After moving from a Z400 to an LTR450 Natalie Craudell seemed to have the tools she needed to become a top competitor in the Women’s Expert class at Quadcross Northwest. With great end of the year performances, the 2016 season looked like it would be an great year for the young rider. But, an injury in the off season had other plans for Natalie. Still recovering, she started the season to salvage points, but her leg is almost completely healed and she’ll be working towards a full recovery in order to chase a championship. Natalie’s riding took a night and day change when she moved to the 450, and she will be one to watch in the coming years.
Pit Traffic Staff
Interview with Tristan Low
Tristan Low had a bad start to the 2016 season. He crashed in practice before round 1 and was out with a collarbone injury. Luckily for him, the specialist said he would be healed in time to take on rounds 3&4 at Albany and that’s just what he did. We caught up with Tristan just after his accident to learn more about this aspiring rider.
Tyler Nelson Interview
Tyler Nelson has made a sweep through the classes since the inception of Quadcross Northwest, improving each year to jump into the next higher class. This year he takes on the ProAm bracket against some of the fastest competitors the series has seen to date. After a securing the points lead at the opening round of 2016, Tyler is looking to build on his success and stick to a game plan to ensure he can secure the top spot come the final round of year. Fighting through injuries and a other slight misfortunes, Tyler’s confidence helps to keep his program on track. We asked Tyler a few questions about the start of his season and off season to get to know him and his program a little better.
Trenton Poplin Interview
If you could race in any other time, when might that be?
Probably just a few years ago to have started early.
What do you dislike most in others on the track?
When they are over confident, and then ride unsafely due to that.
What is your earliest riding memory?
When I was like 3 or 4 when my brother Trae and I used to go out behind my Gramma’s house riding on our 50.
Do you remember your first race?
I remember my first race at Horn in 2014 like it was yesterday. Super fun day!
What was the happiest day of your racing career?
The happiest ever was Washougal ’15 from knowing I won the Production C championship.
What do you dislike most about yourself?
Not getting over my fears, such as doubles.
Ruby Davis Interview
We interviewed reigning Quadcross Northwest pro Champion Ruby Davis about his racing, what he did in the off-season, and more. After breaking his elbow halfway through last season, Ruby managed to salvage enough points to retain the title and is looking to defend it this year. While the competition is stronger, Ruby’s outlook on life and racing has become more solid also. Will he be able to claim the championship again this year? Only time will tell.
Tyler Nelson Horn Rapids Race Report – Quadcross Northwest
Rounds 1&2 of the 2016 Quadcross Northwest season are in the books! We had record entries for the opening weekend which is awesome news for the future of the sport in the Northwest and made for some awesome battles across the board all weekend. I’ve never really rode well at Horn Rapids and I came into the weekend really just hoping for a top 3 and to keep the bike in one piece. Saturday morning I got up early and headed for sign ups. After I paid my entry and membership fees I looked at the cash I had left on me and was like “Oh, I better go win some money back.” I duct taped my boots on and was ready to go.
Read moreTyler Nelson Horn Rapids Race Report – Quadcross Northwest
Can-Am DS450 Build from Troy Barker
Summary: This build has been my pride and joy in racing and could not be happier with how it turned out. My BCS Performance powered "shorty" race motor is wrapped around my custom billet aluminum …
Tyler Nelson ATV Racing Report – QXNW Finale at Washougal
Rounds 11&12 are in the books along with the 2015 Quadcross Northwest season. This was a great season for myself, after a year off I decided to make a change and made the switch to the YFZ450R. As it turned out this was a great decision since this was my first season I’ve been able to finish since I started racing quads in 2010, so I’m calling 2015 my rookie season!
The week leading up to this weekend was pretty rough, my quad had to be torn apart and the parts I needed were waiting for me at Washougal so I wasn’t going to be able to get it fixed until late Friday night. I loaded the bike up in pieces Friday morning and was just about ready to leave when I got a phone call about a family issue which held me up and I wasn’t able to leave until much later than I had planned. I ended up heading down to Washougal by myself and battled heavy traffic the whole way down. I got there after dark on Friday, tracked down the parts I needed to put the quad back together and didn’t get to bed until after midnight. Woke up Saturday morning signed up and went to the line for first practice with my alignment barely good enough to ride. It had been 3 years since I had been to Washougal and the last time I was there my quad blew up so I had almost no time under my belt on the track and it took me a while to get in the groove. Second practice went a lot better and I felt ready for moto one.
Read moreTyler Nelson ATV Racing Report – QXNW Finale at Washougal
Rainier Flat Track Races and Parade—This Saturday August 22nd!
This Saturday, August 22nd, is our 2nd to last Race of the Season! There also is the Rainier Round Up Parade in the Morning. If you would like to be a part of the Parade, then you will want to meet Danny outside the front gate at 10am. Everyone is welcome to participate on either their race bikes, quads, bicycles, cars, walking, etc.! Just a reminder that all kids MUST be wearing a helmet. This has always been a fun event in the past, so hope you all will join us again this year!
Gates Open: 8am
Sign-Up: Noon-3:30pm (Call Amy at 425-314-2744 if you will be late for signup so you don’t have to start your heat on the 2nd row)
Practice: 1pm-4pm
Racing: 4:30pm
We look forward to seeing you
all out at the track on Saturday! Please let me know if you have any
questions. As always, www.dandwracing.com for more information
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Read moreRainier Flat Track Races and Parade—This Saturday August 22nd!
Things We Like
We are heading into Fall, back to school (or braaaap to school), and the sponsorship season. A lot of stress! So, let’s take a minute to talk about some things we are liking around the office that are low-stress. Just click to view or purchase on Amazon.
What’s this device? Only an amazing tool you’ll want for your car, truck, camper, or trailer. Charge your phone, your ipod, your car? Yes. Yes. Yes. This handy device boasts a ton of features including:
Portable battery charger with charging adapters for all major electronic devices.
Built-in protection features: over current protection; short circuit protection; overload protection; over-voltage protection; over-charge protection.
Compact car jump starter that can jump start your car 20 times on a full charge – Increased power for cold weather starting. 20 times! That’s insane!
Go Green! Potluck, Fundraiser, All Around Good Time September 12-13th
Please join us September 12th and 13th for the Go Green Memorial Fundraiser at the final rounds of Quadcross Northwest taking place at Washougal MX. Enjoy spectacular ATV racing during the day, and join us …
Read moreGo Green! Potluck, Fundraiser, All Around Good Time September 12-13th
Tyler Nelson’s Straddleline Quadcross Northwest ATV Racing Report
We’re now on to the second half of the 2015 Quadcross Northwest season and Straddleline ORV made for some awesome racing! I got to the track Friday night and had to do some last minute scrambling to get my bike ready for Saturday. Thanks to the Quadcross family I was able to get everything done.
Read moreTyler Nelson’s Straddleline Quadcross Northwest ATV Racing Report