Exploring the Thrills of AMA West Hare Scrambles

The dust hasn't even settled yet from the latest round of action. We're talking about the intense battles and incredible rides seen at the AMA West Hare Scrambles. This series consistently tests riders against tough terrain and tougher competition, defining the spirit of west hare scrambles. This prestigious championship showcases endurance and skill, often playing out under the vast western skies. Whether you follow the circuit closely or are new to off-road racing, the AMA West Hare Scrambles reliably delivers excitement. Round three recently wrapped up, adding another chapter to the 2025 season's story for the AMA WHS. The famous Golden Egg Hare Scramble provided the backdrop for this latest installment. Let's break down what happened and who came out on top in this demanding event. Roberts Rides to Victory at Golden Egg Picture the scene: Fort Sage OHV Area, just north of Reno, Nevada. It presents a distinct high-desert feel, combining scenic vistas with trails that flow beautifully but punish any lapse in concentration. This demanding environment served as the setting for round three of the AMA West Hare Scrambles Regional Championship Series, Presented by FMF. The action unfolded over April 19th and 20th. For Zane Roberts of Liqui Moly Beta, this track held special meaning and history. He had reached the podium here before but hadn't secured a victory since 2021. You could sense his determination to rewrite that narrative this time around. Zane Roberts felt extra motivation to conquer the Lassen Motorcycle Club's Golden Egg Hare Scramble, a highlight of the west hare schedule. The race began with Roberts pursuing the series points leader, Mateo Oliveira. Oliveira, representing the FMF KTM Factory Off-road Racing Team, initially set a blistering pace on the challenging dirt . However, the desert's unpredictability and the nature of racing always introduce unexpected twists. Roberts later shared his race strategy. He highlighted how dusty the conditions were on the first lap, severely limiting visibility and making overtaking difficult. He strategically used that initial 18-mile loop to reacquaint himself with the course layout and identify potential passing zones. Then, his opportunity came on the second lap. Just a few miles into the loop, Roberts spotted an opening on a fast downhill section and executed a pass on Oliveira. Once positioned out front, he concentrated on establishing a comfortable gap and maintaining a strong, consistent rhythm. Overcoming Obstacles: Oliveira's Gutsy Ride Mateo Oliveira deserves significant respect simply for participating in the Golden Egg Hare. He suffered a crash during practice the week prior, resulting in a broken throttle hand. Remarkably, he had already won round two while managing a broken clutch hand. Competing effectively with a broken throttle hand, however, presents an entirely different level of difficulty. Controlling the power delivery becomes immensely challenging. This injury certainly impacted his performance in this particular egg hare scramble . Oliveira openly admitted his primary objective was merely to salvage valuable championship points. He expressed surprise that his injured hand held up as well as it did for the initial two laps. After that point, the escalating pain and reduced control significantly slowed his pace. Despite the severity of the break, which required surgery the day following the race, Oliveira managed a commendable third-place finish in the Open Pro class. This placed him 14th overall, slightly exceeding his minimum goal for the weekend. Impressively, this tenacious performance allowed him to retain his lead in the overall AA points standings, though his margin is now razor-thin. He leads Ryder Thomaselli by a single point, 62 to 61, making the upcoming rounds critical. His effort at the egg hare was truly remarkable under the circumstances. The Power of the 250s Fort Sage is characterized by faster high-desert trails, terrain that often gives an advantage to larger displacement motorcycles like 450s. However, this specific race strongly highlighted the impressive capabilities of the 250cc machines. Seven of the top ten overall finishers were competing in the Pro 250 class. These riders started on the second row, positioned behind the Open Pro competitors. This meant they had to contend with significant dust from the bikes ahead and skillfully work their way through the field. Their strong results become even more noteworthy considering this initial disadvantage. The performance showcases the parity and talent within the Pro 250 ranks in the AMA West Hare Scrambles series. It also demonstrates how bike setup and rider skill can overcome displacement differences on certain courses. Zeller Shines Brightest Cole Zeller delivered a standout performance at the Golden Egg. Piloting his Gainslinger Human Performance/Precision Concepts/O'Neal Racing Husqvarna FX 250, he convincingly won the Pro 250 class. This marked his