2005 World Champion Tracy Jordan moments before his roll on A4 ::: Photo Cedit: Steve Bisig
Goldendale, Washington has been a northwest Competition destination for the past 5 years, first
starting out with regional CalROCS events, then moving up to the National W.E.ROCK events in 2005.
For 2006, the game was completely turned around. What was once a simple but technical course moved
to an extremely difficult and technical course where only the best would survive. Packed with after
event antics, this event was again one the the staple events in the W.E.ROCK circut.
W.E.ROCK Competitors driving during the Parade through downtown Goldendale ::: Photo Cedit: Steve Bisig
Both Friday and Saturday Night was filled with parades and parties as a meet and greet for fans and
spectators to meet the top teams in the nation. The event was also filled with newcomers and locals
who wished to try and top the big dogs in the sport. The Weather was hotter than normal and sitting
above 105* for most of the weekend yet W.E.ROCK saw it's largest single day attendance of 7,500 spectators.
Shannon Campbell twisted up ::: Photo Cedit: Steve Bisig
On day one most teams were shocked at how much more difficult the terrain was to navigate than in
years past. The scoreboard was littered with 40's and even some of the big names were pointing out,
timing out, or even rolling. Tracy Jordan was the first roll over of the weekend setting the high
mark for the other competitors but by the end of the day Troy McDaniel, who had never sat above the
top six was nailed in first place by three points ahead of Jason Paule and Travis Wadeson.
Jason Paule crawling his way toward victory ::: Photo Cedit: Steve Bisig
When day two came around most teams found themselves watching. The teams that were not were back at
the courses for one last strive for the glory bound first place. Unfortunately, Troy McDaniels broke
a knuckle on his first course and limped through his second course knocking him out of contention while
Tracy Jordan made one final move to over take Jason Paule for first place. Jordan and Paule, once teammates
of Rock Runner Racing, found themselves battling for first and once the dust settled, the scores
reflected a two point win by Paule over Jordan. "I couldn't have won to a better competitor and person,"
stated Jordan during the awards presentation. Third sat Series Points Leaders Shannon Campbell and
Mike Deau with forth sliding in at the father/son team of Cody Waggoner and Jim Waggoner. Fifth was
local Brent Bradsaw who pulled off some amazing driving skills and devistated sixth place Bruce Zeller
by 22 points.
Jeff Mello Flexed out on course B1 ::: Photo Cedit: Steve Bisig
In the Pro Modified Class, Jeff Mello and Kevin Yoder walked away for the rest of the class from the start.
Showing consistantly great scores Mello and Yoder seem to work better at tracks with more technical
courses. The duo won in similar fashion at Globe which also carries similar terrain and track layout.
Brian Errea made a final push on the last course but came up ten feet short on the course and short
on the win forcing him into a solid second place while Dean Bulloch came in third by over 50 points
but only 3 points away from RedBull Driver Becca Webster and new Spotter/Husband Dustin Webster. Brian
Ellinger and Dave Cole rounded out the top five.
Dan Patterson taking a 1st place for Maxxis Tires ::: Photo Cedit: Kramer
The stock class had it's largest turnout in W.E.ROCK History with 16 vehicles. It's also among the most
diverse in that the first three events have seen three different winners, this time showing Dan Patterson
and temporary spotter Berne stepping onto the podium in first place while. In second and 22 points back
was Troy Bailey with 50 points back in third, Buzzy Bronsema.
In the Rhino OEM Class, Micheal Halunski pulled off a win and a demonstration of scoring one of the lowest
scores of the weekend on course C4.
As far as how this turned out with the series points...?
In the Unlimited Class Shannon Campbell leads Jason Paule by a mere 3 points and there is a three way tie
for 3rd between Cody Waggoner, Bruce Zeller, and Tracy Jordan going into the last event at Donner Ski Ranch.
In the Pro Modified only 2 points seperate first from third with Jeff Mello leading Dean Bulloch and Becca
Webster. Bulloch has won at Donner before and it could come down to a three way tie for first but will Mello
pull a near sweep on the series or will RedBull give Webster wings and fly her to another upset in first place?
Anything can literally happen and the whole season narrows down to one last event, stay tuned or come watch
for updates and details...
Pictures to come at a later date.
