Buffalo, NY: Every year, two great American traditions roll around in November: Thanksgiving and the annual Thor Winter Olympics, better known as the Mini O’s.
This year marked the 43rd running of this popular amateur motocross and supercross event at Florida’s Gatorback Cycle Park. Thousands of amateur racers from all around the country took to the track to earn their share of the glory in heated head-to-head competition. By the time the mud settled and the last podium celebration ended, there was plenty to be thankful for—especially if you had made Dunlop your tire of choice. All told, Dunlop-sponsored riders won an astounding 75 out of 79 possible championships, with 27 titles going to Team Dunlop Elite riders.
During the week-long event, the Dunlop Geomax® MX32 emerged as the dominant favorite tire for both motocross and supercross events. Despite some rain showers that wet the track and racers, their reliable, wide-ranging performance was the ticket.
At the final tally, Jalek Swoll garnered six wins to lead the roster of winning Team Dunlop Elite riders. Other Team Dunlop winners included: Austin Forkner with four class titles; Ryder DiFrancesco, Jett Reynolds and Pierce Brown with three wins each; and Hannah Hodges, Matthew Leblanc, Carson Mumford and Garrett Marchbanks each earning a pair of championships.
In addition, by merit of his outstanding efforts Swoll took home the Pro Circuit Platinum Pipe Award as the rider accumulating the highest point total combined in all divisions of motocross and supercross competition, and the Fox Bronze Boot Award for highest combined points in the Youth class.
The Dunlop Silver tire award is given out to the rider in the Pro/A classes earning the highest combined point total and this year Darian Sanayei turned in a solid performance winning both 250 and 450 Pro Sport SX championships.
Dunlop extends proud congratulations and heartfelt thanks to all riders on their achievements at the 2014 Mini O’s.
Team Dunlop Elite Supercross Champions
450 B – Austin Forkner
51 (4-8) Limited – Ryder DiFrancesco
65 (7-9) – Jett Reynolds
65 (7-9) Limited – Matthew Leblanc
85 (12-13) – Jalek Swoll
85 (12-13) Limited – Carson Mumford
85 (9-11) – Pierce Brown
85 (9-11) Limited – Pierce Brown
Girls (12-16) – Hannah Hodges
Mini Sr. (12-15) Limited – Jalek Swoll
Women (14+) – Hannah Hodges
Supermini 2 (12-15) – Garrett Marchbanks
Mini Sr. (12-15) – Carson Mumford
Team Dunlop Elite Motocross Champions
250 B – Austin Forkner
450 B – Austin Forkner
51 (4-8) Limited – Ryder DiFrancesco
51 (7-8) Limited – Ryder DiFrancesco
65 (7-9) – Jett Reynolds
65 (7-9) Limited – Matthew Leblanc
85 (12-13) – Jalek Swoll
85 (12-13) Limited – Jalek Swoll
85 (9-11) – Jett Reynolds
85 (9-11) Limited – Pierce Brown
Mini Sr. (12-15) Limited – Jalek Swoll
Schoolboy 2 (13-16) B/C – Austin Forkner
Supermini 1 (12-15) – Jalek Swoll
Supermini 2 (13-16) – Garrett Marchbanks
