2009 Transworld SLAM...Monday, 21 September 2009
The 2009 Dirt Days festival in Riverside, CA marked the first annual TransWorld SLAM presented by Red Bull, and we must say it was a HUGE success. Not only because it went off without a hitch, but because the racing was absolutely incredible. Everyone in attendance was treated to a unique and exciting event. The one-on-one bracket style racing allowed spectators to see non-stop battles from gate drop to checkers. With $5,000 and a sweet TransWorld Red Bull SLAM championship belt on the line, no love was lost between the riders. Before the race KTM’s Mike Sleeter said, “There aren’t going to be any friends made this weekend.” He was half right. On the track, it was no-holds-barred racing; but once the checkered flag waved, the riders were as happy as can be. With no other race of its kind out there, the SLAM is a perfect pre/post-season watermark for up-and-comers and seasoned pros alike. There is no doubt that the SLAM will become a favorite amongst motocross’ elite.
After a qualifying race for bracket seeding, riders went head-to-head for a two-lap sprint around the dynamic Milestone pro track, and with single elimination, it was do or die. In the qualifier, Dean Wilson, aboard a Canidae/Motosport/Kawasaki snuck in from the outside to grab the holeshot and the early lead. Veteran Chris Gosselaar slid in behind with KTM/One Industries’ Miike Sleeter nipping at his toes. With only four laps grab top seeding, Wilson quickly checked out. Lil’ Goose and Sleetdog couldn’t catch the young Kawi rider, and soon Blake Baggett, who had a breakout performance in the second moto at Steel City, got into the mix. He made his move on Sleeter, then moved on to hunting Goose down. In the last corner of the final lap, it looked like Baggett may get Goose, but the vet held on to the second seed in photo-finish fashion. Qualifying Results After qualifying the bracket looked like this…
The highlight races, other than the sensational final battle between Dan Reardon and Dean Wilson of course, had to be the Wilson/Baggett battle and the Reardon/PJ Larson battle. In both semi-finals, it was tight racing and it came down to the wire. In the final, Reardon edged out Wilson in the first turn and led the entire first lap. As the two came around for lap two, Wilson inched closer to Reardon, making his move on the backside of the track. Pushing Reardon wide, Wilson maintained his momentum and took the lead. Reardon battled back, but Wilson took the checkers and the 5K. Not a bad way to end a fun weekend in Riverside. Many Thanks to Transworld Motocross... Back Next |
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