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Unlimited in Cedar
Cody Waggoner during The Shootout ::: Photo Cedit: England Photo | Pirate4x4.com
The Unlimited Class in Cedar City, Utah fought against the toughest terrain they have ever navigated.
Track Designer Lil' Rich explained, "This is without a doubt some of the most difficult terrain ever
attempted to be driven by a vehicle." It definitely showed though the scores reflected a better outcome
than the terrain looked difficult. So a tough track combined with great scores for the terrain considered,
definitely an excellent job by those top drivers in the circuit.
Rookie Matt Messer taking a roll right before the Maaxis Tires Banner ::: Photo Cedit: England Photo | Pirate4x4.com
Leading the way was Jesse Haines who also won at Perris earlier in the year. "Back to back wins is a great
feeling, hopefully we can make it three in a row with our return to Cedar City in a few weeks," Haines was
heard saying after the win. Fact is that until The Shootout course, Jesse Haines was so on fire that his
lead at one time got as large as 55 points. Coming into The Shootout Haines had to only make it through
the final gate and not finish for the win. "We are definitely disappointed about not finishing The
Shootout course, my in-car timer went off about ten seconds too early making me think we had ran out
of time. I stopped and realized I was only feet from the finish, by the time I figured out I had a few
seconds left, it was too late." Regardless, his finish caps off a two win streak that places him two
points ahead of Cody Waggoner.
Brent Bradshaw climbing right next to PSC Banner on his way to Gate 2 ::: Photo Cedit: England Photo | Pirate4x4.com
Second place by only 7 points was Detroit Locker's Cody Waggoner who looked to be out of the winner's
circle hunt after a DNF on A4 where fuel problems arouse. This minor set back put Waggoner in a
"Comeback" situation where he consistently outscored Haines on nearly every obstacle. This push would put
the pressure on Haines heavily, but it was not enough. Waggoner's final course, The Shootout, was finished
with a great score, but it was too late, Haines had first by only a mere 7 points. Waggoner states, "We
are looking for redemption, a minor setback, unfortunately that's all it takes. We'll be back, Haines
will be looking over his shoulder as well…"
Todd Young and the aftermath of Gate 2 course B2 ::: Photo Cedit: England Photo | Pirate4x4.com
Third was won in the final seconds of The Shootout by Trail Tough's Brent Bradshaw. A consistent weekend
was enough to put Bradshaw and spotter Chris Pablano in 4th place. It was until The Shootout where
Bradshaw would make the final pass on Trail Gear's Matt Messer. It wouldn't come without controversy, as
Bradshaw executed a perfect Gate 2 only to think he executed a Bonus Gate. This was handled by Event
Marshall and Track Designer Lil' Rich, though the lack of bonus points would have no effect on Bradshaw's
outcome with the final standings due to a DNF by Messer in The Shootout.
Kirt McLaughlin rolling during the regular event ::: Photo Cedit: England Photo | Pirate4x4.com
Messer's Shootout run was a bad cap on a great weekend. Rolling on the Bonus line of Gate 2 during The
Shootout was just enough for Bradshaw to advance into 3rd place. A disappointed Messer went on to say,
"We had third wrapped up, all we had to do is finish. The Trail Gear buggy will be back, this time we
won't make the same mistakes." His fourth place finish would show the same fate as the Perris race where
each of the Top 4 was the same at Cedar as they were at Perris.
Jesse Haines Winning two in a row ::: Photo Cedit: England Photo | Pirate4x4.com
Fifth Place came in as Jennifer and Todd Little who ran well all weekend but was stopped short in The
Shootout. The couple from St. George, Utah are very familiar with the terrain and used their knowledge
to help secure their top spot.
Related Links:
The Pro Modified Class Story |
The Unlimited Class Story |
The Modified Stock Class Story |
The Formula Toyota Class Story |
Live Coverage |
Itinerary, Directions, Weather |
Cedar City Event Poster |
Western U.S. Series |
Official Scores
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