April 24, 2023

Behind the Lens: Unleash The Beast Tacoma

As the only rider to finish a perfect 3-for-3 in Tacoma, Washington, Pacific Northwest native Chase Dougherty captured his career-first premier series win Sunday evening. Bringing home an important 148.5 UTB points en route to improving to the No. 26 rank, the 24-year-old bested Don Juan in Round 1 for 84.5 points before assuming the event lead in the second round thanks to an 87.5-point conversion aboard Whiplash. Eventually completing the flawless slate as one of two riders to log a qualified ride in the championship round, his 89.5-point ride atop Short Circuit sealed the deal.

Capturing the silver while advancing to the No. 9 spot in the premier series standings, it was Dener Barbosa who turned in another encouraging outing. After pairing up with Scrapper Saturday in Round 1 for 86.5 points, the talented Brazilian joined Dougherty in converting during the short round, as he posted an 88.25-point ride courtesy of a matchup with Top Shelf. Taking home 96 UTB points for his fourth Top 3 finish of the season, he’s now ranked inside the Top 10 with one regular season event remaining.

After sneaking into the championship round as the last man in (with Kyler Oliver doctoringt out due to injury), 2018 World Champion Kaique Pacheco rounded out the Top 3 with another podium finish. Extending his lead atop the UTB standings by 63.5 points, Pacheco attempted five bulls on the weekend, and was unfortunately banged up during his final attempt. Regardless of the injury, his opening round score of 83.75 points aboard Whatever was good enough to earn him a shot in the short go. Besting Razzmatazz for 83 points while getting his ankle tangled up, he secured the bronze finish in Tacoma.

Photos courtesy of Bull Stock Media