By Steph Anderson, Photos: Lynette Ross
The Heartland 200 is a two-day 104-mile lap. Results are based on the combined total for all classes.
After the first day Zach Herfindahl had a commanding 2-minute lead. Sunday started with -20 degrees, bright blue sky, and no wind, making temperatures and snow dust a factor. The first three riders went out according to finish times from the previous day. The rest of the riders went out in 20 second increments. About three quarters of the way through the race spotters were calling in that Zach was having problems with his sled and he was off his sled working on it. Zach did finish the race and still won with two minutes between him and the second place finisher Aaron Christensen. Thirty eight seconds behind that was third place finisher Justin Tate.
After the race I had a chance to chat with Zach and he said “Something was wrapped up in the skid frame and causing it to violent shake and vibrate, but after a few miles it cleared up. Honestly I don’t know what happened or what got stuck in it because nothing broke.”
Again, we saw some tight racing in the Pro Women’s Class. McKenna Cloose finished first day with a three-minute lead over Savannah Landrus. Savannah Landrus finished first on Sunday with a 20 second lead over McKenna. Top three podium positions for this class were McKenna Cloose on top, Savannah Landrus in second and Unity Gausen in third.
The Semi Pro Classes top three have been duking it out for top spot all season. Their numbers are always unbelievably close. Top spot at this race went to Boe Bunke and 10 seconds combined time behind him was Jesse Hallstrom. Nine second behind Jesse was Evan Pepple. 200 miles of racing and only 19 second separating first and third.
If you have been watching the Expert 600 and the Jr 14 -17 categories, you have seen Brady Wadena is having an exceptional season. Brady came in Saturday with a two-minute lead, but Elliot Clark put some pressure on and came in only two seconds behind on Sunday. Overall, the top three spots Brady in first place, Elliot Clark in second, and Jaxon Hammer in third. After the race Brady said “The course was a fast paced, fun track and the trails were awesome! I had a great time and look forward to racing there next year.”
Other first place finishers were Sport Classes Keagen Houser, Masters 40+ Jon Arneson, Masters 50+ Jon Arneson, Jr 14 – 17 Girls Katie Clark, Trail Adam Brandt, Classic Kellin Geisler, Jr 10 – 13 Boys Trig Anderson, Jr 10 -13 Girls Reese Novacek, Pro Factory Vet 35+ Jon Arneson, and Vet 30+ Adam Brandt.
