AMA Kenda National Hare & Hound Championship set to roll

January 20, 2011

From a press release by the National Hare & Hound Association...

In just three short days, the California Desert will be littered with happy campers, and Bessemer Mine Road will be lined with traffic eager to witness the start of the NHHA Racing Season.  At this point, the course is marked, and the Desert MC crew is busily preparing for the controlled mayhem that is a desert race.  Sign-ups will open Saturday at 1:00pm and will be open until 4:30pm.  They will also be open Sunday morning at 6:45 am and continue until fifteen minutes prior to the start of the race, which is 9:30am.  The Pro Autograph signing will take place in the sign-up tent Saturday evening after the closing of sign-ups, between 5:00 and 6:00pm.

The main pits will be located on Bessemer Mine Road at The Rock Pile, and will be arrowed from Highway 247.  All riders must attend the mandatory Riders Meeting prior to the start of the race at the start line.

Three Loop Riders will be required to pass through an alternate gas pit which is located approximately 5-miles North of the main pit area.  The mileage at this point in the race will be approx 38 miles into loop two.  Prior to the Loop 2 Finish/Loop 3 Start, a check worker will direct riders to their respective loop.  All riders who are going out on the third loop are encouraged to gas up to ensure that they are not left on the course without gas.  A gas truck will be available to transport gas on Sunday morning provided by DMC, but pit crews are also encouraged to send someone to aid in the fueling of their riders. Maps will be available to the alternate gas pit on Sunday morning in the pits.  If you are a three loop rider, plan ahead so that your gas situation will be handled prior to your arrival at the start line!

Introducing the NHHA/ Kenda Travel Kash Program
The NHHA in association with Kenda have partnered up to present a rider payback program in which the top 4 finishing Motorcycle Racers with (2) Kenda tires will be eligible for a $50 NHHA/ Kenda Kash Payback. Anyone and everyone who is running Kenda tires is eligible and has a chance to take home a piece of the NHHA prize.  Additionally, the first finishing Quad Racer running (4) Kenda tires will win a $50 NHHA/Kenda Kash Payback.  Awards will be given at the finish line by an NHHA official.

Ride in between the banners at the end of the bomb run to be eligible for the HOLE SHOT awards!  Nearly 100 prizes are up for grabs at this weekend's event and here is just a brief rundown of what to expect at Round 1:

B Class Hole Shot -  $100 TBT Racing Cert
C Class Hole Shot -  $100 TBT Racing Cert
Quad Hole Shot -      $100 TBT Racing Cert
1st B class 3-looper - Pair of Alpinestar Tech 8 Boots
1st C class 2-looper - Set of Iron Man Sprockets
1st Quad Class -  Fasst Flex Handlebars
1st 60+ - 50% off Fastway coupon
1st Womans A/B - 50% off Fastway Coupon
1st Woman C - 50% off Fastway coupon
1st 250 (overall) - BRP Triple Clamp set-up
MadJack Racing- 4 gallons of Amsoil Motorcycle oil to 4 different riders at the finish.

Totals 14 Awards handed out on the Podium!

"C" Class Certificates (Handed out at Sign Ups!)

ZLT - 30% off Certs
RTT - 25% off Certs
RB Components - 35% off Certs
Fluidyne - 30% off Certs
Fasst Co - $75 off Certs
Dirt Tricks - 50% off Certs
Bullet Proof Designs - $50 off Certs
IMS - 25% off Certs
Works Connection - 30% off Certs

Total of 75 Certs at each round not including the the contingency for the 1st and 2nd place winners in each class that will receive a packet by e-mail from every NHHA sponsor.

This year's Desert MC Winter Classic is dedicated to the memory of Wes Finkle. The long time Desert MC member was instrumental in helping to build the NHHA, and his countless hours of dedication to the sport of Off Road Motorcycle racing will forever be passed on as Desert MC continues to honor his memory and host their World Class Event.

Come join Desert MC, the NHHA, and District 37 Sunday January 23rd at 9:30am as the banner drops and the battle begins.  Who will be the 2011 NHHA Champion? Only time will tell, but it all starts at Round 1 as Kendall Norman prepares to defend his championship and make it two in a row!

