Championship Off-Road racing was back at ERX Motorpark in Elk River, Minnesota for the second year in a row. The series held rounds 5 & 6 at ERX. The property was originally built for snowmobiling until track owner Chris Carlson decided he wanted to also host short-course racing. Over the last few years, the track has been expanded with big jumps, sweeping turns and a split lane that adds to the racing excitement.
In Round 5 Pro-2, Jerett Brooks started side-by-side with Mickey Thomas. As the laps continued, Ryan Beat began pressuring both drivers in an effort to get to the front. Beat moved in front of Thomas and started coming after Brooks. Unfortunately, Brooks’ truck stalled out and Beat took over the lead. Thomas and Beat would continue to battle door to door, but on the last lap something happened to Ryan Beat’s truck and Thomas took his first Championship Off Road victory. Trevor Leighton was out front when the green flag dropped in round 6 and never looked back going wire to wire. Kyle Kleiman finished second.
In the Pro-4 class for Round 5, RJ Anderson was out front, racing ERX for the first time. An over-rotation would open the door for CJ Greaves and Kyle Leduc to both make a pass for the lead. Anderson would later get tangled up with Johnny Greaves. Kyle Leduc ended up with the victory. CJ Greaves and RJ Anderson battled for the lead, back and forth. It wouldn’t be long before Kyle Leduc inserted himself into the battle. Leduc would make a mistake and get counted right back out of the battle. When the dust settled Anderson bounced off k-rail allowing Greaves to keep forward momentum for the win. Kyle Leduc was able to get by Anderson for second.
Brock Heger claimed in another Pro-Lite win in Round 5. Just a day later in Round 6, Heger wasn’t so lucky. Kyle Greaves started on the front row and continued the momentum all the way to the checkered flag for the victory.
Championship Off Road heads to Dirt City in Lena, Wisconsin at the end of July.
Photos courtesy of Amanda Fonferek
