Atascadero, CA – CST’s Beau Baron rode from nearly dead last in the field to finish third in the WORCS Series season finale Pro ATV race at Buffalo Bill’s Resort. Baron sewed up a record 10th Pro ATV Championship at the previous round.

 

Baron had earned every holeshot award during this season’s Pro ATV title chase. Apparently, a bugaboo bit him here as he had trouble firing his quad at the start. Despite his last place start in a field of 16 racers, he fought through the dust and the talented field to finish third.

“I guess that was my payback for getting all of the starts this year,” quipped Baron. “Once I got going, I just tried to do the best that I could. It was really hard with the dust out there. I would make up time on a guy and then go through that silt bed. I would then have to wait to go up the rocks and I’d lose that time. That, and these guys were just so fast, made it so hard to make up any time. From 16th to third is an accomplishment.”

Baron marveled at the entry list for the final Pro ATV race of the season. Many East Coast racers, including GNCC 7 Time Champion and eventual winner Walker Fowler, turned out for the race.

“The turnout was great, and I just wish it was like this every weekend,” said Baron. “I like to line up with a bunch of guys, and especially the respectable guys like we had this weekend. My hat is off to these guys; they rode great right from the get-go.”

Baron relied on the consistent grip from his CST tires and the sure setup provided by Roll Design on his Elka suspension. Baron won seven out of nine races this year and scored podiums in the other two. Not bad for one of the oldest riders in the field on a two-year-old quad.

“My CST tires worked great and I want to thank Roll Design for the perfect setup on my Elka suspension,” said Baron. “The Sparks engine rode great. This is my second season on this bike and it’s been solid all year. I’m stoked and I’m looking forward to building a new bike for next year and getting in a little better shape.”

That quote may have answered one of the biggest questions circulating around the pits here. Will Beau Baron return for just one more season? The answer is probably. “If all my sponsors come through, I’d like to run one more year.”

Look for Baron to try to add an 11th title to his credit as WORCS kicks of the 2023 season January 20-22 here in Primm.

 

Photos: Harlan Foyler