For more informationon the NHHA and the 2011 AMA/KENDA National Hare & Hound Championship Series,visit:www.NationalHareandHound.com

My first race for the 2011 season was the Jackrabbits Hare & Hound in Red Mountain, California on January 9th. You know how sometimes when you are driving in the car and a song pops up on the radio that brings back a bad memory or a feeling you once had? Well, that is how I feel when I hear, "hey are you racing Jackrabbits?" my joints begin to burn and my left eye begins to sting. Granted I have only raced the national caliber race two times prior to last week's race, so I don't have much experience with  this race, but I swear it is out to get ME!

2007 Jackrabbits Hare & Hound

In 2007 this race was my first race as an Amateur and my first time doing two loops, can I just say BRUTAL! I was on my 2004 KX250f and it took me 7 hours and a contusion on my elbow to finish, talk about a real eye opener! I thought I was doomed, were all two loop races going to be like this? Thankfully everything happens for a reason and that was the turning point for me, that race was the race that got the ball rolling in finding the right ride and set up for ME. Who knew by 2008 I would be happy as a clam with my 2008 KTM XC.

With that said, I didn't race Jackrabbits again until last year 2010. I'm not going to lie, even though I knew I had improved in the past couple of years, I was still a little bit nervous from my last attempt of racing it in 2007. I say attempt, because I technically did finish, but I felt like I crawled across the finish line in pure agony, rather than holding it wide open to the end.

After the banner dropped and I was on my way I could tell my my riding had definitely improved, I was feeling fast and confident, maybe a little too overly confident. With a Hare & Hound you usually do the easy loop first, and then the hard loop second. What makes the Jackrabbits race so special is you race the hard loop first, and the easy one second. I felt so good at the beginning of the first loop, that I began to think that once this loop is under my belt, the rest is all downhill....

Downhill it was, within 6 or 7 miles into the first loop I crashed on a downhill section and gave myself a black eye! Lesson learned, careful what you wish for, you might just get it in a very unexpected way. The remainder of the race I kept a good pace with only one eye and I finished, winning my first race for the 2010 season!

My trophy for 2010 Jackrabbits H&H, a shiner of my very own.

So with all that history behind me, it was time to add to that list and race it again in 2011 as an Expert in the Women's class. We got there Sunday morning just in time to sign up, practice the bomb run (also know as the start), pass sound testing, and say hello to some familiar faces. My bike was running awesome with a new clutch from Barnett and a fresh set of Kenda Parker DTs, both put on the day before by Cameron. I couldn't have asked for a crisper bike!

Saying hello to the folks at sound testing

This year's race was a blast! I got to do a little bit of battling with D37's W1 plate holder, Sarah Kritsch. Kritsch is a good friend of mine and someone who I really look up to, I hope to someday have the same skill she has on a dirt bike, well at least close. What makes this upcoming year so cool and different, is that both Kritsch and I are receiving rider support from Moose Racing, making it feel like we are on the same team! Moose Racing has once again done it right with their 2011 Racewear lineup, so far my favorite has been their XCR line, the feel and wear is superb! Not to mention that they also came out with an M1 Roost Shield that is so light and form fitting, you forget it's there! 

2011 Jackrabbits H&H

I ended up coming in second to Kritsch and 97th O/A at Jackrabbits, and hey better yet, no crashes this time! After racing this race, I think I am ready for this weekend's first round of the AMA/National Hare & Hound Series, my bike setup is right on and I'm feeling good. The competition is going to be fierce this time around, but I am ready for the challenge.

See ya at the races!

Joanna

PRESS RELEASE
Jan 14th, 2010
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Ryan Sanders/ Chris Blais
NHHA

2011 AMA/ Kenda National Hare & Hound Championship Series Round 1 is Here!
The NHHA is set to have another record breaking season as Round 1, hosted by Desert MC, is just a week away. Here is the skinny on everything that you need to know about the racers and the series for the year to come.



