» Electric Starter
» Adjustable Power Valve
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» Billet Aluminum Footpegs
» Counter Balanced Engine
» Fully Adjustable KYB Forks and KYB Rear Shock
» Dual Material Sprocket
2O23
2-Stroke - 250 / 300
Race Bike
LIGHTNING BOLT!
Billy Bolt on his way to become 2023 SuperEnduro champion!
GasGas's Josh Roper takes the top step of the podium in round 1 of the 2023 AMA NATC National Mototrials Championship Series. Pictured here with minder, Nigel Parker.
PHOTO BY STEPH VETTERLY
Things got a little dirty at round 3 of the GNCC series - The Specialized General.
PHOTO BY KEN HILL
PG 64 - CAPROCK NEPG
PG 48 - RYAN YOUNG 3.0
PG 90 - SUPERENDURO FINALE
PG 118 - GNCC RD 2
PG 78 - WARRIOR USSE
PG 102 - NATC, FLORIDA
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courtesy of FIM
The 2023 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship will see the 24MX Hixpania Hard Enduro in Spain replace the Roof of Africa as the penultimate round of the series. As an event that needs little introduction, the inclusion of the 24MX Hixpania Hard Enduro is an exciting prospect for Hard Enduro competitors and fans the world over.
With its tried and trusted format, the Spanish event is certain to deliver many incredible moments in this year’s championship battle.
With uncertainty surrounding the event organisation at the Roof of Africa in Lesotho, FIM Hard Enduro World Championship promoters WESS GmbH have reluctantly been forced to remove the event from the 2023 schedule.
Although the decision to remove the Roof of Africa was not taken lightly by WESS GmbH, it’s hoped that the iconic South African Hard Enduro will debut in the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship in the very near future.
However, the event will be replaced by Spain’s infamous 24MX Hixpania Hard Enduro on October 13-15
in Aguilar de Campoo, becoming the sixth and penultimate round of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship.
Winfried Kerschhaggl - FIM Hard Enduro World Championship Manager: “Firstly, we at WESS GmbH are disappointed that we had to drop the Roof of Africa from this year’s world championship calendar. Losing the trusted and planned organiser seven months ahead of the event, we simply ran out of avenues to ensure a successful running of the race. Hopefully, in the near future we will travel to Lesotho. Parallel to those discussions we were able to find a replacement to round six with the 24MX Hixpania Hard Enduro. The event and the organising family have always been very close to us and proved a tremendous success in the world championship and the highlights of the 2022 season finale are still fresh in our minds. Initially we had intended to return to Aguilar de Campoo in 2024, but by bringing things forward 12 months it will further strengthen the 2023 championship with some incredible racing.”
• Round 1: Xross, Serbia - May 17/18/19/20
• Round 2: Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, Austria - June 8/9/10/11
• Round 3: Red Bull Abestone, Italy - July 7/8/9
• Round 4: Red Bull Romaniacs, Romania - July 25/26/27/28/29
• Round 5: Red Bull Outliers, Canada - August 26/27
• Round 6: 24MX Hixpania Hard Enduro, Spain - October 13/15
• Round 7: 24MX GetzenRodeo, Germany - November 3/4
of FIM
After the successful inaugural running of the FIM Hard Enduro Junior World Cup in 2022, the category has been elevated to the prestige of FIM Hard Enduro Junior World Championship supported by KLIM for 2023.
Continuing to develop the young talent of Hard Enduro, FIM Hard Enduro World Championship organisers WESS Promotion GmbH are delighted to announce that the Junior class has been awarded full FIM world championship status for the coming season.
Now known as the FIM Hard
Enduro Junior World Championship supported by KLIM, the sport will see its first FIM Junior World Champion crowned this season.
The championship will see renowned motorcycle apparel brand KLIM headline as the official class sponsor. KLIM are a global leader in designing, developing, and manufacturing the most advanced technical riding gear and motorsports apparel. Their robust, strong, and trusted riding gear, helmets, and protective equipment match perfectly with the unforgiving terrain and nature of Hard Enduro.
Building on its immediate success during 2022, the Junior category will continue to serve as an important platform for competitors aged between 16-22 years of age (on January 1) to showcase their skills.
Last year many great battles were witnessed, with South Africa’s Matthew Green (Rigo Racing) going on to win the series. For 2023, the goal is simple - continue developing young talent and enable them to compete alongside the world’s best riders, while also fighting for a world championship of their own.
For the coming season, the FIM Hard Enduro Junior World Championship supported by KLIM will be staged across four rounds of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship schedule. Xross Hard Enduro Challenge (Serbia), Red Bull Erzbergrodeo (Austria), Red Bull Abestone (Italy), and 24MX GetzenRodeo (Germany) will all offer point-scoring races for our Junior competitors.
Registration for the FIM Hard Enduro Junior World Championship supported by KLIM is now open on iridehardenduro.com.
Winfried Kerschhaggl - FIM Hard Enduro World Championship Manager: “We’re delighted to see the Junior category elevated to FIM world championship status for 2023. After launching the category in 2022, it was met with great interest and subsequently success. Serving as a platform to promote young talent within Hard Enduro, we witnessed some incredible battles throughout the season. We watched these young riders grow and as valuable experience was gained, they were also quickly pushing for top-10 results in the overall championship too. Now, with the class elevated to full FIM world championship status, we’re excited for the season ahead. Our sport is growing and this announcement will serve our future world champions well on their journey to the pinnacle of Hard Enduro.”
• Round 1: Xross, Serbia - May 17/18/19/20 *
• Round 2: Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, Austria - June 8/9/10/11 *
• Round 3: Red Bull Abestone, Italy - July 7/8/9 *
• Round 4: Red Bull Romaniacs, Romania - July 25/26/27/28/29
• Round 5: Red Bull Outliers, Canada - August 26/27
• Round 6: 24MX Hixpania Hard Enduro, Spain - October 13/14/15
• Round 7: 24MX GetzenRodeo, Germany - November 3/4 *
* FIM Hard Enduro Junior World Championship supported by KLIM
courtesy of SHERCO USA
photos by GABBY HARRELSONSherco USA announced today support of Utah-based DC Racing and their three-rider lineup in the 250 Pro class of Mason Ottersberg, Jack Anderson, Robby Schott, and amateur rider Cayden Chidester. The team will have a primary focus on the AMA West Hare Scrambles series, where Ottersberg is the defending 250 Pro class champion. The team will be competing on the
Sherco SEF 250 Factory four-stroke platform.
“I was excited when Dallas (Chidester) approached us about the opportunity to go racing with them,” said Sherco USA president Ron Sallman. “Dallas and all of the DC Racing team are professional and will be great ambassadors for the Sherco brand. Likewise, we are happy to provide them with a
premium product to help them in the title defense of their #1 plate with Mason. Jack and Robby are also podium guys who will be pushing for a championship as well. I am thankful for the information and development that DC Racing is able to provide not only Sherco USA, but ultimately the factory. We are seeing a big growth curve out west as we have onboarded many new dealers in markets where DC Racing will be racing which will help bolster those relationships.”
“DC Racing is super excited to partner with the Sherco USA brand for west coast style racing,” said DC Racing team owner Dallas Chidester.
“The 250 Factory bikes are awesome machines and the team is excited to put them on the box. I’d like to give a special thanks to Ron Sallman and Bryan Kraham for believing in us and aligning our brands together to reach the long-term goals we are both setting forth to let everyone know of these awesome bikes. Testing has gone very well and we were surprised at how fast we were able to adapt to the bikes to start the season, we are set to go racing and will be ready to defend the number one plate. We have a solid team with solid sponsors to help us achieve great success in the 2023 season. Let’s go racing!”
Mason Ottersberg is the defending West Hare Scrambles Pro 250 class champion and is the most experienced rider in the DC Racing lineup. He has also been instrumental in the development of the WHS race bike and will continue to develop the bike for other racing disciplines.
“I am looking forward to spending the season on the DC Racing Sherco SEF 250,” said Mason Ottersberg. “I have been putting in a ton of testing over the last two months and I’m quite shocked at how much I liked this bike coming off my previous brand. I can honestly say the fun factor is back with this motorcycle and my lap times certainly don’t lie either. I feel confident that we can back up my title again this season.”
This will be the first year that Robby Schott will have a primary focus on West Hare Scrambles. He is a podium contender from round one due to his experience and past results as a part-time WHS participant having finished as high as second. He has also finished on the podium in National Hare and Hound series. He finished 7th in the Pro 250 class last year despite his season being cut short in round five due to a hand injury.
“I’m really excited for the upcoming season and to be part of DC Racing Sherco!” exclaimed Robby Schott. “I’ll be navigating the 2023 Sherco SEF 250 Factory bike. I’m feeling comfortable, confident, and have excelled in my riding aboard the bike. The combination of the stability and consistent handling of the Sherco, along with my confidence, and muchneeded strength training will put this bike on top. I’m truly looking forward to working with the Sherco brand, DC Racing, and all the other great sponsors that have committed to our 2023 season. Let’s do this! Thank you to everyone involved,”
2022 was Jack Anderson’s first year in the 250 Pro class with a focus on WHS. He steadily improved results from round to round and ended up finishing 10th in class. With a full year under his belt, he and the team are looking forward to continued improvement this year.
“I am very excited about this opportunity and for what this year will bring,” said Jack Anderson. “The Sherco platform is one of the best and I have been putting in the work to continue to improve. I am so glad to be with the best of the best in DC Racing Sherco.”
www.trialstrainingcenter.com
423-942-8688
• Train With A Pro!
