This past Sunday, the South Texas Statewide Championship Series made its way to Floresville, Texas, for round two at the legendary Cycle Ranch Motocross Park. Known across the state for its unique layout, Cycle Ranch is always a favorite stop on the schedule. The track’s combination of flowing elevation changes, tacky red dirt, makes it both technical for riders and exciting for fans.
And the turnout? Well with over 450 entries stacked across all classes, the gates were decent sized and the battles were epic. Shand Garcia and Jp parsons kept the crowd entertained and the races rolling , while the Texas heat pushed us all to battle on. With only so much daylight to spare, unfortunately laps had to be cut for second motos, but on the positive side of the shorter laps kept the races closer. The keys to race went from endurance to sprint speed, as the second motos were over before you know it.
250c
In Texas, the 250 C class never disappoints—it’s always one of the most exciting races to watch. As usual, the turnout was strong this weekend with twenty one entries and with their moto kicking off the program, they had the advantage of hitting the track first while it was in prime condition.
In the first moto, Jason Hamm rocketed out of the gate and grabbed the holeshot. Trevor Tanskleary showed solid speed early on, but Talon Trahan was on the charge, making his way toward the front. For a moment it looked like Talon might reel Jason in, but a bike issue dropped him back to 14th. On the final lap, the #620 of Holden Poole put in a strong push, making the pass on Trevor to secure second. Jason Hamm would hold on and finish first.
Right after intermission the track was watered heavy, and with a windstorm on the way, Talon Trahan grabbed the holeshot and took the win in the shortened second moto. Holden Poole crossed the line in second, which gave him the overall, and Hadley Inmon brought it home in third.
Shout out to Mr consistency Ethan Owen’s placing third overall with 4-5 moto scores.
85 9-11
The 85cc 9–11 class was absolutely stacked, with 29 riders filling the gate—the biggest turnout of the weekend and definitely one of the most exciting classes to watch. Both motos were dominated by Beckham Smith, who put on a show and continues to look like a rider to watch as he moves up in the sport. Behind him, Adam Aguirre was rock solid with a consistent 2-2 finish for second overall, while Cooper Upton grabbed 4-3 scores to round out the overall podium for the day. Props also go to Hayden Zenisek for running third in Moto 1, and to Perry Stockwell for nailing the holeshot in Moto 2.
Out front Beckham Smith was putting on a show, but all eyes kept going back to the #76 of Ezekiel Jennings ripping on a 1991 RM80. Unreal seeing him run top ten in a stacked field on a 34-year-old machine. We caught up with him afterwards—here’s what he had to say.
Elevated: Zeke, we couldn’t help but notice you out at Cycle Ranch last weekend—absolutely ripping on a 1991 RM80 that’s over three decades old. For those who don’t know you, give us a little background—do you race often, and where’s your favorite place to line up or ride?
Zeke: Yes, I do, ride often, and my favorite track to ride is probably like cycle ranch, on the big track.
Elevated: You’re only 11, but you’re throwing down on a bike that’s 23 years older than you. How do you like the RM80, and can you walk us through your day out there and share how you felt about your races.
Zeke: (smiles) Um. Yes, I do like my rm80 and the first practice, we went and we had one of our old tires on, and we ran that for practice. Then the first race came and we put a different tire on, and I got ninth on the first moto. And then on the second Moto I had a race on my 85, and on that one, I got tenth I think.
Elevated: The track looked challenging, but you looked comfortable. What part of the track did you feel best?
Zeke: Probably on…..Probably horsepower Hill. And then, probably like the Rhythm Section beside the road. Oh, and the uphill double. Before the uphill double, there’s like a little turn that goes over a hump. I passed like three people there.
Elevated: Zeke, it’s been awesome chatting with you. Before we sign off, who’s in your corner that you want to thank for a successful day at Cycle Ranch?
Zeke:I would like to thank my dad and coach Tyler from MX Factory. Um, that’d probably be it.
51cc 4-6
Connor Micholas out of New Waverly, TX, put on a show in Moto one. He ripped a strong start but tangled with another rider and went down. From nearly dead last, Connor charged through the pack, climbing into the top four before lap one was even in the books. By the second lap, he passed Cole Stevenson for the lead and never looked back. Stevenson held steady in second, with Braxton Angelo rounding out the top three.
In the Second moto, Connor Micholas stayed locked in, grabbed the holeshot, and took it all the way for the overall win. Radley Kelley stepped it up from Moto 1 to grab second, and Braxton kept it steady with another third.
Your top-five:
- Connor Mikolas 1-1
- Radley Kelley 4-2
- Braxton Angelo 3-3
- Cole Stevenson 2-4
- Hendrick Carroll 5-6
Standouts 65cc 7-9
Charles Orr, Hayden Zenisek, and Brady Hall were on fire, going 1-2-3 in both motos to lock down the podium.
Bryson Smith 6-6
Beckham Smith’s little brother, Bryson 🐻 kept it consistent all weekend, going 6-6 for the day in the 65cc 7-9 class.
Tristan Hardenne 4-11
Tristine Hardenne came out swinging in the first moto, working his way into the top five.
Kruz Schexnaydre 13-5
Talk about a comeback! Kruz went from 13th in Moto 1 to ripping into the top five in Moto 2.
OPEN PRO
The Open Pro class was loaded with talent, but Brock Walker and the #1 machine proved untouchable, sweeping both motos. In Moto 1, Riley Ripper ripped a great start and grabbed the early jump, but Walker powered past by the first downhill and stretched out a massive lead, checking out by the finish. Moto 2 was much of the same, with Corey Matthews claiming second and Luke Dickey in third. Our only gripe with the Texas moto scene? Four laps for the pros just isn’t enough, let’s make it at least six.
5 RANDOM BANGERS 🔥
Final Thoughts
Round two of the South Texas Championship was a great weekend of racing and another reminder that Texas moto is thriving. Huge thanks to the Cycle Ranch crew for hosting and opening their gates to us. Next stop: Athens MX this weekend—see you there ✌️
