The 103rd Loudon Classic, a cornerstone event of the NEMRR racing series, delivered a weekend of thrilling competition and unpredictable weather at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The event, which drew 40 riders, showcased the resilience and adaptability of the competitors as they faced intermittent showers and rapidly changing track conditions.
Tyler Scott, representing M4 ECSTAR Suzuki, set the tone early by securing pole position with a blistering lap time of 1:10.611. His dominance continued throughout the weekend, culminating in a hard-fought victory in the Classic. The race, which started under wet conditions, saw Scott fend off a fierce challenge from teammate Brandon Paasch, ultimately winning by a razor-thin margin of 0.328 seconds.
The Battle for the Top Spot
The Loudon Classic was a testament to the skill and determination of the riders. Teagg Hobbs, a local favorite, took an early lead but was overtaken by Eric Wood and Eli Block as the race progressed. Block, riding an Aprilia RS660, put on an impressive display, holding his own against larger Supersport machines. However, as the track began to dry, the Suzuki GSX-R750 duo of Scott and Paasch took control, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.
The race was not without its drama. A red flag on lap three reset the field, and the changing weather conditions forced riders to make strategic tire choices. Scott’s ability to adapt to the evolving track conditions proved crucial, as he navigated both wet and dry sections with precision.
Supporting Races and Standout Performances
In addition to the Classic, the weekend featured a full slate of pro races that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Gus Rodio dominated the Pro Streetfighter feature, winning by over five seconds on his Rodio Racing Ducati Streetfighter V2. The Pro 500 Superbike race was interrupted by rain, but Eli Block emerged victorious in a thrilling three-way battle.
Block’s impressive weekend continued with a second-place finish in the Pro Thunderbike race, where Logan Cunnison pulled clear to win by 12 seconds. Block’s consistency across multiple classes made him one of the standout performers of the weekend.
Sunday’s Challenges and Victories
Sunday brought more of the same unpredictable weather, with intermittent showers making tire choice a critical factor. The Seacoast Sport Cycle / Dunlop Dash for Cash, held in dry conditions, saw Eric Wood take the win in the Expert Dash. Wood, riding a Penguin Racing / Woodcraft Yamaha R6, crossed the line ahead of Jacob Crossman by 5.667 seconds.
Adam Guyer was another standout performer, racking up six Expert class wins on his Seacoast Sport Cycle mounts. Eric Wood added four Expert wins of his own, while Renee Franco completed a hat trick in Motard, Lightweight Sportsman, and Super Singles. In the Amateur ranks, Paul Berger backed up his Dash for Cash win with a four-win weekend.
The next round of the NEMRR series is set to take place on July 25-26 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, promising more exciting action and intense competition.
