Team KTM racer Shane Watts proved he's not dead yet with a convincing victory at the AMA National Hare Scramble Championship Round in Elkton, Oregon. Kawasaki's Chuck Woodford grabbed the holeshot, while Watts got off to a second placed start on his 200EXC but quickly moved into the lead by the end of the first grass track section, holding that position for most of the first lap until he crashed on a slick spot, dropping back to third. The two continued to trade positions until Watts finally made a pass on Woodford to take the lead for the rest of the six-lap race.
Neck and neck: Watts and ...
Neck and neck: Watts and Woodford.
"I was feeling great out on the track and really enjoying it. Conditions were absolutely perfect. Woodford made a charge on the fourth lap so I let him lead and just tagged along behind him seeing what his pace was and where I was faster than him. I was content just to follow him and pass him in the final mile, but my bike was so fast out there that I just couldn't hold back any longer, so I just opened it up towards the end of the fifth lap and roosted onto an easy victory."
Opening round winner Brian...
Opening round winner Brian Garrahan followed Watts and Woodford up onto the podium.
Defending Hare Scrambles champion...
Defending Hare Scrambles champion Jason Raines fared better this year than in 2003 at Elkton and finished fourth.
Kawasaki Team Green's Destry...
Kawasaki Team Green's Destry Abbott rounded out the top five at the Oregon race.