Written and Photographed By Jonathan Barrett
Dateline: 2018 AZOP Series, Round 12, Gila Bend Grand Prix, November 17-18, 2018
The Arizona Offroad Promotions championship season concluded in Gila Bend, Arizona at round 12 of the year long series. While many of the races were just for fun, there were a few close races in points decided on this one day race.
The UTV 570’s came out to race on a smaller track, with Riley Hein taking the championship despite not racing, and Grace Vinagro taking second in points and a third in the race. Ellie Koester broke mid race but finished third in the points race.
The 170cc UTV’s came out next and TJ Siewers took the win and a seventh place finish in points, Brody Aikins took second and ninth in points, and points winner Lucas Johnson took third place.
The Pro UTV’s had plenty of problems this race with all four drivers breaking at some point. Dean Boomer Wheeler, James Moore and Tom Wilson all broke one of their axles, but still finished the race. Tom Wilson would take the championship win. Chase De Sousa Dias took the 900cc win at the track and in the points, and Todd Waling took the 850cc championship.
Robert Olander locked down the championship in the 1000cc Non Turbo class, and John Nix took the win at the race. In the 1000 Turbo class, Kali Kinsman took the win in points and third at the race, with Shane Till taking first at the track and second in points.
The 2018 AZOP season brought racers all over the state from the desert of Wickenburg to the Cinder Mountains of Flagstaff. The 2019 season looks to be the biggest and best in its history with more races and more out of state races. More info at AZOPracing.com