first victory in the class, signifying a major achievement in his racing career. Even more impressively, Zeller secured the second overall position, trailing only Open Pro winner Zane Roberts. He accomplished this despite starting on the second row alongside his class competitors. By the conclusion of the demanding first lap, he had already advanced to second place physically on the track, navigating through dust and past several riders. Zeller commented that the track's characteristics reminded him of trails near his home, allowing him to feel comfortable and adapt quickly. He secured the Pro 250 holeshot ahead of Jaden Dahners but quickly encountered the dust cloud generated by the Open Pros further up the trail. He successfully overtook one 450 rider, finding crucial clear track that enabled him to log fast lap times and build a lead over his Pro 250 rivals. Thomaselli Takes Third Overall Ryder Thomaselli entered the event with high expectations, coming off a Pro 250 victory at round two. The terrain at Fort Sage aligns well with his riding style. He delivered a strong and consistent performance aboard his 395 Motorsports/MX Trophies/Fly Racing FX 250. He ultimately finished second in the competitive Pro 250 class. More significantly, he captured the third spot on the overall podium. Finishing approximately one minute behind Zeller, his performance underscored the high level of competition within the class. Thomaselli's result keeps him firmly in the championship hunt. The battle between him, Zeller, and others promises excitement throughout the remainder of the AMA WHS season. AMA West Hare Scrambles: More Than Just a Race What elevates the AMA West Hare Scrambles series? It operates as a regional championship sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), a respected governing body. It consistently attracts talented riders from across the western United States, challenging them on varied and demanding off-road courses. The hare scramble format typically involves completing multiple laps over a marked course that stretches several miles long. The terrain encountered usually incorporates a mix of elements: single-track trails, wooded sections, open fields, challenging hills, rocky obstacles, and sometimes even motocross-style features. Races for the Pro classes often extend for two hours or more, placing immense demands on rider fitness and the ability to preserve their motorcycles. The courses are intentionally designed to test riders comprehensively. Success requires speed for the faster sections, precise technical skill for difficult obstacles, and intelligent line selection to conserve energy and avoid potential hazards like hidden rocks or deep ruts in the dirt . Effectively managing dust, navigating through lapped riders, and adapting to changing course conditions throughout the race add further layers of complexity to these hare scrambles . The series strategically visits diverse locations throughout its season. Each venue presents its unique blend of terrain types and challenges. From the high desert environment of Fort Sage to potentially tighter wooded areas or mountainous terrain seen near places like Lake Isabella or Warner Springs in other series, riders must demonstrate adaptability. This variety prevents specialization and rewards well-rounded off-road racers. A rider dominant in the desert might face different challenges compared to a course potentially found in a mountainous environment with significant elevation changes and tree roots. The ability to quickly learn and master different types of dirt and obstacles is crucial. Classes for Everyone While the Pro classes often capture the headlines, the AMA West Hare Scrambles provides opportunities for a broad spectrum of participants. The series includes classes catering to various skill levels (typically designated A, B, C), distinct age groups (Youth, Vet, Senior, Super Senior), and different motorcycle engine displacements. This inclusive structure fosters a fantastic community atmosphere at every west hare scramble event. Youth races frequently occur on Saturday or earlier on Sunday morning. These events utilize shorter, specifically designed courses tailored to smaller motorcycles and younger riders. Witnessing the Micro Minis eagerly launch off the starting line, framed by the Sierra Nevada mountains as seen at Fort Sage , is always an inspiring sight. The Women's classes also feature intense and highly skilled competition. The Pro Women's race, in particular, showcases exceptionally talented riders engaging in fierce battles for position. Amateur women's classes provide a supportive environment for riders of all levels to compete, improve their skills, and enjoy the camaraderie of the west hare community. This structure allows riders to progress through the ranks as their skills develop. Moving from C to B, then to A, and potentially aiming for the Pro classes is a common goal. Accurate event scoring systems are essential to track progress and points across all