Posted June 13, 2007

Harold Goodman Wins Extreme Dirt Track Opener

Twenty-five of the fastest Pro riders in the country showed up to see who would be the best in the nation at the opening round of the Duro Extreme Dirt Track ATVA nationals June 9 in Greenbrier, Arkansas.

Honda pilot Harold Goodman (708), topped the competition for the overall win at the Twin Creeks Raceway track.

Meanwhile, KTM unveiled its new 450cc and 250cc machines, and newly hired KTM rider Tim Farr rode to victory in the Pro-Am Unlimited class.

In the first Pro qualifier, Shane Hitt (5) aboard a Honda pulled holeshot and held on to take an easy win. Frank Batista (13), also on a Honda, was second and Chuckie Creech (25) aboard a Honda filled out the third spot.

In the second Pro qualifier, hometown and track favorite Mitch Reynolds (137) on a Suzuki pulled the holeshot but later spun out. Even so, he was able to work his way back up to sixth spot.

Brad Riley (27) piloted his Honda to a first-place finish, followed by fellow Honda rider Chris Gary (81) and Yamaha's Brad Covington (22).

In the third Pro qualifier, Goodman pulled the holeshot and earned a decisive first-place finish. Michael Coburn (038) and Zach Stanely (321), both on Hondas, finished second and third.

Seven riders lined up to challenge each other in the last-chance qualifier. The remaining two positions in the main event went to Zac Willett (47) aboard a Honda and Cris Mezo (191) on a Yamaha.

With a final field of 20 Pro riders, the addition of transponder scoring would be a lifesaver with the high-speed, wheel-to-wheel action.

At the start, Goodman, Hitt and Batista were side-by-side all the way into turn one, hoping someone would let off the gas just a little. It was Goodman through the corner by a wheel.

Creech pressured Goodman early on, until Goodman open up a small lead. Creech and Hitt took different option lanes trying to move up, but to no avail.

As the 20-lap main event started to take its toll on Creech, Hitt was able to move into second. That's the way they finished.

Right on their back tires was Batista in fourth and Covington fifth.

Lap times for the classes with transponders are available at the Bay Racing website.

© 2007, All Terrain Vehicle Association