Fred Dornelas | Photo by Mariah Lacy
Scott Gawler Sr. & Scott Gawler Jr. | Photo by Mariah Lacy
Area Directors & Club Info
Mark Bordelon (321) 794-0993 markbord115@gmail.com
Randy Rash (954) 931-5709 motodadfla19@aol.com
AREA #1 - Out-of-State, Panhandle
Brandon St. John (912) 674-6127 ktmbrandon21@yahoo.com
AREA #2 - Hamilton, Suwannee, Columbia, Baker, Union, Bradford, Nassau, Duval, Clay, Putnam, St. Johns
James Benton (904) 589-0093 bentonracing116@yahoo. com
AREA #3 - Gilchrist, Alachua, Levy, Marion, Citrus, Sumter, Lake
Allen Pearce (352) 339-5644 Allen.Pearce17@gmail.com
AREA #4 - Flagler, Volusia
Mike McGuire (386) 871-0666 makmcguire@yahoo.com
AREA #5 - Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas
Dale Ellis (407) 467-1196 dellis117ktm@gmail.com
AREA #6 - Hillsborough, Polk
West Anderson (863) 604-1868 jetster220@gmail.com
AREA #7 - Seminola, Osceola, Orange
Will Busick (317) 507-6636 willb763@gmail.com
AREA #8 - Brevard, Indian River
John Happel (321) 759-1474 ftrforester@gmail.com
AREA #9 - Manatee, Sarasota, Hardee, DeSoto, Highlands
Brian Dugre (941) 893-7898 brian@mycentec.com
AREA #10 - Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Martin
George Pollard (772) 349-6534 ktmgeorge811b@gmail.com
AREA #11 - Charlotte, Lee, Glades, Hendry, Collier
Ken Redford (239) 297-7170 redford_kenny@yahoo.com
AREA #12 - Palm Beach
Austin McAfee (561) 337-0998 amcafee379@aol.com
AREA #13 - Borward, Dade, Monroe
Max Rash (954) 609-1812 maxr@rivaracing.com Apollo M/C
Big O Trail Riders
Tommy Clay (863) 532-1952 tommy_clay@yahoo.com
Big Scrub Trail Riders
Curtis Bell (386) 679-8201 curtbell@rocketmail.com
Central Florida Trail Riders
AJ Stagg ajstagg@gmail.com (407) 929-2114
Columbia Enduro Riders
Ricky Dennis (803) 786-0051 mastercraft@bellsoth.net
Daytona Dirt Riders
Joe Carrasquillo (386) 615-0722 secretary4ddr@gmail.com
Family Riders, Inc.
Johnny Thomas (843) 553-1463 familyriderssc@bellsouth.net
Greenville Enduro Riders
Chris Poole (864) 617-4342 info@greenvilleenduroriders. com
Nature Coast Trail Blazers
Rob Swann (813) 731-5552 naturecoasttrailriders@gmail. com
Old School Dirt Riders
Ben Kelly (941) 650-1473 ftr90racer@yahoo.com
Palm Beach Track & Trail
Perry Mountain M/C
Brad Belcher (205) 340-4298 perrymountainmotorcycleclub@gmail.com
River City Dirt Riders
James Benton (904) 589-0093 bentonracing116@yahoo. com
Sarasota Area Dirt Riders
Randy Faul (863) 244-3709 randt817@gmail.com
Southeast Florida Trail Riders
Frank Campbell (561) 951-3732 flawoods35@yahoo.com
Sumter Enduro Riders
Johnny McCoy (803) 481-5169 serma@ftc-i.net
Suncoast Trail Blazers
Cary Hunt 727-635-6228 suncoastbiz1@gmail.com
Sunrunners Dirt Riders
West Anderson (863) 604-1868 jetster220@gmail.com
Tallahassee Trail Riders
Mikey Rainey (350) 591-5386 trailriderstallahassee@gmail. com
Treasure Coast Trail Riders
Ken Harris (772) 370-4434 khei9862@gmail.com
RIDER REPS
AA/A ENDURO
Mark Mannschreck (813) 310-2067 hondamm61@aol.com
B/C ENDURO
Sam Boydstun (407) 467-3951 woodsracercfl@rr.com
SPECIALTY A/B ENDURO
Ronnie Hames (386) 547-2397 ronnie@hbdmotografx.com
SPECIALTY C/WOMEN ENDURO
Elesa Berard (407) 376-7115
AA/A HARE SCRAMBLE
Troy Gardner (561) 329-7866 troyracing41@gmail.com
B/C HARE SCRAMBLE VACANT
SPECIALTY A/B HARE SCRAMBLE
Paul Lucas (305) 244-7531 happytimesamuse@msn.com
SPECIALTY C/WOMEN HARE SCRAMBLE
Holly Langford (954) 504-2659 hollylangford10@gmail.com
SATURDAY CLASSES HARE SCRAMBLE
Derek Tremain (863) 634-8183 derektremain@gmail.com
QUADS
Pete Rose (941) 270-1189 pwrracingktm@gmail.com
