Despite developing a turbo SxS, Haagsma opted for the reliability non-turbo to win the WORCS title | David Haagsma had built such an impressive cushion in the series that he simply needed to make a showing in the season finale at Adelanto Stadium in Adelanto, California, to lock up the WORCS Pro SxS Championship. The K&N-sponsored UTV racer ran a smart and conservative race to finish 8th and claim his second straight pro title. “We came into it knowing I had to only finish half a lap,” Haagsma said. “I didn’t get a good jump at the start, so I just ran my own race and didn’t get into trouble. I’m really proud because the guys that did it before me were really good. We didn’t change one thing from last year.” Haagsma tallied a total of seven podium finishes on the season. That consistency combined with two season wins was the recipe for success in the championship run. The championship is especially impressive considering Haagsma competed in a naturally aspirated car in a class that allows the higher horsepower turbo engine configuration. Haagsma and his team decided that the reliability of the non-turbo setup, breathing through a K&N intake, was the smart season plan. 
Haagsma has reason to smile with his strangle-hold on the WORCS SxS podium | While his innate racing talent is undeniable, Haagsma knows that a smart mental approach is vital to his success. Haagsma told K&N that balancing the highs and lows of the long WORCS season is a key to a consistent and effective championship effort. “For me, the highs have to be the wins,” Haagsma said. “When those come and come frequently, I find myself quickly getting into a groove and staying confident. The lows are trying to stay focused when you run into problems that set you back. Over the years, I’ve patiently learned to relax and rebound quickly, then you find yourself right back on top. That’s also helped by confidence, so it’s a good package.” Haagsma is no stranger to the top spot on the podium. However, since moving from ATVs to focus strictly on SxS racing, the 2017 championship is especially sweet. “To be honest, this is the one I really wanted to get,” Haagsma told K&N. “To put yourself in the group of racers that also have back-to-back National Pro Championships says a lot. This one ranks up there for sure. I left my ATV program to come back home and really put my efforts towards this program.” 
Big talent and a perfect racer's mindset have resulted in back-to-back Pro championships for Haagsma | There is an old adage that “no man is an island.” Haagsma is acutely aware that elite level professional racing is a team effort. The WORCS champion is quick to share the spotlight with those who have contributed to his success.“Everyone is out here with me,” said Haagsma, “My two mechanics, Allan and Theo, my engine builder Curtis Sparks, my car builder Justin Lambert at Cognito Motorsports, my rep Jason Reed, and my awesome sponsors that I couldn’t do without.” Clearly, H&M Motorsports is a true family affair, and Haagsma told K&N that both his immediate and extended family are vital to his success. “Most importantly, (I thank) my mom, dad, sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, and all my friends that I consider family as well,” Haagsma said. “Lastly, I met my fiancée Paige last year, and having her in my corner and seeing the support she has for me in this business means a lot to me. I couldn't do it without all those people.” After taking a moment to enjoy this year's championship, the H&M team has turned its attention to the 2018 WORCS season. Jason Reed, Marketing/Media Coordinator for H&M Motorsports, let us in on the planning and the team's goals. 
Hagsam (#1) has emerged as the cream of the talented WORCS Pro SxS crop | “Our plans next year are to defend our WORCS Pro SxS Championship," Reed said. "We currently have a turbo car and depending on the support we get, that’s the direction we’ll end up going. Although, we did prove this year that the naturally aspirated model was reliable and competitive as well. We’re just excited with the support we’ve had with our long-time sponsors and fans, and we want to go for a 3-peat. That’s the goal for 2018."K&N congratulates David Haagsma and his H&M Motorsports team on a second straight WORCS Pro SxS Championship. We are proud to be a vital part of the success. |
