MINOT — Hundreds of racers took part in fast and muddy fun at the 11th annual Gold Cup New England Classic at Hemond’s MX and Offroad Park on Saturday.

The park is at 695 Woodman Hill Road in Minot.

The weekend-long event drew 305 racers of various skill levels from all over New England to participate in 18 different classes.

Courtney McCormick, 16, from Massachusetts, has been riding dirt bikes for about four or five years, according to her father.

“We had a TTR120 in the garage, and she kept bugging me to ride it,” said Thaddeus McCormick, who wasn’t shy about his enthusiasm and support of his daughter’s adrenaline-seeking passion. “I think it’s great — she’s a natural.”

Cassie Lis, 21, of Connecticut, has been seeking thrills on loud bikes since she was 3 years old — and her years of experience were evident in her confident, laid-back demeanor preceding the race. Supporting her in the stands was her boyfriend, Cody Pearson, who used to ride “a long time ago,” but now cheers on Cassie.

Both Cassie and Courtney raced twice at the Sawmill MX on Saturday and twice at the Hilltop MX on Sunday in the amateur classes, which followed a “four-moto format” — meaning each rider raced four times. 

The two professional classes, 250A and 450A, showcased some local talent — 20-year-old Lance Harder of Turner, who participated in both classes with his YZ250 and YZ450.

Harder, who has been riding dirt bikes since the astonishing age of just 2, has previously won the gold cup at Hemond’s in the 85cc class.

He is currently enrolled at Husson University in Bangor, and said Saturday was his first time racing since August 2016.

“I took it really seriously in high school, even traveled and stuff, but haven’t done it much since (I started) college,” Harder said.

This is also his first year racing in the professional class at Hemond’s, and he placed second in his first race and sixth in his second.  He hopes to place in the top three overall.

The early Saturday rain certainly did not deter any racers — in fact, it helped make the tracks safer due to the deep mud ruts on the track, event organizer Paul Michaud said.

“Mud is the equalizer,” said Paryse Thibodeau, who had the challenging job of writing down each racer’s number as they completed a lap, and tracking progress in case of a computer malfunction, a challenge because the rider’s number — and the rider themselves — was often covered in mud.

The numerous classes, with multiple laps, races and a whole lot of mud, made for a long day for those racing.

Luckily, the community of campers and dirt bike enthusiasts had several ways to unwind after racing ended.

For those who hadn’t been on their bike quite enough for one day, RaveX held a “best whip” contest. A whip is a trick done mid-jump, when the rider turns the front of the bike to one side.

Racing continues on Sunday at Hemond’s.  The “pro-purse” this year is $10,000, divided among the top 10 racers of the 250A and 450A classes.

The winner will be announced on Sunday, 30 minutes after the last race ends. The run with the worst time will be eliminated, and the average time of the three remaining runs will be used.

emarquis@sunmediagroup.net

Action from the 11th annual Gold Cup New England Classic at Hemond’s MX and Offroad Park in Minot on Saturday afternoon. Copy the Story Link

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