The Rocky Mountain ATV/MC WORCS Series returned to the desert this weekend at Twentynine Palms Motorsports Complex, delivering two full days of tight racing, technical challenges, and early-season momentum shifts. Saturday featured the 55-minute Open Pro and Women’s Pro races, while Sunday’s premier Pro 450 and Pro 250 classes took on a demanding two-hour format that included a long, raw Pro Section complete with steep hill climbs and small rock gardens before re-entering the main course. The added terrain proved to be a defining factor in multiple races.

Saturday’s Open Pro class saw Tristun Alvarez put together a calculated and consistent ride to secure the overall victory. After settling in during the opening laps, Alvarez moved into control by Lap 3 and maintained it through the checkered flag. His fastest lap of the race came on Lap 2 with a 9:54.460, setting the tone for the remainder of his effort. Colton Aeck kept things close early and remained within striking distance, ultimately finishing second, while Harlem Nelson rounded out the podium in third after steadily building pace as the race unfolded.

In the Women’s Pro race, the action began immediately. Maddie Weber and Lauren Woods swapped positions early in the opening lap, each briefly taking control as they navigated the first sections of the course. That early exchange set the tone for what looked to be a battle, but once Woods found her rhythm, she began to stretch the gap. From there, it was all Woods. She managed the race from the front and capped off her performance with the fastest lap of the class on Lap 5 — an 11:23.848 — to secure the win. Weber rode consistently to finish second, while Dana Raynor completed the podium in third.

While Saturday delivered its share of excitement, Sunday’s two-hour Pro 450 and Pro 250 races became the highlight of the weekend. The extended race time combined with the physically demanding Pro Section created a true test of endurance and focus. Riders were forced to balance aggression with precision, especially through the rocky climbs and technical lines that had little room for error. In the Pro 450 class, Dare DeMartile came out strong and established himself as the early leader. He set a blistering pace in the opening laps and recorded the fastest lap of the race on Lap 2 with a 10:44.723. Through the early portion of the race, DeMartile appeared to have control, handling the Pro Section cleanly and maintaining solid separation.

However, the turning point came in the Pro Section when DeMartile encountered a fallen lapped rider. The incident disrupted his momentum and allowed Mason Semmens to close in. Semmens, who had been applying steady pressure from just behind, capitalized on the opportunity and made the decisive move into the lead. Once out front, Semmens never gave it back. Turning consistent laps in the 10:58 range, including a 10:58.690 on Lap 4 and a 10:58.674 on Lap 5, Semmens managed both the technical terrain and the faster desert sections with composure. After earning consecutive Pro 250 championships, the move to the premier class has been a progression process, and Sunday marked a milestone moment. Semmens captured his first Pro 450 victory, proving he is here to stay. DeMartile regrouped to secure second place and valuable championship points despite the setback. Justin Hoeft delivered a steady, measured performance to claim third, rounding out the Pro 450 podium after two demanding hours. Further down the order, Tyler Lynn entered the weekend managing a wrist injury sustained just weeks earlier. Rather than sit out, Lynn lined up focused on limiting damage and preserving championship points. Through the physical demands of the Pro Section and the extended two-hour format, Lynn battled through discomfort to finish fifth, a critical result that keeps him firmly in the championship conversation.

The Pro 250 race delivered just as much intensity. Jake Alvarez grabbed the holeshot to start the race, but the complexion changed quickly once the riders entered the Pro Section. Cole Zeller wasted little time asserting himself. By the time the leaders exited the technical terrain, Zeller had positioned himself at the front and began building a gap. Zeller’s pace was evident early. He laid down the fastest lap of the race on Lap 2 with an 11:06.463 and continued to manage the lead from there. As the two-hour clock wound down and the course deteriorated, Zeller remained composed, navigating traffic and the Pro Section without major mistakes.

Behind him, Sam Pretscherer worked to keep the pressure on. Pretscherer maintained consistent mid-11-minute lap times and slowly attempted to close the gap. A small hiccup in the Pro Section, however, allowed Zeller to extend his advantage just enough. Despite Pretscherer’s late-race push, the time deficit proved too much to overcome. Not everyone had as smooth a day. Noah Gordon and J.P. Alvarez both suffered mechanical issues that forced early retirements from the Pro 250 race. In a format that combines endurance with punishing terrain, reliability proved just as important as raw speed. With the victory, Zeller makes it two-for-two to open the season, firmly establishing himself as the early championship leader and a rider with both speed and control under pressure. Pretscherer secured second, while Colton Aeck completed the podium in third after a steady and consistent ride.