Expert instruction by top national riders
• Riding Park
Train on our 650 acre Mountain Resort Beautiful trails, streams and vistas
• Lodging, Cabin Rentals, RV sites and Tent sites
• Full Service HeadquartersMotorcycle
We sell Gas Gas, Sherco, Beta, Montesa & Scorpa
March 10-11: Downhill Southeast Bicycle Race
March 18-19: Trials Training Days
May 20-21: STRA Spring Splash
June 26-29: Family Camp
June 30-July 2: East Coast Youth Nationals & Women’s Open
August 18-20: TKO: 13 th Annual Red Bull Kenda Tennessee
Knock Out Extreme Enduro
October 14-15: 31st Annual 58K Fall Trial (STRA)
December 2: Toy Trial - Fun Trial
* All dates are subject to change
The Mecatecno factory is now beginning to produce the Dragonfly electric adult trials bike with first deliveries to dealers in Spain and other countries. Midwest Mototrials is expecting its first shipment in early April. The test/demo preproduction bike I received in November is working very well now after a few tuning modifications. It's very easy to ride, resulting from the light weight and nimble handling characteristics, easy pull clutch and a quick charge battery which gives five hours + of riding time. A dealer network is being set up and prices will be forth-coming. For more info, check out
www.midwestmototrials.com
• The T-18 Dragonfly is direct-drive from the motor to the rear wheel
• An easy-pull diaphragm clutch for maximum control and traction
• New M4 39mm Aluminum AIR FORKS are the lightest on the market
• Linkless Ohlins shock direct to the swing arm
• 5 hour+ quick change and fast charge battery
• Weight 132 pounds
• Seat can be added for trail riding comfort
REDWOOD ENGINEERING AHRMA
MAY 20-21 2023
NATIONAL VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE OBSERVED TRIALS EVENT
Opportunity for top riders from across the country to compete in a premier event
Family event for all ages
A short 1.6 mile loop with 7 sections per day
Free primitive camping ROCK RIDERS
QUARRY
2786 84 TH STREET NEHAWKA NE 68413
mickhutcheson@yahoo.com
ddzornes@gmail.com
All AHRMA CLASSES PLUS MODERN CLUBMAN AND VINTAGE OUTLAW (1987 or older)
$5.00 day or $10.00 weekend
Under 12 free Riders out at 11:00am
Three Chicks and a Wagon Food Truck
NO OFFROAD MOTORCYCLES ATVS, UTVS, OR GOLF CARTS ALLOWED
M
Available in Low/Standard/Tall height. The low seat is roughly 1" shorter than stock while still keeping OEM width, the tall seat adds roughly an inch. Ultradurable seat cover to prevent wear and tear from those who ride with knee braces. Softer foam than stock, Made in USA. Fits 2020+ RR/RR-S/RX & 2023+ Xtrainer.
PART # AB-22165-L/S/T
Current Price: $348.99
Race Edition Graphic Set, 2023. These are the same decals that the Factory Italy team uses for their race bikes! Fits 2023+ RR/RR-S.
PART # AB-11001-23
Current Price: $169.99
This CNC machined and anodized dash for your Beta RR-S protects the Trail Tech Voyager. Adds a location for a USB power outlet in addition to the stock warning lights and key assembly. An additional accessory mounting hole is provided to add a switch or RAM mount style 1" ball. Fits 2020+ RR-S Models.
PART # AB-22238-R/BK
Current Price: $199.95
Beta KYB Shock Adjuster made by Xtrig. Allows rear suspension sag to be adjusted only using an 8mm socket. No more beating on the preload collars. Fits all 2023+ Race Edition Models.
Current Price: $199.99
DT-1 Filters’ popular Super Seal Air Filters are available for 2023 GASGAS MX and Off-Road motorcycles. All DT-1 Filters are manufactured with highquality dual-layer foam designed to let air in and keep dirt out. The Super Seal Technology features a premium base made to fit securely against the air boot and eliminate the need for grease around the filter’s edge.
DT-1 Filters are available in Standard Dual-Layer Foam for GASGAS models, and come standard or pre-oiled (extra $2 for pre-oiled) with DT-1’s proprietary biodegradable foam filter oil.
Current Price: $32.99+
Earlier this year, we introduced a new initiative from Abigail Buzzelli called the 10x12 Challenge, designed to get more people on the pegs, riding motorcycles. We're back to celebrate everyone who completed their second month's challenge - riding at least 10 days in the month of March
Beth Ali
Chris Bankston
Haley Bankston
Tyler Bankston
Keith Bell
Kevin Bobal
Lara Burnett
Abigail Buzzelli
Chris Buzzelli
Rachel Campbell
Max Dracha
Brad Evans
Karl Faruzel
Norman Foley
John French
Zackary Guelde
Kenny Gwyn
Greg Hales
Ash Harrison
Brittney Hoy
Tommy Justice
Caroline Kent
Mike Mazak
Don Mealor
John Montoya
Terry Ottinger
Toni Profer Roach
Jason Robb
Nicole Robinson
Michelle Robinson
Ken Schrock
Jimmy Sharpe
Martin Sturla
Tom Trantow
Seth Vorseth
If you don't see your name on the list, visit www.10x12challenge.com to see the challenge rules and get your February swag.
courtesy of BRIAN PIERCE
Here are five pro tips to help you maximize your race day performance with optimal nutrition. We chat through supplements, hydration, electrolytes, carbohydrates, protein, sour patch kids, and even beer. There are many ways to prepare your nutrition for a race weekend, I believe the easiest approach is to keep it simple. The video has all the details broken down. Below the video is some high level thoughts pulled out for quick reference.
Tip #1:
Race day nutrition starts the week before your event
If you want to be primed and ready for your race come race day, preparation starts in the days leading up to your event. Not only do you need to have your bike and gear ready to go, but you need to have your body and mind prepared as well. This starts with simply adding a few more calories of Carbohydrates and Protein during the pre-race week. In simple terms, 15-20 grams extra of protein (2-3 oz of chicken breast), while adding in 30-40 grams extra of carbohydrates (one cup of rice), per
day. If you can add this post-training session, that’ll be even better to aid in recovery pre-race.
Due to the activities you’re about to undergo in a race situation, you want the simplest process possible to transfer energy throughout the body. Our body can leverage Proteins and Fats for this, but Carbohydrates are the most effective macronutrient at helping the body transfer energy quickly. Slower burning carbohydrates 2-3 hours before your race help build up glycogen stores in your muscles and liver, while faster burning carbohydrates should be consumed 45 min to an hour before the green flag. See tip #4 for on-thebike formula.
On the bike carbohydrate options:
• Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel
• Ryno Power Carbo-Fuel
After some research, I am going to try UCAN’s SuperStarch. It appears it may not inflame my arthritis due to having a low glycemic load. I’ll let y’all know how it goes.
New foods aren’t a good idea because you don’t know how your body is going to react. If you get an upset stomach, or diarrhea, you’re
going to be losing a lot of water on the toilet. Part of planning for a race weekend from tip #1 is knowing what your travel will look like, and what snacks or drinks you’ll need to bring. This will keep your from wandering around a Buc Ee’s in a famished state (which is dangerous) looking for any and all things to consume. Also, don’t trust your friends new supplement company he just started on race weekend. I’m sure he means well, but save the samples he just gave you for a training ride where you can afford to realize you forgot to pack toilet paper.
Electrolytes help our muscles work properly, and they aid in energy production. They also help balance fluid inside and outside of the cells. This tells us that we need to drink water, and we need to take in Electrolytes, because we’re going to use our reserves, we’re going to sweat, and we’re going to pee. Leveraging a Carbohydrate + Electrolyte supplement here can work for a lot of riders. There are many supplements (not all are created equal) that have Carbohydrates and Electrolytes ready in a power form. This keeps it simple for you as you can add these to your hydration bladder for on the bike consumption.
I believe consuming Protein, or leveraging Essential Amino Acid’s (EAA), are important for those of us that are on the bike for longer than an hour because we need to repair muscles throughout our event. Yes, this takes energy to process, but for the long time on the bike, I believe consuming small amounts of Protein is worth it.
• LMNT Keto Electrolyte Powder Packets (no sugar)
• Ryno Power Hydration Fuel
Tip #5:
Recovery starts immediately after your event ends
Recovery begins immediately after your event is over. It’s best to get Carbohydrates and Protein into the system within the first 30 minutes after you’re done. Having a protein shake ready to go is a great idea, it can include Carbohydrates and Electrolytes so you’re replenishing everything your body is looking
for. Recovery is still happening for the rest of the day, if not for days after your event. So be diligent about listening to your body and replenishing everything you just utilized.
• Tailwind Nutrition Rebuild
Recovery Drink Mix
• Ryno Power All-Natural, GlutenFree Protein (add carbs & electrolytes to this)
If this feels like a lot, don’t freak out. Start small, pick one thing to focus on a start playing with it. Once you feel you understand it, or have found a process that works for you, try adding another element to your race day process. We’re looking for consistency over everything else here. If you try to add all of this to your race weekend, you run the risk of burning yourself out and quitting all together.
Alex Martin has recently retired from professional Supercross and Motocross racing, but that doesn’t mean he’s done with the sport. He’s been growing Troll Training with John Wessling over the past couple years and that’s now where he’s putting his heart and soul. We discuss the many facets of supercross and motocross nutrition, training, and much more! The rabbit holes were deep, and I enjoyed every single last one of them.
If you want to improve your skill, one of the absolute best ways is to surround yourself with experts that are willing to help you learn. There is something truly special that happens when you are immersed among the elite. Especially when you are being mentored, shown, taught, and then challenged to do more with the newly gained knowledge. It’s an
accelerant. It’s like pouring gas on a fire!
This was my experience when attending a recent Trials Training Days (TTD) immersed in an amazing learning environment at the Trials Training Center (TTC) in Sequatchie, TN. This was my second year attending and I got just as much out of the training this year as last
year. During the training weekend, the students attended classes of our choosing based on specific skills and techniques taught by expert riders. The weekend was a melting pot of different instructors, schools of thought, and ideas. Every year of TTD there are different teachers, each bringing their own methods for teaching a technique. Rubbing elbows and asking questions while watching demonstrations never disappoints. Trials is like a fine jewel. Each way that you turn the jewel, light enters and exits in a unique way, and can often provide revelational insight. The team of instructors are all volunteers and genuinely give back to the trials community with
their time and knowledge. Ray Peters and the factory team riders from Beta USA represented a large portion of the instructors and also had a fleet of demo bikes to test ride. Some of the most popular classes at TTD were focused on obstacle riding techniques. There are several ways one might choose to get over an obstacle, and each method has its own merit. After instruction and demonstration of a technique, the students would line up on a small obstacle and then progress to a bigger one. The instructors assisted as spotters to help catch your bike, and sometimes even your body, when you were not going to make it to the top of the ledge. There
was a strong feeling of increased safety along with a healthy dose of borrowed courage. There's something about watching another similarly skilled rider accomplish something that helps you realize that you can do it too. I'm pretty sure I said, “Oh geez, if Kyle can do it, I'm sure I can also.” Everyone is pulling for each other to be successful, and a chorus of cheers spontaneously erupts when you do finally make it up that challenging rock ledge. Your confidence swells and you become determined to clean it (get over it without putting a foot down).
