett

Next Year
“The event was terrific! Easily one of the best events of the year
of course we’ll be back to represent Kentucky the best we can, – Josh Starrett.

“I think it was a lot of fun! I will definitly be back. I think the track
could have been longer with some tougher sections to it, but for the first
time event I would rate it an A+! I would like to thank all of our sponsors,
and Jividen’s Power Equipment for letting me and Barry off work to attend
this event. The Cannondale worked awesome all day! Our mechanics did a great
job- Thanks Dave Willet, Barry Gardner, & Jason Watt! This was the first
time they had ever met. They all worked great together. I honestly feel with
a little better preperation we will be a lot tougher next year. See you there”,
– Doug Flinner.

“The KY Kult will retailiate next year and place no worse
than a podium (threat)”, – Zac Willett

8. Team Great River Powersports

Dustin Wimmer – Center Valley, IA
Cory Ellerbroek – Burlington, IA
Nick Eastin – West Burlington, IA
Class: A
Main Sponsors: Great River Powersports, Legacy ATV, East Coast ATV, Maxxis
Machine: Honda 400EX
Number: 911

Team Strategy
“We figured we could all ride for an hour each and be consistent. Starting
out that is exactly what we did. I think that was a big part in our winning
the A class. That, and the fact that we had a great pit crew to get us in
and out really quick”, said Nick Eastin.

The Race
“Dustin started both sessions for us. He pulled the holeshot on everyone
(pros included) and led for half of the first lap. We maintained the lead
of the A class for the entire first 6-hour session. At the end of the first
six hours we were a full lap ahead of the rest of our class, completing 32
compared to the second place team’s 31 laps. Trouble struck on the end of
the third lap of the second session. Dustin hit a stump and shattered the
rear sprocket. After changing the sprocket we were down over 25-minutes. We
figured that to be about two and a half laps down. Making up ground as fast
as we could we continued to cut the time down each lap. With about three hours
left in the race, I passed the leader and got us back onto the lead lap”,
– Cory Ellerbroek.

“That is when we decided we were going to win this thing.
We were determined! With three laps left in the race, Cory again passed the
leader when they were forced to pit for a broken taillight. It wasn’t
over yet though! About halfway through that lap I hit a tree, and flipped
the quad and broke my shoulder. I got back up and got going as quick as I
could knowing that I had been passed by a few riders, but not knowing for
sure if one of them was the 2nd place guy in our class. Luckily when I came
through the checkpoint finish, we were still in the lead. I knew all I had
to do was hang on for two more laps and it was ours. I blocked out the pain
in my shoulder and did it! We crossed the finish line first in the A class
and 8th overall for the event!”, said Nick Eastin

Next Year
“At breakfast the next morning Cory, Dustin and I were already talking
about what we needed to do differently for next year’s event. I think in the
future there will need to be a longer or different pit road and the track
will need to be longer to accommodate more riders. This thing is going to
get real big, real fast!”, – Cory Ellerbroek.

“I would just like to thank John Pellan for putting on
the event. I can honestly say that it was the most fun I have ever had racing
in my life! Thanks John, you did a great job!” – Nick Eastin

12. Team Troy Racing/Jim’s Angels

Angela Moore – East Springfield, PA
Stephanie Parton – Dayton, OH
Traci Cecco – Shamokin, PA
Class: A
Main Sponsors: Troy Racing, Lewis Racing, Maxxis Tires, Klotz, Douglas Wheels,
Cycra, Advanced ATV, Custom Axis, Outerwears, LRD, Baja Designs, Baldwins
Motorsports, Smith Goggles
Machine: Suzuki LTZ400
Number: 1

Team Strategy
“We wanted to be consistent and make sure the riders were always fresh
and sharp”, Stephanie Parton.

The Race
“Traci smashed the taillight in the morning jumping the tabletop. A few
bare wires were touching and when Traci hit the brakes it blew the main fuse,
which she did not know until she stalled it in the woods and could not get
it to restart. This caused us to be a lap down” said Rick Cecco (Traci’s
husband and one of the team’s mechanics). “Later, the rear axle nut came
loose toward the end of the morning session which proceeded to destroy the
rear carrier bearings. We ended up switching out a complete rear from a spare
LTZ that Lewis Racing loaned for the team. The complete rear end was swapped
from the swingarm pivot bolt back within 10-minutes of the start of the second
session”.

