D37 Big 6 Grand Prix Series

District 37’s Hilltoppers MC came home to their annual 29 Palms “Wild West” grand prix, and the racing action was nothing short of wild all weekend. Known for its high speed back and forth groomed “Fire Roads,” the 29 Palms event was everything and more than it has been for the last 37 years. With hours of preparation, and countless trips to the hydrant, the Hilltoppers kept the course in tip-top shape as they provided a virtually dust free event, dispite the largest Big 6 turnout in nearly three years.

Over 1200 riders took to the start line before it was all said and done, and despite the current economic conditions in California, there was no sign of a recession come race day. One rider, determined to ride no matter what was in her way, was reigning District 37 Woman’s GP Champ, Kelly Barbosa. After injuring her foot earlier in the week, Kelly chose to take to the startline and attempt to finish, despite having a foot that wounldn’t fit into her own boot! The 3bosktm.com star toughed it out for three laps, and although finishing 4th in class, has salvaged enough points to keep the championship in reach.

Taking advantage of Kelly’s misfortunes, Ramona Cycle’s Bonnie Warch took first in the Woman’s Senior Class, and first overall in the first points paying race of the day. Terry Davis followed closely behind for second overall and first in the 60+ class, followed by Nadalie Logan just two seconds later at firs in the Woman’s class and third overall. Willy Simons Jr had one of his best rides to date, and finished fourth overall and first mini bike just two seconds out of the top three themselves.

Race two saw Gordon Ward doing what he does best at any Big Six event, and that was Winning. Gapping the field in each and every lap, Ward and his John Burr Kawasaki were again out of sight come the start of loop two for virtually all riders. With a 1-minute gap after just one lap, Ward easily came away with yet another win in the over 40 Expert class. Jerry Black rode to a hard fought seconds ahead of Willy Simons Sr. Just one hour after watching his son take home the win in the mini division, Simons Sr. followed it up with a victory of his own in the 50 plus expert class, at third overall.

12:30 marked the start of the Hwt/Lwt race, and it was all Udall as the riders made it through the scoring booth lap after lap. Riding virtually wide open the entire race Udall was happy with the result, “It’s somewhat like Baja out here. It’s really wide open and you just need to sorta hang it out to lead. I’m also pretty good at the moto, so that is what helped me stay out front today.” Udall would go