Topeka, KS – Bison Racing / Zero 7 Design Concepts rider Walt Sipp won round two of the ASRA Thunderbike Championship, held at a chilly Heartland Park Topeka circuit. Qualifying went well even on used tires from the previous AMA weekend. Walt qualified on the front row (2nd) with a 1:49.752. Nate Kern was on pole with a lap of 1:49.619 after early pole man Dave Estok’s time was dis-allowed for not being able to make the post qualifying dyno run. Sipp said, “I’m pretty happy with how things are going. If I would have known I had a shot at pole I would have put on new tires! It still feels good to be on the front row at my home track!”
For the race on Sunday, Walt was confident he could run the pace at the front. “I’m sure I can run with Nate and Dave. I just can’t let Nate get the holeshot” said Sipp. As it turns out, his fears were realized when he missed second gear on the start and ended up being fifth going into turn one. He made quick work of the first two riders and set off after Kern and Estok who had already started pulling away. Soon though he was on Kern’s back wheel and made the pass coming on to the front straight. Walt said, “Man, I don’t think I could have gotten away worse! I was happy I was able to reel in the guys as fast as I did after my mistake at the start.” Walt soon started making progress on Estok while opening a gap on Kern. Just after half way though, Sipp came upon a frustrated Estok obviously having mechanical issues. Sipp said, “I saw Dave having problems and I knew this one was mine. I knew I had a slight gap on Kern so I decided to just try to maintain the gap. I really used up my tires trying to catch those guys.” However, he backed it down too much and Kern was able to re-pass Sipp over the tunnel turn coming to the white flag. “Nate came by me and I told myself no more taking care of the tires – he’s not going to steal this one.
I was able to get by him going into turn one. I just put my head down went as hard as I could. As it turns out Kern and I turned our fastest laps on the last lap. Thankfully mine was a little quicker (1:48.209 to a 1:48.459).
I would have like to been battling with Dave for the win, but I was only .3 of his track record (1:47.9) so it proves I would have been there no matter what. I know he’ll be strong the rest of the season as will Kern and the rest of the guys. Right now I’m just going to savor the win and go into the next race wanting more!”
With the win at HPT and a fourth in Daytona, Walt moves up to second in the points only eight behind the leader Kern. Follow Walt and his Championship chase to the next round; Summit Point, WV May 24-26th or catch up at www.waltsipp.com.
Zero 7 Design Concepts, a division of Leroy-Thompson (www.leroythompsonchoppers.com), is located just outside of Cleveland, Ohio. “Zero 7” is an in-house graphic design and print facility and is equipped with the latest design software, full color printer and vinyl plotter. In addition to general print work, Zero 7 specializes in large format color banners, vehicle and trailer wraps and unique logo and graphic design. Contact Zero 7 Design Concepts by phone 440-266-1635 or email jamie@zero7designconcepts.com.