Diamondback Motocross "RP" Report:   by Rich Price

COEN STILL THE MAN

Diamondback Motocross
District 34 Season Opener
Modena, NY
April 22, 2001

Story By: Rich Price

The first District 34 race of the season went off without a hitch at Diamondback motocross on Sunday April 22^nd. A huge turnout was expected with the nice, warm weather in the Northeast, and the riders showed up in force to do battle with the best in District 34.

The Northeast Classic race being held at Englishtown did nothing to deter top Expert riders Carlo Coen, Terry Finkle, and Team Green’s Mike Leavitt from attending this event put on by John Coen. John invested in a sweet machine that tills up the dirt and makes the track perfect throughout the day. Jeff Dirago was manning the tractor, and keeping the track in tip-top shape.

In the Expert classes, it was all FMF/Factory Connection/G-Sports Honda rider Carlo Coen. Carlo continued his dominance from last year, showing that age doesn’t matter. He led pretty much gate to flag in every moto that he entered. He looked at home aboard his trusty Honda ride, seeming to make no mistakes on the beautifully groomed Diamondback course. Carlo took 6 out of 6 moto wins on the day, winning the +25, +30 and 250 Expert races, without even getting his gear dirty. Also I might mention that Carlo is sponsored by G-Sport gear. G-Sport makes some sharp looking attire for your racing needs, and is trying to become a serious contender in the world of motocross gear.

Carlo’s closest challenge in the plus classes would be from Yamaha mounted Kurt McMillen, who was running his old National #28. Kurt was making his return to District 34 after a long layoff last season. Kurt is a former champion, and showed great speed on his Yamaha, but could not keep Carlo in check.

Josh Seguine also made his return to the District a rewarding one. Josh took the 2-2 route and earned second overall in the 250 Expert class, aboard his Honda. He was on the gas, but could not hang with the veteran Coen. Mike Leavitt went 3-3 for third overall in the 250 Expert class, on his Team Green Kawasaki ride.

In the 125 Expert class, Motorex sponsored Terry Finkle took the 1-2 route to take the overall. He had an exciting battle in moto one with Yamaha YZ 250F mounted Rich Koretsky, but beat the veteran to take the win. Dave Olsen held the lead for a few laps, but succumbed to the pressure of Finkle and Koretsky. The sound of thunder was definitely in the air, as Finkle, Koretsky, and Olsen were all on thumpers.

"Mighty" Mike Leavitt had trouble and went down hard in the whoops in moto one of the 125 Expert class, after a bike problem threw off his timing. He would come out swinging in moto two and take the easy win over Finkle, who admitted to me that he was somewhat exhausted, and was not able to give Leavitt much of a challenge. Koretsky had his problems, and would finish in the back of the pack, thus throwing away his great performance in moto one.

So, it was Finkle with the lions’ share of the Expert purse. Dave Olsen would take second overall on the day, and collect some cash to get him to the next race. Third overall would go to Gui Sermenach, who rode consistent all day, but was not a factor at the front. Henry Mormile’s Honda was fourth overall, followed by Koretsky in fifth.

In the 60cc 10-11 year old class, KTM pilot Jake Beebe took 1-1 moto scores to take the overall victory. Jake has been a fixture on the D 34 scene over the past few seasons, and is looking to make this year his breakout season. Craig Vosburgh took second overall, and Josh Clark rounded out the podium in third.

The Women’s class was also run at Diamondback for the first time, and the racing was exciting. The class was run in a staggered start with the Super Mini class. Barbara Wesotski, an advocate in District 34 for implementation of the class, took the easy victories in both motos and the overall on the day. This is certainly another giant leap in the world of women’s motocross here in District 34, and it was welcomed by the fans.

The +25 and 250 Novice classes belonged to Chris Williams, who swept all four of his motos, and went home with two large trophies for his troubles. Chris was ecstatic with the wins, and is the owner and operator of the MotoEdge.com web site, which has news about motocross, riding apparel, and interviews with industry insiders. Be sure to check it out.

The 125 and 250 Amateur classes were dominated by Honda rider Chad Charbonneau. Chad was running lap times, comparable to that of the Experts, and is looking to make a splash in District 34. He is a new rider to this area, but he has served notice that he will be a contender throughout the season.

Massachusetts native, and Suzuki-mounted Kyle Hutson took the Senior Mini class win, while Ben Andrew took the Super Mini victory on his Kawasaki.

Rich Janesky took the win in the +25 Amateur and +30 Amateur classes, aboard a KTM machine.

All in all, the races were absolutely a great booster to the many months of racing that are still to come. Carlo Coen proved that he is destined to become a winner again this year, and he has put everyone on notice. The crowd went home pleased, and ready for more action in the upcoming weeks.

PeeWee Yam/Suz 4-8: 1. Dominick Guastella (Yam) 2. Brock Miller (Yam) 3. Joey Wolfrum (Yam)

PeeWee 4-6: 1. Gregory Kline (KTM) 2. Justin Artrip 3. Daniel Matthews

PeeWee 7-8: 1. Justin Barcia (KTM) 2. Calvin Decker (Pol) 3. Nick Christie (KTM)

60cc 6-9: 1. Karl Staats (KTM) 2. Jesse Kuzbyt (KTM) 3. Ray Leybovich (Kaw)

60cc 10-11: 1. Jake Beebe (KTM) 2. Craig Vosburgh (KTM) 3. Josh Clark (Kaw)

Junior Mini 7-11: 1. Michael Stryker (Suz) 2. James Wild (Suz) 3. Evan Decker (Hon)

Senior Mini 12-15: 1. Kyle Hutson (Suz) 2. Jordan Crawford (Yam) 3. Ben Andrew (Suz)

Super Mini 12-15: 1. Ben Andrew (Kaw) 2. Jamie Lawrence (Kaw) 3. Richard White (Kaw)

Women: 1.Barbara Wesotski (Yam)

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