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
Randy Faul (863) 244-3709 president@floridatrailriders.org
VICE PRESIDENT
Pete Rose (941) 270-1189 vicepresident@floridatrailriders.org
SECRETARY
Bill Toreki (352) 372-1135 secretary@floridatrailriders.org
TREASURER
Kayla Vawter (863) 381-2649 treasurer@foridatrailriders.org
HARE SCRAMBLE CHAIRMAN
Randy Rash (954) 931-5709 hschair@floridatrailriders.org
ENDURO CHAIRMAN
George Tolson (863) 698-3837 gjtolson63@gotmail.com
HARE SCRAMBLE REFEREE
Jeff Hazeltine 941-468-7204 hsref@floridatrailriders.org
ENDURO REFEREE
Peter Magee (352) 262-4974 cr250m@bellsouth.net
BUSINESS MANAGER
Darlene Riggs (352) 538-6291 businessmanager@floridatrailriders.org
PRES SEZ.
WORDS: RANDY FAUL X
Calm Before the Storm
As we close in on the start of our extended season, with a couple of enduros already in the books, now is the time to take care of memberships and minor release cards. The FTR and Club sign-up crews are some of the best you’ll find anywhere, but to make things even faster and smoother, have your paperwork ready before you get to the line.
Summer is still hanging on, and the daylight slips away a little earlier each evening, but most of us still manage to sneak in some riding time. Speaking of riding, I recently had the chance to link up with some Georgia buddies near the little town of Pinetta. Longtime racers might remember that location from a hare scramble we held there 15–20 years ago.
Leaving at 3 a.m. Saturday morning to be on the bike by 9 was a grind, but the chance to ride different terrain—and share it with guys who love this sport as much as I do—made every mile worth
it. Even better, the lady I called out on stage at the banquet came along for the adventure. Saturday’s ride was a tight, ten-mile single track loop. Sunday, we tackled a 21-mile course outside Thomasville, GA. Both were outstanding, and the hospitality from George and Brian made it all the more special. Thank you, guys!
Coming back to Croom afterward felt like a bit of a letdown compared to the weekend’s trails, but seat time is seat time. And for the record—Georgia in late summer is every bit as hot (if not hotter) than Florida.
Stay healthy, stay safe, and let’s all look forward to an incredible season ahead.
P.S. Stay off ladders whenever possible. They’re unforgiving contraptions… ask me how I know!
Thanks for listening, Randy Faul
CHAPLAIN’s CORNER
WORDS: RODNEY BOYETTE X
Hey FTR Family – We’re a Go!
Enduro #1 is already in the books, and Hare Scramble #1 is right around the corner. We cannot wait to catch up with each and every one of you— both on and off the track!
In everything we do, preparation matters. Whether it’s work, morning routines, getting the kids to school, or making sure the bikes are ready for race weekend, being prepared sets us up for success. But above all of that, we should be prepared in our relationship with Jesus.
2 Timothy 4:2 reminds us to “preach the word and be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” As riders, we can relate more than we realize. When we’ve trained in the off-season, Hare Scramble #1 doesn’t hurt quite as bad (ha-ha!). On the flip side, it’s easy
to spot who hasn’t trained by the time lap three rolls around. Preparation sets us up for success—on the track and in our faith.
The only way to grow in faith and understanding is to spend time with Christ through prayer and by reading His Word—the love letter He gave us, the Bible. If you’ve never read before or don’t know where to start, begin with John chapter 1.
