Surprise, AZ (01/31/2010) – After a very successful 2009 season with Beau Baron taking the WORCS Pro Championship, the pressure was on at the 2010 WORCS season opener to see if the team had what it takes to stay on top. There were no disappointments as Beau Baron charged his way to the top of the podium and team manager Mike Cafro would take his first ever WORCS Pro podium position.
“This was exactly what we were hoping for,” said Cafro. “We wanted to come out here and start the season off on the podium. We are really stoked because it couldn’t have gone any better!”
Beau Baron took an early lead in the first lap, but battled back and forth for several laps with Dustin Nelson before taking over the lead permanently just after the mid way point. “It felt great to come out here and win round one. I have a good program in place again this year so plan to be on the podium a lot because I don’t want to give up the championship,” said Baron.
Mike Cafro was in mid pack off the line, but the veteran racer made a hard charge to take over fourth place early on. Cafro held that position for several laps until his pit crew informed him was up to third place. “They said I was in third when I came through the pit area and there was no way I was going to give up a podium position,” said Cafro, who would have his hands full the last four laps of the race. “Robbie Mitchell had caught up to me and I wasn’t about to let him get past me, so we were bumping and battling for about three laps. Then in the last lap, I just pushed as hard as I could and pulled away from him,” explained Cafro, who would hold on to the number three spot to take his first ever pro podium position.
MCR/Maxxis’ Josh Row still managed to take a top ten position in the Pro class despite a nasty wreck in the first lap. Row came on strong as he did all last season and claimed a respectable ninth place.
Julie Russell also put in a solid run in the Women’s A class. The competition was fierce for round one as Russell went up against Traci Cecco and Tammy Balser. Julie would hold down a steady third place, finishing within just seconds of Cecco and Balser. “There was a lot of competition in the Women’s class this time and Julie did a great job out there. We are very proud of her,” said Mike Cafro.
This year, there are a couple of new names added to the Team MCR/Maxxis roster. Pro-am riders Keith Johnson and David Haagsma made their team debut this weekend and put on an impressive show as Johnson would finish in third, and Haagsma would come in a close fourth. “Keith and David rode really well this weekend and we are looking forward to seeing them both on the podium a lot this season,” stated Cafro.
After coming off of such a promising first round, the team is confident and ready to tackle round two. “I have to thank Maxxis for their part in this because they really stepped up for us this year. We are really looking forward to this season. We are in it to win and with the support we have I think that this will be a very successful season for us,” Cafro concluded.
Round two of the 2010 WORCS series that will be held at Buffalo Bill’s in Primm, NV on February 27-28 where Beau Baron will be trying for his second win in defense of his of his championship title.
Mike Cafro Racing would like to thank all of their sponsors: Maxxis, Roll Design, Elka Suspension, DWT, Motoworks, Ricky Stator, Alba Action Sports, K&N, Streamline, Golden West Cycle, Tire Balls, Moto Pro Training, Pro Honda Oils Works Connection, Tsubaki, Hinson, IMS, Quad Tech, PWR, Fasst Co., Maier, Trinity Graphics, Zing racing, O’Neal and Smith