Team Tortoise is dedicated to ensuring every event has the very best interest of the riders of all ages and abilities in mind. We are racers and think like racers. We understand the best events are FUN events. We are also the ONLY NMA club to offer a 100% AA/Pro Payout.

How it all Started

Established in 1993, Team Tortoise was created by a small group of racers who love Off-Road racing. The original members included Tate Matherly, Taft Matherly, Jim Conners, Tom Conners, Rob Riley, Bob Bechtal, Chris Helle, Kevin Bailey and the support of our sponsoring shop, Lynnwood Yamaha. (Now Lynnwood Motoplex). We came up with Team Tortoise for the name as we felt it was a great description of our riding abilities.

The First 8 Years

The first 6 years of the “Rock Hopper Hare Scramble” was held at Rieter Pit. With a lot of new single track each year, this event was always anticipated by the riders who preferred tighter trails. In 2001, we decided it was time for a new venue and the “Grasshopper Hare Scramble” was held at Washougal. To this day, because of a late season snow storm two days before, and close to a inch of rain during the event, it is still considered by most to be the hardest Hare Scrambles they had ever ridden. Handlebar deep ruts were more common than not (No the ground is NOT solid when wet).

Taking a Step Back

In 2002 Team Tortoise took some time away from Off-Road Racing, and started focusing more on Outdoor Motocross, and some of the series in the southern WA and Oregon.

Our Return to Off-Road

In 2007 Team Tortoise was back to the Off-Road, and put on the “Sand Flea Hare Scramble” at the Beverly Dunes ORV park in Vantage. Once again effected by weather, this was another event that will be remembered for a very long time. The “Sand Flea” required over 40,000 ft of course ribbon and more than 1600 stakes. Imagine a “Grass Track” only without the grass and in the sand. The 4 mile course was a true test of rider conditioning.

2008 and Beyond

In 2008 we decided it was time to find a location that would be able to accommodate both Off-Roaders and Motocrossers. For some reason still called the Sand Flea, we took the event to Burnt Ridge MX Park in Onalaska. With the perfect combination on single track trail, ATV trail and Motocross track, and the cooperation of Mother Nature. The event was voted 2008 NMA Off-Road Event Of The Year.

HOPE TO SEE YOU AT THE RACES!