As we wrap up the off-season and ramp up for race season, let’s be reminded of one of my favorite verses:
1 Corinthians 9:24 – “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”
Be encouraged: even though only one rider takes the checkered flag at a race, through Christ we can all run His race and claim the prize of
eternal life.
We love you all! Be sure to come see us on Vendor Row—just look for the FUEL tent.
Get ready, it’s… TEN SECONDS!!!
Rodney and Dani Boyette
¡Hola, familia de FTR! ¡Todo listo! El primer Enduro del año ya pasó, y el primer “Hare Scramble” del año está a la vista. ¡Estamos deseando ponernos al día con todos ustedes, dentro y fuera de la pista! En todo lo que hacemos, “debemos” estar siempre preparados. Ya sea en el trabajo, en nuestras rutinas matutinas, llevando a los niños a la escuela a tiempo, o asegurándonos de que las motos estén listas para el fin de semana de carreras, etc.
Bueno, sobre todo eso, ¡así debería ser nuestra relación con Jesús! 2 Timoteo 4:2 dice que prediquemos la palabra y estemos PREPARADOS, tanto a tiempo como fuera de tiempo, para corregir, reprender y animar con gran paciencia. Como pilotos, nos identificamos con esto mucho más de lo que creemos. Cuando entrenas
y estás preparado fuera de temporada, la primera carrera no duele tanto. ¡Ja, ja! Por otro lado, ¡podemos saber quién no ha entrenado ni se ha preparado para cuando llega la tercera vuelta! Pero cuando nos preparamos y entrenamos, nos preparamos para el éxito y el crecimiento.
Esto aplica tanto en la pista como en nuestra fe. La única manera de cultivar nuestra fe y comprensión de Cristo es pasar tiempo con él en oración y estudiando la carta de amor que nos dejó: la Biblia. Si nunca la has leído o no sabes por dónde empezar, te animo a empezar por Juan capítulo 1.
Al concluir esta temporada sin carreras y prepararnos para la temporada de carreras, recordemos uno de mis versículos
favoritos: 1 Corintios 9:24: “Como saben, en una carrera todos corren, pero solo uno se lleva el premio. ¡Corran, pues, de tal manera que salgan victoriosos!”. Así que anímense, pues aunque corremos y solo uno puede ganar el premio, todos podemos correr la carrera de Cristo y todos obtener el premio de la vida eterna por medio de Cristo Jesús.
Los queremos mucho y por favor, vengan a vernos en la línea de vendedores. ¡Busquen la carpa de COMBUSTIBLE! ¡Prepárense para… DIEZ SEGUNDOS!
Rodney y Dani Boyette
ANNOUCEMENTS
FTR is accepting Nominations/Volunteers for the Hare Scramble and Enduro Rider Representatives to the Competition Committees.
Hare Scrambles Committee:
A/AA Displacement Classes
B/C Displacement Classes
Specialty (age) A/B Classes
Specialty (age) C/Women Classes
Saturday Bike Classes Quads
Enduro Committee:
A/AA Displacement Classes
B/C Displacement Classes
Specialty (age) A/B Classes
Specialty (age) C/Women Classes
Interested persons should contact the appropriate committee chairman (EnduroChair@FloridaTrailRiders.org, or HSChair@FloridaTrailRiders.org)
We’re excited to announce that Austin Lasure will be stepping into the role of PeeWee Race Steward for the 2025–2026 FTR series!
Austin has been a proud Pee-Wee dad for the past eight years. While his daughter hasn’t lined up on the gate just yet, his commitment to the Pee-Wee program has never wavered. He’s dedicated to making sure the next generation of riders has a fun, safe, and thriving racing experience for years to come.
With experience working alongside both beginner riders and top-level A-class racers, Austin brings a well-rounded perspective and passion that will help shape the future of youth racing.
Please join us in welcoming Austin to this important role!
Florida Trail Riders Board of Directors Meeting Highlights
July 12th, 2025
President’s Report
The meeting opened with a reminder that pit riding rules must be strictly enforced—no electric throttle bikes for anyone under 16. A big thank-you was given to our Safety Crew for their continued hard work, and shoutouts went to several FTR supporters:
- Scott Dawson and East Coast Printing for years of generous scholarship support.
