Third Annual Nippy Nugg National

 

  The sound of thunder from fifty screaming pit-bikes filled the air in New Middleton, Ohio on July 19th, 2005.  The third annual Nippy Nugg National was held at the Rob Buydos compound on an almost perfect July evening.  The track sits in his backyard rolling up and down a sloping hill.  A mix of jumps and natural terrain make this one of the most fun pit-bike tracks in the area. Plenty of food and drink was on hand for the party that followed the races.

 

  The race, now in its third year is held in honor of Kevin Gnapp.  Gnapp was tragically taken away from us a few years back, but made such an impression on so many people that he will never be forgotten.  Although I never met Kevin, I was able to hear many tearful stories from several of his friends.  He is remembered as a man that made things happen, and was always the center of attention.  Gnapp is also credited as single handedly starting the whole pit-bike racing craze in Ohio.  Several years ago he bought two clapped out old pit-bikes and set up a circle track in his yard.  The rest, as they say is history.

 

  Practice started right at 6:00PM with everyone anxious to rip up the virgin grass.  With the drought conditions in the area it became apparent that dust was going to be a problem.  Never fear, within minutes they had a water truck on site to wet the track down.  Another round of practice was held after the watering and everyone headed to the back of Buydos’ house for the rider’s meeting.  With the meeting over, it was time to race.  Everyone headed to the track for the action.

 

  The first race of the night would be the 50cc Open, 50cc Production and Sportsman Classes combined together.  The Open Class was all about Dante Iacozici.  Aboard an Xtreme Pit-bike, he was the only one entered in the class so of course it was all about him!  In 50cc Production Shawn Brink was the man to beat.  Brink is dominating this class this year in the TV Land Summer Series and continued to do so here as well.  Brink swept both motos with Robbie Keller finishing runner-up both times.  The Sportsman Class had a little more action.  In the first moto Dennis Albrewczynski (me) got the Holeshot and led until the end.  Not too far behind were Sam Bluedorn and John Masco.  In the second moto Bluedorn got the jump off the line and was the early leader, I was able to get around him early and get myself a little cushion which proved to be vital on the last lap.  As I took the white flag it became apparent that I had a flat rear tire.  Luckily I was able to nurse the bike around and hold off a hard charging Bluedorn, Masco was also within striking distance.

 

  Next up was the Clutch Class.  Typically dominated by Honda CRF-150s, tonight would be no different.  Honda mounted P.J. Dylewski grabbed the Holeshot in the first moto but got tangled up with Yamaha rider Scott Haehn right after the first turn.  The two went down giving the lead to Brian George.  George took advantage of the duo’s mishap and charged hard.  Dylewski and Haehn both remounted and took off after the leader but it was too little, too late as George took the checkers with Dylewski second and Haehn third.  The pack got through the first turn unscathed in moto two.  This time George’s CRF got him the lead right off the bat and he never looked back.  Good thing too, because Dylewski was glued to his back tire.  P.J. threw everything that he had at the leader but couldn’t get around him, and had to settle for second.  Haehn once again took third.  With both motos ending up the same, the overall victory was easily decided.

 

  Last but not least were the Mid-size Classes.  Open and Production ran together, but were scored separately.  For the past two years Freestyle legend Trevor Vines was the bridesmaid in the Production Class finishing runner-up both times.  This year was his turn at the altar as he swept both motos for the overall win.  Former 500cc Supercross Champion Gary Semics was second with moto finishes of 3-2.  Rounding out the podium in the Production class was Mini-bike Back-flipper Aaron Smith finishing 2-3.  In the Open Class Mike Boggia got the gold finishing second in the first moto and winning the second.  Eric Gabany won moto one and took third in the second giving him second overall and Barney Barnes came in third with finishes of 3-2.

 

  With the races over everyone gathered back at the house for the trophy presentation.  Plenty of cool door prizes were given out including signed jerseys from Tim Ferry and Scott Metz and Broc Hepler’s goggles from his Unadilla National win.  The Nipper was given a final toast and the gathering celebrated the life of Kevin Gnapp who I am sure was watching from up above.

 

 

 

 

Dennis “Alphado” Albrewczynski

7-20-05