he 3rd Annual Parts Unlimited Dealers Challenge presented by Pirelli, had something that the first two Dealers Challenges did not have…good weather. Highs in the 60’s with blue skies greeted about 500 racers and 35 teams at Three Palms Extreme Sports Park in Conroe, Texas near Houston on October 21-23, 2005.
This year’s dealer teams were changed into two divisions: franchise dealers and non-franchise dealers.      American Suzuki liked the idea so much that they offered Suzuki dealers contingencies for first through fifth place in the franchise division. A team consists of four riders that a dealer includes on a team sheet. Those riders race in their individual class, and based on their finish they get points for their team. At the end of the race, the dealer with the most points wins.
     While a rider can race the Dealers Challenge without being on a team, it is the team concept that makes this event so unique. A rider can contribute his efforts to his team. Motocross is and always will be an individual sport, but the Dealers Challenge turns motocross into a team sport for one weekend out of the year. In a way it resembles the Motocross des Nations race, where a rider represents their country.
     For 2005 a new rule was implemented to allow the same rider to represent a franchise dealer and a non-franchise dealer. The reason behind this new rule was because a racer usually has multiple sponsors. Of course there is always the franchise dealer where the motorcycle was purchased and a lot of times a racer will have a shop that specializes in engine and suspension set up that also helps out a rider. For instance in the pro ranks you see the Pro Circuit team is sponsored by Kawasaki and The Factory Connection team is sponsored by Honda.
     Again the crew at Three Palms Extreme Sports Park put on a first class event. If a rider was signed up to race in this two-day event, they were allowed to ride on the other two tracks on the property. This was a great idea and many riders were taking advantage of this throughout the weekend. Other activities included volleyball games, mud bog (pit bikes and four wheelers), pit bike demo, live band and an industry race on the main track.
     Sponsors play a big part in the success of putting on an event, and there was no shortage of sponsors for the Dealers Challenge. Pirelli had their big rig on hand and was showing their complete line up of championship winning motocross tires. Contingencies were awarded in every class through tenth place, and these were provided by Parts Unlimited, Pirelli, THOR, Moose, Alpinestars, DP Brakes, Renthal, FMF, 909, NGK, Hinson, Uni and Motorex, while Suzuki offered contingencies to Suzuki mounted riders. Outside the motorcycle industry sponsors included Toyota, Red Bull, Master Craft and local restaurant Sams Boat.
     As we look forward to the 2006 Parts Unlimited Dealers Challenge, the challenge is to make the team concept aware to the rest of the country, and see if any other teams from outside the Houston area can become the Parts Unlimited Dealers Champion. Good luck to all!

FRANCHISE

1. K’s Motorsports
2. Highlands Kawasaki
3. Tejas Motorsports
4. Honda of Houston
5. Houston Yamaha Motorsports
6. Stubb’s Cycle
7. Moto Extreme Kawasaki
8. Wild West Honda/Kawasaki
9. Munn Racing KTM
10. Kawasaki of Pasadena

NON-FRANCHISED

1. EBR Performance
2. JM Racing
3. NX Level
4. Sanders Clinic
5. Tommy’s Cycle Supply
6. Metric Motorcycles
7. Daryl Moore Marine
8. Mosh Motorsports
9. Struhalls Racing
10. Superfly Racing

Parts Unlimited Pirelli product specialist Aaron Brumbaugh was on hand along with the Pirelli big rig. Pirelli was the choice of many riders to use on the great dirt of Three Palms.	The winning check being presented to K’s Motorsports. Left to right is Larry Hughes (Parts Unlimited sales rep), Emil Shelbelbon (Three Palms Extreme Sports Park), Nick Castro (K’s Parts Manager), Deane Durkin (K’s Sales Manager) and Dave Davila (K’s General Manager).
Kendra Hughes, daughter of Parts Unlimited rep Larry Hughes, was one of the riders for the winning K’s Motorsports Team.	Parts Unlimited rep Brad Woolsey was the winner in the Over 25 Expert Class, helping his franchise team Moto Extreme Kawasaki and his non-franchise team Metric Motorcycles.
Thor-sponsored amateur sensation Kyle Cunningham on his first ride for Yamaha, cruised to two victories in the 125 Intermediate Class and the 125 Open Class.	Steven Ball was one of the key riders on the powerful Highlands Kawasaki Team.