these varied classes. Pro 250 and Support Class Highlights Behind the lead battles for overall supremacy, intense racing action unfolded throughout the various support classes. Colton Aeck appears to be regaining his form following an early-season concussion. He secured a solid third place in the Pro 250 class and fourth overall aboard his Hatch Racing Kawasaki. Defending Pro 250 class champion Layton Smail shadowed Aeck closely for the entire duration of the race. However, he struggled to find a safe opportunity to make a pass amidst the lingering dust, ultimately finishing fourth in class and fifth overall. This tight finish highlights the close proximity and competitive nature of racing at the front of the pack. In the highly competitive 250 A class, Lane Lorenzo demonstrated dominant form. He led the race from start to finish on his GasGas machine, securing an impressive sixth place overall. This result matched his excellent performance from round two, showcasing admirable consistency early in the season. Ethan Pacak, who shares accommodation with overall winner Zane Roberts, finished third among the Pro/AA competitors and eighth overall. FMF RPM Racing KTM's JJ Concannon followed Lorenzo home to claim second place in the 250 A class and ninth overall. Vet A winner Cody James completed the top ten overall finishers aboard his Kawasaki, proving age is no barrier to speed. Stout Continues Her Winning Ways In the Pro Women's class, Rachel Stout is currently demonstrating exceptional form. Fresh off a significant victory at the AMA National Hare & Hound championship the previous weekend, she carried that winning momentum directly into the race at Fort Sage . Piloting her FMF RPM Racing KTM 350 XC-F, she dominated the morning race proceedings. Stout mentioned that her recent national hare & Hound win significantly boosted her confidence, particularly because the terrain characteristics were quite similar between the two events. She reported feeling comfortable and strong throughout the race duration. This victory marks her second Pro Women win in the WHS series this season, solidifying her position as a top contender. The battle for the second position proved dramatic. Reigning champion Ava Silvestri held the spot firmly until a major crash unfortunately ended her race prematurely. This incident allowed Ty Woolslayer to capitalize and move up, ultimately securing second place aboard her Yamaha YZ250FX. Catalina Springstroh earned her first Pro Women podium finish, claiming a well-deserved third place. The Pro Women's class continues to showcase depth and exciting competition within the ama west hare scramble series. What's Next for the Series? With three rounds now completed, the championship battles across various classes are intensifying. Oliveira's untimely injury introduces uncertainty into the Open Pro title chase. Can he recover sufficiently quickly to defend his narrow points advantage against challengers like the newly confident Zane Roberts? The Pro 250 class appears wide open, promising thrilling racing ahead. Zeller, Thomaselli, Aeck, and Smail are all demonstrating impressive speed and capability. Consistent high finishes will be absolutely critical as the season progresses towards its conclusion. The AMA West Hare Scrambles series typically spans the spring months and extends into the fall. Consulting the official AMA West Hare Scrambles schedule is the most reliable method for finding details on upcoming races and venues. Each event promises unique challenges and fresh opportunities for riders to demonstrate their skills and determination, whether it's a fast desert race or potentially a technical course reminiscent of those found at venues like Glen Helen or Chaney Ranch used for other disciplines. Whether you are a rider contemplating entering a race, a dedicated fan following the thrilling action, or a potential sponsor seeking dedicated and skilled athletes, this series offers something compelling. It truly represents the spirit of western off-road racing: characterized by toughness, scenic backdrops, intense competition, and classic hare scramble challenges. It's a true test of rider and machine, often feeling like a great escape into demanding territory. Understanding the nuances of event scoring and the complex scoring systems used to determine winners across multiple laps and classes adds another layer of appreciation for the organization behind these events. 