From a press release issued by F-USA:

Fort Worth, Texas–Cool temperatures, cloudy skies along with periods of showers around the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wisconsin could not keep the opening round of the K&N Filters Pro Series from coming off as a huge success.

The excitement started early in practice/qualifying at the 5th Annual Dairyland Classic with 56 riders attempting to qualify for the 48 rider field. As the riders took to the super-fast track, it became apparent the Formula USA rules based around 450cc production frame motorcycles was beginning a new era for dirt track. Of the 56 entries, 51 riders were on production frame motorcycles with 53 riders breaking the track record. A new track record of 16.249 was set by factory KTM rider Kenny Coolbeth who was over a full second quicker of the previous track record of 17.465.

Promoter Bert Sumner put together the inaugural Jim Sumner Memorial Dash For Cash where the top rider from each brand of motorcycle would qualify for the 4-lap dash. Local hero JR Schnabel on the Memphis Shades Yamaha took the honors with $1500donated from a variety of motorcycle dealers and individuals prior to the race. During the evening another $730 was donated by fans that was divided between runner-up Kenny Coolbeth and third place rider Kyle Ragsdale.

As the 18-riders who had qualified through 3-heat races and 2-semis were introduced for the 25-lap National, excitement filled air with first year rookies and veterans all having a shot of taking the win.

Joe Kopp on the factory KTM took the lead going into turn one off the start with Schnabel getting a good drive off turn two to take the early lead. After the first lap Kopp pulled off the track with apparent problems. Coolbeth had got off the line fourth and seemed to be waiting for things to settle down a bit before making a run to the front. His first challenge would be to get around Team Harley-Davidson’s Rich King riding the Buell Blast-based Harley-Davidson. King the veteran dirt tracker could feel the pressure of Coolbeth, however would never make a mistake forcing Coolbeth to get aggressive before Schnabel would pull away from the trio. Making a good run off turn 2 Coolbeth pulled along the outside of King down the back straight then made a daring, but successful, outside pass on King going into turn 3.

As riders were dicing for position, the fans were cheering for their hometown hero Schnabel knowing Coolbeth was now making a run for the lead. Coolbeth again put the same pressure on Schnabel as he did King hoping for a mistake. It did not take Coolbeth long to realize he would have to make the same pass on Schnabel. On lap 8 Coolbeth went on the outside of Schnabel going into turn 3, which seemed to surprise Schnabel. Within the next lap Coolbeth turned his fastest lap of the night at 15.923!

As the race was beginning to wind down, lapped riders would give Schnabel another shot at regaining the lead. Schnabel made a run at Coolbeth on the final lap coming up to his rear fender across the finish line.

King would hang onto third with Jethro Halbert on a Honda giving the top 4 positions 4 different brands of motorcycles.

Kenny Coolbeth on the KTM production based motorcycle made over $9000 in purse and contingency. After the races there was a great deal of support from the fans, teams, riders and sponsors for the 2003 K&N Filters Pro Series. Tom Cates, Senior Powersports Manager of K&N Filters was on hand commenting, “I was extremely impressed with the professional appearance of the event. The riders did an excellent job putting on a great show for the spectators.”

PLYMOUTH RESULTS
1. Kenny Coolbeth, KTM
2. Glen Schnabel, JR, YAM
3. Rich King, HD
4. Jethro Halbert, HON
5. Brett Landes, HON
6. Willie McCoy, HON
7. Bryan Smith, HON
8. Dan Stanley, HON
9. Shaun Russell, KTM
10. Kyle Ragsdale, HON
11. Jeremy Deruyter, HON
12. Jerad Cheney, HON
13. Terry Poovey, HON
14. Justin Filice, HON
15. Thomas McGrane, HON
16. Brian Vincent, HON
17. Kevin Atherton, YAM
18. Joe Kopp, KTM

The K&N Filters Pro Series resumes next weekend at the 11th Annual Ben Campanale Laconia 1/2 Mile on Friday night, June 13th in Rochester, New Hampshire during the 80th Annual Loudon Classic.