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MOTOCROSS - Arkansas State Championship MX Series
By Chuck Ball
Photo By Chuck Ball (Photo © Cycle News, Inc. 2006)
Bloxham Blasts His Way to Victory! 9/10/2005
WATTS, OK
The riders descending upon River Valley MX from all over the region could not have asked for better conditions: With temperatures on the mild side, a slight breeze rolling down the valley, and an impeccably prepared track, the night was looking better and better with each passing minute.
Local rider Todd Bloxham (705) used his hometrack advantage to nail the start of the opening Supermini moto, with friend and fellow competitor Blake Godin hot on his heels. As the lead duo made their mad getaway, the action behind them began to heat up. Ashton Fitzgibbon moved into third. The fight over fourth was among Alex Puttkamer, Cole Younger and Corby Shumate, who all went toe to toe like prize fighters for all five laps. When the checkers flew, the lead was held on by Bloxham, followed by Godin and Fitzgibbon. Shumate, on his Suzuki, snatched fourth away from the rest of the field.
Moto two was more of the same, as the self-proclaimed “Mullet Brothers,” Godin and Bloxham, jumped out front and ran one-two. Meanwhile, Fitzgibbon quickly got into third, as Suzuki-mounted Tyler Bean fought for fourth with Puttkamer. At moto’s end, though, it was Bloxham leading Godin and crew through the checkers with a comfortable lead.
Moto one of the 85cc Senior class got going with Bloxham out front early, but he went down on lap one, handing the reins to Godin, Cory Papczynski and Levi Best. But with his head down and his right wrist in the “on” position, Bloxham was able to come from behind to take the moto win, ahead of Godin and Best.
As the night was winding down, so were the motos, and Bloxham looked poised to lead home the last of the 85cc classes of the evening. Getting a great start and staying out of trouble, he did just that, finishing ahead of Godin, Best and Papczynski. Honda-mounted Cody House scored fifth overall for his efforts on a not-so-familiar track.
Also taking home a pair of wins was Jon-Paul Powell, riding Honda machinery in the Expert classes. After driving several hours and halfway across the state to take advantage of the excellent weather and track, Powell went four for four in his motos, as well as taking the Dash For Cash at intermission.
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