James Marietta celebrates his pro open winning after sweeping the pro classes in Epping, New Hampshire. (Photo provided)

EPPIG, N.H. — In mid-October, a strong contingent of watercross racers from the Copper Country traveled to Epping, New Hampshire, to participate in the “Race into Winter” event.

James Marietta was able to sweep his way to wins in both pro classes (pro limited and pro open). In doing so, he became the first driver from the west to ever win the East Coast pro classes.

“This is a crazy achievement,” said Dayton Moyle.

Dayton Moyle had his own success over the course of the weekend. He took second behind Marietta in the pro limited class, and then he turned around and won the Dan Hill Cup. He became the 23rd watercross competitor to win the trophy.

In order to win the Dan Hill Cup, competitors go through several rounds of qualifying, where the top three drivers from the west compete against the top three from the east. The overall winner wins the trophy for their team.

“Super team effort here and (it) involves a ton of strategy,” said Dayton Moyle. “I couldn’t have done it without Blake and Jimmy blocking for me.

“To be able to win one of the hardest trophies in watercross is such a surreal experience. I can’t thank all of my friends, family, and sponsors enough for their support, and giving me the opportunity to make these memories doing what I love.”

Blake Moyle also earned a spot on the podium for a third-place finish in the semi-pro. Then he followed that up with a second-place finish in the pro open drag races.

The “Race into Winter” event takes place in Epping, New Hampshire. About 45,000 fans attend the event every year, enjoying freestyle shows, watercross racing, snowmobile grass drags. Also included as part of the festivities are vendors, swap meets and carnivals rides.

Dayton Moyle, Blake Moyle and James Marietta hold up the Dan Hill Cup after the “Race into Winter” event in Epping, New Hampsire. (Photo provided)

The whole Yooper crew celebrates after James Marietta’s pro class wins, and Dayton Moyle’s Dan Hill Cup victory at the “Race into Winter” event held in Epping, New Hampshire. In the photo from left: Teddy Laurie, James Marietta, Shawn Zurn, Brad Barette, Sr., Dayton Moyle, Blake Moyle, Bill Parkin, and Tim Corrigan. (Photo provided)