In the late afternoons and evenings, when classes were over, the learning opportunities continued. I found myself often asking others for tips
and insight into certain techniques in the playground area. The environment is extremely supportive, and everyone is eager to help one another. A strong vibe of mutual skill development filled the air and there was also a pinch of healthy competition. Each day during our lunch break we got to watch expert riders compete at a best trick or best wheelie competition. Healthy play and friendly competition promote striving to be better.
Being immersed in a highperformance culture can truly accelerate your progress. Expert coaching, great landscape, extensive ride time, and being surrounded by others all striving towards the same goal of becoming a better rider
combined to make this a fantastic trip. If you missed it this year, be sure to mark your calendar next spring to experience Trials Training Days 2024. If you don’t want to wait that long, TTC frequently hosts classes taught by Ryan Young every month or so. He has classes geared towards both trials and enduro and there are even opportunities to rent bikes. See more at ryanyoungtrialsschools.com
TTC offers spectacular riding among a beautiful landscape of hills, hollers, creeks, and rocks. This place has it all. It's expansive, but you could stay challenged and fully occupied without ever losing sight of your truck. It was home to the 2013 world round and I had the opportunity to see some of the ridiculously tall
obstacles that Pro Riders were ascending like Toni Bou. It also hosts the Red Bull TKO hard enduro series. You can learn more on their website and consider watching the video I have at the following link.
Dirt Riders West
Lewisport USA
Balance Trials Supply
Trial Store USA
Aloha Trials
Hawaii Rides
Tom's Toys
TRS Kentucky
Jack's Cycles
Mossy Rock Trials
Competition Wheels
HVC cycle
Moto Works USA
Moto Works USA
Miller Ranch Trials
Adroit Engineering
Gran Prix Cycle
Trials Training Cntr.
MOTOTRIALSPORT
Thumbs Up Trials
Frank's Motorbikes
Mike Carlton
Adrian & Mandy Lewis
Bill Haskell
Alex Niederer
Clayton Oshita
Sam Bird
Tom Littlefield
Sam Fastle
Stuart Preston
Dan Larson
James McKenzie
Brad Obidowski
Carl Madsen
Peter McCurdy
Aaron & Andy Miller
Jon Rentschler
Gary & Robyn Byers
Larry or Allison
Tom Batchelor
Steve Davis
Frank Kergil
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ME, South Berwick
MT, Big Timber
NC, Concord
NE, Lincoln
NM, Albuquerque
NM, Santa Fe
NY, Corning
OH, Chardon
OR, Albany
TN, Sequatchie
TX, Midlothian
UT, Provo
WA, Bellevue
If you've found yourself interested in trials at all, chances are you've heard the name Ryan Young. Involved in the sport since he was born, he rode on the fuel tank of his dad, Jerry's, bike in actual competitions on some of the easier sections. Starting out on a Yamaha TY80, he worked his way up through the classes on vintage trials bikes, eventually winning the Pennsylvania state trials championship at the age of 16 on his first new trials bike, a Montesa 242.
In 1982, he started competing in Nationals, winning the Sportsmanclass championship at the age of 17. In 1988, at the age of 21, he competed in his first Pro championship, going on to win six straight National Pro Championships in a row, a record that has never been repeated or broken (although Pat Smage's getting close now).
When he retired from competition in 1996, he started what would become Ryan Young Products (RYP), focused on importing trials and enduro bikes, and providing parts to keep the machines in the best condition. He helped some of the best riders during spring break every year, training at the infamous Trials Training Center (TTC) instead of sitting on a beach sipping margaritas. He has even produced numerous trials training dvds.
After 25 years, he switched gears again and started a different business - Ryan Young Trials Training Schools, travelling all around the country to teach trials training techniques.
For those who have dabbled in the sport of trials, you know the skills learned in the unique sport transition to any other motorcycle discipline, ultimately helping to make you a more skilled rider. And what better person to learn from than someone who has trained many of today's top riders?
So what is a typical Ryan Young training? We talked with Ryan to get the inside scoop on what his latest endeavor is all about.
First off, there are a few options. With multiple locations on the schedule for 2023, there may be a school right next door. For those interested in a more one-on-one opportunity, Ryan offers an option for a private class, either one or two days. You can fly into the airport in Kentucky where you'll get picked up by Ryan himself, you can rent a bike from Ryan's collection, and even stay at his house! His house is complete with a trials museum documenting his history through the sport complete with trophies from around the world, a game room, pool table, arcade game, and more.
"I work from the beginning like you know nothing," explained Ryan. "You have a ton of bad habits you need to get rid of. So I act like you know nothing. I work through all the basics
into the advanced. All the advanced maneuvers are basically a bunch of basic maneuvers put together, so you can't really teach the advanced until you go through all the basics. The main format of the school is a two-day school, and it's for groups. If you're a club and you get 15 to 25 people together, I could fly out and teach a group of riders. It takes two days to cover all the techniques. If you have some repeat customers that are expert riders, we can add a single day Friday before the two-day school. And if you have a bunch of beginners that have never been on a bike before, we can add another beginner school as well, either Thursday or Friday before the two-day school.
But the two day school is the premiere school that everybody definitely needs to take; it’s almost mandatory. It teaches you everything about trials, and after that weekend you should have a really good basics and fundamentals for what trials is all about. And obviously, once you have the trials techniques, you can apply them to any motorcycle sport out there, whether it's motocross, enduro, hard enduro, road racing, flat tracking."
Daniel Blanc Gonnet
Logan Bolopue
Will Check
Ty Cullins
Karl Davis Jr.
Ian Delany
Sam Fastle
Louise Forsley
Lucas Gillespie
Hailey Glueck
Max Glueck
Scott Gudgel
Chase Harker
Ron Hensley
Jarred Herrel
Jason Hirt
Nate Hirt
Dylan Lazano
Maddie Leigh
Luke Littlefield
Mitch Littlefield
Evan Manniko
Eric McCurdy
Sam Meyerpeter
Alex Myers
Will Myers
Nigel Parker
Andrew Putt
Kenny Riggle
Ryan Rivenburgh
Kailey Rivenburgh Rhoten
Ryan Rohrschneider
Bryan Roper
David Roper
Josh Roper
Jim Schooley
Pat Smage
Kylee Sweeten
Arron Thistle
Kirstjan Thordarson
Jordi Trey
Seth Vorseth
Colton Weaver
Hunter Weaver
Quinn Wentzel
Brandon Wheeler
The Triangle T Guest Ranch played host once again to this year’s Cactus Cup Trials. Triangle T has been around since the 1930s and many old westerns were filmed there back in the day. Now they have horses to ride, casitas to rent, and a saloon and restaurant to satisfy those other needs.
Ron Saum moved from Michigan in the early 1970s. He was an Engineer with General Motors and came to work at the GM Desert Proving Grounds in east Mesa. He became
a driving force in Arizona trials, setting many trials with the Central Arizona Trials (CAT) club. He was the instigator of the first CAT/NATC Nationals, the Blue Ridge Nationals, in 1978 & 1979. He continued to organize multiple National trials with the NATC. Quite likely, his crowning achievement was as the Diplomat of the 1990 FIM/NATC World Round at the Oak Flat Campground near Superior, AZ. He even put up some of his personal money to secure reservations for the visiting world riders. Because of his impact to the
sport, Ron was inducted into the NATC Hall of Fame in 2008.
Ron used to teach trials schools for the Central Arizona Trials club. Before there was a Jap Zap, Ron taught us the “Lever.” He would have his son, Andy, stuff the front tire into the upper face of an obstacle and make the bike rotate around the front axle. This would lift the back tire like a lever action. Instantly, Andy would jump like magic to the top of the rock.
This is the spirit of Ron Saum we memorialize now. He was fit as a fiddle and slim and trim, but to no avail. Sadly, we lost Ron way too early in 2009 to cancer.
Andy and Carolyn Saum worked through a couple of snowy, freezing weekends last month to begin making sections. Todd and Vonda Roper joined in later and so did Keith Myers and Jonathan Buchanan.
The trials site is located on the west end of Texas Canyon near Dragoon, AZ. Interstate 10 runs right through it. Just up the road is a rest stop. It is one of those places where you look around and say, ”I sure wish we could unload and ride here.” At the trials site we actually go underneath I-10 and ride on both sides of the freeway.
The Cactus Cup is part of the Conquer the West Trials Series, organized by Bryce and Erica Pophal,
that encourages riders to travel the western states and ride select twoday trials. We always have some out-of-state and snowbird riders. With the Conquer the West series, about 20 non-local participating riders came to the event. Riders from no less than Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and California came to enjoy the desert riding. We usually also see a good group from New Mexico, but their season started the same weekend. Overall, there were 84 riders on Saturday and 77 on Sunday.
Saturday morning was below freezing at sunrise so patches of snow and lots of frost were all
around. This made for some water runoff in the sandy streambed sections as the sunshine warmed things up.
Some sections gave the Beginners elevation changes that drew big looks. William Montjar came home in first place with 12 points on his Electric Motion Escape. And the scores went up from there.
The Novices had lots of off-camber turns on the slabs. Tom Bateman took first with 35 dabs. Baylee Pennington was second with a score of 40. Novice 40+ was won with only five points by Roland Moelder.
The Elite riders got several down-and-up turnarounds to test their skills. Bryan Jones held off his son for first place. He had 31 and Devon took 32. The Elite 40 + was won by Scott Petry on his Electric Motion with 14. Kevin Lowney was second on 16 total.
