GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – In a thrilling display of grit and determination, Marcus Mast of Middlebury, Indiana, emerged victorious at the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Grand Rapids event, held inside the electrifying Van Andel Arena. With the dirt settled and the dust cleared, Mast stood atop the leaderboard, capturing his first Velocity Tour event title of the season.
The seasoned rider started strong on Friday night during Round 1 of the Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour competition. He delivered a solid 72-point ride atop The Frey (Mike Miller Bucking Bulls), securing a fourth-place finish in the opening round. Determined to build on his performance, Mast returned to the chutes in Round 2, where he successfully conquered Helena’s Pet (J Bar W) for 77 points, positioning himself as a top contender heading into the championship round.
With the pressure mounting and the championship within reach, Mast delivered his best performance of the weekend in the final round. He electrified the crowd with an event-high 85-point ride on Dr. Campbell (Nancy Haverty/Clay Struve/Dakota Rodeo/Chad Berger), sealing his victory and catapulting to the top of the leaderboard. This landmark win not only marked his first-ever Velocity Tour event triumph but also secured him 120 coveted Velocity Global points, propelling him up the season standings.
Podium Finishers Showcase Consistency and Skill
Finishing second was Cody Teel of College Station, Texas, who showcased remarkable consistency throughout the event. Teel’s campaign began with a strong 74.5-point ride on Foul Play (J Bar W) in Round 1, followed by an identical 74.5-point effort on Real OG (Dave Martin/Mike Miller Bucking Bulls) in Round 2. He carried that momentum into the championship round, where he delivered an 83.5-point ride on Ponotoc (Dakota Rodeo/Chad Berger), ensuring a perfect weekend and earning 80.5 Velocity Global points.
Claiming third place was Cody McCandless of Derry, Pennsylvania. McCandless got off to a solid start in Round 1, conquering Chainsaw (Mike Miller Bucking Bulls) for 73 points. He then surged up the rankings in Round 2 with an impressive 83.5-point ride on Jillian (J Bar W), positioning himself for a potential event title. In the final round, McCandless managed a 75-point ride on Peanut Butter Falcon (Clay Stuve/Dakota Rodeo/Chad Berger), securing his place on the podium and earning 71 Velocity Global points.
Rounding Out the Top 5
Fourth place went to Bob Mitchell of Steelville, Missouri, who made a strong push for the title. He kicked off the event with a round-winning 84.5-point ride on Maximus (Dakota Rodeo/Chad Berger). In Round 2, Mitchell kept the momentum going with an 82.5-point effort on Say Your Prayers (C Check Bucking Bulls). However, his championship aspirations were dashed in the final round when he bucked off Catching Gears (C-B Bucking Bulls) in just 3.17 seconds. Despite the setback, he secured 66 Velocity Global points.
Hometown favorite Matt Allgood of Saline, Michigan, rounded out the Top 5 with an impressive comeback. After being bucked off by Nahewdak (Dave Martin/Mike Miller Bucking Bulls) in just 3.17 seconds during Round 1, Allgood rebounded in Round 2 with a 79-point ride on Duffy (C Check Bucking Bulls), earning a spot in the championship round. There, he showcased his resilience with an 83.5-point ride on First Class (Dave Martin/Mike Miller Bucking Bulls), earning 47 Velocity Global points for his efforts in front of the home-state crowd.
Bull of the Event Honors Shared
In the highly competitive bull pen, Best Bet (C-B Bucking Bulls) and Pocket Change (J Bar W) each delivered standout performances, earning matching 43.5-point scores to share the prestigious Bull of the Event title.
While the Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour delivered electrifying action in Grand Rapids and Tulsa, Oklahoma, the elite Unleash The Beast series captivated fans in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at PPG Paints Arena. As the season progresses, riders continue to chase Velocity Global points, which determine their path to the elite Unleash The Beast tour and a coveted spot at the PBR World Finals in May.
Media Works of John Rothwell 