Hendry Continues Hot Streak to Defend Race of the Rockies Championship Lead
Electric atmosphere, blistering pace, and record-breaking attendance define a thrilling Sunday of racing.
The Motorcycle Roadracing Association (MRA) brought the heat to Pueblo Motorsports Park for Round 2 of the 2025 season supported by season sponsor Aces Motorcycles, on Sunday, June 8th. With hot summer temperatures in the 70s and 80s and mostly clear skies, racers were treated to ideal track conditions from the start of the first race to the last checkered flag. A record-setting 94 racers filled the paddock, promising a full day of high-speed action and fierce rivalries building into the season.
Fay Myers Race of the Rockies GTO
Brad Hendry (1) wasted no time getting down to business as the lights went out, launching off the line and immediately applying pressure on the rest of the grid. Behind him, Kreece Elliot (97), Justen Behmer (4), David Lambert (28), Ken Yee (433) and James Wilkerson (98) gave chase, forming a fast early pack. However, Hendry was on a mission, stretching out a gap early on the first lap of the race. On lap 7, Elliot who was in 2nd place, had a moment of misfortune running off track in Turn 1. The pursuing pack behind him quickly took advantage. Lambert locked in on Behmer who was now in 2nd place but struggled to find a way around some solid defensive lines. With Behmer and Lambert battling, Yee was able to seize the opportunity and managed a pass on Lambert who later crashed in turn 2.
Meanwhile, Matthew Cunha (95), who got off to a tough start, had begun slicing through the field on his newly acquired Alpha Racing BMW. Just ahead, Yee was looking to take Behmer up the inside of turn 7 but Behmer quickly slammed the door shut. That would force Yee to attempt an outside move exiting turn 7 which resulted in Yee going off track. Cunha took full advantage and continued to power forward with Behmer in sight. Eventually Cunha was able to make the pass on Behmer with an impressive outside drive out of turn 7. From there, Cunha held firm to secure second place. Hendry would bring home the gold once again and continues to defend the championship #1 plate so far in this exciting 2025 season.
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🥇1st – Brad Hendry (BMW S1000RR)
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🥈2nd – Matthew Cunha (BMW M1000RR)
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🥉3rd – Justen Behmer (Kawasaki ZX-10R)
Apex Auto Glass Race of the Rockies GTU
Steven Racz (37) got off to a phenomenal start, claiming the holeshot into Turn 1, but had Orkun Krand (131) and Salvatore Rizzo (9) directly on his tail. Rizzo, battling early clutch issues, clawed his way back into contention, igniting a tight three-way fight at the front.
Rizzo made his first move on Krand before setting his sights on the leader. A small mistake by Racz in Turn 7 gave Rizzo the opening he needed to take the lead. With smooth, consistent 1:35 lap times, Rizzo stretched his advantage slightly.
Meanwhile, Krand had found some impressive pace, and executed an attack on the exit of turn 10. Drawing even with Racz on the front straight and winning a dramatic braking duel into turn 1 to secure 2nd place. As the race continued, Krand was able keep Rizzo within his sights with a great 2nd place finish followed by Racz in 3rd, but ultimately Rizzo would end up defending his championship lead to the checkered flag and took the top step on the podium.
• 🥇1st–SalvatoreRizzo (9) (SuzukiGSXR600)
• 🥈2nd–OrkunKrand (131) (YamahaR6)
• 🥉3rd–StevenRacz# (37) (YamahaR6)
Rocky View Family Dental Amateur GTO
The lights went out and Robert Brown (41) immediately went on the attack with a great start to lead the race into turn 1 on the first lap. Behind him, Philip Takahashi (807) piloting his Yamaha FZ1 ran an impressive pace. Enter John Evans (154) who had his work cut out for him after a rough launch off the line. But Evans kept his composure and began methodically working his way through the field. By lap 4, he had made up the lost ground and took the lead down the straight, holding it with authority for the remainder of the race.
Takahashi was locked in a heated battle for 2nd with Brown, attempting several overtake attempts through the mid-race laps. In the final two laps, Brown dug deep to hold off Takahashi’s late charge and crossed the line just ahead for a thrilling finish. Evans was successful in taking home the victory with a decisive lead, continuing his great start to the season.
• 🥇1st–JohnEvans (154) (BMWS1000RR)
• 🥈2nd–RobertBrown (41) (ApriliaRSV4RR)
• 🥉3rd – Phillip Takahashi (807) (Yamaha FZ1)
While the headlining Race of the Rockies battles always draw attention, every race throughout the day played a vital role in shaping championship points and showcasing the incredible depth of talent across all classes. From novices gaining experience to veterans defending titles, Round 2 highlighted just how competitive and passionate the MRA racing community is.
Be sure to check out the full official race results on the MRA website to see how your favorite racers performed and how the standings are shaping up.
Join us for Round 3 at High Plains Raceway (Full Course)– July 27th
Mark your calendars and join us for an entire weekend of racing!