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This year’s Round 3 of the Utah SBA Masters of the Mountains series was nothing short of electrifying, marked by intense competition and sweltering heat. Taking place over the weekend of June 14th and 15th at the famous Burt Brothers Motorpark, the event drew racers eager to claim their share of more than $8,000 in prize money during the Superbike Sprint races, all while testing their endurance in the championship series. Can you imagine racing under such scorching conditions? It certainly added an extra layer of challenge!
Saturday: Qualifying and Sprint Races
As the sun peeked over the horizon on Saturday morning, the track was already buzzing by 8:00 a.m. with excited USBA racers ready to qualify for their starting positions. This season introduced a new format that gives every rider a chance to qualify for each race—a change that has been met with enthusiasm from both competitors and fans alike. Anthony “Lugnut” Norton made waves by clocking the fastest lap of the morning at 1:34.1, closely followed by Justin Delong and Shane Turpin. Isn’t it incredible how quickly these athletes push their limits?
The weekend featured an exciting variety of races, catering to different skill levels, including an innovative class called Street GP. This initiative encourages street riders and newcomers to dip their toes into the racing world through classroom sessions and hands-on track experiences. For many, it’s a valuable gateway into competitive racing. An outstanding moment came during Saturday’s Ryder Gear Expert Open SBK race, where Lou Saccoccio charged from the back of the pack to clinch victory, finishing ahead of Delong and Childree, who secured second and third place, respectively. What a thrilling comeback!
Endurance Racing: The Duel in the Desert
The crown jewel of Saturday was undoubtedly the newly branded “Duel in the Desert” endurance race. This event has gained substantial popularity, especially with Burt Brothers Tire and Service stepping in as a title sponsor. The changes made—like eliminating entry fees for registered sprint racers and boosting the championship purse—have amplified the excitement. The endurance race kicked off with Trever Nosack on the Chain Reaction Honda taking an impressive lead, but it wasn’t long before Anthony Norton surged ahead, showcasing some serious pace. Did you catch that shift in momentum?
As the race unfolded, strategy and pit stops proved crucial. Norton maintained a strong lead before making his first pit stop, allowing Shane Turpin from Paradigm Racing to take over. The competition was fierce, with Paradigm ultimately executing a flawless strategy to claim victory, while Precision Fab Machinery Racing fought hard to secure second place, keeping the overall championship race tight. Talk about a nail-biter!
Sunday Sprints: A Day of Thrills
Sunday promised even more thrills, and the racers did not disappoint. The Edge Powersports Open Supersport race saw Norton dominate with an astounding lap time of 1:33.4. The competitive spirit was palpable as Delong and Childree engaged in a fierce battle for the remaining podium spots. Can you feel the tension from the sidelines?
The Precision Fab Machinery-sponsored Middleweight SBK Novice race highlighted a gripping three-way contest for the podium, showcasing the skill and determination of the next generation of racers. As the day progressed, the competition heated up, culminating in a final race where Norton once again displayed his prowess, securing first place after a gripping showdown with Delong. What a way to end the day!
As the weekend wrapped up, a strong sense of camaraderie and competition lingered in the air, leaving racers and spectators alike eagerly looking forward to the next round scheduled for July 19th-20th. With the exciting introduction of free entry for the endurance race alongside weekend sprint race registration, the upcoming events promise to be even more engaging for everyone involved. Who’s ready to rev their engines again?