Ansted, West Virginia, October 1998

What better way to top off a great day of Street Luge racing than throwing together a Buttboard race to amaze the spectators? Just back from Hot Heels, Darren was the only rider who came prepared to compete. He convinced 3 fellow luge racers to borrow any skateboards they could find. Travis Tripp had made one practice Buttboard run with Darren during luge practice, while Hawley Glen and Kevin Shelton were about to take their very first Buttboard ride down the course. One run for all the glory! Feeling confident, Darren (on the left with black helmet) and Travis (not seen) planned to start behind everyone and make spectacular passes for the crowd and cameras. Dave Auld volunteered to ride Darren's Camera Luge (POV).
		Travis ran throught dirt on the first corner and soon was far behind. Hoping to keep as large a pack together as possible, Darren wrote off Travis. Hawley had terrible speed wobbles and quickly became less of a competitor and more of a moving road block. Dave and Darren slowed when they got close, but Kevin continued to rocket away and so a serious chase ensued. Here, Travis (left) has made a comeback and is passing Dave and Hawley on the inside. Darren is in the distant middle and Kevin is nowhere in sight!
As he got to the last hard turn, Darren had his sights on Kevin who was riding better than anyone could have expected. Especially because Kevin was riding a "tail flipper" skateboard borrowed from Scooter Schwartz. What the other riders had forgotten was that Kevin had just placed 3rd in pro luge division 20 minutes before. Kevin Shelton was out to win. Just as Darren (right) reached Kevin (middle), Travis (left) blew past them both on the inside. This was just supposed to be a Buttboard demo that Darren was sure to win. But now a serious race to the finish was now ON!
		Travis pulled past Kevin with Darren close behind. Lott had to dig deep and pull out all the stops. There was only one fast straight before the finish line turn. Darren (left) and Travis (green helmet) battle it out at 60 mph, side by side. The crowd went nuts as they blazed into the final right 90 degree turn. Camera flashes were popping off like a Hollywood movie premier and the air stank of burnt shoes. In the last 90 degree sliding turn, Darren Lott pulled ahead, crossing the finish line FIRST!
Travis came in moments later and both riders were soon hugging over an incredible race. Kevin Shelton piloted his "two foot wonder" right into the hay bales on the last turn and Hawley wobbled across the finish line, his "back trucks WAY too loose." Every Luge racer was excited about the spectacular effort and finish by the racers. Most were determined to be more prepared and bring their own boards next year. Darren, Travis, Kevin and Hawley showed them - Ansted is one great Buttboard course!
		Dave Auld did a great job riding the camera luge. He had to be fast to keep the leaders in good view, but not get in too tight and cause a wreck. That's even more difficult than trying to win. Aside from doing a great job filming, Dave went back and edited the piece into clips with music. (It's a big download - 3 meg) Click on the picture above to download it. Make sure to check out www.AuldOverTheRoad.com. Aside from cool pictures, it has the best collection of movies and scheduled events.
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