These sections took a lot of points for some of the riders, but the winning scores were just enough to show they had to work for their trophies.
We also had six riders in our version of “Next Gen Youth” trials sections. Lee Pennington and Carl Miller along with their families always lead the way in setting those. They will also be the trials masters for the 2023 Western Youth Nationals this summer, June 16th -18th at the Mohave County Hualapai Mountain Park near Kingman, AZ.
In the afternoon, the riders moved to the big rock formations. Some sections
went through a little water and mud, then up on the rocks. The mudcovered rocks got slippery as the day went on and cleans turned into dabs. The highlight of the day was section 6 where the ground between two rocks turned into a quagmire. Bikes were going every which way as they sunk up to the front axle going into it. Some riders lofted over it, but the back was usually still in the mud bog and churning up a mess.
On the Pro line, Josh Roper was putting on a show. He was clean all day save for one fiasco. In section 3 he was set-up with the front tire stuffed against a mediumsize slanted boulder. As he applied power to zap up the rock, the set-up
rocks gave way and his launch was cut short. He tried to push to the top, but gravity had the upper hand this time.
Daniel Blanc-Gonnet was riding spot on in his set-ups all day. Many of the sections had four or more obstacles that required the Pros to hop around, flick turn or nose wheelie into position. He used up four dabs in select spots to bring his card home in first place.
Nigel Parker has been minding for Josh for a few years. He recently became a GasGas Factory Mechanic in California. He put himself into third place by taking only a single five and 28 points total. It was on Section 3, the same place Josh got his five.
Cole Cullins has made the move to Pro, and finished fourth on 30 dabs. He has been practicing in Arizona with Josh throughout the winter. The Ropers seem to have “adopted” him as he spent more time with them than back at home in California.
Ty Cullins, after riding the EnduroCross series on his TM, came with the family to ride at the Cactus Cup. He was just behind his little brother for fifth on 36 points.
Joey Stanley, another local CAT Pro, held up admirably on these oversized obstacles for sixth place.
In the Expert Class, Geoff Aaron watched his 14-year-old son, Murphy,
take a single five, with 14 on the day to sweep up first place.
Expert Sportsman drew seven riders, three from California. Chris Cullins, father of Cole and Ty, bested all comers with 18 points and no fives on his card. Mitch Carvolth on 22 and Brian Frank on 23 battled for second and third.
The Sportsman class had Daniel Hare in first place on 11 points. Erica Pophal took home second on her 22 dabs. She had one fluke five as she went clean, five, clean in section 5.
Sportsman 40+ drew six riders, four from out-of-state. Greg Jones, multi-time and multi-class Arizona
Champion put his foot down three times on the day to take first place and win the Cactus Cup trophy for Saturday. Second place was Tony McGrath on 11 total.
Clubman class had an even dozen competitors. Jonathan Buchanan was a Trialsmaster on Sunday, but he took first place on just four dabs on Saturday. Ronald Anderson had 14 points, six cleans and six ones for second. Bryan Skinner took 14 points, six cleans and five ones for 3rd place.
Master Clubman is a non-transfer, non-age-limited version of Clubman. Lee Pennington took the win with six points on the day.
The lady trialsmasters, Carolyn and Vonda are actually sisters. They are two of the three daughters of Joe and Clara Patrick. When they were growing up riding trials in Alabama, their parents published the Trials Competition newspaper. Eventually, the girls moved to Arizona where they raised their families and the paper sold to Shan Moore in
Oklahoma. He transformed it into Trials and Enduro News before it became none other than On the Pegs.
Sunday morning came to us frostfree in the upper 30s with lots of sunshine. The ladies flattened things out a little bit for the Beginners. They got warmed up from the Saturday riding and the scores came way down.
Cooper Croy moved up from second on Saturday with 35 to take first with
seven points on the Beginner line. Cooper is the youngest of three Croy generations that rode the weekend. Cooper was also the Sunday Cactus Cup winner for his great riding and outstanding sportsmanship.
In the Novice Class riders were going up, down, and across the cambered rock slabs. eight-year-old Carter Hubner was first with 34 dabs. He is the youngest of three generations of Hubners from Montana riding the weekend. Novice 40+ was again won by Roland Moelder, now on 18 points.
The Elite Class riders were given some challenging steps and bigger slabs to climb and had a tie on eight points. Bryan Jones had 18 cleans. Karissa Rosenfield had 19 cleans to take the win.
In Elite 40+, Wendel Croy pulled away from the field of seven riders to win with a score of nine. Robert Stanley was second on 17 total.
The afternoon sections were a mix of sand with more water and big rock formations. The Clubman and Sportsman got a few brake checks down some very steep step-offs and ravines.
Section 6 worked up through a muddy ravine to top out along a huge cambered wall for all but Clubman. It was very difficult to get over the step onto the camber without dragging or dabbing. If a rider lost his balance
there, it could send you down to a big puddle at the bottom of the ravine. At least one rider went swimming.
Section 8 was an amphitheater rock hill. The Pro line worked up about five obstacles on the way to the top where they were silhouetted against a background of blue sky about 50 feet up. They snaked back down, around, and over a couple more gaps and zaps to the exit.
Josh Roper made amends for Saturday by bringing home a clean card. Daniel Blanc-Gonnet tried to keep him honest with a score of seven ones for second. The other
Pros followed on in the same order as Saturday.
Once again in the Expert Class, there was nothing slowing down Murphy Aaron as he jetted his way to first place on five ones.
Chris Cullins continued to show the way in Expert Sportsman taking the win with 11 points. Brian Frank was second on his Sherco 125 with 16. Bryce Pophal took third on a twin shock Yamaha with 18 dabs.
Sportsman Class was again Daniel Hare in first with 12 dabs. Erica Pophal took second with 30 and Phil Carlin came in third with 34 dabs.
Sportsman 40+ was a tie on 14. Tony McGrath had 15 cleans for second and Greg Jones had 17 cleans to take home first place. Larry Drawhorn came from Washington to take home third with 17 points.
On the Clubman line, Brian Skinner came over from California to win first place on five points. Ronald Anderson came down from Wyoming to get second on 10 total.
The Master Clubman class saw Lee Pennington carry on his winning
ways with 12 points. Steve Dickson was close in second on 16 dabs.
Complete results are available at www.centralarizonatrials.org/results.
Central Arizona Trials wants to thank everyone that came to our event. We wish safe travels to all the riders and supporters as we continue this year. We hope you all will come back in 2024 and try to “Conquer the Cactus Cup.”
words and photos by SHAN MOORE
2023 Magna1 Motorsports AMA National Enduro Series presented by Moose Racing
ROUND 2
TURKEY, TEXAS
MARCH 19, 2023
Enduro Engineering GasGas’ Josh Toth made it two winners in two rounds after topping this weekend’s Caprock National Enduro, round two of the 2023 Magna1 Motorsports AMA National Enduro Series presented by Moose Racing in Turkey, Texas. Toth beat out roundone winner Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Grant Baylor by over 14 seconds to claim the victory.
Toth won the first three tests of the six test, 75 mile event, before throttling back in the final three tests, going 2-2-5 to finish out the race on top of the box.
Grant Baylor won the final three tests after going 5-3-4 in the first three tests.
After two rounds, Grant holds a fourpoint lead over Toth in the series standings (55 to 51), with Coastal Racing GasGas’ Ryder Lafferty in third with 41.
Toth finished fourth in a Hard Enduro in Hawaii the week before the Caprock and he felt it prepared him for the west Texas event.
“That event was a brutal, fourhour event and I think it got me in shape for this weekend,” said Toth. “Coming here, it was cold weather here, so it was a pretty easy day compared to Hawaii.”
Grant took an impressive second overall, despite having to deal with riders he was catching on the row in front of him.
“There were a couple of Pro 2 riders on the row in front of me and I kept catching them, and that held me up a bit,” said Grant. “In one test, they were throwing up a big dust cloud and I thought the track went right and it went left.”
Riding his first enduro of the year, Coastal Racing GasGas’ Ricky Russell put in a strong performance for third, finishing 25 seconds behind Grant.
“It’s good to be back in enduro racing, I really enjoyed it,” said Russell. “I’m from the west coast and there’s some desert-type terrain out there so I think I was ready for it.”
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Craig DeLong matched the fourth-place finish he turned in at Sumter with another fourth in Texas.
“It was kind of a mediocre day,” said DeLong. "I kind of struggled in the first couple of tests and I came in before test three and made some changes and I felt I was more comfortable going forward. I think me and Ricky were only 14 seconds apart there at the end, so I need to work on being more comfortable from the start.”
Fifth went to Coastal Racing GasGas’ Ryder Lafferty, who suffered in the dust, as well.
Winning the NE Pro2 class and finishing sixth overall was Bonecutter Racing GasGas’ Thorn Devlin.
“I think all my years riding twostrokes and dealing with not having traction helped me cope with the conditions today,” said Devlin. “I ran the Baja 1000 at the end of last year, so I had quite a bit of time riding condition like these.”
Tely Energy Racing/Rocky Mountain
ATV/MC KTM’s Steward Baylor made the best of a rough day to salvage seventh overall. In test two, Steward had his rear tire roll off the bead two miles before the end of the test.
“Today was pretty rough, and between the last two races I’ve had it’s pretty mentally defeating, giving away all these championship points,”
Ryder Lafferty
said Steward. “I was keeping tabs on Craig DeLong, who was on the row ahead of me, and I was keeping a good pace, and then I had that tire come off and I just threw it all away.”
Beta USA’s Evan Smith had a good day to finish eighth overall and second in the Pro 2 division, while Tely Energy Racing/Rocky Mountain
ATV/MC KTM’s Nathaniel Tasha was ninth overall and second in the NE Pro 2 class.
AmPro Yamaha’s Liam Draper rounded out the top 10 and third in the NE Pro 2 division.
GasGas’ Rachel Gutish won the Women’s Elite division by 1:21 over Enduro Engineering GasGas’ Mackenzie Tricker. Trail Jesters Racing KTM’s Korie Steede was third, just under two seconds behind Tricker.
“I won the last time we were here so I like this place,” said Gutish. “I don’t normally ride the enduro series but I came here to get ready for this year’s ISDE and to try and defend my win from two years ago.”