- Austin Lasure of Freedom Cleaning Solutions and Ronnie Hames of HDB Graphics for their ongoing contributions to the FTR community.
A prototype of new weather-resistant FTR arrows was presented. Clubs were reminded that AMA insurance requires endurocross sections to be closed off with solid barriers when not in use.
Vice President’s Report
The upcoming 18-month season was a key topic. Clubs are urged to plan ahead and ensure proper staffing for spectator area enforcement, especially armband checks and pit riding. The pit riding rule handout
should be distributed at the main gate. Also, members are encouraged to stay alert for potential new race property opportunities.
Treasurer’s Report
FTR's financials are in solid shape. Notable updates include:
- Approval of $1,759.79 for Motorola radio service and repair.
- Purchase of new radios and accessories for $10,739.58 approved by the BOD.
Secretary’s Report
Congratulations to our award winners:
Pit Mom of the Year: Jessica McAfee
Sportsman of the Year: Gage Strong
Participation was down this year— look for more promotion next season!
FTR Scholarship
This year, 11 applications were received, and five $3,000 scholarships were awarded to standout FTR youth:
Sarah Redford – FGCU, Nursing
Lance Rainey – FAMU, Agricultural Science
Peter Churukian – Nova Southeastern, Biology
Julia Churukian – Broward College, Aeronautical Science
Rylie Howard – LSU, Construction Management
Other Key Updates:
- The new FTR website is live at FloridaTrailRiders.com (.net and .org also work).
- The RM Race Gas Program is a success and will continue next season.
- FTR has officially secured U.S. trademarks for “Florida Trail Riders” and “FTR”!
- Plans are underway to file for an ISSN number for our magazine.
- All members should review AMA’s updated Roadside Assis-
tance policy, especially changes to vehicle eligibility and membership requirements.
Recent EC Actions:
- Approved Motorola radio repair and replacement costs.
- Appointed Austin Lasure as Peewee Hare Scrambles Race Steward.
Enduro Chairman’s Report
This past season hosted 9 successful enduro events. The MotoTally system continues to perform well. We now have 15 working scanners and are in the process of building new clock stands.
Hare Scrambles Chairman’s Report
Reinforced pit riding concerns— again, no electric throttle bikes for riders under 16. A proposal to allow two work credits per rider for the extended season was debated but ultimately not approved.
Business Manager’s Report
Discussion was held on the 2027 banquet location—Daytona was ruled out due to higher costs. The board agreed to keep the banquet
in July, citing its alignment with the off-season and family availability.
Safety/Medical Team Report
Donny Richardson confirmed the FTR Safety Team is ready for next season. He emphasized that all club members wearing official shirts must help enforce rules, particularly around pit riding. Also discussed:
- Media and photographers must be registered and wear numbered vests on the racecourse.
- FTR will provide official media vests—thank you to Corey Pierce for the suggestion.
- The SxS water tank unit (with firehose) is fully functional and will be present at all HS events.
Motions & Proposals
Old Business:
March 2025 BOD Meeting Minutes – Approved
Race Entry Fee Adjustment –Passed (14-3)
Race Steward Position Creation –
Passed (Unanimous)
Tear-Off Ban Proposal – Failed (6-5)
Sunday PM Rider Cash Awards –Passed (15-1)
Calendar Year Season Shift (Onetime 18-Month Season) – Passed (Unanimous)
New Business:
Approved up to $5,000 for sign-up trailer repairs requested by Tim Nordle – Passed (Unanimous)
Brand Spotlight: Waterman Outfitters
WORDS: KURT LUCAS
When you grow up in South Florida, life has a way of revolving around the water. For Nate Murphy, owner and founder of Waterman Outfitters, that connection was more than just a pastime—it was an identity.
“As a kid growing up in South Florida my favorite thing was to be out on the water,” Nate recalls. “Fishing was like an adventure, you never knew what you were going to get.”
That sense of adventure, combined with a meticulous eye for style, eventually became the foundation for an outdoor lifestyle brand that’s quickly making waves.
From picky to purpose-driven
Nate admits he was always particular about clothing. Rather than settling for what was on the market, he decided to create his own. “I spent a lot of time with my grandparents who
were classy people,” he says. “They told me the importance of looking nice, which is why I came up with a fishing shirt that looked nice enough you could wear out on the town.”