Numbers -

The press release on numbers has already been sent out, but just in case you weren't sure if you earned yourself an A class number or not, look to www.NationalHareandHound.com for the answer. If you didn't earn your number, or you're in a class that doesn't earn a number, (either the B or C classes) - here's what you need to know.

The numbers have arrived and are boxed and ready to distribute at Round 1 at sign-ups. They are a pre-printed Dirt Digit number, approx the size of your front number plate, and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. The cost for the numbers are $5 each (Cash or Check accepted-NO CREDIT), and will be good for the entire season. Each number will only be issued once, so if you don't return with it you need to purchase a new number. So go get yourself a new front number plate if you're looking to keep it for the whole season on its own clean plate.

Once you have your assigned number, #N??? it can be converted into a pre printed background ( i.e. Dirt Digits, ZLT, RidePG etc...) granted it meets the NHHA numbering guidelines, which will be attached to your original number. Riders who purchase the NHHA number will be eligible for a $5 refund from Dirt Digits if you choose to move forward and have pre-printed backgrounds for your bike.



For more info on the numbering program, contact Ryan Sanders/ Chris Blais or visit www.NationalHareandHound.com

Pick up your Trophies!

Both clubs, SoCal MC and The 100's MC, have trophies ready for pickup. Stop by their pits and pick up your 2010 trophies so that they don't have to lug them around all year. Here is a preview of the So Cal trophy. They turned out awesome. Don't be without yours next weekend!

Round 1 Give-a-Ways!

Round 1 is next weekend, and we have many items to give away. We're starting things off with Holeshot Awards to the B, C, and ATV Class Holeshot winners - each of which will receive a $100 TBT Racing Gift Certificate. Next, we've dug deep into the pockets of our sponsors, and will be awarding one free pair of Alpinestar Tech 8 Boots to the First Overall 2-loop B Class finisher here at Round 1.

The first 2-loop C Class finisher will get a set of Dirt Tricks Iron Man Sprockets, which should be delivered just in time to have a gearing change ready for the El Centro round in March.

Thanks to Fasst Company, the first overall ATV at the finish line will take home a pair of Flexx Handlebars! If this racer is in the A Class, he/she will be the first NHHA Quad Pro Support Class winner!

First Overall 60+ class racer will win a 50% off Single Item Coupon from the guys up in Idaho with Fastway/ Pro Moto BIllet. That means the top kickstand on the market is only going to cost about $70 bucks! . Also in the mix for PMB 50% off Cards are the first overall A/B class 2-loop Woman racer, and first overall 1-loop C- Class Woman Racer. So the girls will also have a chance to spice up the look on their bikes with the New Pro Moto Billet handguards, or pick from a whole slew of available products.

BRP has stepped up for round one as well, and the first overall 250cc bike to finish 3-loops will take home a brand new BRP Triple Clamp Setup. 2 Free BRP Chain Guide certificates will also be handed out to some lucky riders.

If those prizes aren't enough to get you excited about racing, we have one of the most generous contingency programs in the country and each class winner will take home an envelope full of contingency certificates that they can use to prepare for Round 2. (Class winners will be e-mailed their winning certificates for all the contingency sponsors so be sure to write your e-mail address on your entry form.) www.NationalHareandHound.com

Also, each of the major OEM manufacturers are giving contingency cash for wins on their respective machines; Honda, KTM, Kawasaki, & Husqvarna.

Who's Riding What?

Now to the part that you all want to know about - who's riding what color bikes this year. Here is a brief rundown of what bikes you can expect your favorite riders to be running for 2011, and there might be a couple surprises!

Kendall Norman- He's at home on the Honda and will probably spend the rest of his career riding for JCR.

David Kamo- He's made a move and will now be on board a Zip-Ty Husqvarna for 2011 along with teammate, Nick Burson

David Pearson- He's also made the move and will be on a new privateer Purvines Racing Honda team, and he's bringing along teammate Carl Maasberg, both of which are fresh off of their win at the Parker 250.

Destry Abbott- Des is still on the green bike, and will be the stronghold and lone Factory Kawasaki Desert Racer.