Brody Amos (Hsq) took the win in the Futures class ahead of KTM riders
Luke Newton and Blaine VanDergriff.
The AMA National Enduro Series resumes action with the Black Buffalo National Enduro on April 23rd in Kingston, Arkansas, for round three of the nine-round series.
1. Josh Toth (GG)
2. Grant Baylor (KAW)
3. Ricky Russell (GG)
4. Craig DeLong (HSQ)
5. Ryder Lafferty (GG)
6. Thorn Devlin (GG)
7. Steward Baylor (KTM)
8. Evan Smith (BET)
9. Nathaniel Tasha (KTM)
10. Liam Draper (YAM)
1. Rachel Gutish (GG)
2. Mackenzie Tricker (GG)
3. Korie Steede (KTM)
4. Jocelyn Barnes (HSQ)
5. Brooke Cosner (GG)
6. Emma Dunn (KTM)
7. Jennifer Sheppard (YAM)
8. Annelisa Davis (YAM)
9. Tayler Bonecutter (GG)
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words and photos by SHAN MOORE
FMF/KTM’s Johnny Girroir relied on a strong final day to claim the overall win at this weekend’s Warrior Sprint Enduro, round four of the US Sprint Enduro Series Presented by Moose Racing in Semora, North Carolina, beating out RPM Racing’s Angus Riordan by just 14 seconds to claim the “W” after two days of racing.
Rain on Saturday made for a slippery course in the North Carolina clay, however the sun came out on Sunday and dried the track making for considerably different conditions.
Cody Barnes topped Girroir for Saturday’s win, the Phoenix Honda Racing Pro 2 rider beating Girroir out by just under eight seconds after winning two of the six tests (both Enduro tests).
Riordan and Phoenix Honda Racing’s Ruy Barbosa were third and fourth behind Girroir with Coastal Racing GasGas’ Thad DuVall rounding out the top five.
On Sunday, Girroir got his mojo
working and won three tests outright, while also tying Riordan in the final Enduro test, giving the former motocrosser Sunday’s win by 12.3 seconds over Riordan, in addition to the overall win for the weekend.
“Me and Thad were both laying on the ground the first test Saturday, which is never a good thing,” said Girroir. “The Pro 2 guys were flying all day. I finally put it together in the sixth test on Saturday and came out swinging for Sunday. Today, I minimized the mistakes and stayed off the ground and had a good day.”
Riordan ruled the Cross test on both days, with all four of his wins coming in the test, (which was a combination of grass track and woods) en route to second overall for the weekend and first in the Pro 2 division. Barnes, DuVall and Barbosa rounded out the top five.
“It was good to finally get a win over Cody,” said Riordan. “He’s been showing it to us all last year and this year. So, it was good.”
After winning on Saturday, Barnes had a rough day on Sunday, spending too much time on the ground, which dropped him to third overall and second in the Pro 2 division.
“Yesterday was good; I rode well,” said Barnes. “Today, Angus wanted to show us all how to go fast. Both tests were super fun. I had a lot of fun, but I should have had a little less mistakes, but it is what it is.”
DuVall started off with a slow start on Saturday, finishing fifth, but picked up the pace on Sunday, beating Barbosa by 19 seconds, which gave the GasGas rider fourth overall for the weekend.
“Yesterday was a bit of a struggle,” said DuVall. “I just couldn’t stay off the ground. I was fighting the bike a little bit. But we made some changes yesterday afternoon after the race and it seemed to help today. I felt like it was definitely a lot more racy today. I was battling for test wins with Johnny, so that’s always a plus.”
Barbosa was fifth overall, despite a huge crash in the second test, while FXR GasGas’ Layne Michael, who only rode Sunday’s event due to a prior commitment, was sixth overall, despite the deficit.
“It was a very technical enduro test,” said Michael. “Since I missed yesterday, it was difficult jumping in and being competitive when those guys already knew the tests and have them kind of burned in. It was quite difficult, but I did okay. I felt better in the enduro test than the times showed. I was able to catch onto the cross test pretty quick and got pretty close there the last test today.”
Sixth overall and top Pro-Am rider was Jason Tino on a Husqvarna. Just 20 seconds behind Tino was Precision Offroad Racing’s Dominik Morse in seventh overall and second
in the Pro-Am division. Another 1:28 behind Morse was Husqvarnamounted Gavin Simon, while Zack Toth (KTM) and Sam Forrester (Hsq) rounded out the top 10.
Am Pro Yamaha’s Rachael Archer won 10 of the 12 tests over the course of the weekend to take the win in the Pro Women’s division ahead of Over and Out Racing’s Rachel Gutish, who won the other two tests. FLY Racing/KTM’s Shelby Turner finished out the podium. Archer was perfect on Sunday.
“I had a great day today,” said Archer. “I went six for six in every test and my best overall finish was 12th, so I was pretty stoked with that. I felt really good on the bike. I went out and pedaled last night and had my lines down. So, big improvement from yesterday.”
In the Youth Divisions, Austin Tsakanikas was the overall winner for the weekend and first place in the Super Mini Senior (14-15) class, despite losing his brakes in the first test and having a flat in the final test. Tsakanikas beat out Caleb Johnson and Benjamin Neff on both days for the win.
“I had a Smooth day yesterday,” said Tsakanikas. “I won all six yesterday and won four today.”
Mason Tsakanikas and Ryan Smith swapped wins in the Super Mini Junior class, with Smith winning on
Saturday and Tsakanikas winning on Sunday. Ryder Reick was third on both days.
Brenan Mazzola beat Case Kight and Noah Hertzler for the win on Saturday in the 85 Senior division. On Sunday, John “Will” Berry took the win ahead of Mazzola and Kite.
In his first-ever sprint race, Deegan Caplinger came out on top in the 85 Junior division ahead of Brody Boland and Maddox Hudnall to win Saturday’s race. On Sunday, Caplinger beat Hudnall and Nolan Hudson.
Rylan Roberts topped Rylan Engle and Dylan Yeckley to win Saturday’s race by 10 minutes in the 65 Senior class. Rylan Roberts, Dylan Yeckley and Donnie Ryan went 1-2-3 on Sunday.
Nicole Rupert beat Lola Grozbean on Saturday to top the Girls (10-16) division, with Lillyanna Malloy getting third. Grozbean and Rupert swapped positions on Sunday, with Grozbean getting the win ahead of Rupert, while Josie Grozbean was third.
In the 65 Junior class, Colt Chaney, Aubrey Tsakanikas and Mason Ramsey took the went 1-2-3 on both days.
Eli Kettering outran Maci Ryan to win the Trail Bike class on both days.
Maura Tsakanikas was tops in the 50 Senior (7-8) division, beating Oliver Stewart and James Dietrich both days.
In the 50cc Junior division (4-6) Ryder Baricska was first on each day with Carson Zink in second and Gracelynn Bunch taking second and third each day.
1. Johnny Girroir (KTM)
2. Angus Riordan (KTM)
3. Cody Barnes (HON)
4. Thad DuVall (GG)
5. Ruy Barbosa (HON)
6. Jason Tino (HSQ)
7. Dominick Morse (HSQ)
8. Gavin Simon (HSQ)
9. Zach Toth (KTM)
10. Sam Forrester (HSQ)
words courtesy of SUPERENDURO photos by FUTURE7MEDIA
The evening’s stakes were clear, to win the title Billy BOLT (GBRHusqvarna) had to take the Akrapovic SuperPole and win the first race ahead of his season-long rival, Jonny WALKER (GBR-Beta). By clocking an impressive 43.782, BOLT ticked off the final SuperPole of the season and placed himself in the ideal spot for the “main event”. Once again, Jonny WALKER was hot on his heels, with the hope of at least keeping his countryman on his toes. In the first race of the night, Billy BOLT started perfectly with the Airoh Holeshot, and he then set about quickly widening the gap to all his other competitors. Back in the pack, one of the other focuses of the season finale was the fight for third in the championship standings between Cody WEBB (USA-Sherco) and Taddy BLAZUSIAK (POLGASGAS). Three points separated the American from the Pole coming into Gliwice and the two men battled it out all evening, offering up some of the most thrilling head-to-head
fights of the year. In the first race, BLAZUSIAK, supported by a fervent home crowd, snatched an allimportant third ahead of Cody WEBB - which left the pair level pegging in the points table. In the lead, Billy BOLT, no doubt feeling a little under pressure, made a mistake and went down in the large rock garden section. Jonny WALKER was ready to take his chance, keen to pass his friend and rival. However, BOLT managed to refocus himself and quickly gap the privateer Beta rider once again. Billy secured his 13th victory of the season, and won his third World Championship title while the evening had barely got underway. Jonny WALKER took a strong second place.
With Billy BOLT having already wrapped up the crown, and WALKER in a secure second in the standings, all attention turned to who else would be able to add ‘Top 3 in the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship’ to their CV. BLAZUSIAK and WEBB took this task seriously and engaged in battle royal. At the start of the second race, the advantage was with the Pole who made an excellent start from the second row. The six-time World Champion was in the wake of BOLT when they attacked the tricky sand section of the demanding Polish track. WEBB was running in fifth at this point but was starting a tremendous comeback. Leading the race, Billy BOLT had already
taken control ahead of a valiant Will HOARE (GBR-GAGAS). Pushing his way through the pack, Cody WEBB managed to take 3rd place from BLAZUIAK, but he fell in the sand leaving the Pole to regain the advantage. The fight between the two men was far from over. WEBB stalled at the exit of the rock garden when he had just passed the factory GASGAS rider. Fast forward to the last lap and a charging WEBB was trying everything against BLAZUSIAK, to the dismay of the home fans, he managed to block the Pole in the small stone section and flew into second place, leaving the fans and their hero feeling a little despondent. Naturally, BOLT won this second race ahead of WEBB and WALKER. BLAZUSIAK crossed the line in fourth place, but his world podium hopes seemed to be dwindling.
