Frederick, Can-Am win WORCS opener

Heavy rain in Phoenix made for some interesting racing in the first round of the 2008 WORCS series.

By the time the main Pro ATV race got underway on Sunday, Jan. 27, the Speed World course was covered in water, turning the event into a mud run.

Many riders decided not to race in Sunday’s main event, including Kawasaki’s Josh Creamer and Keith Little. Only 14 of the 22 who did compete managed to finish. Polaris’ Doug Eichner, who won the Pro ATV championship in 2005 and 2006, was leading on the fifth lap when his motor died and ended his day.

Can-Am’s Josh Frederick took over the lead from Eichner and eventually took home the checkered flag aboard his DS450. It was a solid start for Frederick as he attempts to defend his 2007 WORCS championship.

Honda’s Tim Shelman, who ran much of the race without goggles due to all the mud, finished six minutes and 17 seconds behind Frederick in second place. Brandon Brown finished just 12 seconds after Shelman in third. Beau Baron and John Shafe rounded out the top five.

Weather did not play nearly as big a role in Saturday’s races. Creamer claimed top spot in the Open Pro class, while Yamaha’s Dustin Nelson finished 23 seconds back in second place. Can-Am’s Brandon Smith was almost a minute behind Nelson, but he managed to finish third.

Eichner rode his Polaris Outlaw to victory in the Pro Production class, but Kawasaki’s Little made it interesting. Little crossed the finish line less than five seconds behind Eichner in second. Suzuki’s Beau Baron completed the podium in third.