The result is a line of sun-protective, Florida-ready apparel that blends performance with style. While fishing was the inspiration, Waterman Outfitters isn’t just a fishing brand—it’s outdoor-specific, designed for anyone who spends their time under the sun.
Building something real
The idea first struck Nate in 2022, and after two years of planning, sourcing, and refining, Waterman Outfitters officially launched in July 2024. “I wanted it to be legit,” he says, acknowledging that sourcing the right materials and partners has been one of the biggest challenges so far. Finding long-term retail
partners continues to be a hurdle, but Nate’s racing background has prepared him for the grind.
“Growing up racing taught me hard work and dedication—never give up,” he explains. That same mindset is now fueling his business.
Innovation on the horizon
True to what friends call his “pinball brain,” Nate is always thinking of new ideas. In the summer of 2025, Waterman Outfitters debuted Coral Camo, a fresh spin on the camo trend that’s exploded in popularity. “Camo has gotten very popular,” Nate says, “but I wanted to be different.”
And he’s not stopping there. A dirt bike–inspired shirt may be coming soon, and he’s even kicking around the idea of building
riding gear, tying his FTR roots back into the brand.
Wide Open future
The name Waterman Outfitters isn’t just about the water—it carries a deeper meaning. W.O. also stands for Wide Open, a nod to the energy and drive Nate pours into both racing and business. Though he plans to line back up on an FTR start line soon, right now he’s all in on growing Waterman Outfitters into something bigger.
From fishing shirts that double as evening wear to outdoor gear that pushes boundaries, Nate Murphy is proof that passion and persistence can create something truly original. And for him, this is just the beginning.
Use code FTR35 for 35% off at www.watermanoutfitters. com
Little Brown Jug Top 20 (FTR Only)
Photo by Mariah Lacy
5 Things to Prepare Your Body Before a Hare Scramble
1. Hydrate Like It’s Your Job
Start hydrating two days before the race, not just race morning. Mix in electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to replace what you’ll sweat out. A dry mouth on the starting line usually means it’s already too late.
2. Fuel with Real Food
Skip the gas-station junk. The night before, eat clean carbs (rice, pasta, potatoes) with lean protein. Morning of the race, go for something light but lasting — oatmeal, eggs, or a banana with peanut butter. Keep gels or chews on hand for mid-race boosts.
3. Loosen, Don’t Crush It
The week leading up isn’t the time for PRs in the gym. Keep workouts light — mobility, stretching, a short spin, maybe some bodyweight work. You want to feel fresh, not sore.
4. Train Your Grip & Core
A hare scramble taxes your hands and midsection more than your legs. Farmer carries, planks, and pull-ups all pay dividends. Strong grip = less arm pump. Strong core = smoother riding and better endurance.
5. Sleep Like a Champion
Sounds simple, but it’s the most overlooked. Two solid nights of 7–9 hours before race day help your body recover and stay sharp. A tired brain equals sloppy mistakes on the trail.
MOTO PT IMPROVE YOUR MOVE
WORDS: DR. MATT DAUGHERTY
Orthopedic Physical
Therapist and Racer
Why Stiff Boots Are Your Best Ankle Insurance
As both a physical therapist specializing in orthopaedics and a racer myself, I’ve seen firsthand the difference the right boots can make. Riders who choose softer, more flexible boots often enjoy better initial comfort and sensitivity, but they’re also overrepresented in clinics and orthopaedic offices with ankle injuries. In contrast, stiff, protective boots—particularly those with mechanical ankle lockout systems—are far more effective at preventing the kinds of injuries that can end a season, or even a career.
Understanding Ankle Biomechanics
The ankle is a complex joint designed to balance mobility and stability. The talus fits into the tibia and fibula to form a mortise joint, providing inherent bony stability. This structure is reinforced by ligaments including the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and the deltoid complex. Together, these tissues allow controlled motion while resisting abnormal stress.
Off-road racing, however, often exceeds the natural limits of this system. Hard landings, coming up short on jumps, abrupt foot dabs in ruts, or catching an unseen edge on the trail can generate forces that overwhelm the ankle’s stabilizers in an instant, resulting in ruptured ligaments or fractures.
