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GRC Topbike Challenge Race Results
Race #9 - September 29, 2001
by Roy & Sandy Resendes
September 29th was a crisp, fall New England day. With an intermittent head wind blowing in the faces of 27 riders on a quest for the coveted Top Bike trophy.
Steve White took high mph with a 173.99 mph in the first round of qualifying only to break his transmission during 2nd round. Last race winner Mike Shea was on a roll qualifying number one with a .407 react time, trying to be the first back to back winner since Topbikes resurgence 3 years ago. Joe Abshire tried once again to oust the reaction time of Mike Shea but missed by .002 with a .409, nice try Joe. It was good to see Steve Cormier back, débuting his new Mountain Motor Suzuki, running a couple of nice 8.0 shakedown passes.
Break outs and solo runs were abundant in round 1. Once again our top contenders were all eliminated in round 1 with the exception of Russ Parsons who moved into 3rd despite having to rebuild his bike due to being hit by a tow vehicle in the pits the previous week. Though qualifying only 11th, Mary Jane Dillingham was on a mission of her own winning over Joe Harper. New “Grampa” Dennis Greene took out last years champ, Al Desrochers with a holeshot. Ed Hughes continued his day in a close double breakout race against Gary Russell. Turbo Mike Williams’ win over Stacey Raymond knocked him back to 4th in the overall standings. Mark Hendrick got a little payback against Tony Simoneau who took him out last race.
Mike Shea continued his bid with a win over Pete Dyer. Jeff Foreman got a lucky break when Dennis broke out. Mark ran on his number to continue his quest. New comer Rob Dambrosca ran strong with a 8.78 on a 8.77 dial against Mike Williams. Jimmy Mayo took out Russ with a perfect 9.29 on a 9.29 dial. Tom Galligan showed his experience over Bill Peluso. Mary Jane not to be outdone showed what she’s made of running a 9.53 on a 9.53 against Ed Hughes who broke out trying to catch her.
Mike Shea treed Jeff Foreman on a double breakout by .005 at the finish line. Mark Hendrick wasted a fine .434 light only to breakout sending Rob Dembrosca into his first semi-final round. Mary Jane went to her first semi final round of the year over a slowing Tom Galligan. Jim Mayo got the bye
Mike Shea showed his consistency running within .001 of his dial in looking like he was poised to become the first back to back winner. Mary Jane was on the mark. She left on time and made Jim breakout trying to catch her. Mary Jane was on her way to become the first woman winner in NED Top Bike competition. An anxious Mike Shea left on Mary Jane’s light allowing her to take home this week’s trophy. Congratulation’s Mary Jane & Jon Dillingham for showing us that you can be competitive and win on a Harley. Hey Mary Jane is it true ”Girls just wanna have fun?” No “Girls Rock”!!!!!!
Congratulations to yet another Top Bike winner. Thanks to NED, Stan at GRC, Bob at MVSC, Sam at OTG, Stacey at General Marine, Star Racing, D&S Cycles, Roth Racing, MRE, Extra Performance , Orient Express and Vanson Leathers for sponsoring this highly competitive race series.
Finals will be on Saturday October 20
TopBike Points Standings
1 Desrochers, Al 318
2 Abshire, Joe 297
3 Parsons, Russ 258
4 Raymond, Stacey 255
5 Foreman, Jeff 243
6 Resendes, Roy 235
7 Dyer, Peter 229
8 Dillingham, Mary Jane 203
9 Bouchard, Eric 200
10 Shea, Mike 173
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