In order to beat the next batch of rain that was soon expected the ATVA made a quick decision to cut down the amateur laps to three “one of the few decisions we’ve actually agreed with this season”. This resulted in the amateur motos being completed early before the second pro moto. During the 15 minute wait from the time the pro riders line up at the gate to the time the gate actually falls we weren’t sure whether the crowd’s response was anticipation or boredom, luckily we found a dollar at the edge of a mud hole while photographing the fans at the end of the take off straight.

Finally after staring at our new found dollar several times the gate fell and we witnessed one of the coolest starts of the season. Three top name riders side by side from the gate to the first corner. Unfortunately, quicker than it began, the photographic moment was over as a several quad pile up which involved Doug Gust and Jeremiah Jones piled up several of the race’s top contenders.

After lending Jeremiah a helping hand by removing his ATV from on top of his body, Doug was one of the first riders to make it back in the game, about 10-15 seconds down and in 14th spot. Duncan Racing’s Tavis Cain “this month’s featured rider” was leading and was soon passed by Dustin Wimmer and Tim Farr. By this time Gust had re-entered the pack and was working his way towards the front.