World Sand Drag News

With 35 classes in contention at the PSDA Arizona ATV Nationals over three days of racing action, it was certainly a wild time at Dome Valley Raceway. We tried to interview some of the race winners on our livestream, but didn’t get a chance to speak with everyone. Take a look at the words turned in from some of those riders that we caught up with after the race.

We asked each rider the same questions where applicable:

1. What was your mindset heading into that final round?

2. Was this weekend more about chasing records or winning the class?

3. How long have you been sand drag racing? And when did you start?

4. What was the biggest challenge to claiming first place? 

5. What friends, family, or crew would you like to thank for helping you?

6. What’s your preparation process going into each race, does it change going into the finals?

7. Which class was your favorite and which one was more challenging?

Sammy Varela – Single & CVT Twin 4 Stroke & 2 Stroke Open Winner

1. My mindset heading into the last race was to do my best and show what I had been working my butt off for.
2. I’d say I was trying to break a record over winning 1st place.
3. I have been sand drag racing for 12 years now, I started getting on quads when I was 5 but this was my first time ever racing a drag bike of this caliber.
4. The biggest challenge claiming the 1st place was honestly understanding that now it’s my turn to drive and now it’s my turn to lead this team in the right direction.
5. I’d like to thank all of the QSR team for helping me through all the ups and downs. I would also like to give a special thanks to my dad for passing down the torch and showing me everything I know and my mom for motivating me and for always being my greatest critique even though I don’t always like it.
6. My preparation process for going into every race is the same. I do about 15 push ups then I sit on the bike and do some dry runs and after that I try to block out all the noise and prepare myself for the race that’s about to happen.

Dakota Viers – 13 to 15 Kids Winner/ Heads Up Winner

1. My mind was very focused on doing everything correctly and not worrying about who I was racing. 
2. Well not exactly chasing records but it was about getting a new setup running consistently. 
3. I’ve been racing since I was about 7 or 8 but I have gotten a lot more into it these past couple years.
4. I think the biggest challenge was my brain being so clustered trying to figure out what I was doing wrong and how to fix it. 
5. I’d like to thank my Dad, Erik Eshbaugh for constantly fixing anything wrong with the bike and bringing me along to do things like this. I would also like to thank Nick Bennett for helping me focus on what to do. Last but not least I’d like to thank my mom for the extra motivation and videos to help me correct me. 
6. I make sure I have fuel before pulling into the staging lanes and then I like to stay quiet and go over what to do in my head then I check to make sure my fuel is on and all electrical pieces are clipped together firmly. It does not change going into the finals.

Erik Eshbaugh – Open CVT Winner

1. N/A
2. For the CVT class it was about winning the class. I know it won’t run a record with me on it but I like to ride.
3. Started racing about 14 years ago at silver lake dunes and switched over to WMSD.
4. Biggest challenge to win was just be on the tree and make A to B pass.
5. I would like to thank my son Dakota, Nick Bennett and the wife Courtney for dealing with me doing all this.
6. My preparation is that same remember it’s for fun, but try the best I can on tree and make a solid pass.

Misty Barton – Limited 0-425cc Twin Cylinder Winner/ R/U – 3.60-3.79 Index/ Limited 0-525cc Twin Cylinder

1. We were running consistently fast heading into the finals and had set the record a pass or two prior, so I felt pretty confident about my chances of taking home the class win as well.  Having the faster bike, we wanted to make sure we got a clean pass.
2. It was about securing the PSDA record to go with the NSDR record we set a few months back.  That being said, I’m fiercely competitive and I always want the class wins as well.
3. I started drag racing in 2004, with everything from the dunes, asphalt, hard pack dirt, to sand track racing.
4. The biggest challenge to claiming first is the same as it always is and that’s staying consistent over long hours, a large competitive field, through changing track and weather conditions and doing that across multiple classes and multiple bikes.
5. I have the best team and I couldn’t do any of this without them.  Ricky Thorpe and the whole Rigger Racing Team, Nick and Daniel Bennett and family, Erik Viers-Esbaugh, Shawn Nielsen and Moka Mods, Jordan Rowan with Turbo Chassis and especially my family.
6. My preparation is more mental than anything.  I get really quiet and focus on what I need to do.  Nothing ever changes as far as elimination rounds go.  The first or the final round are all the same to me.