The last race of the night would be decisive between the factory Sherco and the factory GASGAS rider. The final race was unsurprisingly won by a flawless and effortless BOLT (4 hat-tricks in 5 GPs for #57!) but it was BLAZUSIAK and WEBB who set the place alight, BLAZUSIAK was riding with a pace, precision, and passion not seen so far in this unlucky season for the Polish rider. He claimed a fantastic second place in the last race at the expense of Jonny WALKER. The tens of thousands of fans in the crowd were clearly thrilled as chants of “Taddy, Taddy, Taddy!” rang out. As
BLAZUSIAK was giving his all to keep his chances alive, Cody WEBB was caught in an unfortunate collision with a tail-ender. The American lost his rhythm in the race and tumbled down the order, WEBB finally crossed the finish line in a distant sixth place, offering the last step on the 2023 season podium to an overjoyed Taddy BLAZUSIAK.
This fanfare finale topped off a spectacular and successful 2023 season. Billy BOLT takes the world title ahead of Jonny WALKER and Taddy BLAZUSIAK. Thanks to BLAZUSIAK’s last determined push, GASGAS also claimed the 2023 Constructors’ Title.
An incredible feat was accomplished in Gliwice by 18 year old Mitch BRIGHTMORE (GASGAS). The Brit won the World Champion title in the Junior category in his first season in the discipline. Third overall on the night, Mitch suffered a lot with the chaotic races in his class, but he clearly has everything it takes to be a World Champion, impressing onlookers all season long with his style and speed. With one overall victory and four podiums, the TTR Rigamonti rider won the title ahead of his younger brother Ashton, just 16 years old! Ashton came extremely close to taking the title himself, and although upset that he couldn’t quite manage it, he was extremely happy for his older brother and pleased with his performance over the course
of his first season. The youngest of the BRIGHTMORE boys has shown enormous potential which should stand him in very good stead for next year. The stunning talent of the two young Brits almost took the spotlight away from the winner on the night in Gliwice, a courageous and stubborn Milan SCHMUESER (GER-Sherco). The German forced the two GASGAS riders to fight until the last laps of a Junior class season which was always hotly contested. The Sherco rider finishes third in the standings behind the two BRIGHTMORE brothers.
Maciej WIĘCKOWSKI (POL-GASGAS) and Grzegorz KARGUL (POLHusqvarna) took a resounding onetwo the open category. The two men each shared a race victory in a class that was well supplied with competitors; thirteen riders managed to overcome all the obstacles on the demanding and technical Gliwice track. The two Poles were boosted by their fans, and finished the night ahead of Italy’s Alessandro AZZALINI on his GASGAS.
The second Polish GP of the season was a real success, both on the track and in the stands. More than 10,000 fans came to chant the names of their favourite riders and the atmosphere was electric. The 2023 season is coming to an end and will go down in history as the year of great domination by one man: the unstoppable Billy BOLT.
Bastien Blanchard and his ABC Communication team would like to thank all the organisers, participants and their partners and sponsors for another year of thrills and spills in the stadiums of the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship. The 2024 calendar should be unveiled in a few weeks. See you in November for more madness and incredible action.
Billy BOLT (GBR-Husqvarna): “Since I was a little kid, all I’ve ever wanted was to be a World Champion, it was my biggest dream and now I can hardly believe that I have three world titles. This one feels a bit more special, because the first one I got almost by default and remotely in 2020 while the world was going through a crazy time with the pandemic. Tonight I had all my family and friends here and the crowd were wild, I could hear them all night and it feels incredible to take another title. I’m so happy, I feel good, and I’m so pleased for my team – good vibes all round!”
Jonny WALKER (GBR-Beta): “It was a good year, Billy’s on fire and I gave it my best to try and battle with him, but he’s just too good. I’m happy with second in the championship, because it means if Billy wasn’t here I would’ve won! My riding was pretty good this year, my time in America helped. I made good starts all year, quite a few holeshots, but in the end it wasn’t enough to convert to wins. I need to keep training, need more bike
time, and let’s see where it gets usmaybe we can have a go at beating Billy! Massive congratulations to him and his team for what they’ve done.”
Taddy BLAZUSIAK (POL-GASGAS):
“What a night! I really felt the fantastic Polish crowd behind me tonight, they were cheering so loudly in every race. I had a difficult start to the season with some bad luck and challenges, but tonight I was finally able to ride how I wanted. During all three races I had big battles with Cody, we were fighting for third in the title, and finally I came out on top…but it was far from easy! I’m so stoked to be able to finish this season on a high and I want to thank everyone who made it happen for me.”
Cody WEBB (USA-Sherco): “It was good to be here in Poland and trying to beat down Taddy on his home turf, we had so many good battles back and forth and switching places! In the end it didn’t work out, I was a bit unlucky in the last race and it just didn’t come together tonight. In the end, this season has gone much better than the last, even though I had a wrist injury and badly torn ligaments in my thumb. I feel like I did my best, so even though I’m disappointed not to get third in the standings it’s not the end of the world.”
Mitch BRIGHTMORE (GBR-GASGAS):
“I haven’t got words for anything
that’s happened, it’s just unreal. My night went pretty much as planned and I’m just so happy, it’s awesome. What makes it even better is that my brother got second in the championship, we’re really close
and riding in the same class and the same team is a good dynamic. I’m speechless really, just over the moon, it’s my first year in SuperEnduro and I’m a World Champion, just amazing.”
1. Billy Bolt (247)
2. Jonny Walker (211)
3. Cody Webb (151)
4. Taddy Blazusiak (147)
5. Dominik Olszowy (107)
6. Diogo Vieira (87)
7. Cooper Abbott (84)
8. Alfredo Gomez Cantero (63)
9. Norbert Zsigovits (58)
10. William Hoare (48)
Expertly assembled with premium and essential off-road components as standard, the all-new 2023 TX 300 continues to lead the way in off-road 2-stroke development.
The much-awaited opening rounds of the 2023 AMA NATC National Mototrials Championship were held on March 25 and 26 at Promise Ranch in Webster, Florida, the first time the series has been to the state since 2016.
With temperatures upwards of 90 degrees with humidity even greater, GasGas' Josh Roper gave an outstanding performance to take the first win in the Pro class over 13x National Champion, FactoryONE Sherco's Pat Smage.
With a five-mile loop, riders were treated to beautiful views of Scorpion Lake, a prime focal point of the property. As those who are familiar with Florida may know, the state itself is fairly flat. The hills, rocks, and lake present at Promise Ranch are a result of the property being an old abandoned phosphate mine.
The Florida Trials Association (FTA) eased everyone into the new season with a fairly mild (by comparison) set of sections for Saturday. But easy doesn't always mean better, or less stressful. In discussion with many of the riders, a low-scoring event is oftentimes more challenging, as even a single dab could
cost the rider a podium. And for several classes, that's exactly how the story went.
In the Pro class, it was Roper, Smage, and FactoryONE Scorpa's Alex Myers tied on cleans on the opening loop until section 8. With Roper being the only rider not to dab, it was smooth sailing going into the second loop. Smage took only a single dab, although noted that the score could have been much worse; it was a simple off-camber turn, the same turn used in the Expert line, but it had his name on it.
After a clean second loop, Roper and Smage were tied on only a single point. But once again, it was section 8 that would be Pat's nemisis. The small rocks that had been his allies in the second loop when he cleared the section had moved. He spun and took another point in the same place. Roper was able to hold it together to finish with only a single point on the day, taking the win.
"We did a whole lot of preparation during the wintertime and did a lot of work with the bike and changed up the training program," explained Roper. "It’s nice to come here, put it into the works and pull off a win. I’m super excited about that. The sections were a bit on the easy side today; it was pretty easy to make a mistake. I went clean, one [point], clean, and just messed up on a small hillside, the same place Pat Smage
took his two points as well. I was able to capitalize on that. You had to be precise on all the other sections and perfect through it. Overall, it was a really good day, and I couldn’t have done it without my minder, Nigel, and the whole GasGas USA team. Big thanks to Hammer Nutrition for keeping me fueled out there."
"I was really happy to see Josh [Roper] take the win," said Smage. "He rode awesome and made one less mistake than me. When it’s that close and it comes down to one turn sometimes, you can’t be too bummed on it. It’s a good start to the season, and I’m looking to figure out this terrain a little bit better tomorrow. It was a bit hard to judge some of it.
Typically, [low-scoring events] are terrible. Today, I really wanted to enjoy it a little bit more. I don’t know if that had any effect on those dabs, but I was really trying to just not put so much pressure, just ride and not think about it so much. It didn’t make it better as far as the enjoyment level. Sometimes, you’ve got to almost torture yourself if you really want to minimize every mistake. Maybe that’s what I found out today. But you’ve also got to have some fun with it. I tried my best; it’s not like I rushed anything, it was just a couple mistakes on my part."
After taking single dabs in sections 8 and 9 put him in third place, Myers was able to keep composure and
hold fast to his podium finish, taking only 17 points on the day.
"Today went surprisingly well," explained Myers. "We came into it with no expectations, starting off with a brand-new bike. We got her two weeks ago; including the practice days here, I’ve had nine or ten days on the bike. So that eased off a lot of the pressure. There’s not a lot of expectation from the team; we just need to develop these bikes and get them out. I took that with me going in. In years past, I put a ton of pressure on myself, and that usually ends with me riding like crap. This year, it’s my last year in college, so I have more free time than I will with a job, and I figure I work too damn hard to be miserable at Nationals. For a long time, Nationals weren’t fun, so I’m trying to have more fun."
It was an all-day battle for the remaining positions. GasGas's Daniel Blanc-Gonnet was able to keep a solid hold on fourth after a six-point first loop had him sitting in fifth. Beta USA's Alex Niederer had a solid first loop with only five points, but a couple of bad mistakes cost him maximum points; coming back into the pits after section 12 saw his card with 15 points. He was able to regroup and ride his best loop of only three points for a total of 23 points, besting FactoryONE Sherco's Will Myers by a single dab.
Beta USA's Cole Cullins made his Pro-class debut after securing the Expert-class win in 2022.
Averaging 32 points per loop, Cullins would finish in seventh place with 97 points on the day.
