Hondas, in fact, pretty much ruled both motos, capturing six of the top 10 spots in both races. In moto one, Natalie snagged the holeshot followed by Keith Little, Byrd, Doug Gust and Red Rider Tim Farr, the previous year’s Glen Helen winner. Natalie, however, was on a tear, opening up an eight- to 10-second gap that he never surrendered, taking the checkers easily. Little would finish second after fending off an early challenge from Byrd, who claimed third.

Moto two saw Byrd score the holeshot, with Natalie, Jeremiah Jones, Little, Joe Havisto, Gust and Farr in tow. On lap two, Natalie got by Byrd for the lead and began pulling away. Jones also made a play for Byrd, passing him only to suffer a race-ending broken shock linkage. The running order was thus Natalie, Byrd, Gust and Little, and with just three laps to go, it looked like the factory Honda ace would score the sweep when his seat fell off. Byrd was then able to pass Natalie with a lap and a half to go, as did Gust a half lap later, making it Byrd, Gust, Natalie, Little and Havisto at the line.

Byrd’s 3-1 moto score gave him the overall win over Natalie’s 1-3. Little (2-4) would take home fourth overall, Havisto (9-5) fifth, with Tavis Cain (7-8) sixth, Chad Wienen (13-7) ninth, and Jeremy Lawson (5-17) 10th; for a total of 7 Honda riders in the top 10. Farr would end up 13th overall with his 16-9 finishes.

The series now moves to Oak Hill MX Park in Decatur, TX, February 11-12, to pick up round two action.