August 31, 2007
US - It’s a long way from Las Vegas to Reno in an air-conditioned car. And it seems even longer in August. On an off-road bike or an ATV it’s a serious undertaking. Now try doing it at a race pace: it’s a true test of speed, endurance, and control.
Honda motorcycles and ATVs simply dominated the Best in the Desert Las Vegas to Reno race, taking the overall motorcycle and ATV wins, and seven of the top eleven overall positions.
The CRF450R-mounted team of Johnny Campbell and Kendall Norman took the overall win, traversing the rough, silt-choked 567-mile course at an average speed of 60.4 miles an hour. Their run was strong, smart and essentially trouble-free, with just a quick skid-plate replacement slowing them down.
Desert legend Steve Hengeveld took a spill a little farther up the course, but was fortunate to escape injury in the incident. His CRF450R, though, needed a radiator, and that set him back five and a half minutes at one of the Honda pits. Hengeveld’s co-rider Robby Bell went to work with fire in his eyes, gaining back five of those minutes on the second-place bike. A rejuvenated Hengeveld then took over, making up enough time in the last 85 miles to put the team back in second spot at the checkered flag.
The Honda ATVs were not far behind, with the TRX450R of Wayne Matlock and Chad Pruell taking 11th overall and first in the Quad Pro class.
In all, Honda motorcycles and ATVs took three of the top five positions, and seven of the top eleven.
Race Results 2007 Best in the Desert Racing
Vegas to Reno
- Kendall Norman/Johnny Campbell (Honda)
- Steve Hengeveld/Robby Bell (Honda)
- David Pearson/Quinn Cody (KTM)
- Zack Dodson/Luke Dodson (Honda)
- Max Eddy Jr./Matt Eddy (KTM)
- Anthony Modica/Jason Trubey (KTM)
- Tom Willis/Steve Cole (KTM)
- Adam Thissen/Robert Underwood (Honda)
- Tim Morton/Ron Wilson (Honda)
- Steve LaRoza/Ryan Spangler (Honda)