"There were definitely moments where I felt “I can do this, I should be here,” and then a lot where I don’t even know what I was doing," explained Cullins. "I was getting about as many points as I felt I should on the hard stuff and making my way through that, but then dabbing all over the place on the easy stuff. I had a bunch of really dumb fives, I knocked a couple markers off, just dumb stuff that I didn’t need. I feel like I’m kind of in a weird place where I’m a little too good for Expert class, but not quite good enough for Pro class [laughs]. Looking at the Expert lines, I didn’t see anything really hard, but then obviously, I got almost 100 points in Pro. It might be a long year, but I’m here to learn and see what I can do."
In the Expert class, a long-awaited win was finally had - Beta USA's Jay Gregorowicz has been riding the class for 14 years and has always seen the top step just out of reach. But with a second-loop score of only five points, the win was finally his with 37 points to second-place's Ty Cullins with 47.
"The day went a lot better than I planned," said Gregorowicz. "I definitely dealt with the heat and humidity issues – it’s still winter back home [in Pennsylvania] – limited riding, and an injury I was nursing all winter. I didn’t come in with high expectations, but I got to do a lot of training last weekend at the Trials Training Center courtesy of Ray and Laura Peters putting me up for the weekend so I could get some practice in, and apparently it paid off!
It’s going on 14 years of riding Expert class, and I always manage to just miss the top step of the podium, and I finally managed to put it together
at 41 years old. I’m pretty stoked on that and I’m looking forward to keeping that ball rolling."
Coming in to round 2 of the series on Sunday, the sections tighted up and toughened up. With bike settings dialed in, riders once again took to the 12 sections in the same hot, humid weather they saw the day before.
With a rocky start and some unfortunate mistakes (including stalling the bike on flat ground and missing a split), the first loop saw Smage sitting in third place with 16 points behind Roper with eight points, and Alex Myers with 11. Determined not to have a repeat of Saturday's finish, Smage worked his way back up the leaderboard, starting his final loop just six points behind Roper. This time, section 8 worked in his favor. Taking a clean, Roper took a five, dropping him out of the lead, and finishing second with 29 points, only five points behind Smage in first place.
Once again, Alex Myers took the final spot on the box, with little brother Will and Alex Niederer rounding out the top five.
"I was really disappointed with Saturday after I got a sixth-place finish," explained Will. "I felt like all the training and effort I had put in the off-season hadn't really paid off to its full potential. I get really frustrated when I make obvious errors that could've put me one or even two places up. That, paired with a relatively easy trials event put me in sixth, which I was super disappointed with. For Saturday, as the loop went on, the sections became more difficult and where a Pro event should be. I knew I could ride with confidence, and fully committing myself to everything will pay off, and I'd like to think that it did. I'm super happy with a fourth place, considering I was only three points off the box."
"Wow! What a day!" exclaimed Niederer. "The first two sections were good, but then it all went downhill from there. It actually turned out that our quick adjuster on our clutch lever was vibrating itself loose, so at every single section, my clutch was different. It took us the entire first loop to figure out what the issue actually was. Once we got that figured out, we got things turned around a little bit. We went from a 36-point first loop to half that at 18 for the second loop. I was pretty happy with that. We went out on the third loop, really didn’t even think I had a shot for fifth place. I had a big crash in section 5, went right over the bars, then I five’d section 10 and 11 again. I could not get up the step in section 10; in section 11, I failed the last step. I’m a little aggravated with my riding today; the first loop wore me out, so it just put me on the back burner. I’m very happy with the fact that I was able to fight back. But I’m happy – two jobs, a wife, a kid, a house, and still somehow get to do this for fun. I’m really enjoying it. Big thanks to the whole team – Beta USA, Jitsie, Ray [Peters], everybody on the team that’s putting in all the effort. It wasn’t quite where I wanted to be this weekend, but all in all, I’m ok with two fifth places."
The series continues May 27 and 28 with a return to Cañon City, Colorado.
SATURDAY OVERALL:
1. Josh Roper (GG)
2. Pat Smage (SHE)
3. Alex Myers (SCO)
4. Daniel Blanc-Gonnet (GG)
5. Alex Niederer (BET)
6. Will Myers (SHE)
7. Cole Cullins (BET)
SUNDAY OVERALL:
1. Pat Smage (SHE)
2. Josh Roper (GG)
3. Alex Myers (SCO)
4. Will Myers (SHE)
5. Alex Niederer (BET)
6. Daniel Blanc-Gonnet (GG)
7. Cole Cullins (BET)
1. Josh Roper (58 pts)
2. Pat Smage (58 pts)
3. Alex Myers (42 pts)
4. Daniel Blanc-Gonnet (33 pts)
5. Will Myers (33 pts)
6. Alex Niederer (32 pts)
7. Cole Cullins (28 pts)
words courtesy of KAYLA BOLTON photos KEN HILL
The Grand National Cross Country Series presented by Specialized, an AMA National Championship, (GNCC Racing) concluded its second round of racing on Sunday, March 5 in Palatka, Florida with the Moose Racing Wild Boar GNCC at Hog Waller Campground and ATV Resort. Getting a great jump off the line first to earn the $250 All Balls Racing
XC1 Open Pro Holeshot Award was Rocky Mountain/Tely Energy KTM Racing’s Ben Nelko, but as the racers made their way through the course on lap one it was Rockstar Energy
Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Craig DeLong emerging from the woods
first. DeLong would hold the lead for the first couple of laps as FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Ben Kelley made his way up through the pack. Kelley would make the pass for the lead on the fourth lap, and he would continue to place a gap over the field for the final two laps of the race.
Kelley would come through to cross the line first, earning his first win since his injury last season. Coming through in second was the hardcharging Rocky Mountain/Tely Energy KTM Racing’s Steward Baylor. As the race got started Baylor would find himself at the back of the pack. As the race wore on, Baylor would continue to click off the positions and making the necessary passes to get to towards the front. DeLong would fall back to third as the checkered flag flew, rounding out the top three Wild Boar finishers.
After running in second to start the race, and briefly holding the lead on the third lap of the race, AmPro Yamaha’s Ricky Russell would cross the line in fourth to finish out his day. Magna1 Motorsports/Husqvarna’s Jordan Ashburn would put in a good ride as he rounded out the top five in the XC1 Open Pro class.
Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/ Kawasaki Team Green’s Grant Baylor would cross the line sixth in the XC1 class, and ninth overall on the day. After earning the holeshot award, Nelko would remain seventh in XC1
for the duration of the race. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Trevor Bollinger returned to racing after he looked to have suffered from a minor injury at round one. Bollinger would come through eighth in the XC1 class and 17th overall in the Florida heat.
Rounding out the top 10 in the XC1 Open Pro class were Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green’s Josh Strang in ninth and GASGAS/FXR/Scott Goggle’s Layne Michael in tenth. FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Jonathan Girroir was having a good race running up in the third place position at the halfway point but was ruled out after completing three laps. Unfortunately for Canada’s Tyler Medaglia and Coastal GASGAS Factory Racing’s Thad Duvall, both would complete one lap before being forced to retire from the race.
When the XC2 250 Pro class took off it was Chris Canning earning himself the $250 Steel City Men’s Clinic XC2 250 Pro Holeshot Award. It wouldn’t take Coastal GASGAS Factory Racing’s Ryder Lafferty long to make the pass for the lead though after a brief battle with Liqui Moly Factory Beta Racing’s Jonathan Johnson. Lafferty would lead from the second lap until the race was over, earning his second-straight win of the season. AmPro Yamaha’s Liam Draper would make his way into second with just two laps remaining
after starting back in the fourth place position on the day. The defending champion, Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green’s Lyndon Snodgrass would make his way up to round out the podium after a bad start put him back in ninth place at the beginning of the race.
As the FMF XC3 class took off it was Bells Electric/Wossner Pistons/FXR’s Toby Cleveland earning himself the $100 Lojak Cycle Sales FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am Holeshot Award. However, soon after they headed into the woods Cleveland would find himself battling with Hall’s Cycle/Enduro Engineering/Moose Racing’s Jhak Walker. As the group came through on the opening laps Walker would hold the lead, however out on lap three Cleveland would make the pass stick and continue to try and place a gap over the field. Walker would maintain his second place position until the checkered flag flew, while FXR/X Brand Goggles/6D Helmet’s Dakoda Devore crossed the line in third at the round two in Florida.
Earning himself his first Top Amateur award was 250 A competitor, Lane Whitmer. Whitmer would come through 19th overall on the day and first in the 250 A class to stand in the center of the podium for his first time in the three-hour afternoon race. Fellow 250 A competitors, Bolton Beroth and Jason Tino would round out the Top Amateur podium as the
two finished 24th and 25th overall as well as second and third in the class.
In the WXC class it was Trail Jesters KTM Racing’s Korie Steede getting the early lead and earning herself the $100 Trail Jesters WXC Holeshot Award. Steede would continue to hold the lead in the sandy terrain as AmPro Yamaha’s Rachael Archer and GASGAS/ Over and Out /RG Factory Racing’s Rachel Gutish would make their way into second and third for the opening laps.
Steede would continue to maintain her lead for the duration of the race, crossing the line with over a minute lead on the rest of the pack. Archer would battle back and come through second overall as Gutish continued to push for that final podium position.
Coming to earn the Youth overall and YXC1 Super Mini Sr. (14-15) class was Canyon Richards. As the day started out Richards would come through behind Ryan Amancio and the two would swap the lead position throughout the race. Richards would come through to see the checkered flag first as Amancio would unfortunately fall back to tenth after a last lap crash. Making
his way through in second overall was YXC2 Super Mini Jr. (12-13) competitor, Caleb Wood as well as fellow YXC2 racer Mason Raynor rounding out the youth overall top three in Florida.
Austin Tsakanikas and Brody Amos would battle back to finish second and third in the YXC1 Super Mini Sr. class, with Jiggs Fustini taking third in the YXC2 class. Linkin Bischoff came through to earn the 85 Big Wheel (11-15) class win. Travis Lentz would make his way to the center of the box in the 85 (12-13) class, and Gavin Abboud took home the 85 (7-11) class win.