“We got the rear end changed in less than 11 minutes, and
didn’t lose a position. Then night came and we worked our way all the way
to third. Thats where we finished. We’re exhausted from the beating and strength
it took to finish on the podium”, – Stephanie Parton.

“Angela was pulling out of the pits as the first rider
was making it through the finish checkpoint. This dropped us one more lap
down. Everything went well from there though. Fatigue started to set in, so
we dealt with it by lowering the number of laps per rider. In the morning
each girl did four laps. In the second sessions we handed the quad off to
each girl every 2-3 laps” said Rick Cecco (Traci’s husband and one of
the team’s mechanics).

Next Year
It cost us $1200 alone for the weekend in travel expenses, as long as we can
get sponsors to be interested in it, we’ll be there next year for sure. Thanks
for the great time!”, Traci Cecco.

“We’re stoked about the event! I just wish we would have had more of
a cross country set up instead of our motocross – it really made you push
your body beyond. I think the race will definitely double in size next year.
We’re looking forward to going back, minus the drive out that is. The three
girls are coming again to whoop on the boys! So lookout! Thanks John for putting
on something so crazy and different for us! I’m really glad we got to make
it to such an event! Nothing beats the pure fact of being there; getting a
T-shirt, being in the flyer, being on the radio on Friday — it was a great
experience. I’ll always treasure the day and feeling of a podium finish in
the first annual 12 Hours of ATV America!”, – Stephanie Parton (’02 GNCC
Women’s Champion).

16. Team T.M. Quad

Jonathan Beaupre – Laval, Qubec, Canada
Jasmin Plante – Notre Dame Bon Conse, Quebec, Canada
Daniel Gignac – Mascouche, Quebec, Canada
Class: Pro
Main Sponsors: Elka Suspension , T.M. Quad , Marcel Benoit , Emco , L.C. Auto
, 12 Heures de La Tuque , FQCQ
Machine: Laeger’s Banshee
Number: 82

Team Strategy
“Being constant was a priority and not breaking down was also very important”,
– Jonathan Beaupre.

The Race
“We broke two tie rod ends and it took about 45 minutes to get towed
bake to the pits”, – Jonathan Beaupre.

Next Year
“It was well organized and there was lots of fast riders. We found
that it was more of a cross country race than a Pont deVaux

type race, other than that it was great. If the sponsors are with us we’ll
probably be back next year. :If any team is interested in doing this type
of race

they can contact us at www.fqcq.qc.ca or by phone (514)252-3050 for the 12
hours of La Tuque that is part of the Pont de Vaux championship”, – Jonathan
Beaupre.

23. Team White River Electric

Jimmy Sisk – Kirryville, MO
Gragg Alms- Walnut Shade , MO
Class: B
Main Sponsors: White River Electric – A touchtone energy cooperative.
Machine: Honda 400 EX
Number: 245

Team Strategy
“Play it cool. Save the bike. No crashing. Good solid strady pace. Swap
riders every hour”, – Jimmy Sisk.

The Race
“We did what we set out to do – no wrecks with a good steady pace. We
were in 18th I think after first lap. We worked are way up to 2nd place with
a lap lead on the team behind us at the end first session. After checking
the bike over before the start of second session we noticed that there was
no oil showing on the dipstick at all and rear carrier bearing was complete
toast. There was about one inch of slack on each side of the axle. We started
the second session going directly to the pits. We put oil in and let the pack
take off (we figured why fight the pack at the start). We went 2 laps, pitted
and swapped out the rear axle from Gragg’s practically brand new 400EX in
probably 30 minutes. We slowly climbed our way back and finished 6th in our
class, 23rd Overall. Which we were content with since we had trouble with
the axle. Thanks to Lazereth at GT Thunder he is sending me parts to put my
bike back together. We did what we set out to do ‘- finish and do the best
we could”, – Jimmy Sisk.

Next Year
“We had alot of fun! I was a great track! Since we had never been on
an motocross or a TT track for that matter, it was all the more fun.

I wasn’t too crazy for having to buy an ATVA card, but we’ll be back anyway.
We would like to add a third rider though. It was rough on two guys”,
– Jimmy Sisk.

