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Tania Satchwell from Taupo, New Zealand is competing in the AMA/WMA National Motocross Championship series.
The series picked up again at the Washougal National on July 31-August 1, 2004 with Honda of Houston’s Jessica Patterson going 1-1.
After an extended break between round 2, which was held at the Hangtown National and round three, the WMA Pro Racers were more than anxious to be back racing for the title. WMA Pro moto one was held on Saturday along with the WMA support classes that had a total of 80 women. It was Elizabeth Bash (Team Green Kawasaki) squeaking by Jessica Patterson for the holeshot. By turn two, Patterson had taken over the lead. Tarah Gieger (Hon), who came into Washougal leading in points, moved by Bash into second position followed by Jenny Krick (Hon) of Olympia, WA. Kiwi Tania Satchwell, who was in 8th position on lap one, began quickly moving through the pack. Satchwell eventually gained on Gieger and passed her for 2nd place. Shortly after, Gieger went down in a corner and dropped back to 4th. Shiri Howell (Kaw) from Spokane, WA, who had the local fans behind her, rode strong to pass several riders and finished in third.
Moto two was held on Sunday just prior to the 125cc AMA Pro race. Jessye Davis (Hon) pulled the holeshot followed by Patterson. Patterson gained the lead and began to be pursued by Satchwell. Satchwell was making up time on Patterson each lap in the woods after 'Horse-power Hill' and would be on her rear tire coming into the Catcher’s Mitt Corner but Patterson was faster through the whoops. The two put on an exciting show. Satchwell finished in second. Gieger rode well for 3rd place in the moto and on the podium.
Sarah Whitmore, who finished 5th in moto one, did not race on Sunday and may be out for the remainder of the season. She reportedly has symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome possibly brought on by the Epstein Barr virus (that Brock Sellard and Tim Ferry has in the past). Whitmore is heading back to Michigan for more testing with her physician.
Patterson now has the points lead going into the next round, which will be at Monster Mountain in Montgomery, Alabama, August 21st.
Highlights from the WMA Pro race will be included in the Espn 2 broadcast of the 125cc show and on "GKA" on Fuel TV. Check the WMA website for exact TV listings.
WMA is sponsored by; Honda, KTM, Kawasaki, Scott USA, Dunlop Tires, Alpinestars, Thor Racing, Rite Tie, Sick Racing, VP Fuels, Universal, Racer X, I Precision, Pro Clean and AMP Research. Northgate Auto Repair of Bend, Oregon co-sponsored the pro purse.
Washougal WMA Pro Results:
1. Jessica Patterson (Hon) 1-1
2. Tania Satchwell (Yam) 2-2
3. Tarah Gieger (Hon) 4-3
4. Shiri Howell (Kaw) 3-7
5. Jessye Davis (Hon) 8-4
6. Stefy Bau (Hon) 7-5
7. Jenny Krick (Hon) 6-6
8. Ashley Boham (Hon) 9-8
9. Sarah Whitmore (Yam) 5-DNS
10 Elizabeth Bash (Kaw) 12-9
Pro Point Standings:
1. Jessica Patterson 125
2. Tania Satchwell 118
3. Tarah Geiger 117
4. Sarah Whitmore 84
5. Stefy Bau 81
6. Jessye Davis 80
7. Shiri Howell 73
8. Elizabeth Bash 67
9. Kaide Garrett 61
10. Philo Petricig 59
