WMA Southwick

By: Kristen Beat

Southwick is always one of the most anticipated races of the season. Known for its infamous sand, Motocross 338 is a track that not only tests the fitness of the rider but also the durability of their equipment. The deep loamy ruts make for excellent racing conditions, which bring out the fiercest tenacity in competitors.
This is a riders track, and if you’re not truly in riding shape, you’re doomed.

After leaving Washougal the ladies had a few weeks of down time prior to Southwick, and looked eager to get out and race once they rolled into Massachusetts. Ashley Fiolek and Jessica Patterson had been battling in Washougal and with Patterson having stolen the last win it was Fiolek’s time to reclaim the top spot on the podium. There was no doubt that these two red riders were going to throw down some bar banging action, but don’t forget about Tarah Geiger. After an X Games win, she was hungry for a podium spot as well.

In qualifying, these ladies had their work cut out for them. Through the deep, sandy ruts we witnessed some great racing. Patterson took first with a lap time of 2.26 followed by Fiolek with 2.33, rounding out the top three was Geiger with 3.11.

Patterson came out of the gate strong in Moto 1 but Fiolek kept the pressure on, following closely behind. A surprise to many was the underdog Marissa Markelon. This ambitious 15 year old from Shelton, Connecticut made quite a few heads turn this past weekend. Despite being mechanically overpowered on lap 4 by Sherri Cruse, Markelon finished a respectable 4th.

In the WMA most women are privateer status, what differentiates the women is a major sponsor; basically an energy drink or gear manufacturer. Markelon could very well be deemed a privateer. This is considering she has yet to acquire a notable sponsor. In men’s racing a privateer finishing as well as Markelon did, would have been considered an upset. Either way it did make for some interesting racing, and a breath of fresh air.

Near the end of Moto 1 despite Fiolek’s fluid and consistent riding style, Patterson made the pull and began to separate from the pack gaining a 3 second lead over Fiolek.

Moto 1 Results
1) Patterson
2) Fiolek
3) Cruse
4) Markelon
5) Whitmore
6) Kocher
7) Geiger
8) Bash
9) Cabus
10) Gagne
11) Crowley
12) Zastrow
13) Van Vugt
14) Smith
15) Mead

Day two Fiolek returned deciding to give Patterson a serious run for her money. Fiolek held the lead from lap 1 until clever maneuvering got the best of her on lap 5, when Patterson gained a 4 second lead. Sadly, Markelon didn’t put in quite as impressive of a show as the day prior, due to some serious tough luck on lap 5 the underdog pulled off the track, resulting in a DNF. In the last stretch Patterson again made the advance and put her to name to yet another win. Patterson’s endurance is one her most redeemable characteristics on the track and truly separates her from the rest. This is the result of athletic conditioning and blunt talent on the bike.

Moto 2 Results

1) Patterson
2) Fiolek
3) Cruse
4) Whitmore
5) Geiger
6) Balbi
7) Cabus
8) Bash
9) Zastrow
10) Van Vugt
11) Crowley
12) Boham
13) Smith
14) Mead
15) Volentir.

I’m sad to say this will be my last WMA blog for this year. I move into USD the weekend of Steel City, so I will be unable to cover the race. I hope you have all enjoyed the WMA recaps, and still check up with how the girls are doing. To the WMA girls, good luck in PA!