27. Team EMU (like the bird)

Ryan Jimenez – Iowa Falls, IA
Jerome Rewerts – Hampton,IA
Luke Olberding – Iowa Falls, IA
Class: B
Main Sponsors: Legacy ATV, Elka Suspension, Shift, Rewerts Drilling, Olberding
Floor Covering, Magic Racing, Our Family’s
Machine: Honda TRX400EX – Legacy ATV 426 National Motor
Number: 63

Team Strategy
“We felt that if we were prepared, had a good pit crew and with some
luck we could win the Amature B class. We had two spare quads for parts, tires
and wheels up the ying yang. We had two very knowlegable mechanics too, (unfortunately
Keith Davis could not make it.)”, – Luke Olderding.

The Race
“We had to line up in the 26th spot but Ryan got us out of there quick
and came through the first lap in forth. From there we moved to 2nd and rode
there for most of the first session until the end where we made our first
bad strategy disision. Ryan once again was on the machine when the tie-rod
ends closest to the stearing stem came loose. We took the time to put our
lights on and do some other needed matinence. Problem was – we didn’t get
the tie-rod problem fixed entirely. So at the start of the next sesson we
could have been a lap up but instead we were even. We lost about 1/2 lap to
every one. then the Ricky Stator lights broke. We lost another lap replacing
them. We droped to 11th and spent the rest of the time playing catch up, eventually
finishing 8th”, – Luke Olderding.

Next Year
This is the greatest race I’ve ever been involved with! It was fun to
prepare for and a blast to ride the course. We will definently have our team
next year and hopefully put in a better performance. Thanks for putting on
such a great event!”, – Luke Olderding.

31. Team Jordan Racing

Nick Eldridge – Algonac, MI
Damien Whitmore – Clinton Township, MI
Josh Dohm – Gaylord, MI
Class: B
Main Sponsors:
Machine: Yamaha Raptor
Number: 240

Team Strategy
“To try to save time anyplace we could”, – Nick Eldridge.

The Race
“We found out a lot more ways to save time that we couldn’t use this
year due to lack of equipment, tools and planning”, – Nick Eldridge.

Next Year
“This was our first race and we had a great time, can’t wait til
next year’s. The only downfall was that we couldn’t walk for two days after
the race”, – Nick Eldridge.

32. Team Strangers

Bob Ziebell – Urbandale, IA
Mark Briggs – Des Moines, IA
Jake Culsch – Wookon, IA
Class: B
Main Sponsors: our selves
Machine: Yamaha Raptor
Number: 98

Team Strategy
To finish or win!

The Race
“We did pretty well considering we had never rode together or even met
one another until Friday. The event was very well put together and the track
was awesome!”, Bob Ziebell.

Next Year
“I am planning on having a very good team next year and plan on a top
five finish. I thought the event would have more TV coverage and more magazine
poeple, being it was the first in the US. I told all my friends to watch for
me in the next Dirt Wheels but I don’t think anyone even got a picture of
me.

I am glad to have participated in the event and thankful that ATVers are getting
some attention. Can’t wait till next year!”, Bob Ziebell.

39. Team Two Rivers ATV Club Wild Boys

Lonnie Britt – Silvis, IL
David Moline – Geneseo, IL
Greg Smart – Rock Island, IL
Class: B
Main Sponsors: Britt Const., Brenny’s Cycle Works, Action Chiropractic, Kel-Welco
Const. World, Anchor Lumber
Machine: Honda 440 EX
Number: 38

Team Strategy
“Ride steady and stay out of trouble”, – Lonnie Britt.

The Race
“We got hung up on first lap. We dropped all the way to the back but
made it all the way back to 10th in class with only two hours to go. Then
we had electrical problems and dropped to 19th in class and 34th overall”,
– Lonnie Britt.

Next Year
“It was grueling, but a lot of fun. It was really cool to see the
pros, man they were fast! We would love to see less MX, more TT and XC sections
next year”, – Lonnie Britt.

43. Team Gregory Racing

Michael Gregory – Centralia, MO
Matt Gregory – Centralia, MO
Chad Owens – Farmington, IA
Class: B
Main Sponsors: G&G Trucking , Gregory Express, Midwest Motor Park all
of Kahoka Mo. and ourselves.
Machine: Honda 400Ex 440cc
Number: 79

Team Strategy
“Our strategy going into the race was to let my brother start the race
and get a few lap lead on the field and then let the rest of us hold onto
it”, – Michael Gregory.

