Davi Haagsma Retains WORCS Pro SxS Lead Despite Obstacles in Rounds 7 and 8

Jun 1, 2017

Davi Haagsma with the race check for the WORCS round 7 in Sand Hollow State Park, St. George, Utah

Davi Haagsma's podium finish in round 7 extends his points lead

K&N-sponsored Pro side-by-side racer Davi Haagsma left the Utah swing of the WORCS schedule with a hard-fought podium finish in St. George and a disappointing DNF in Cedar City. However, most importantly, he also left the state with a solid series lead.

For Haagsma, the entire 2017 WORCS season has included the turbo versus naturally-aspirated debate. While Haagsma has a turbo car in development, he has competed in a non-turbo through the first 8 round of the WORCS schedule.

Haagsma has opted for the reliability and familiarity of the naturally aspirated UTV over the raw power of the turbo. It’s hard to argue with his rationale as he holds a solid double digit lead in the Pro class. He has maintained a 14-point lead despite the fact that the top podium spot eluded him in the two Utah races on the schedule.

Round 7 - Sand Hollow State Park, St. George, Utah

David Haagsma racing in his naturally aspirated SxS

Haagsma has raced the first 8 WORCS rounds in a non-turbo SxS

Haagsma extended his points lead in the WORCS Series Pro SxS class after a third-place finish at Sand Hollow State Park in St. George, Utah. As has been the theme throughout the season, Haagsma was again driving the top finishing naturally aspirated car in the class.

Despite being underpowered, Haagsma racked up his fifth podium finish in six races. That consistency has been a huge part of the grip H&M Motorsports holds in the points lead in the SxS Pro Class.

“The sand takes a lot of horsepower and I knew I was underpowered,” Haagsma said. “I had to race with the turbo cars and try to make it to the finish. With three corners to go, I got into the smoother stuff and barely got by for third. I had two more corners to block him and made it home third. Overall it was a good day points wise.”

Round 8 - Iron Mine Race Park, Cedar City, Utah

Haagsma grabbed the holeshot at the start of the Iron Mine race in southern Utah in his naturally aspirated car. He lost the lead to a turbo car on one of the track’s wide-open sections. Haagsma stayed consistent and competitive, and regained the lead on the final lap. He seemed well on his way to the win in Cedar City when he suffered a race-ending belt failure.

“On the very last lap, I passed Ryan (Piplic) and then about 20 seconds later I blew up the belt,” said Haagsma, “That ended my race.”

Haagsma holds the series lead going into the final three rounds of the season

While obviously disappointed in the mechanical failure that ended a promising day at Iron Mine, Haagsma stayed positive by looking at the big picture.

“This is not the race I wanted, but I still have a decent points lead,” said Haagsma. “We have to do well the next races.”

The WORCS season will move to Glen Helen Raceway in Devore, California, for the series’ Summer Festival.

David Haagsma's series-leading naturally aspirated Polaris SxS runs the new K&N 63-1133 Aircharger performance air intake. Use the K&N search by vehicle tool to find the performance and protection you need for your UTV.