The fourth-annual Hahn Brothers’ Supercross Shootout went well considering all the circumstances, organizers said. They had a six-hour rain delay for Saturday and still got everything thru except for the UTV race.
Chelsea Mermis, event coordinator for the HBSX, said that the UTV race is re-scheduled for this Sunday at the track from 2 to 5 p.m. The facility is located west of Great Bend adjacent to the Great Bend Expo Complex.
“This UTV race will be free to all spectators and everyone who was signed up to race last Saturday,” Mermis said.
Mermis, along with her husband Trent Mermis, as well as Missi Amerine and Craig Amerine coordinate together for the event every year.
“Kim Vink was on the board for Big Bend Bike Rally and came to Trent and I with the idea to add motocross,” Mermis said. It took six-plus months to plan the first year. But the hard work paid off, for its now been held every year since. The First Hahn Brothers’ Race was in 2013 and has been a huge success since.
“The drive behind the scenes, would be the love for family, dirt bikes, and racing,” Mermis said.
The Hahn Brothers are originally from Belpre Kansas/Great Bend area and help bring in top racers as guest appearances. Will Hahn wasn’t able to attend this year due to racing in Austrailia, but called in to tell everyone hello.
“The Hahn Brothers’ both look forward to next years event,” Mermis said.
Ivan Tedesco made a guest appearance this year.
“Tedesco is a multi-champion in different classes. He was also a part of building the track in 2013, so we just asked him to be a part of it again this year, and he gladly accepted,” Mermis said.
Kyle Cunningham won their top Pro Race for the 10,000 pro purse. Cunningham took home $3,500 this year.
“We had lots of different competitors, top pro’s in the sport as well as some of the most sought after amateur racers in the county,” Mermis said.
There were people from all over the country that traveled a very long distance to make it to the track.
“The rain had a huge effect on the race. A majority of spectators and racers, didn’t think we would be able to race considering how much rain we did get, but because of our track crew busting their butts, we made it all happen,” Mermis said.
All hands were on deck and everyone had the same goal.
“Everyone adapted and conquered what mother nature threw at us,” Mermis said.
The MX experience is like a huge family from all over the country. Mermis said there is a ton of support.
“When someone in the family is racing MX or Supercross, it’s all hands on deck. Every person in the family is working towards the same goal,” Mermis said.
The coordinators would love to give a huge shoutout to all of their sponsors, everyone who came to watch, and their track crew.
“Everyone was pivotal in making this year happen,” Mermis said.
Sponsors change every year but they have several that are big contributors every year.
Pro Green, Amerine Utilities, Haz-Mat Response, Harper Camperland, Peer Brother’s Racing, Stone Sand Company, Foley Cat, Golden Belt Construction, Kawasaki and Answer Racing.
“Shoutout behind the scenes to the track crew. They all know who they are and what they contributed! We could not have done it without sponsors, spectators, and track crew! It was epic and we are very proud of what we accomplished with the circumstances,” Mermis said.
She said they appreciate everyones help including this years photographer, Becky Panning from Carmilla Rose Photography-CRP. Panning’s photography site can be found on Facebook. You can also follow Hahn Brothers’ Supercross Shootout on Facebook for next year’s events as well.
“This is a family event that creates lifetime friendships! And that is what it’s all about,” Mermis said.