Posted July 12, 2007

Harold Goodman wins round three

Goodman wins round three in Duro Extreme Dirt Track

Harold Goodman was hotter than the weather with a big win at Birch Creek, Danville, Virginia, in round three of the Duro Extreme Dirt Track ATVA Nationals.

Just how hot was Goodman? Counting 24 pro racers in three qualifiers and the 20-lap main event, Goodman (#708 Honda) of Romulus, Michigan, logged the fastest lap time of the event, at 27.702, in the main event. That’s fast.

The track at Birch Creek was in perfect racing condition. Its three, very fast, high-banked turns made for some of the best Extreme Dirt Track racing ever in front of a very good crowd of spectators and fans Saturday night under the lights.

The 24-rider pro field was paired down to the 20 fastest riders in three qualifying heats and a last-chance qualifier.

In qualifier number one, Darin Ogden, of Dillonvale, Ohio (#43, Honda), riding a borrowed ATV, took the lead, followed by Frank Batista, Riverdale, California (#13, Honda). Danny McGraw, Hale, Missouri (#143, Honda) rounded out the top three.

In the second qualifier, it was one of the hometown favorites, Zach Stanley (#132 Honda) out front, with Goodman second and another local favorite, Brad Riley, High Point, North Carolina (#27, Honda) third.

In the third qualifier, Michael Coburn, Garretson, South Dakota (#038, Honda) claimed first, Mitch Reynolds, Greenbrier, Arkansas (#137, Suzuki) finished a solid second and Craig Kern, Vandalia, Illinois (#49, Honda) was third.

Shane Hitt, of Buckhannon, West Virginia (#5, Honda), who was tied with Goodman coming into the event, had to go to the last-chance qualifier after spinning out in his qualifier. This would slow his charge to take the points lead from Goodman.

Excitement was high as the 20 fastest Extreme Dirt Track Pros waited to battle it out for 20 laps.

Goodman pulled the holeshot and charged into turn one. As the racers sorted positions out it was Coburn, Stanley, Ogden, Riley and Reynolds challenging behind Goodman. Hitt was buried deep in the pack.

Then the very fast Colburn came to a halt in the infield with mechanical problems.

Lap after lap, positions changed behind Goodman and Stanley. The hard charger award goes to rookie Reynolds, he picked off riders one at a time and went from sixth to third.

At the checkered flag it was Goodman first, Stanley second and Reynolds third, both making their first appearance on the Pro podium.

In Pro Am Production, it was Batista in taking the win. In Pro Am Unlimited, it was Brandon Hill, Cana, VA, (Honda) beating Tim Farr, Massillon, Ohio (#4, KTM).

Harold Goodman, Zach Stanley and Mitch Reynolds celebrate on the victory podium.

© 2007, All Terrain Vehicle Association