Local Racers Compete At MRAN Event In Caliente

By JOE SOBRIO

The Progress

Dirt bike racers from all over the west coast descended on the Caliente, Nevada community last weekend for the 6th annual Casey Folks 100 dirt bike race. This regional racing event is put on by the Motorcycle Racing Association of Nevada (MRAN) in memory of Casey Folks a former desert racing icon.

From young to old – first-time racers to bonafide professionals – a few hundred attended this past weekend’s racing event. Even small children had a dedicated track to try their luck.

Racers arrived early and prepared their machines for various races that spanned from just one mile to forty-eight miles.

The race welcomes hundreds of racers. Because of this, each race is broken down into divisions based on skill level, engine size and age. This complex system places each competitor into a division with like opponents.

The event included local talent from the Moapa Valley community. Kelly Pulsipher finished 53 out of 112 racers and placed 3rd in the Women’s Amateur bracket. Luke Sobrio finished 85 out of the 112 total racers and placed 8 out of 12 in the Lite’s Novice bracket. Billy Paul Pulsipher finished 21 out of the 112 racers and finished second out of the 4 Two-Stroke Expert racers. Kyle Pulsipher finished 26 out of the 112 racers and first out of the four racers in the 40+ Expert bracket. Kyle Pulsipher finished 26 out of the 112 racers, and first out of the four 40+ Expert racers. David Lewis finished 70 out of 112 racers, and the first out of two in the 40+ Novice group. Paul Leavitt finished 44 out of the 112 racers, and fifth out of the six racers in the 50+ Expert race. Gabe Leavitt finished 9 out of the 112 racers and first out of the four in the Lite’s Expert race.

Each racer finished first however in the Having Fun category, as each one had a great time racing through the Nevada desert.

Dave “Korn Dawg” Martin the Regional Club President discussed the importance of the event in bringing the community together. This organization partnered with the Bureau of Land Management, is meant to keep the sport alive through the next generation of riders. Martin said that the group had partnered with the BLM to ensure there was an appropriate amount of land for all divisions to race. The event spanned hundreds of acres and attracted riders from all over the United States.

The event was memorable in many ways. Proceeds from merchandise sales went to assist Motorsports Safety Solutions (MSS) which provides first aid and paramedic services for events such as MRAN. MSS recently had a medical response truck and equipment stolen in California. Proceeds are being donated to assist them in recuperating their loss. Shirts and other merchandise were sold in efforts to help MSS.

Luke Sobrio a fourteen-year-old resident of Logandale, shared his reasons for being a member of the club. Sobrio raced his 250CC bike forty-eight miles and finished with his personal best time.Sobrio stated that he truly enjoys getting outside, and the comradery that his fellow riders provide. He also loves the idea of being outside and not stuck at home playing video games.

More information about MRAN are available at www.racemran.com.