Isaac Conchas – Open Single Winner

1. What’s in my mindset is to NOT RED LIGHT, and be prepared for stage light games
2. It was about both.
3. Racing grudge hill racing 16 and track at 1.
4. Biggest challenge was reaction time because when it’s head up, reaction is key to winning races. He can run a faster time, but if his reaction is in the .100’s you have a chance of winning!
5. People I would like to thank, is all of the Cuervo crew and my family for always being on my side, right or wrong! And of course the Dome Valley crew!
6. No, my mindset is still the same. I just focus on the light and see tunnel vision, every time it’s head up competition I always get told “Remember you are competing against yourself”

Charlie Smith – 3.39 & Faster Index Winner/ Limited 4 Cylinder Open Winner/ Unlimited 4 Cylinder Open Winner/ Unlimited Open Winner

1. Anytime I head into a final round, I always try to focus more on my reaction time than anything else. I know Jeff is always on his A game. 
2. The week at Dome was more about both to me. If the record came, it came, but I always try to win and let the record fall where it falls. 
3. I have been sand drag racing for 18 years. I was 14 years old when we got into the sand racing. 
4. The biggest challenge for first place was getting there. Once in the final round you give it your all and see how things go. 
5. I would like to thank Rick Carroll and Joseph Evans for being there backing me 100%. Those guys make it easy for me. 
6. My race prep is always the same. I always try to say a prayer before each round and make sure my head is where it needs to be. Things can happen quick, so I try not to be distracted. And I treat the final round like any other round; try to keep everything the same. From past experiences when I changed my mind set I threw myself off. I’ve learned over the years to treat it like any other round. Try not to get into my own head too much.
7. My favorite is the Unlimited Open Cylinder Open CC class. Which is why it’s the most challenging also because everyone is spraying and running turbos and that makes the competition faster and more competitive.

Dave Turner – Limited 0-525cc Twin Cylinder Winner/ R/U – Bracket/ Limited 0-650cc Twin Cylinder

1. I treat every round the same just go out there and do what I’ve been doing all day.
2. Of course everyone would like to set records, but at the end of day I’m chasing the win light.
3. My Father (Danny Turner) and I went to our first race in 2005 at WMSD and didn’t miss a race for 5 or 6 years.
4. The biggest challenge of claiming first place is to never underestimate the guy/girl in the other lane. Staying calm and just leaving it all on track.
5. My process stays the same every round. Just do what I do and have fun.
6. This might sound conceited but I do believe we have the best crew in business. Would like to thank everyone of them Ricky Thorpe, Nick Bennett, Erik Viers-Eshbaugh, Bryson Turner, Trevor Feher, Ashley Pratt, Jamiee Mooahesh, and Courtney Viers-Eshbaugh. It takes everyone to have a week like we had.

Tim Wilson – OEM Frame Single & CVT 4 Stroke Open Winner

1. It’s always a challenge because I knew that I was up against one of the best riders and bikes out there. I had to stay calm and focused.
2. This weekend was about winning. We knew we hurt the bike earlier and we were trying to keep it together to get to bring home some hardware.
3. I believe I was around 14 when I started. I believe I have been racing for ten years now, since summer 2010.
4. The biggest challenge was to make sure i didn’t make any mental mistakes
5. I want to thank my uncle Keith Wilson and aunt Lorraine Wilson for getting me involved in sand drag racing. I couldn’t have done it without them and I want to thank Matt McCormick for giving me the chance 6 years ago to be a part of ATV Parts Central and also I want to thank FSA for building me my own competitive bikes and teaching me a lot of things.
6. My preparation going into each race is to make sure I’m focused and mentally ready. If I do end up in finals I can feel like it’s just another race that’s the best thing it’s just another race give your best and have fun.

