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On Saturday May 11, 2024, in the heart of Camp Verde, Arizona, beneath the expansive azure sky that later succumbed to swirling clouds, the off-road race orchestrated by Richie at AZOP unfolded with fervor and excitement.
From the earliest rumble of the Stacyc E-Bikes, where pint-sized racers aged 2-7 fearlessly navigated the rugged terrain, to the thunderous roar of the Big UTVs charging through the dust at day's end, each race carved its own tale of triumph and challenge.
In the PeeWee bikes division, amidst the whirring of engines and the cheers of proud parents, young riders tackled the course with unwavering determination. Among them, emerging victorious were names like Karen Ross, Brayden Tillery, and Channing Johnson, their youthful spirits igniting the track with sheer exhilaration.
Meanwhile, in the UTV 170s category, a fierce battle ensued as 18 drivers pushed the limits of their machines. Through twists and turns, they showcased their skill and finesse, with champions crowned in each class, their names etched in the annals of off-road glory.
Yet, it was the Big Bike C race that stole the show, a cacophony of engines and adrenaline-fueled maneuvers echoing through the desert. Amidst the chaos, #9 Aubrey Munoz, #8 Lance Langford, and #014 Tanner Cox waged an epic duel, exchanging positions with each turn of the wheel. Ultimately, it was Munoz who emerged victorious, his victory a testament to skill and sheer determination.
As the day progressed, each race unfolded with its own unique blend of excitement and intensity. From the Mini Bike races, featuring 41 competitors across various classes, to the Mini Quads and Big Quads events, where racers showcased their skills on two and four wheels alike, every race left spectators on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next breathtaking moment.
Throughout the day, Parker's meticulous timekeeping ensured the smooth flow of events, while Kyle's watchful eye maintained a safe and family-friendly environment. Behind the scenes, the dedicated team at AZOP Race Company ensured smooth operations. From Parker's meticulous timekeeping to Kyle's vigilant safety measures, every detail was meticulously handled. Christy, Misty, Michelle, Debbie, Kara, Kim, and Christy worked tirelessly to ensure accurate results, while Head Sweep Rider Brad and the dedicated medical team led by Medic Lane ensured the safety of every racer.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, and the final checkered flag waved, the champions stood tall, their triumphs celebrated amidst cheers and applause. And though the dust may settle, the memories of this epic off-road spectacle will linger, a testament to the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that defines AZOP Racing.
With the race day excitement still buzzing in the air, let's dive into the thrilling results. From the Stacyc E-Bikes to the Big UTVs, here are the winners and top finishers who conquered the Camp Verde off-road course.
These winners and Top Five Overall finishers exemplify the pinnacle of off-road racing prowess, each leaving their mark on the unforgettable spectacle that unfolded in Camp Verde, Arizona.
As the sun rose over Camp Verde, Arizona on Sunday, May 12, 2024, the anticipation for another exhilarating day of off-road racing reached a fever pitch. Under the watchful eyes of Kyle, Ritchie, and the dedicated team at AZOP Race Company, racers and spectators alike geared up for another round of heart-pounding action.
From the thundering beasts of the Big UTVs to the nimble Mini Bikes, each race promised its own thrills and spills, weaving tales of determination and triumph across the rugged terrain.
One of the highlights of the day was the Stacyc E-Bikes 2-3 years old watching Maverick Atteberry, Zona Grimes, and Ben Proctor work their way across the course, climbing hills and zooming down the backside. Likewise, the Mini Bikes did not disappoint with Ryder Yates and Ryland Stowell battling for the top spot, finishing within 3 seconds of each other to take the overall 1st and 2nd out of 34 riders. It was a tough go for our lone Pull-start, John Horner, who only completed two laps before the whoops and turns took their toll on his bike and he couldn’t complete the race.
Nick Ross, #388, put on quite the show in the 125-250 C class, as his Red, White, and Blue jersey flew through the air, clearing the doubles with ease. In the Big Bikes Pros and A/Bs division, riders revved up their engines, eager to tackle the challenging course. From the skilled veterans to the rising stars, each competitor aimed to leave their mark on the track and claim victory in their respective classes. The race was electrifying, as racers flew over jumps and sped through the whoops. Collier Martinez and Samuel Campbell took the early lead, but bike malfunctions pulled them from the course, leaving Joseph Giles way out in front. Martinez returned to the track after a quick tire change, and fought his way through traffic, gaining time on the leaders each lap. His speed and agility allowed him to pass the other Pros in his class and 027, Jay Kessler. But it wasn’t enough. Joseph Giles’s lead was too great, and his finesse as a rider allowed him to keep the lead and finish 1st place overall. Kessner, with a solid race, finished 2nd overall on time, starting behind Martinez.
And in the Big Quads race, anticipation hung thick in the air as riders geared up for another adrenaline-fueled showdown. With skill and strategy on full display, competitors prepared to push their limits and vie for glory on the challenging off-road course.
The Big UTVs and 570s battled together, each driver ready to test their skills, with each class brimming with talent and ambition. Travis OConner put on quite a show, jumping high and flying over the whoop section to take the overall win. The tight battle for the 570 winner saw Laethe Earp and Spencer Gibson neck and neck, with Spencer ultimately coming out on top after Laethe rolled over on the infield and still finished to finish the race in second place. And Chloe Hurn pulled off the victory over Blaine Proctor after Proctor got a flat tire near the end of the race. Chloe was also able to finish well in front of her father, AZOP’s own Tech Dan Hurn, when his car broke on the fifth lap.
As the day unfolded, each race delivered its own blend of excitement and adrenaline, captivating spectators and racers alike. From the thunderous roar of the Big UTVs to the agile maneuvers of the Mini Bikes, every race showcased the indomitable spirit of off-road racing.
As the sun dipped below the horizon once more, and the final checkered flag waved, champions emerged, their triumphs celebrated amidst the echoes of cheers and applause. And though the dust may settle, the memories of this unforgettable Sunday race will endure, a testament to the enduring spirit of AZOP Racing.
Without further ado, let's dive into the electrifying results of Sunday's races, where champions rose to the occasion and etched their names in off-road racing lore:
These winners and top five overall finishers stand as testament to the enduring spirit of off-road racing, embodying the thrill of competition and the camaraderie that defines AZOP Racing. Until the next race, the legacy of this unforgettable Sunday in Camp Verde, Arizona, will continue to inspire racers and fans alike.
For more information about AZOP and upcoming events, visit our website at www.azopracing.com