Exciting Finale at Pikes Peak International Raceway: A Season to Remember

The Motorcycle Roadracing Association (MRA) concluded its thrilling 2025 championship season at the Pikes Peak International Raceway (PPIR). The event drew a crowd of enthusiastic fans as racers from across Colorado prepared for a decisive showdown, with championship titles at stake and points separating the leading contenders by narrow margins.

Race Highlights and Key Players

As the season neared its conclusion, Brad Hendry (1) emerged as the frontrunner, having triumphed in all four previous rounds. However, Matthew Cunha (95) was determined to challenge him, entering the final race just 25 points behind and eager to thwart Hendry’s bid for a perfect season. The competition heated up with Justen Behmer (4) also in the mix, ready to make an impact before the season’s end.

Thrilling Start and Early Maneuvers

As the starting lights extinguished, Behmer launched into action, capturing the holeshot and leading the pack through Turn 1. He was closely followed by Cunha, David Lambert (28), and Hendry. Almost immediately, Hendry maneuvered past Lambert, securing third place and setting his sights on the front runners.

Behmer maintained a strong lead for the first three laps. However, a near-miss in Turn 5 caused him to lose momentum, allowing Cunha to seize the opportunity. With swift precision, Cunha surged ahead, establishing a one-second advantage over his rivals.

Climactic Battles and Championship Decisions

Race Highlights: Cunha Clinches Victory Amidst Intense Competition

During the final laps of the race, Matthew Cunha showcased remarkable skill as he held off challenges from competitor Hendry. Hendry, who shifted into attack mode, successfully overtook Behmer to secure second place and began closing the gap on Cunha. The race intensified as lap traffic complicated the dynamics, creating heart-pounding moments where the top two racers were separated by a mere 0.057 seconds. Despite relentless pressure from Hendry, Cunha demonstrated composure and expertly defended his lead.

Final Results and Championship Outcomes

Ultimately, Matthew Cunha crossed the finish line first, achieving a hard-fought victory and preventing Hendry from completing a perfect season. Hendry finished in second place, with Lambert rounding out the podium in third. Notably, despite his runner-up position in the race, Hendry’s consistent performance throughout the season earned him the prestigious title of the 2025 Race of the Rockies GTO Champion.

• 1. Matthew Cunha (95)
• 2. Brad Hendry (1) – 2025 Race of the Rockies GTO Champion
• 3. David Lambert (28)

Race of the Rockies GTU Class Drama

In the Race of the Rockies GTU class, Sal Rizzo (9) entered Round 5 with a significant points lead. However, the finale was poised for surprises, particularly from Jeremiah Walker (562), who was determined to finish strong.

Walker surged off the line to capture the holeshot, quickly establishing a remarkable 14-second lead by mid-race. This left Rizzo and Steven Racz (37) engaged in a fierce battle for position behind him. Rizzo eventually succeeded in overtaking Racz, demonstrating his skill and determination.

As Jeremiah Walker maintained his dominance, competition intensified for the remaining podium positions. Geovanni Cruz, aged 21, made significant progress, closing in on Sal Racz before executing a precise pass through the carousel at Turn 5. Racz responded aggressively, but Cruz effectively defended his position, securing second place.

Walker crossed the finish line well ahead of the pack, claiming the race victory. Rizzo’s strong performance in second place was enough to clinch the 2025 Race of the Rockies GTU Championship, highlighting his consistent efforts throughout the season. Cruz rounded out the podium in third place following his impressive late-race maneuvers.

• 1. Jeremiah Walker (562)
• 2. Sal Rizzo (9) – 2025 Race of the Rockies GTU Champion
• 3. Geovanni Cruz (21)

Amateur GTO Championship Showdown

Amateur GTO Championship: Evans Faces Challenge in Final Round

In the Amateur GTO Championship, John Evans (154) commenced the final round as the points leader. However, he required a strong performance to secure the championship title. As the race began, Robert Brown (41) achieved the holeshot, leading a tightly contested field where the top four riders were separated by merely 0.9 seconds early in the race.

Throughout the race, Justin Bohling (954) consistently pressured Brown, with Evans and Phil Takahashi (807) closely trailing behind. As the competition unfolded, Bohling executed a decisive maneuver to overtake Brown. Evans followed suit, slipping past the leader and setting his sights on Bohling ahead. Despite Evans’ determined efforts, Bohling maintained a steady 2.5-second lead as the laps dwindled.

2025 Amateur GTO Championship Concludes at PPIR

Phil Takahashi found his rhythm and executed a successful pass on John Evans, securing the final podium position in the 2025 Amateur GTO Championship. Justin Bohling crossed the finish line first, successfully holding off Evans’ pursuit. Although Evans finished in second place, this result was sufficient to earn him the 2025 Amateur GTO Championship title, while Takahashi rounded out the top three.

• 1. Justin Bohling (954)
• 2. John Evans (154) – 2025 Amateur GTO Champion
• 3. Phil Takahashi (807)

The finale at Pikes Peak International Raceway (PPIR) epitomized the essence of a championship showdown, characterized by fierce competition and strategic maneuvers. The achievements of drivers Cunha, Walker, and Bohling stood out in their respective classes, while Hendry, Rizzo, and Evans celebrated their hard-earned championships. The 2025 season showcased the depth of talent within the MRA and left fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming 2026 campaign.