The fastest motorcycle hillclimbers in the nation were in Las Vegas this past weekend for the 2009 N.A.H.A. Pro Hillclimb awards banquet. After competing in the Malcolm Smith Motorsports and Racer X sponsored series, the top four champions were crowned.

Robie Peterson won the first-ever Verticross championship, Corey Erhardt topped the 450cc Pro Class, Harold Waddell claimed the 700cc title, while Travis Whitlock added yet another Open crown to his collection. The banquet drew over 100 people from around the country who also attended the final round of the EnduroCross series and raced karts at Pole Position Raceway, the site of the party.

"It's great to see how the sport continues to improve every year despite the current challenges facing the economy," said Whitlock. "We have had a lot of television coverage this past season and next year looks even better."

"I'm really excited to win the first-ever Verticross championship," said Peterson. "The side-by-side, drag-race-style hillclimbing is a lot of fun as a racer, and the fans absolutely love it. The change has really made the 450 class a great spectator sport, in fact, some of the amateur Verticross races now draw over 500 participants!"

For more information check out www.pro-hillclimbers.org.