How Modern Boots Protect the Ankle
This is where modern boot design plays a critical role. Premium boots like the Leatt Flexlock 5.5 and Alpinestars Tech 10 incorporate engineered ankle bracing systems that mimic the joint’s natural biomechanics. External struts and pivot systems act like additional bones and ligaments— allowing the ankle to move through necessary ranges for bike control, while limiting excessive dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion.
In essence, these boots function as a protective exoskeleton, reinforcing the ankle’s natural structures. The result is a dramatically reduced risk of catastrophic sprains, syndesmotic injuries, and
21 floridatrailriders.com
fractures during high-impact riding.
Adapting to Stiffer Boots
It’s true that stiff boots may initially feel restrictive. Riders often notice reduced feel on the shifter or brake. But with a short adaptation period, neuromuscular control adjusts, and the boots become a seamless extension of the rider. The protective benefits far outweigh this temporary learning curve.
Long-Term Joint Health
Injury prevention isn’t just about finishing the season—it’s about protecting long-term joint health. An untreated or poorly rehabilitated ankle injury can lead to chronic instability, arthritis, and reduced function long after racing days are over. Choosing boots with advanced ankle protection systems is one of the smartest investments a rider can make.
The next time you come up short on a landing or get hung up in a deep rut, you’ll be thankful for the added protection. In a sport where margins are razor-thin and risks are high, your boots should work as hard to protect your ankles as you do to push your limits.
Final Note
Before acting on any information in this article, consult a physical therapist or physician for a general health and activity readiness screening. If you’re already experiencing pain while riding, a complete evaluation is recommended.
For questions or comments, feel free to contact me at contact@motopt.com or call/text 904-395-5379. Let’s IMPROVE YOUR MOVE so you can ride pain-free with MotoPT.
Stay strong, stay mobile, and ride smart.
Dr. Matthew Daugherty, PT, DPT, OTR/L, MOT, DBA
Associate Professor and Director of Residency Programs
Board Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist
Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual
Physical Therapists
Manual Therapy Certified
Intramuscular Dry Needling Certified
Race tech tip with Jesse Ansley
Summer Bike Refresh: Get Ready
Summer’s the perfect time to show your dirt bike some lo from racing to escape the heat Whether you’re grinding t key maintenance tips to get your bike dialed for next seas Top-End Rebuild
Logging extra hours? Your engine’s likely due for a top-e and power, setting you up for solid performance when rac Bearings Check
Bearings often get overlooked, but they take a beating fr replace them to keep things running smooth and prevent Suspension Service
Whether you're getting faster, gaining/losing weight, or ju suspension shop get things dialed while you're off the bike New Tires
Still running last season’s rubber? Fresh tires improve trac consider the Dunlop MX34 front or MX14 rear Not every ti Fresh Look with HBD Graphics
New plastics and HBD graphics can give your bike that fa new sponsors, or just want a clean, updated style.
Take advantage of the summer slowdown to get ahead doing what you love: racing
For over 50 years, TF Racing has been elevating the off-road riding and racing experience for countless enthusiast while building champions on and off the track. Contact us today for a custom quote
ALORA Riding Tips with Alex Lugar
Riding in Slick Conditions
Hey everyone, hope you’re doing well! For this entry, I wanted to talk about racing and riding in slick conditions, and how to approach them. I’m writing this fresh off the Buckwheat GNCC, where traction was nearly impossible to find. That race really got me thinking about my own struggles and mistakes—and while that could fill a whole page by itself, I want to share a few of the main things I focused on, and how they can help your riding when the trails get slick.
Mindset Comes First
When traction is limited, your mindset is the first tool you need. Here in Florida, we’re usually lucky that the ground holds rain well, but plenty of our properties still develop that hard, slick base many of you have ridden. Going into these conditions, it’s crucial to keep a positive outlook. Remember—everyone is racing on the same track. Whether it’s wet slick, dry slick, or an all-out mudder, mindset is key.
Learn the Track Before Pushing
On days like these, familiarizing yourself with the terrain early while minimizing mistakes is everything. Too many riders “send it” the first lap, only to crash big and fight from behind the rest of the race. Don’t be that guy. You can’t win a race on the first lap, but you can absolutely lose it.
Use the opening laps to figure out how the bike is reacting and ask yourself:
Am I too far over the front?