In the 65 (9) class Ryder White came through first earning the win, and Tripp Lewis would earn the win in the 65 (7-8) class. Addison Harris earned herself the Girls Super Mini (12-16) class win, while Bailey Walker clinched the Girls 85 (7-13) class win. It was Audrina Anello sitting atop the box in the Girls 65 (7-11) class, and Waylon Daughtry trying their hand at GNCC earning the Trail Rider (7-15) class win.
1. Ben Kelley (KTM)
2. Steward Baylor (KTM)
3. Craig DeLong (HSQ)
4. Ricky Russell (YAM)
5. Jordan Ashburn (HSQ)
6. Grant Baylor (KAW)
7. Ben Nelko (KTM)
8. Trevor Bollinger (HSQ)
9. Josh Strang (KAW)
10. Layne Michael (GG)
1. Ben Kelley (55)
2. Steward Baylor (55)
3. Ricky Russell (39)
4. Craig DeLong (37)
5. Jordan Ashburn (32)
6. Ryder Lafferty (29)
7. Grant Baylor (27)
8. Lyndon Snodgrass (25)
9. Liam Draper (22)
10. Angus Riordan (21)
words courtesy of KAYLA BOLTON photos KEN HILL
The Specialized General
March 13, 2023
Following a dry and sunny day of ATV racing on Saturday, round 3 of the 2023 Grand National Cross Country Racing Series presented by Specialized, an AMA National Championship, (GNCC Racing) continued on Sunday with motorcycle racing as heavy rainfall infiltrated the grounds of Aonia Pass MX Park in Washington, Georgia.
As the XC1 Open Pro class took off the line it was Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Craig DeLong grabbing the $250 All Balls Racing XC1 Holeshot Award and the lead position. DeLong would continue to battle at the front of the field, and he would eventually begin to place a bit of a gap on the rest of the XC1 racers. After earning podium finishes at the first two rounds, Delong would earn his first-ever career overall GNCC win.
Babbitts Online/Monster Energy/ Kawasaki Team Green’s Josh Strang would battle at the front of the field but would fall back to sixth on the second lap of the race. As he continued to push, he would make his way back up to third by the time the white flag was waving. Strang would move into the second place
position on the last lap of the race and earn his first podium finish of the season in the tough conditions, where he seems to excel as he claimed a podium finish at the 2021 Ironman GNCC.
Battling back-and-forth for the duration of the race was Rocky Mountain/Tely Energy/KTM Racing’s Steward Baylor. As his race bike almost didn’t make it to the line Baylor was prepared to battle on a 2-stroke KTM machine that was under in his pit area. However, just as the 10 seconds call was about to be made Baylor’s mechanic made it to the line with his race ready bike. Baylor would come through sixth on lap one but would battle through to take over second and then third as the race continued on. Baylor would find himself in fourth as the white flag waved but would soon move into the third place position as he made his way to the checkered flag. Baylor now holds a three point lead in the National Championship standings.
FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Ben Kelley knew when the rain continued to fall that it was going to be a survival race. As Kelley entered the woods fourth on the opening lap he would continue to push, but he would go down in the mud which put him back to seventh at the halfway point. Kelley would continue to push throughout the remaining laps and would work his way up to fourth as the checkered flag flew. Kelley sits
just three points behind Baylor in the points standings.
Kelley’s teammate, FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Jonathan Girroir put in a good ride finishing fifth overall on the day. As he came around on lap one timing and scoring had him back in the tenth place position. Girroir would push through the gnarly conditions, making his way up to fifth with two laps to go. He held his position and made good line choices throughout the last lap, putting him just five seconds behind his teammate.
Coming through to take eighth in the XC1 class was Babbitts Online/ Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green’s Grant Baylor, who battled back from an eighth place start to the day. Magna1 Motorsports/ Husqvarna’s Jordan Ashburn would start his day at the front of the pack as he ran third for the first couple of laps. However, Ashburn would fall back to seventh as the checkered flag came out.
Coastal GASGAS Factory Racing’s Thad Duvall battled back-and-forth as he had to make his way through field after falling back to eleventh at one point. Duvall continued to put his head down and push through the muddy course earning eighth in the XC1 class. GASGAS/FXR/ Scott Goggle’s Layne Michael battled back to earn ninth in the XC1 class
as Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Trevor Bollinger rounded out the top 10 in XC1. AmPro Yamaha’s Ricky Russell would have a stellar start to the day as he ran up front for majority of the race. However, on the last lap he would suffer a mechanical issue and be unable to make it to the checkered.
In the XC2 250 Pro class it was FMF/RPM KTM Racing’s Angus Riordan making his way into the lead as the white flag flew indicated one more lap to go. Riordan would start his day back in sixth and steadily work his way up through the pack. Riordan would put his head down and push, creating over a two-minute gap over the rest of the XC2 field. Liqui Moly Factory Beta Racing’s Evan Smith was off to a good start as he grabbed the $250 Steel City Men’s Clinic XC2 Holeshot Award. Smith would continue to run at the front of the pack for the first couple of laps, but he would continue to push throughout the duration of the race. Smith would come through to make a last lap pass and place second on the day in the XC2 class. Phoenix Racing Honda’s Cody Barnes would battle his way up to third in the XC2 class, earning his first podium finish of the season.
In the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class it was Liqui Moly Factory Beta
Racing’s Jason Lipscomb jumping off the line to earn the $100 Lojak Cycle Sales XC3 Holeshot Award. As the race continued on Lipscomb would continue to lead the way for the duration of the race. When he came through to the checkered flag, he would have a 16 minute gap on the rest of the XC3 field. Hall’s Cycles/Enduro Engineering/Moose Racing’s Jhak Walker would make his way into second as the white flag flew, and he would continue to battle for the last lap holding onto that number two position. FXR/X Brand Goggles/6D Helmets’ Dakoda Devore would come through to earn third in the class after a sixth place start to his day.
Earning the Top Amateur Honors was 250 A’s Michael Delosa who came through in the 19th overall position and first in his class. Will Sievenpiper claimed the second Top Amateur spot as he came through 22nd overall and second in the 250 A class through the muddy conditions. Gavin Simon rounded out the Top Amateur podium with a 24th overall finishing position and third in 250 A.
As the morning race got underway, the rain continued to fall making the already muddy conditions, muddier, but that didn’t stop the WXC class from having some major battles
throughout the course. As the green flag flew it was Trail Jesters KTM Racing’s Korie Steede grabbing the $100 Trail Jesters WXC Holeshot Award, but it would be Over and Out/ GASGAS/RG Factory Racing’s Rachel Gutish emerging from the woods first as the racers made their way through timing and scoring. Gutish would lead the first two laps of the race, but AmPro Yamaha’s Rachael Archer was inching closer and closer to Gutish as the laps worse on.
On the last lap of the race Archer would make her way around Gutish, and she would continue to push on towards the finish line. When the duo came to the finish line it was an all-out race to the finish as the ruts had accumulated so much water you really could not tell how deep any of them were. Archer would make her way up to the finish line first, but she would get sideways and tip over with Gutish making her way almost over top of her to earn second on the day. Steede would continue to battle through to take third back from KTM/ FXR/Enduro Engineering’s Shelby Turner and make her way to the checkered flag to round out the top three in the WXC class.
The overall win in the morning would go to Connor Potts of the Sportsman A class from Blairsville, Georgia. Sky Metcalfe from Canada would finish fifth overall, Kiefer Galiano of the 150 Schoolboy B class would finish eighth overall and Austin Franklin in
the Warrior class would round out the top 10 overall in the morning race.
Coming through in the tough muddy conditions to earn the youth overall win was YXC1 Super Mini Sr. racer, James Jenkins. As the race got underway Jenkins would find himself back in the third and then as far back as fourth at one point. However, Jenkins would put his head down and push towards the front. YXC2 Super Mini Jr. racer, Michael Meyer would push and earn second overall in the youth finish and first in his class, with Canyon Richards earning third overall and second in the YXC1 class.
Austin Tsakanikas rounded out the YXC1 class in third as Caleb Wood and Brayden Baisley rounded out the YXC2 top three finishers. Ryder Sigety would battle through the conditions to take home the 85 Big Wheel (11-15) win. Travis Lentz came through to earn another 85 (12-13) class win this season as he now has three wins under his belt in the class. Gavin Abboud took his second-straight win in the 85 (7-11) class in Georgia.
Beau Garetson took home his second win in the 65 (10-11) class this past weekend, and Maverick Boyer earned his first win in the 65 (9) class. Tripp Lewis made it threein-a-row as he earned the 65 (7-9) class win. Addison Harris continued
her win streak as she brought home the Girls Super Mini (12-16) class win. Zoey Hawkinberry earned her first win of the season in the Girls 85 (7-13) class, while Paisley Harris also grabbed her first win of the year as well in the Girls 65 (7-11) class. Cale Dejarnett from North Carolina would earn the Trail Rider (7-15) class win in the wet Georgia clay.
The AMSOIL Moto Hero at The Specialized General was awarded to Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing's Team Manager, Anthony Dibasilio. He joined the Army right out of high school and was a Sergeant at the 127th MD Company. Anthony was deployed during Operation Enduring Freedom and was in Israel for six months at the start of the war in 2003. He served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and was in Iraq from April 2004 until 2005. Anthony was awarded a commemorative American Flag courtesy of Columbia Flag and Sign Co. He also received a $250 AMSOIL Shopping Spree and a set of GBC Kanati Truck tires as well as 100% Goggles.
1. Craig DeLong (HSQ)
2. Josh Strang (KAW)
3. Steward Baylor (KTM)
4. Ben Kelley (KTM)
5. Jonathan Girroir (KTM)
6. Grant Baylor (KAW)
7. Jordan Ashburn (HSQ)
8. Thad Duvall (GG)
9. Layne Michael (GG)
10. Trevor Bollinger (HSQ)
1. Steward Baylor (76)
2. Ben Kelley (73)
3. Craig DeLong (67)
4. Jordan Ashburn (43)
5. Grant Baylor (42)
6. Ricky Russell (39)
7. Josh Strang (38)
8. Ryder Lafferty (36)
9. Angus Riordan (35)
10. Lyndon Snodgrass (33)
