Round 5 of the AMA National Hare and Hound got under way this past weekend in Johnson Valley, Ca. hosted by the Vikings MC. The local forecast showed temps surpassing 95 degrees and the Purvines team was up for the challenge with Nick Burson finishing 3rd overall on his Beta 498 RR and Dan Capparelli finishing 2nd in the Vet A class and a solid 7th overall putting two Beta’s in the top 10.
Nick describes his race, “When I got to the end of the bomb I was 3rd but made a bad line choice and ended up 4th once we got to the marked trail. It was Paul Krause who had gotten by me and had an awesome start himself. I could see the 2 KTM riders starting to pull away up front and knew I needed to get around Paul quickly to be able to stay within striking distance of the lead pack. Well I did something I normally don’t do and now I remember why I don’t do it. I hung it out in the dust trying to make the pass and hit a big washout I never saw. It pitched me up sideways and I was sent cart wheeling through the desert. Luckily for me I was not hurt and back on my bike in no time only to lose one position to Jacob Argubright. My bike was a little beat up but not too bad so I took off charging again. I made the pass on Krause not too long after that and then set my sights on Jake. I wasn’t really making up any ground on him and was just pretty much pacing him about 30 seconds back. The last loop was the best one for me all day and I just rode really smooth and consistent and came into the finish pretty far back from the two in front of me but my 3rd overall was good to earn more points the series. All in all it was a good day. The result is where I want and know I belong which is on the podium. But the crashes were not good. I know you can’t take too many crashes like that and I’m thankful to walk away with only some scrapes and sore muscles. I have to thank my whole team Purvines racing for getting me in and out of the pits with what I needed in a quick fashion. I do believe my newest sponsor 6D helmets played a huge part in why I was able to keep charging all day even though I had some big get offs and hit my head but with their new helmet technology it kept me safe and able to keep going. I’ll see everyone at round 6 this weekend in Jericho Utah! Thanks to everyone who makes it possible!! Purvines Racing, American Beta, PDI, TBT Racing, Motul, GPR Stabilizers, Flexx Handlebars, BRP, Dunlop, DirtTricks, FMF, Fastway, and HBD Graphics, Moose racing gear, Sidi boots, 6D helmets, x brand goggles, BRP.”
Capparelli’s race went well despite almost hitting a dog on the course. Riding his Beta 450 RR, the fast Vet racer was looking to redeem himself after a unfortunate DNF from the last round.
“I was inside the top 15 off the bomb and was able to settle in behind some riders and key off them until some of the dust settled. After the first 40-mile loop, I was running 9th overall, and could see dust just leaving the pits. I made the turn to start loop three, and almost ended my day when a dog was wondering backwards on the course. I was what the heck, where did that thing come from? I made my way around the elusive desert dog, and charged up on the back wheel of 7th place where I eventually finished the day. To date that was my best finish overall at a National, and I look forward to the next round in Utah, where I hope to keep the Purvines Racing Beta 450RR towards the front again. All this couldn’t be possible without the help of all of our great sponsors.” Capparelli explains.
The Purvines team’s next race is Round 6 this weekend in Jerico, Utah put on by the Sage riders. For more Purvines Racing team information, go to www.americanbeta.com and click on the race tab for a complete blog.