Am I leaning too aggressively?
Am I just being too impatient?
These are the mistakes I see most often in slick conditions.
Creating Traction
The first step is understanding where traction is possible and where it isn’t. If you’re on a set of roots or hardpack, traction is almost nonexistent—patience is your friend. But if you hit loamy soil, ruts, or berms, you can start applying more throttle. It sounds obvious, but over-aggression is one of the biggest mistakes riders make.
Body Position & Footwork
Most traction starts at the rear wheel, so body position is key:
Shift your weight back—sit slightly behind the pegs or drop your heels when standing to add weight and plant the rear tire.
Cornering with control—apply weight to your outside peg to keep the rear hooked up and the bike more upright.
Stay centered—too much weight over the front unloads the rear and causes it to break loose.
Front-End Traction & Line Choice
Front-end traction is much harder to find. That’s why line choice is critical. The straighter you can make the track, the better. Open up your corners, cut under when possible, and use berms or even steer with the rear wheel to avoid excessive lean angles.
Controls & Throttle Management
Once your body position is set, it’s all about smooth inputs:
Ride a gear tall—helps prevent over-revving and wheel spin.
Use the clutch as traction control—slipping it just enough to soften throttle response.
Brake progressively—avoid stabbing the brakes, which locks wheels and kills momentum.
Final Thoughts
We can only hope Mother Nature gives us a break this season, but poor weather is part of racing. Keep these tips in mind the next time conditions turn slick, and you’ll be ready to adapt and stay in the fight.
Good luck, stay safe, and I’ll see you at the races! For more riding tips, check out @alexlugaroffroadacademy on socials.
Josh Tolken | Photo by Glenn Gardner | 2011 Carlton Ranch Hare Scramble
Luis Riguard | Photo by Mariah Lacy
2025 -2026 FTR Competition Schedule
*dates and locations subject to change
FTR’s BOD has voted to transition to a Calendar-Year (January to December) Season. So, for the 2025-2026 season, we will have a ONE-TIME 18-month schedule. After that, we will run from January through December. This was done to comply with AMA promotion rules. The approved preliminary schedule of 15 Hare Scrambles and 13 Enduros.
August 31, 2025
Enduro #1
Litlle Brown Jug Clinton, SC
September, 13-14, 2025 HS# 1 DDR Ormond Beach, FL
September 28, 2025
October 10-11, 2025
October 25-26, 2025
November 2, 2025
November 8-9, 2025
November 23, 2025
December, 6-7, 2025
January 3-4, 2026
January 17-18, 2026
Jan/Feb 31-1 2026
February 14-15, 2026
March 1, 2026
March 5, 2026
March 14-15, 2026
April 11-12, 2026
April 19, 2026
May 31, 2026
September 6, 2026
September 20, 2026
September 27, 2026
October 10-11, 2026
October 24-15, 2026
November 1, 2026
November 7-8, 2026
November 15, 2026
November 21-22, 2026
Enduro #2 Orange State Croom, FL
HS #2 CFTR Bartow, FL
HS #3 SADRA Bartow, FL
Enduro #3 Gobbler Getter Maplesville, AL
HS #4 Sunrunners Bartow, FL
Enduro #4 St. Mary’s Shoals Macclenny, FL
HS #5 OSDR Punta Gorda, FL
HS #6 SCTB Brooksville, FL
HS #7 PBTTR Okeechobee, FL
HS #8 TCTR Indiantown, FL
HS #9 BSTR Lake Butler, FL
Enduro #5 Straight Arrow Richloam, FL
Enduro #6 Alligator Ormond Beach, FL
HS #10 NCTB Dade City, FL
HS #11
OSDR Punta Gorda, FL
Enduro #7 Armadillo Lake Butler, FL
Enduro #8 Cherokee Greensboro, GA
Enduro #9 Little Brown Jug Clinton, SC
Enduro #10 Diamondback New Augusta, MS
Enduro #11 Orange State Croom, FL
HS #12 CFTR Bartow, FL
HS #13 SADRA Bartow, FL
Enduro #12 Gobbler Getter Maplesville, AL
HS #14 Sunrunners Bartow, FL
Enduro #13 St. Mary’s Shoals Macclenny, FL
HS #15
OSDR Punta Gorda, FL
