Who: OMA NATIONALS
Father: Bill Gusse “Lead Dog”
How It All Began: “The Race”
When: Fall 1976
Where: Fenton, IL
How: With the support of over 35 landowners “Pals”
… And Why: It’s no secret… Gusse’s not a huge AMA fan. But. He is an off-road racing enthusiast!
Creation of The Moose Run(TM): In 1976 Bill Gusse promoted his first race, "The Illinois Cross Country Championship", or simply called "The Race(TM)". It would be a 100 + miles (averaging 120 miles) in late October. Several years later there would be a local Hare Scrambles Series created. In '94 "The Race(TM)" was renamed "The Moose Run(TM)", to promote the apparel sponsor, Moose Racing Equipment. In ’95 Gusse originally seen the sponsor benefit in titling each round after a series sponsor of the Parts Unlimited Cross Country Series that consisted of several tracks thru out the Midwest. DP Brakes and Motion Pro were a few of the several sponsors who would sign on as title round sponsors. The partnership/loyalty/respect between Parts Unlimited, Moose Racing, DP Brakes, Motion Pro, & Gusse has lasted for over 10 years. The partnership with Parts Unlimited 15 years and counting! Parts Unlimited is not only a loyal supporter of UORR, but to our sport and industry also.
The Moose Run is recognized as "America's Toughest Race", by the racers and the media. Gusse's talent in designing racetracks is at a high competitive level. The Moose Run is not just another race; it is the most challenging for the best, the fastest, and internationally renown. Moose Run(TM) Description: Through '94 to '96 The Moose Run was scheduled in the month of October. Mapped around Fenton, IL, it consisted of chisel-plowed fields, timber, pastures, along ravines, across Rock Creek, also known as "Nightmare at Rock Creek". The weather some years was a major factor for the racers, even if there was no snow on the ground. In '97 The Moose Run was moved up to the month of May, where it became a bit shorter in mileage (marked out at 100 miles), but even tougher terrain. With the spring rains the swamps and peat bottoms become saturated, turning them into a bog that will devour your motorcycle or quad. Ruts become deeper, and the logs (most prefer to call trees) are slicked down with mud. And if that was not enough pressure on a racer, they will also have to maintain their energy and their bikes to the finish line. For some racers the finish line is a grueling 4 to 5 hours long. There are many challenges throughout The Moose Run, too many to mention. Majority of the racers who have competed in The Run have been quoted, "The Moose Run is a challenge for a racer to accomplish, doesn't matter HOW you finish, just that you finish!"
