GNCC Racing

KR4 Race Report: KR4 Arrive-n-Ride Tackles Limestone 100

Tuesday, April 29, 2014 | 3:55 PM

The KR4 Arrive-n-Ride Team was thankful to enjoy more beautiful weather in Springville, Indiana for Round 5 of the Grand National Cross Country Series. The temperatures were in the high 80s, and the approximately 10-mile-long track featured rocky creek beds, fast straights, and nice trails cut through the woods.  It was a perfect day to be a KR4 rider!!

Youth Race:

Jamie Baskerville finally had the result we all were looking for and got on the podium in the 85cc (12-13) class. Although he got a terrible start and was dead last to the first turn, he worked his way to fifth place on the first lap. By Lap 2 he was up to third and maintained that position to the end.

Jamie Baskerville battled through the pack for a third place finish in the 85 (12-13) class
Jamie Baskerville battled through the pack for a third place finish in the 85 (12-13) class Photo: Courtesy of KR4

Brian Keegan had another steady performance finishing 6th in class and now stands 3rd in the 85cc (7-11) class points. Brian has done well adapting to the bigger 85cc bike from the 65cc he rode last year. In Brian’s words, “I think the bigger bike suits my riding style, and I’m more comfortable than ever on my KR4 machine.” 

KR4 Youth Results:

  • Korie Steede: Girls (8-15)   - 1st
  • Jamie Baskerville: 85cc (12-13)   - 3rd
  • Peyton Whipkey: 65cc (10-11)   - 3rd
  • Brian Keegan: 85cc (7-11)   - 6th
  • Logan Theakston: 85cc (7-11)   - 9th
  • Brandon Keegan: Supermini (12-13)   - 10th
  • Grant Davis: 65cc (7-9)   - 12th

AM Race:

In the 10 O’clock Amateur race, Conner Keegan had another breakout performance in the 200 C Schoolboy (12-15) division. He scored another 3rd place in class and 42nd overall out of 375 riders. When Conner pitted for fuel, he told the crew, “Hey, please hurry up, I’m in 3rd place!” But the KR4 Arrive-n-Ride staff was ready and quickly provided a splash of fuel and fresh water bottle, and Conner was on his way.              

Molnar conquered the highly competitive Super Senior B (45+) class at Limestone 100
Molnar conquered the highly competitive Super Senior B (45+) class at Limestone 100 Photo: Courtesy of KR4

Butch Molnar won the highly competitive Super Senior B (45+) class, bringing his win total in that class to two for the 2014 season. Butch changed his strategy a bit for this race by not sprinting so much at the beginning and instead maintained a steady pace all the way to the end. Butch is leading the standings for the Super Senior B (45+) class.

KR4 WXC rider Karlynn Beam got an awesome start in and was a frontrunner going into the woods. She ended the day 6th in class and 30th overall. In her words, “I think I could have [made the] podium today if I hadn’t made so many mistakes. I was actually up to 4th at one point, but falls hampered my progress.” We look for Karlynn to continue her progression as a top contender in the highly competitive WXC class.

Brad Myers was a new face to the team this weekend, and finished an impressive 5th place in Masters A (50+)
Brad Myers was a new face to the team this weekend, and finished an impressive 5th place in Masters A (50+) Photo: Courtesy of KR4

KR4 welcomed a new face to the team this weekend with the arrival of Brad Myers. This Masters 50+ A competitor rode strong to finish 5th in his class and had a great time on his new KR4 ride. When asked about his day, an exuberant Myers exclaimed, “Now I know how the factory guys feel! Everyone should try the KR4 Arrive-N-Ride program at least once and experience the factory treatment.”

KR4 AM Bike Results:

  • George Molnar: Super Senior B (45+)   - 1st   
  • Conner Keegan: 200C Schoolboy (12-15)   - 3rd
  • Albert Chuppa: Elite Masters (60+)   - 4th
  • Brad Myers: Masters (50+) A   - 5th
  • Brittan Laird: 200C (12-15)   - 6th
  • Karlynn Beam: WXC   - 6th

PM Race:

Colin Keegan followed up his Victory from Big Buck with another win at the Limestone! After he and fellow KR4 rider Kurtis Palmer got off to great starts in the 250B class, the duo rode like they were glued together for the first half of the race. Both riders were passing each other at different spots on the track. At the fuel stop, Kurtis was in 1st position, but Colin skipped the fuel stop to take the lead from Kurt. Unfortunately, Kurtis had problems late in the race and finished 13th. However, the race for the win was exciting as Colin closed a 1:15 deficit on the leader on the last lap and won the race by a narrow 1.8 second margin - making for cheers all around! 

The KR4 pits are loaded with their bikes every race weekend
The KR4 pits are loaded with their bikes every race weekend Photo: Courtesy of KR4

Andy France ran has high as 10th in the highly competitive 4 Stroke A Lites division, but many crashes throughout the day derailed his chances of a good finish. He ended the day in 14th.

Shane Hufford started out well with a 4th place jump off the XC2 line. Had a crash on Lap 2 and was never able to get back up to speed after his big get-off. He rode in for 8th.

KR4 PM Bike Results:

  • Colin Keegan: 250B   - 1st 
  • Shane Hufford: XC2 Pro Lites   - 8th
  • Kurtis Palmer: 250B   - 13th
  • Andy France: 4 Stroke A Lites   - 14th