2009 TransWorld SLAM
Chris
- September 15 2009
- 83,515 views
- 18 comments
The 2009 Dirt Days festival in Riverside, CA marked the first annual TransWorld SLAM presented by Red Bull, and we must say it was a HUGE success. Not only because it went off without a hitch, but because the racing was absolutely incredible. Everyone in attendance was treated to a unique and exciting event. The one-on-one bracket style racing allowed spectators to see non-stop battles from gate drop to checkers. With $5,000 and a sweet TransWorld Red Bull SLAM championship belt on the line, no love was lost between the riders. Before the race KTM’s Mike Sleeter said, “There aren’t going to be any friends made this weekend.” He was half right. On the track, it was no-holds-barred racing; but once the checkered flag waved, the riders were as happy as can be. With no other race of its kind out there, the SLAM is a perfect pre/post-season watermark for up-and-comers and seasoned pros alike. There is no doubt that the SLAM will become a favorite amongst motocross’ elite.
After a qualifying race for bracket seeding, riders went head-to-head for a two-lap sprint around the dynamic Milestone pro track, and with single elimination, it was do or die. In the qualifier, Dean Wilson, aboard a Canidae/Motosport/Kawasaki snuck in from the outside to grab the holeshot and the early lead. Veteran Chris Gosselaar slid in behind with KTM/One Industries’ Miike Sleeter nipping at his toes. With only four laps grab top seeding, Wilson quickly checked out. Lil’ Goose and Sleetdog couldn’t catch the young Kawi rider, and soon Blake Baggett, who had a breakout performance in the second moto at Steel City, got into the mix. He made his move on Sleeter, then moved on to hunting Goose down. In the last corner of the final lap, it looked like Baggett may get Goose, but the vet held on to the second seed in photo-finish fashion.
Qualifying Results
1. Dean Wilson
2. Chris Gosselaar
3. Blake Baggett
4. Mike Sleeter
5. Travis Baker
6. PJ Larson
7. Dan Reardon
8. Bryce Vallee
9. Tyler Bright
10. Canada
11. Sean Borkenhagen
12. Daniel Hendrix
13. Westin Peick
14. Jason Grandzjuk
15. Sean Kranyak
16. Chris Blose
After qualifying the bracket looked like this…
The highlight races, other than the sensational final battle between Dan Reardon and Dean Wilson of course, had to be the Wilson/Baggett battle and the Reardon/PJ Larson battle. In both semi-finals, it was tight racing and it came down to the wire. In the final, Reardon edged out Wilson in the first turn and led the entire first lap. As the two came around for lap two, Wilson inched closer to Reardon, making his move on the backside of the track. Pushing Reardon wide, Wilson maintained his momentum and took the lead. Reardon battled back, but Wilson took the checkers and the 5K. Not a bad way to end a fun weekend in Riverside.
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September 16th, 2009 at 2:16 am
How about Jake Marsack having the fastest lap times in Sweden at the S.X. Passed Short in the heat race and out front for 3 laps untill he crashed taking a huge chunk of meat off his arm. Short, Bryne, Marsack on the podium with Voss 4th. Good job guys!
September 16th, 2009 at 3:15 am
will this race be on the air
September 16th, 2009 at 3:49 am
Good times! Sweet pics.
September 16th, 2009 at 5:45 am
firsts!
September 16th, 2009 at 5:51 am
It was some of the best racing Ive seen in a while.
September 16th, 2009 at 9:05 am
First again yew, yeah reardon almost got the win. Aussie Aussie Aussie!! Oi Oi Oi!
September 16th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
how is canada so good at motocross? Beating baggett every time he races the kid!
September 16th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
great format, just like skateboarding in the early eighties!.
September 16th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
I Imagine that both Dean Wilson and Blake Baggett will both ride for Mitch Payton. It might be a lotta green next supercross with Stroupe and Weimer. Barcia will be the fastest non green rider.
September 16th, 2009 at 11:48 pm
Barcia 250 champ. no doubt!
September 17th, 2009 at 12:13 am
Where's the love for CALE WALLACE?! last to 8 in the first round!!!! yeah dog.
September 17th, 2009 at 2:27 am
awesome idea
September 17th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
30 second chickie is a bit old!
September 17th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
wilson will be ama 250 champ next year!!!
September 17th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Hope so that would be awesome!!
September 17th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
What do you consider old? 23? LOL I must be ancient then…..
September 21st, 2009 at 10:16 pm
they will be changes in team,s and new green, new orange !!
& new racers
October 10th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
Ronnie Faisst arrested after Transworld awards early Friday morning in Vegas for beating his girlfriend.