09/24/06: Warren, PA - The Matt Bartosek Celebration Race was another stunning success in its fourth year running. This year’s event was hosted by Doug and Sherry Lawson, owners of the beautiful Maple Shade MX facility in Sugar Grove, Pennsylvania. Even with rain in the forecast, the event hosted over 203 rider entries and twenty-six Expert Quad racers.

The weekend’s festivities kicked off on Saturday but the planned “all day practice” was cancelled due to weather. Racers, their families, and pit crews took advantage of the off day for some well deserved relaxation and fellowship after a long season. Many spent the day exploring all the trails surrounding the track.

Those who stayed in hotels a town away from Maple Shade MX woke to heavy rain showers early Sunday morning and daunting weather forecasts. Matt was certainly watching over us again this year though, as the sky broke and blue skies and sunshine hovered over the track throughout the day. Other than a few very brief rain showers, the weather was absolutely perfect for the event and the track was fast.

The Expert Quad qualifier was held at 1:00 p.m. and split into two 15-minute motos with the top 8 transferring to the main. The first qualifier was extremely exciting as McNett Performance rider, Andy Travis, was off to the early lead with Matt White hot on his tail. Jason Dunkleberger was pushing hard to catch the leaders when he caught a berm and tipped over. Dunk righted himself and rode flawless the balance of the moto to finish 6th. White took the first spot and walked away from the field in Heat #1.

Pat Brown took the early lead in the second qualifier followed by Justin Hanusosky, Justin Bres, and Josh Upperman. Upperman quickly moved through the group, eventually claiming the second spot behind winner Pat Brown.

Brown’s Factory Yamaha seemed to be on fire as he pulled another holeshot of the day in the Expert Quad Main Event. White, who lives less than 10 minutes from Maple Shade MX, was close on his trail followed by Team Motorsport’s Josh Upperman, and Mark Kendall. Unfortunately, Brown’s luck ran out as his Yamaha broke down early into the main, giving up the lead to White. It seems as if Upperman’s Honda is always working its way up to the front, and this event was no exception. Upperman was able to slip by White to take a comfortable lead. White took the second overall followed by Kendall and John Ragon with Justin Bres taking the 5th spot. Jason Dunkelberger rounded out the top five for the majority of the main, but after an engine failure issue, had to pull off the track on the last lap.

After the race, when talking with Pat about what happened he commented, "Overall the event was really great! I had some bad luck in the second moto, but that’s racing. I am just glad to have been at the event to support Matt’s memory. I would also like to thank Debi Bartosek for all that she does for our sport, she is a wonderful person."

Directly following the Expert Quad main event, Debi Bartosek and Holly Winchester drew the raffle winners. The raffles winners are as follows: Jim Silfies- Harley Davidson items donated by Harley Davidson of Jamestown; Billy Cottage - JB Racing Steering Stem with Anti-Vibe Top; Kevin Mummah- Jeremiah Jones Framed Poster by Chuck Debault; and Dave Huttanus- Simpson Race Helmet autographed by the Toyota Tundra Truck Series Drivers donated by Nathan Dallas.

Overall, this years Matt Bartosek Celebration Race was a great success. This event wouldn’t have been possible without the help and support of everyone involved. A big ‘thank you’ to all who attended and those who helped out in so many ways. Thank you again to Doug and Sherry Lawson, owners of Mapleshade MX, for hosting Matt’s race this year. We are already looking forward to next year.

Proceeds from Matt’s Celebration Race benefits 88 Live to Ride, Inc.

Thank you to this year’s sponsors:
JB Racing - JB’s Salvage Yard - Kames Sports - Lucky Dog Racing
Baldwin Motorsports - Capp Steel - Echeconnee Offroad Park - Gear
Lost Creek Cycles – PEP - Rath Racing - Unlimited Sports Inc.
AC Racing - Curtis Sparks - DP Brakes - Farr Racing Enterprises – Hinson - ITP
Lime Lake Marine & RV - Maple Shade MX - Media Allstars - Moose Racing
Nac’s Racing - Ogram Heating & Cooling - Outerwears - PowerMadd
Racer Production - TC Racing Engines - Triumph Motorsports
ATV Four Play - Bortnick Tractor Sales - Douglas Wheel - Forest Park Honda
Hetrick Racing - GT Thunder - Harley Davidson of Jamestown - Owens Motorsports

ATV Insider | ATVRiders.com | AtvScene.com



Pictures by Chris Hills. You can view and purchase pictures
from the event from Chris at www.pbchills.com!