The pace picked up when the IRS riders began their runs. The higher ground clearance of the IRS-class machines allowed for faster times through the pit than achieved by the lower SRA-class vehicles. Tim Rutledge dominated the class, with Jeremy Hippler and Troy Miller rounding out the podium in second and third.
Next came the women's turn in the Maxxis Mud Mama Shootout. Reigning champion Ava Rice was back to defend her title, but a broken quad during a late-night practice session nearly ended her chances. With an effort resembling a NASCAR pit crew, Rice's squad completely rebuilt the entire rear end of her machine in time for Saturday's race. The final pitted Rice against Tami "Bull Dog" LaRose and Amber Shellnutt. It was a challenging battle, but Rice was able to outpace her opponents and hold on to the Mud Mama title.
Day two wrapped up with the Open class. As the big machines rolled into the pit, the mud was noticeably much thicker now; the first three competitors broke their axles and had to be pulled from the pit. In the end, Richard Colvin pulled off a decisive victory, followed by Scott Meshell and David Smith.
Sunday was the final day of the Mud Nationals and featured the toughest event of all, the Team Gorilla Run. It was a 3-mile cross-country event that put the two-man teams' riding skills and endurance to the test in some of the toughest mud and terrain at the park. Brian and Keith Briggs completed the grueling course first, with the duos of Greg McMullen and David Smith coming in second and Don Oglesby and Jerry Vines in third.
All in all, this was a great event-the competition fierce, the crowd loud, the machines funky and the 4x4 mud action incredible in the tremendously sticky goo. And the riding was great! We have no doubt you'll want to experience the High Lifter ATV Mud Nationals next year, so stay tuned to www.highlifter.com for updates.