Jacob Argubright- With a whole list of new sponsors, Jacob Argubright will be running a WHITE Kawasaki 450 riding for team Off Road Support again in 2011.

Justin Imhof- Although he isn't expected to be riding for a while, Imhof will be somewhere in the pits cheering on JCR teammates Kendall Norman and Quinn Cody.

Quinn Cody- Brother of Anna Cody (below), Quinn will return from the Dakar Rally just in time for the start of the NHHA Season. He will ride with Imhof and Norman at JCR Honda.

Kurt Caselli- That's right, Special K is racing the National Hare and Hound series! And of course he is doing it on his new KTM 450.

Justin Morrow/Ryan Kudla/Brett Saunders- These guys are all staying true to the company that helped them through the amateur ranks and are all returning on Kawasaki's for 2011.

Ryan Smith- He is perhaps one of the new comers to the mix here, but he stepped up to a 250, and already has finished Top 6 once this year, taking the 250 class win in doing so.

Cameron Corfman- Riding for Threat Racing, Cameron will hold down the fort for team Beta.

Paul Krause- Paul will be the stronghold in the Over 30+ Pro Support Class, returning this year on the Malcolm Smith Motorsports/PK Racing KTM.

Joanna Kaczmarek- Joanna returns for her second year as #N1L and looks to defend her title on the Parts Magazine KTM200.

Shayla Fulfer- The Idaho native will be running #N2L and plans to run the whole season on a Blais Racing Services KTM250F along with Kevin DeJongh on his KTM 250XC.

Sarah Kritsch- Last year Sarah made the move to the 250cc bike, and this year after having a taste of NHHA victory in 2010, she makes the move to the NHHA series full-time!

Anna Cody- One of the fastest woman racers in the country, the Baja Champ and past NHHA Champ with several #1's earned, she will be on board a Honda for the 2011 season.

Kyle Penner- The reigning NHHA ATV Champ, Penner returns this year looking to hold on to his National Championship for a third season in a row!

Robert Rubin- Bobby won the District 37 ATV Championship last year, so he's back to defend that, while having a shot at the NHHA Pro Class Championship.

Robin Fawcett- Robin is returning to the AMA Desert Arena for the first time in a couple years. At one point a strong hold in the D37 community, Fawcett is back and wants his piece of the NHHA pot.

Bill Markel- Bill came to an NHHA event on a dare by the wife of series manager Chris Blais, Patty knew that this guy would be hooked after one round and he was! He wants his shot at the #N1Q plate, and a chance at the Pro Class Championship.



Pro Support Class Championship Rules

· Each of the three Support Class Championships will be run in addition to the NHHA and AMA's National Championship classes.

· The support classes shall be: Over 30+ Pro Class, Woman's Pro Class, and Quad Pro Class.

· The top ten finishers who qualify for each of the three support classes will earn points towards the Pro Support Class Championships.

· You do not need to fill out a separate entry form, or pay any additional amount to be eligible for the Pro Support Classes.

· Points will be awarded on the AMA National Point scale positions 1-10 respectively.

· Only A-Class riders are eligible for the Pro Support Classes. (woman's is A/B class)

· The rider must complete the entire A-Class distance to be eligible for points.

· Points will be kept on the National Hare and Hound Website, and trophies will be awarded at year end based on the standings.

· Pro Support Class winners are still eligible for A-Class Contingencies.

· Current top 10 AMA/NHHA Pro riders are not eligible for any of the Pro Support Classes.

NHHA 2011 Calendars

The NHHA 2011 calendars have arrived, and will be for sale at round one for $20 each. These are high gloss style 2011 calendars featuring the stars of the NHHA. All proceeds from the sale of the NHHA 2011 calendars will be divided equally between both the Justin Imhof Recovery fund and Riders Helping Riders, a Southern California Based Non-Profit Organization.

New rider informational meeting on Saturday at 4 pm. with Steve Argubright, and Pro Rider poster signing at Sign-Ups on Saturday evening from 5-6 pm.

Be there Sunday morning as host club, Desert MC, sets the stage for one of the most historic battles in NHHA history. The banner will drop at 9:30am, so be there or miss out on one of the most exciting Off Road Events on the West Coast!