The Race
“We started out fine with Matt running in sixth at the first pit stop
at the end of lap 5 . Chad went out next and was able to keep us in the top
ten in the B class after 4 more laps. I went out next. After four laps we
were around 10th place but I surfered a front left flat tire and we had a
long pit stop. The next time we went through our rotation, each of us rode
4 laps each . At the end of my rotation, I noticed that the chain was loose.
This was caused by a rear axle bearing going out at the 5:35 mark of the first
session. We spent the next hour and a half replacing the carrier with a new
one. This happened over the end of the first session and the begining of the
second session. By the time we got going we were in 20th place – three or
four laps down on the next position. so, Matt rode a three lap session and
I rode an Ironman session of eight laps in the row. That got us to the 9:30
Mark and we decided it was time to quit because we were not gaining any time
on the next position. We still finished 20th in the B Class and 43rd overall.
As a side note, I would like to thank everyone who helped change our carrier
and to the other rider who sold me the new axle carrier”, – Michael Gregory.

Next Year
Who would have thought that 54 quads could run that long in the dark and not
hit each other. The event was great. I am thinking about fielding a team,
if work lets me do it”, – Michael Gregory.

44. Team ATV Nation.com

Kevin Johnston – Denver, NC
Damon Brown – Havana, IL
Angela Turner – Spartenburg, SC
Class: Utility 4WD
Main Sponsors: HMF, No-Toil, Works Shocks, FST, Interstate Cycle, Scott, Maxxis,
Pro Grip
Machine: 2002 Yamaha Grizzly
Number: 11

Team Strategy
“To keep the racers fresh, make pit stops quick and ride the wheels off
the machine”, – Angela Turner.

“We just wanted to be there in the end while looking and acting professional”,
– Kevin Johnston.

The Race
“We almost did ride the wheels off and spent almost 1/3 of the race in
the pits. If not for that, our lap times would have pulled us in at second
place comfortably. I worked hard to prepare for this race and went out of
my comfort zone (I usually race a 400EX in GNCCs) to race a 600 pound Yamaha
Grizzly in this amazing race. I was able to pull 14-minute laps in my second
time on the track with having no more than 30-minutes of seat time on that
machine, or any Grizzly for that matter. We had many problems that kept us
in the pits nearly four hours and slowed us down dramatically but when I was
out there I poured my heart and soul into it despite having to race with mechanical
problems that made it even more difficult”, – Angela Turner.

“In the second half we took another holeshot but busted a drive shaft.
We changed that and four laps later we broke a cv shaft. We changed that and
continued till the next cv shaft broke. We still finished, with front wheel
drive, and only 2 laps out of third place. Not bad considering we had over
three hours of down time”, – Kevin Johnston.

Next Year
“I was proud to be one of four women racing this event.
I was also proud to be part of such a professional event. I would like to
thank you all your hard work to make the 12 Hours of ATV America the race
of my life so far! Hopefully the year’s worth of training will do more benefit
than the extra training I did for a month this time. Thanks again for all
you did to make this a memorable event and I look forward to seeing this race
get the kudos it deserves!”, – Angela Turner, 2002 Mideast Women’s Championship.

“I loved the race and will be back next year for sure,
but would like to maybe see four (3) hour sessions instead of the two (6)
hour sessions”, – Kevin Johnston.

45. Team LPG Racing

Jeff Lingenfelter -Noblesville, IN
Rob Grissel – Noblesville, IN
Class: B
Main Sponsors: Lakeview Marina
Machine: DS 650
Number: 256

Team Strategy
Survive. Our third rider bailed on us the night before”, – Jeff Lingenfelter.

The Race
The nose stabbed a double, and we lost two hours rebuilding”, – Jeff
Lingenfelter.

Next Year
It was a very tough track for the DS. Some of the tight sections in the woods
gave us a hard time. It was very well run, and a great group to work with,
we’ll definitely be back”, – Jeff Lingenfelter.

49. Team MTV

Bill Carpenter – Pearland, TX
Cris Carpenter – Lee Summit, MO
Les Turner – Haymarket, VA
Class: Utiltiy 4WD
Main Sponsors: self
Machine: Kodiak 401 cc Stock
Number: 035

Team Strategy
“Do the best we could without getting hurt”, – Bill Carpenter.

The Race
“We accomplished the above”, – Bill Carpenter.

Next Year
We really liked it. A wider track through woods would be better. We’ll be
back next year”, – Bill Carpenter.

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