Jeff Patterson – Limited 0-1325cc NonSpread Triple Winner/ Limited 0-775cc Twin Cylinder Winner/ Limited 0-900cc Spreadbore Twin Cylinder Winner/ Open Twin and Spreadbore Winner/ Unlimited 0-650cc Twin Winner/ Open CC and Spreadbore Twin Winner/ R/U – 3.39 & Faster Index/ Limited Open/ Unlimited 0-900cc Twin/ Unlimited Open

1. Cut a good light, but don’t go red. 
2. Chasing records, but if we win the class while chasing records, then that’s just a bonus. 
3. 13yrs. Started racing on the sand/dirt tracks in 2007
4. Just getting through the field of racers. There were a lot of fast bikes and good riders!
5. The whole K&T crew!! Plus my wife and kids
6. Not much preparation on my part. I have an awesome crew that makes sure the bikes are ready for every pass!!
7. The triple class was probably my favorite due to it being faster. All the twin classes were more challenging though, lots of fast bikes.

Andy Seiver – Bracket Winner/ 450lb/ 475cc Class Winner/ R/U-  4.00-4.19 Index

1. My mindset going into the finals race is the same as all the other races. I try to do the same thing every time because you can’t take anyone lightly out there. They’re all good and can beat you anytime
2. I always try to win the class I have entered. I’m never going to set a record.
3. I have been sand drag racing for 14 years. I started when I was 25. My first sand drag race was at Riddle Oregon on a TRX 450.
4. The biggest challenge claiming first place was me doing what I’m supposed to do on the bike. It’s hard to stay consistent.
5. I would like to thank my family and all my friends that help me with my bikes. I would like to thank Cameron Sawyer at Redline Racing  for the awesome motors. Cameron is the best in the business.
6. N/A
7. My favorite class is the 475/450 class. That class allows anyone to ride heavy or light and it’s a very competitive class.

Jayden Muchmore – Limited 0-650cc Twin Cylinder Winner/ Unlimited 0-1325cc NonSpread Triple Winner/ Unlimited 0-900cc Twin Winner/ Open CC & CVT Triple Winner/ R/U – Limited 0-900cc Spreadbore Twin Cylinder/ Unlimited 0-775cc Twin/ Open CC and Spreadbore Twin

1. My mindset going into any final race is the same thing every time. It’s not always about who’s in the lane next to me, it’s always about being on the light and being on your A game. Being ready to chop that tree down and get out, than I don’t even worry about the competitors next to me. #TREEKING #PutEmInTheBeams
2. Anytime my team And I go out racing of course it’s always about chasing those numbers. Coming home with the records, the hardware, and everyone safe is even a bigger bonus. So much time goes into these bikes that some people will never ever understand. the blood, sweat and tears that go into this sport. 
3. I have been around drag racing/ hill racing my entire life. My Grandfather (Kim Muchmore) the OG of this sport built me my first bike when I was about 8years old. I have always been into racing, from racing dirt bikes, drag bikes and driving our drag cars. I’d say I’ve been drag racing for about 13 years. I’d have to say the biggest challenge to claiming first places would be the consistency each time down the track. Making sure your shifts are on point, making sure you try and stay as still as possible on the bike in one spot so the bike isn’t moving all over the place. 
4. N/A
5. First and Foremost, I want to thank my Grandfather Kim Muchmore, my best friend, my biggest idol!! If it was not for him I would not be the rider nor the person I am today in this sport!!! He has taught me so many ins and outs that are big keys to be successful in this sport! His legacy he will leave forever in the industry and with our family, K&T Performance. I want to thank both my Uncles Randy & Rayce for always being there for me to support me to have the bikes 100% ready to roll out down through there. For always being at the line to line me up and make sure the track is in good enough condition to chase that number we are always going after. I look up to those men more than they will ever know!! I want to thank my Girlfriend for putting up with all the long sleepless and restless nights spent at the shop dynoing, wrenching, and god knows what else is thrown our way. I want to thank the K&T Performance racing crew: Zen Anderson, Derrick Glass, Austin Robinson, and Joel Olivo. Always the best pit crew to have on your side when it comes down to the wire. Them boys will handle whatever is thrown their way in seconds and have us ready for the next round with no delays. I want to thank the entire Willis Racing crew for always believing in me to put me on their bike and put it down through there to get that number we are constantly chasing and lowering. Matt, Terry, Jodi, and the entire Willis family thank you guys and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for our Team. Always having the bike on point!! Elaine Pollet at CPindustries for always giving us the cylinders to handle all that horsepower!! (CAST IS FAST) Last but not least my boy Mr. Jeff (JP) Patterson, that man has taught me a lot and I have took every bit of advice he has given me over the years!! I wouldn’t have been where I am at today without my TEAM behind me. Definitely can’t forget about my hype man Rickyyyyyy MF’n Thorpe!!!
6. My preparation process is the same every time I go down the track rather it be, qualifying, 1st round, or the finals!! I treat every pass as if it’s a final race!! 
7. I’d say my favorite class would’ve had to have been the 650cc or 775cc class. The competition is always legit and always fast fast bikes!! The most difficult class I would say is the 3.39 & faster index. The reason being is that is the class with every single big bike that came to the race and came to put it down!! 

