This year’s Raccoon Rally went down with some great weather. This was the first time in four years that it hasn’t rained the day before or the day of the competition. However, even with dry weather the mossy coating throughout Thunder Rocks still provided slick and sketchy conditions for the riders. Beg/Sport rode four sections for three loops and Exp/Pro rode six sections for two loops. Sections were combined with split lines for Beg/Sport and Exp/Pro.
The Beginner class brought several first timers to competition. All of them rode very well considering the slick and challenging sections. Justin Charles made his first competition look easy and took the win. Anthony DeLima rode well to take second and Ryan Snider rode solid for third place. Rounding out the class was Shawn Musselman and Johannes Mason for fourth and fifth respectively. This was the most Beginners that we’ve had in a few years. I hope we continue to see this growth in the years to come.
Sport class saw the father and son pair of Michael and Devin Hightman battle it out for bragging rights. Youth prevailed with Devin taking the win with some impressive riding. Remember this name expert class.
The Expert class saw three riders take on some tough sections. Joe Janicki rode strong and took top honors. Vincent Boivin and Roman Rebellon battled it out for second and third respectively.
The Pro class had some great competition from some old faces. Past and present National Champions fought it out on some tough sections with some big ups. Mike Steidley brought the big moves and took the win. JJ Gregorowicz took some time off the moto and rode to second place with some impressive moves. Brian Eberle took the third spot edging out Matt Thibeau who took fourth.
I would like to thank Mark Lawrence for continuing to support the sport of trials at the Raccoon Rally. With his support this event continues to be the longest running trials competition in the U.S.
I would also like to thank Michael Hightman for helping check the Beginners, the ski patrol medics who are on hand every year and Emily, Shawn and Justin for helping with cleanup. And Brian, thanks for the coffee!
Results:
| Beginner | ||
| 1st | Justin Charles | 4 |
| 2nd | Anthony DeLima | 13 |
| 3rd | Ryan Snider | 20 |
| 4th | Shawn Musselman | 30 |
| 5th | Johannes Mason | 44 |
| Sport | ||
| 1st | Devin Hightman | 7 |
| 2nd | Michael Hightman | 60 |
| Expert | ||
| 1st | Joe Janicki | 35 |
| 2nd | Vincent Boivin | 50 |
| 3rd | Roman Rebellon | 60 |
| Pro | ||
| 1st | Mike Steidley | 32 |
| 2nd | Jay Gregorowicz | 53 |
| 3rd | Brian Eberle | 58 |
| 4th | Matt Thibeau | 59 |