2025 AMA West Hare Scrambles Round 3 Results Here is a summary of the top performers from the Golden Egg Hare Scramble, based on the official results published by Cycle News. Accurate event scoring is crucial for these standings. Overall Pos. Rider Bike Time Class (Pos.) 1 Zane Roberts Beta 2:35:03 Open Pro (1st) 2 Cole Zeller Husqvarna 2:38:18 Pro 250 (1st) 3 Ryder Thomaselli Husqvarna 2:39:20 Pro 250 (2nd) 4 Colton Aeck Kawasaki 2:41:48 Pro 250 (3rd) 5 Layton Smail Kawasaki 2:41:58 Pro 250 (4th) 6 Lane Lorenzo GasGas 2:44:18 250 A (1st) 7 Jaden Dahners KTM 2:46:01 Pro 250 (5th) 8 Ethan Pacak KTM 2:50:48 Open Pro (2nd) 9 JJ Concannon KTM 2:54:44 250 A (2nd) 10 Cody James Kawasaki 2:55:34 Vet 30+ A (1st) This table clearly illustrates the intense competition, particularly underscored by the strong presence of Pro 250 riders within the overall top standings. It also recognizes the impressive rides delivered by competitors from the A class ranks. For comprehensive results across all classes, consult the full official results link often provided by the hosting club or series organizers. The Fort Sage Experience Competing at the Fort Sage OHV Area presents a distinct flavor of off-road challenge within the ama west region. Located near Doyle, California, though geographically closer to Reno, Nevada, it is renowned for its characteristic high-desert environment. This setting typically involves navigating sandy washes, contending with rocky sections, and managing high speeds on trails winding through sagebrush. Significant elevation changes and expansive, sweeping views are integral parts of the Fort Sage package. However, competitors must also be prepared for the potential presence of deep silt beds and pervasive dust, especially in dry conditions. Maintaining good visibility and selecting intelligent lines to avoid hidden obstacles like rocks or ruts concealed in the dirt is absolutely vital for success and safety here. The Lassen Motorcycle Club consistently does an excellent job hosting the Golden Egg event. Marking an extensive 18-mile course that is simultaneously challenging for top professionals and reasonably navigable for various amateur skill levels requires considerable effort and expertise. They succeed in creating a loop that thoroughly tests riders both physically and mentally over the full race duration, making it a true classic hare scramble test. For spectators, venues like Fort Sage often provide good viewing opportunities. Sections of the race course are frequently accessible near the main pit areas or designated spectator zones along the trail. Experiencing the sound of high-performance motorcycles echoing through the desert air is an essential part of the vibrant atmosphere at any west hare scramble . Why Follow the AMA West Hare Scrambles? If you have a passion for off-road motorcycle competition, the AMA WHS series absolutely merits your attention. It consistently features some of the fastest and most skilled riders on the west coast. You have the opportunity to witness potential future stars honing their craft against seasoned veterans in demanding conditions. The inherent variety of terrain across the series keeps the racing consistently interesting and unpredictable. Each round presents a different puzzle for riders to solve, demanding adaptability and diverse skill sets. Observing how competitors adjust their bike setups and racing strategies from one unique venue to the next is fascinating for enthusiasts. Compared to larger events like Supercross or the Pro Motocross Nationals, the AMA West Hare Scrambles offers a more grassroots level of professional racing. Spectators can often get closer to the intense action and interact more readily with the riders and teams in the pit areas. The overall atmosphere frequently feels like a large family gathering, albeit one operating at very high speeds across challenging dirt . Staying current with series like the AMA West Hare Scrambles allows you to remain connected to the pulse of off-road motorcycle racing. You learn about emerging talent, observe motorcycle performance across different manufacturers, and gain a deeper appreciation for the sheer dedication required to compete successfully at this high level. It provides insight beyond just the results, looking at the effort behind each classic hare finish. Conclusion Round three of the 2025 AMA West Hare Scrambles unquestionably delivered excitement and high drama at the prestigious Golden Egg Hare Scramble. Zane Roberts charged to a hard-earned Open Pro victory, marking his first win at the challenging Fort Sage venue in several years. Cole Zeller rose to the occasion, topping a deeply talented Pro 250 field and impressively finishing second overall, making a significant statement in the championship chase. Mateo Oliveira's courageous performance while riding with a broken hand kept the overall points lead incredibly tight, setting the stage for thrilling championship battles in the upcoming west hare scrambles . Rachel Stout continued her dominant streak in the Pro Women class, showcasing remarkable form after recent success at the ama national level. The demanding Fort Sage course thoroughly tested every competitor, perfectly illustrating the skill, toughness, and adaptability required in the premier AMA West Hare Scrambles series. The results highlight the fierce competition across all classes, reinforcing the reputation of the AMA West Hare series as a proving ground for the best off-road talent in the western US. Fans eagerly await the next round of this compelling hare scramble championship.