For more information go to www.NationalHareandHound.com

I must say that I'm pretty disappointed in myself for not blogging about my racing for the last half of 2010, it's simply unacceptable! With that said, my New Years Resolution for 2011 is to keep this blog up to date regarding my racing shenanigans. But before I can officially begin the new year, I need to sum up the 2010 season. So here it is in a nutshell...

In October I spent the month wrapping up the 2010 National Hare & Hound Series, consistency and having a "never quit" kind of attitude lead me to my second AMA/National Hare & Hound Championship in the Women's A/B class.

Last Round of the AMA/National H&H Series
Photo by Mark Kariya

I can't wait for the 2011 National H&H season to begin! This year it's going to be pretty exciting to race alongside women like Blais Racing's Shayla Fulfer who will be rocking the N2L on her KTM this year.

Blais Racing's Shayla Fulfer
Photo by Mark Kariya

Not only is Fulfer going to be a hard one to beat, but so is District 37's very own Sarah Kritsch, who has been dominating the Woman's class for the past few years now and is ready to add a National Hare & Hound Championship to her resume.

D37 Women's No. 1 Plate holder Sarah Kritsch
Photo by Mark Kariya

Luckily for us when November rolled around we only had to drive to Las Vegas for the 2010 AMA Racing Championship Awards Banquet, which was held at the Red Rock Resort and Casino. We spent Friday night at the Red Rock paying tribute to the elite few who were inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame. 

Cameron and I at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Photo by Kinney Jones

On Saturday it was a bright and early start with us going to take a sneak peak at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Concours d' Elegance bike show, before we hit the banquet hall for the AMA Racing Awards Ceremony, presented this year by World of Powersports. We were greeted with goodie bags at the door and a buffet style lunch, prior to the actual start of the awards ceremony.

Accepting my No. Plate from AMA President Joe Bromley
Photo by Kinney Jones

Racing and receiving an award for a National Series can still feel like home when you get to celebrate your accomplishments with fellow District 37 racers, Rachel and Andrea Bosemer. Both sisters kill it on four wheels, and Rachel was being awarded the No. Plate in the ATV C Class for the AMA National Hare & Hound Series.

Rachel Bosemer after she received her No. Plate with her sister Andrea

In the past the AMA Awards Banquet has been the closing curtain call for my year's racing season, but that was not the case for 2010. After an agonizing 52 year wait, Catalina finally re-opened their island to us racers, with the comeback of the Catalina Grand Prix, sponsored by Red Bull! Right after the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Cameron prepped the bikes and drove them down to Long Beach, where their shipping containers awaited them for their 22 mile trip across the Pacific Ocean.

Pretty impressive sight, there were bikes EVERYWHERE in the impound yard Friday morning before the start of the weekend's racing events. 

We arrived on the Island a few days after the bikes did, and the vibe on the island was off the hook! Everyone was there to race, but more importantly we were all there to be a part of racing history. Cameron and I both raced on Sunday, so we spent Saturday trekking up and down hills looking for the best spot on the course to watch the race, it felt more like we were at a round of Outdoors, than at a Grand Prix Event, there were people everywhere!

It was nice to watch Cameron race for a change!
Photo by Andrews Powder Coating

The race course was epic! The course took us to the tops of mountains overlooking the harbor and casino all the way down to a motocross section that wouldn't have been complete if it wasn't for the giant mud hole. And just in case you were wondering, yes I did go through the mud hole in attempt to make a pass on someone, that mud was cold!

Making a turn onto the MX section of the course
Photo by Matt McGowen

I guess you could say Grand Prixs are not my forte, but after a crash and playing catch up for most of the race I ended by 6th in the Women's B Class. I enjoy racing the GPs because I might not be the fastest women out there, but they help me learn how to become a better rider. Racing on the Island of Catalina will defiantly be an experience I will never forget!

Well, I think that wraps up 2010.......

I promise to be back soon with a recap about my first race in 2011 as an Expert, in the meantime....

Keep it on two wheels :)

Jojo