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Raines Reigns in AMA National Hare Scrambles
Category: Racing News
Date: 12 Jul 2007
Time: 13:15:05 -0400Comments
Aboard a Yamaha WR450F, Jason Raines made a triumphant return to AMA National Hare Scrambles with a hard-fought win in the fourth round of the 2007 series in Lebanon, Ore. on Sunday, July 8. The victory was especially sweet for Raines after taking a year off to heal his left leg – which had been broken three times in 2005 and 2006. Incredibly, the former series champion came from a midpack start to take the lead on the fifth of six laps and then pull away for the win. The course included a motocross track, grassland, rocky trails and woods, and dry weather made dust – and the rocks hidden beneath it – a formidable hazard. After starting 10th, Raines methodically worked his way past riders until reaching third behind Justin Williamson and Robbie Jenks on the second lap. Raines moved into second when Jenks got held up behind some lapped riders, then hung behind Williamson for a couple more laps. His opportunity to pass came when Williamson fell at the end of the fifth lap, letting Raines power into the lead. Taking advantage of a clear track ahead, Raines then rode fast and smart to a well-deserved victory. With an important win under his belt and another six rounds left to go, Raines is ready to pursue the 2007 National Hare Scrambles championship. And he’s glad to be doing it aboard a Yamaha four-stroke. “I didn’t have to use as much energy as someone on a two-stroke,” he explained. “When the two-strokes get on the power band you fight to control the bike, whereas on a four-stroke you can slowly roll it on and track right through the rocks. I feel the Yamaha four-stroke is nothing but an advantage.”