As temperatures fell across the Mid-Atlantic, a dozen local teams converged on the United Karting facility in Hanover, Maryland for a final summer-like outing. The event, organized by United Minimoto, doubled as a fundraiser for the Roadracing World Action Fund, a nonprofit that promotes the installation of soft-barrier systems such as Airfence at tracks nationwide.
Race format and pre-event briefing
Before the engines roared, a riders’ meeting set the tone. Organizers reviewed track etiquette, safety protocols and the layout of the LeMans-style start, where competitors line up side-by-side before sprinting to their machines. Grid order was decided by a simple draw: each team selected a number from a bucket, ensuring a random and impartial lineup.
Bike classes, pit-stop mandates and penalties
Competitors chose machines from three distinct categories: Stock 125 (stock-spec 125 cc), F1 (maximum 125 cc with limited modifications) and Open (up to 190 cc, broader modifications allowed). The race director imposed class-specific minimum pit-stop counts – none for Stock 125, ten for F1 and thirteen for Open – turning raw speed into a strategic puzzle. Two “stop boxes” marked the entry and exit of the pit lane; riders had to halt completely before proceeding, eliminating the possibility of “stoppies.” Failure to respect these zones attracted lap penalties, as seen when Fada Racing incurred one lap for skipping a stop box and Over The Hill Studs received two laps for performing stoppies in the pit lane.
Dynamic start and on-track incidents
The modified LeMans start injected immediate excitement. Riders surged forward, mounted their bikes and launched into the first lap with a burst of adrenaline. Throughout the four-hour contest, the enforced pit-stop regime kept the field tightly bunched, with penalties proving decisive in the final tally. Despite the diverse machinery, the gap between the leading six teams never exceeded nine laps, underscoring how the stop-box rules compressed competition.
Podium battle and final standings
When the checkered flag fell, the top three spots were separated by a single lap. Chicken Banana Racing, fielding an F1-class bike with teenage riders Gwen Lease and Gavin Anderson, topped the leaderboard with 249 laps. The father-daughter duo of William Moore Sr. and Mikayla Moore, racing under the banner Fada Racing, secured second place with 248 laps, just one behind the leaders. A third-place tie at 248 laps went to Over The Hill Studs, whose F1-class Grom-converted Ohvale proved competitive despite the two-lap penalty they carried.
Charitable impact and community spirit
Beyond the fierce competition, the event succeeded in spotlighting the Roadracing World Action Fund‘s mission. Entry fees and on-site donations were earmarked for expanding Airfence installations, a safety measure that could reduce injuries on future road courses. Participants and spectators alike praised the inclusive atmosphere of United Minimoto, noting its low barrier to entry, family-like paddock vibe and the accessibility of racing on a short kart circuit.
Looking ahead
Organizers invite interested riders to explore upcoming events, class regulations and registration details on the United Minimoto website. Follow the series on Facebook at UnitedMinimoto or on Instagram @unitedminimoto_bwi for updates, race footage and community news. Photography for the day was supplied by Team Safety Third Photography, capturing the intensity and camaraderie of a race that blended competition, charity and the pure joy of two-wheel racing.