Pre pass ritual, get on the bike fist bumps to the team get started roll on up to the line and let that thang go bang.

K&T Performance – Willis Racing (TTF)

POPPA MUCH, you are the realist to ever do it and people will always remember that.

Thank you World Sand Drag News, I appreciate your time.

Thanks for all you do, your dedication and taking time to reach out.

Jose Luis De Jesus – Limited Open Winner

1. Mi mentalidad era ganar la cartera y establecer nuevo recor en la clase.
2. Ivamos con la mente para establecer nuevos recor y ganar las clases que pudiéramos correr.
3. Tengo 37 años y llevo aproximada mente 20 años corriendo en el asfalto y en la arena. 
4. Correr con los grandes como K&T.
5. Primero que nada a dios a familia y a Jose ALberto y Lalo Tec.
6. Bueno mi preparación es ganar y no cojera nada personal un que gane o pierda.

1. My mentality was to win the money and establish a new record in the class.
2. We go with the mind to establish new records and win the classes that we could run.
3. I am 37 years old and I have been running on asphalt and sand for approximately 20 years.
4. Run with the greats like K&T.
5. First of all to god to family and to Jose Alberto and Lalo Tec.
6. Well my preparation is to win and not to limp anything personal if I win or lose.

Andres Hernandez – Big Block 771+ and up Winner

1. We literally had a blown head gasket before that category.. our mentality was just to “send it” we drove a long way to give up that easy.
2. We were chasing numbers and improving each pass..even though the track was very inconsistent (a setup that worked good in the morning was totally different after each tractor pass).
3. I’ve been on a bike since I was 4, but I started doing MX and sand drags at 10 … Im 22 right now.
4. The blown head gasket. Our times started to get way slower and we noticed the compression drop on the quick. 
5. EVERY LIVING PERSON WHO ATTENDED … the beauty about this sport is that there’s no competition but yourself. At the end of the day it’s one big family.
6. I always pray before the races… as soon as I hear the engine on it’s a connection you have to feel with the bike… once the lights drop you literally need to feel every rpm flowing through the bike connecting with you.. it’s an unexplainable feeling.

Charlie Smith (w/Bike Owner Ricky Carroll) – 3.39 & Faster Index Winner

Eric Wells – 3.40-3.59 Index Winner

Tommy Springer – 3.60-3.79 Index Winner

Gunnar Goodridge – 3.80-3.99 Index Winner

Doug McCrory – 4.00-4.19 Index Winner

Michael Farmer – 4.20-4.39 Index Winner

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