Blayne Thompson lands his first career WORCS Pro win at the unique South Point Casino round in in Las Vegas.
If Blayne Thompson wanted to have a memorable first win in the Rocky Mountain MC World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS), then that’s just what he got at a rather unique round of the series at the South Point Casino in Las Vegas, Saturday night.
The round was unusual in that parts of the course actually ran inside the South Point’s three indoor arenas as well as in dirt and asphalt sections that snaked around the grounds outside of the casino and hotel, which is known for its enthusiastic support of motorsports; the South Point is owned by the family of NASCAR driver Brendan Gaughn. The event drew a record crowd of spectators for a WORCS race.
“I did it,” Thompson said. “I found good lines to get around the lappers, played it smart and came out with the win. In the sand section there was a triple. Right when I came over it, I landed right on top of another rider and went right over the bars. The bike stayed running when it fell, so I jumped on and got going.”
Seeds battled hard in an attempt to score the win, but he had to be satisfied with second place at the checkered flag.
“I wish I could have won, but I’m just so stoked,” Seeds said. “This race was so intense, and I’m stoked to be up here. This was one hell of a race. We got all of those crashes behind us, and now we’re up here in second with my teammate [Bell] in third and my buddy Blayne in first. I couldn’t ask for anything better. I got the lead for a lap or two, made a mistake and then Blayne got by me. From there I just tried to stay smooth because I need the points. This was a huge boost to my confidence.”
Bell was pleased to see WORCS regulars sweep the podium.
“I know a lot of motocrossers came out thinking it would be more their discipline, but the WORCS guys swept the podium,” the series champ said. “I think that shows that we can compete in a wide variety of terrain.”
Justin Jones finished fourth, crossing the line 10 seconds behind Bell. Motocross racer Michael Sleeter completed the top five. Meanwhile, Logan Chambers secured his second win of the season ahead of Kyle Mercier and WORCS newcomer Noah Kepple in a tough Pro 2 class fight.
“I had battles the whole time,” Chambers said. “We’re used to sand or rocks, so this was something out of everyone’s element, especially with the wet concrete and asphalt, and that made for some great battles. The ruts got gnarly, and the sand got crazy. I’m happy to walk away with a good clean run. Coming out of here with the points lead, I’m just stoked.”
Mercier’s runner-up finish marked his first career WORCS podium finish.
“This [course] was a little more motocross, so it suited my style,” Mercier said. “It was nice to see the change up, bringing a little more motocross to the off road. I’m really focused on off road this year. I’ve been putting a lot of work at home with my riding buddies. I’m just really excited the hard work is really paying off.”
Kepple swiped third place away from round two winner Travis Damon on the final lap. Same as Mercier, the South Point round marked his first visit to a WORCS podium.
“He took the inside line, hit a little kicker and had a tip over,” Kepple said of his battle with Damon. “I heard his bike behind me on the rev limiter. He was definitely coming for me and wasn’t happy in losing a podium spot. Coming from EnduroCross, I like the tight racing, so I thought this was the perfect time to just go for it.”
Dante Oliveira secured his third straight Pro 2 Lights win, followed by Jarett Megla and Austin Warren.
The next event for the WORCS event will be a double header at the Crazy Horse Campgrounds in Lake Havasu, Arizona, March 25-27.
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