Trucks, Mud and Fun

By ABIGAIL SNOW

Moapa Valley Progress

The Southern Nevada Mud Racers had a successful turnout with 42 entrants during the Mesquite Mud Drags event on Saturday at the Mesquite MX Motocross Park. The clean trucks and ATV’s lined up preparing to race, only to return completely covered in mud without a way for some drivers to even see through the front muddy windshield.

SNMR President Larry Skaggs said he has been holding the mud racing event for five years now. With this event, the participants fit into various categories including: 25 upper classes, 7 street classes, 4 powder puff (Women racers), and 7 ATV racers.
“Both the fans and racers loved the event and the location,” said Skaggs. “It was a beautiful day and the event was great. The first run for all the classes was very sloppy and wet, and the second run was deep rutted and very rough. We did have a few hiccups with some new equipment, but it was a good turnout for the first year at a new venue. This was also the first year we made it a benefit for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Nevada.”

The final results of the race were as follows: In Pro Mud: 1st -Troy Liebhardt, 2nd- Albert Tsinnijinnie, and 3rd – Steve Christiansen. In Mud Modified: 1st- Mitch Perron,2nd – Larry Perron, 3rd – Jessy Erickson. In Pro Stock:1st- Roy Scott, 2nd- Cord Simon, 3rd-Hamilton Dayzie. In Super Stock: 1st – Mike Smith, 2nd – Rick Blaber, 3rd – Justin Hardin. In Super Street: 1st -Troy Tanner, 2nd – Craigen Jordon, 3rd – Chris Glammeyer. In Powder Puff: 1st- Christine Simon , 2nd -Sarah Guzman, 3rd – Toni Tanner. In ATV 500 & under: 1st- Chase Smith, 2nd – Graciee Christiansen, 3rd – Kaleb Christiansen. In ATV Over 500: 1st -Mark Weaver, 2nd – Jermey Barnak. In Pee Wee: 1st-Wyatt Christiansen.

Mud racers, Christina and Cord Simon, came from Grand Junction, Colorado to attend the event. Cord Simon placed 2nd in Pro Stock and Christine placed 1st in Powder Puff. They have been competing in mud racing events for over 12 years in various parts of the country.
“We first got started in mud racing by going to one of the mud events in Colorado and I told my husband I wanted to do it,” said Christina Simon. “So, he started racing at first because I had little kids, then I started driving too and now I’m hooked.”

Simon said also said the reason she loves racing is because of the other mud racer families they meet and make friends with at events.

Rick Blaber from Mesquite, his wife, Tysha Blaber, and nephew, JD Harbin participated in the event racing a big lime green 4 door pickup. Rick said he started participating in Mesquite and Moapa Valley mud racing events in 2014 just out of curiosity to see how well his truck would do.
In the Super Stock race, Rick came in 2cd and Harbin came in 3rd. Also, Tysha placed 4th in the Powder Puff race.

This is the first time the event was held at the Mesquite MX Park. Previous events were held in Logandale at the Logandale Sports Complex. But obtaining permits with BLM and county turned out to be a hassle, so a new location was found, said Skaags.
“We plan on holding next year’s race at Mesquite MX Park again,” said Skaggs. “But County Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick, has been working on bringing the race back to Logandale, and we hope she is successful.”

Skaggs wanted to thank Overton NAPA & Mesquite Napa, Mesquite Wal-Mart , MGM Grand, Moto Zoo in Saint George, Motorcycle Tire Center in Las vegas, 4 Wheel Parts of Las Vegas, America First Credit Union, and all of his family and friends that made this event happen.

Anyone interested in racing please call Larry Skaggs at 702-279-1040 or go to SouthernNevadaMudRacers.com for more information.