Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/280528
32 Trail Rider T he N.E.T.R.A. Hare Scrambles schedule is looking strong for 2014 with 15 events spread out from April 6th through October 12th. The series looks much the same as the previous year with the only notable change being the absence of the Crossroads Winter Scramble that has been held in early January for the past few seasons. 2014 looks to be the season of the young guns with the vast majority of the AA line being occupied by teenage talent that would rival any series in the country. With Jason Klammer vacating his current role as the one to beat, it will be interest- ing to see who jumps in to fill his spot. Klammer has been dominant for the last 2 years racking up 17 wins and taking his consistency to a new level. I think this is going to be one of the most closely contested championships in a long time. When the green flag drops at the Spring Challenge Hare Scramble on April 6th, there is no question the racing will be fierce. The question is, who has done their homework and who has taken it easy over the win- ter. The Spring Challenge is usually a brutal race; it's long, muddy and the temps are typically cold. It gives us a pretty good gauge of where everyone's fitness is, and who's going to be strong throughout the first part of the year. As we get closer to the first green flag of the year, the buzz will start about who will be the next grand champion. Look- ing at the data we have from the last few years, I believe there are about 8 guys who can win on any given weekend. To pick a top five overall is tough because confidence and momentum have so much impact on the week to week racing, but here goes. 1 Ben Kelley : I have watched Ben for a couple of years now and he seems to be doing everything right. He already has the taste of victory and I think there a lot more are to come. He is smart, consistent and poised to take it to the next level. 2 Dylan Mcrithchie: Dylan came on really strong in 2013 and I expect that to continue into 2014. I really think it's any- body's game between Ben and Dylan. For now, the edge goes to Ben for his consis- tency and expereince. Dylan has a champi- onship in his future, it's just a matter of when. 3 John Kelley : John has been on the right track for years now but has been held back by some mechanical prob- lems. I think that is all going to change for 2014. John has improved his speed and consistency each year and is also a going to contest the en- duro series, which will help with his NETRA HARE SCRAMBLES pREVIEW 2014 Ben Kelley