BMX riders support Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

MOSES LAKE - More than 300 BMX riders from Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Canada took to the track in the American Bicycle Association's "Race for Life" to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

The event, in conjunction with a weekend of racing at the Moses Lake BMX track, featured over 25 motos a day in various classes based on age and experience.

The riders, who took pledges of donations, raised $2,600. Six-year-old Hunter Talbot raised the most at $200.

Track operator Sunshine Rutherford said she was "worn out" after four days of intense racing.

"Everything went really well," she said.

Rutherford said the riders were "bumped and bruised" after the riders but noted the "kids wear protective gear."

"Although there were several on-track crashes," she added, "nobody was seriously injured."

Sunday's races were qualifiers for the Redline Cup, a prestigious invitation-only race in which only two riders from Washington will qualify.

The local youth that qualified to race at the Redline Cup Finals were: McKenzie Garza 6 Novice, Cody Wood 12 Novice, Gage Garza 8 Inter, Logan Menendez 9 Inter, Tyler Crowell 11 Inter, Collin Wood 14 Inter, Beth Rutherford 17 Girls, Guy Rutherford 13 Cruiser.

Monday's race was used to qualify for the state finals. Placing in Monday's races were: Guy Rutherford 13 Cruiser 4th, Guy Rutherford 13 Expert 3rd, Gage Garza 8 Inter 5th place, Logan Menendez 9 Inter 3rd place, Tyler Crowell 11 Inter 2nd place, Collin Wood 14 Inter 2nd place, McKenzie Garza 6 Novice 6th place, Cody Wood 12 Novice 2nd place, Kameron Kuch 16 Novice 2nd place, Beth Rutherford 17 Girls 7th place, Kayla Menendez 17 Girls 8th place.