[American Motorcyclist Association] - Vinny Nuzzolilli Tops at Rd 6 AMA Pro Hillclimb

[Ninjette Newsbot]

AMA Pro Hillclimb Championship Series
Round 6: Jefferson, Pa.
September 21
Story and photos by Jeff Whitehead

The White Rose Motorcycle Club offered pro hillclimbers a new challenge by straightening and steepening their hill for round six. That seemed to suit several riders quite well as Vinny Nuzzolilli, John Koester and Matt Walker took home top honors in Unlimited, Xtreme, and Pro Sport Classes, respectively.

Vinny Nuzzolilli took home top honors in the Unlimited class.

In the Xtreme Class, Koester came into round six with a goal of widening his three-point lead over rival Jay Sallstrom. Phil Libhart set the early pace at 7.431 seconds only to be eclipsed by Robby DeBusk with a 7.368 second E.T. Sallstrom broke into the six-second range, posting a 6.813-second ride. Koester rode last in order and moved into second behind Sallstrom, crossing the finish line in 7.059 seconds.

Sallstrom opted to sit out the Xtreme Class second half, waiting to see if he’d need to ride. Libhart bettered his own time with a 6.950-second ride, moving into second- for the moment. Koester gauged the hill just right, laying down a 6.473-second E.T.- the fastest time of the day in all classes. He leaped into first place and forced a ride by Sallstrom. When the dust settled after Sallstrom’s ride Koester was still on top by one-tenth of a second. Libhart took the third step on the podium and stands in third place for Xtreme Class series points, as well. Koester accomplished his goal, doubling his points lead.

First to crest the hill in Pro Sport was Nicholas Briggs, who posted a time of just over 11 seconds. Denton Boyer upped the ante by chopping off seven-tenths of a second. Kyle Welch was first to break ten seconds with a 9.909-second E.T. Molly Carbon took the lead from Welch with a smooth ride at 9.751 seconds. Just before the half, 2013 Champ, Nick Bleau wedged into third at 10.321 seconds.

Kyle Welch loops out his bike on the hillside.

In the second half, Walker posted the only sub-nine-second E.T. at 8.448 seconds for the win, his second in a row. Ryan Preece moved to third with 9.767-second ride. Walker and Carbon moved into first and second, respectively, in Pro Sport series points.

In the Unlimited Class, Sallstrom and Nuzzolilli came into round six tied for series points, with Sallstrom ahead in the “win count” with three to Nuzzolilli’s two. Nuzzolilli rode first, cresting in 6.780 seconds. Koester and Sallstrom posted E.T.s of 6.967 and 7.100, respectively for second and third at the half.

Nuzzolilli sat out the second half, waiting and watching to see if any rider would best his time. Sallstrom, riding late in the order, gave it his all but came up just two one-thousandths of a second short, crossing the line in 6.782 seconds. Nuzzolilli topped the podium, flanked by Sallstrom and Koester, second and third, in order. Nuzzolilli broke the points tie, pulling ahead of Sallstrom by three.

The AMA Pro Hillclimb Series receives sponsorship from VP Racing Fuels, Wiseco Performance Products, ALCO Cleaning Products, PSYCHMX Graphix, and Tilt-A-Rack.

Results

Unlimited (above):

1. Vinny Nuzzolilli (Hon)
2. Jay Sallstrom (Yam)
3. John Koester (Hon)
4. Scott Wentz, Jr. (Yam)
5. Matt Luna (Kaw)

Xtreme (above):

1. John Koester (Hon)
2. Jay Sallstrom (Yam)
3. Phil Libhart (Tri)
4. Vinny Nuzzolilli (Hon)
5. Robby DeBusk (Yam)

Pro Sport (above):

1. Matt Walker (Hon)
2. Molly Carbon (Hon)
3. Ryan Preece (Hon)
4. Kyle Welch (Hon)
5. Devin Sweitzer (Hon)

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