December 2024 On the Pegs Magazine by On the Pegs

Single Track perfection

New Features

» Lower Seat Height

» Front Rescue Strap

» Zf SHC Front Fork Matched with a redesigned ZF Rear shock

» XTrig Flex Fix handlebar mounts to reduce vibration and rider fatigue

» New headlight mask, shrouds, & rear fender

» Coolant Recovery tank reduces coolant lost in extreme riding conditions

» frame which has improved turning Stability and reduced flex under load

» updated nissin rear brake master Cylinder

Check out Brian Pierce's recounting of some "Epic Enduro Racing" at the Barteau Ranch event, hosted by the Red River Dirt Riders, in this month's issue.

photo by WinPic Photography

CONTRIBUTORS

Mike

Future7Media

Shan Moore

Art Pepin

Tobin Miller

Brian Pierce

facebook.com/ onthepegs

Jack Jaxson

Ysabell Hamm

Wayne Thompson

Triston Nees

Lorilee Hutson

WinPic Photography

To get involved or send content, email stephanie@onthepegsmagazine.com

BETA RACING INTRODUCES JOSH STRANG AS EAST COAST OFF-ROAD TEAM MANAGER

The Liqui Moly Beta Race Team announces Josh Strang as the East Coast Off-Road Team Manager. Strang will manage the team's day-to-day operations and also race in the XC1 class on a Beta Factory 480 RR. He is a long-time veteran of GNCC, closing in on two decades of racing in the series, and always a threat to win a race. In the

XC1 class, Strang was the 2010 GNCC Champion, and in his years of GNCC racing, he has 87 podiums and 24 wins. Josh brings a wealth of experience to this role, as well as a relentless pursuit of excellence. With his ability to relate to racers and the challenges they face, Josh will be able to foster a culture of success at Beta Racing.

BETA CUP IS BACK FOR 2025

The Beta Cup is back in 2025 for the 7th year in a row at the AMA National Enduro Series! Rules for the Beta Cup are simple. Ride any Beta Motorcycle in any class that you qualify for. The rider that earns the most points in his or her NEPG class will win the Beta Cup along with a brand new Beta RR Motorcycle. This will give any rider a chance, whether they are an A, B, C, Enduro Futures, or Women’s Rider.

Beta has given away 6 motorcycles over the past 6 seasons. The previous winners are 2019 Alexis Phillips, 2020 Kylie Harris, 2021 Jhak Walker, 2022 Scott Boyer, 2023 Emma Hasbell, & 2024 Luke Muter. The 2025 winner could be you!

The overall Beta Cup Winner will have their choice of any 2025 Beta Standard 2-Stroke RR model 125cc - 300cc!

Josh Strang:

"I'm excited to join the Beta Off-Road Team as a racer and East Coast Manager. I have been looking for an opportunity to move into a position like this for some time and I believe I can learn and do a good job representing the Beta brand in our community. I'm also very excited to enter into my 19th season of GNCC racing."

Carlen Gardner Beta Race Team Manager:

“Beta USA is super happy to be working with Josh in 2025 as team manager for the East Coast Beta Racing Off-Road team! Josh brings a ton of high-level racing experience to our team. We can't wait for the season to start."

HOW TO ENTER:

Email your Name, Class, Address, Phone Number, a photo of you, and what Beta Motorcycle you will be riding.

Entry submissions must be received by the NEPG before any points will be added in the Beta Cup Race.

After sending your registration email, simply sign up for your normal class in the National Enduro Series by registering for each event like normal on Live Laps.

DRAPER RE-SIGNS WITH AMPRO YAMAHA RACING

AmPro Yamaha Racing is happy to announce a two-year contract extension with Liam Draper. With a pair of national off-road titles aboard the YZ250FX, the New Zealand rider looks to continue his successful tenure with the team in 2025 as he makes a full-time premier class title

run aboard the YZ450FX in the Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC) XC1 Championship and U.S. Sprint Enduro Series Pro 1 Championship.

Entering his third season with AmPro Yamaha Racing, Draper looks to add more

titles and victories to his resume. 2023 marked a stellar debut with the team, which saw him earn three wins and nine podiums in the GNCC XC2 class and five wins and seven podiums in the National Enduro Series Pro 2 class en route to both championships. Although his XC2 title defense this season was marked with adversity and saw him sidelined with an injury, Draper came back swinging. As racing resumed at the Buckwheat 100 GNCC, he enjoyed a successful transition to XC1 and made an impressive run of four consecutive overall podiums aboard the YZ450FX. Draper also showed strength in the U.S. Sprint Enduro Series with a runner-up finish in the Pro 1 Championship.

Randy Hawkins

AmPro Yamaha Racing Team Owner :

“Liam’s a very serious guy and wants to win, but he has

YAMAHA WELCOMES CODY WEBB TO THE BLU CRU

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS) is excited to announce the addition of multi-time EnduroCross champion Cody Webb to the bLU cRU. The Californian has signed a multi-year deal with Yamaha Racing and looks to

battle for top honors in 2025 in AMA EnduroCross, AMA Hard Enduro, and specialty events.

Living in prime conditions for training along the front range of Colorado, Webb is

also been enjoyable to work with and gives 100%. From his two titles aboard our 250 in 2023 to this year with our 450, whatever we ask of him he works to achieve and has delivered. We’re looking forward to having him continue with our program for the next two years and to give him the tools at AmPro Yamaha to keep building on that success in 2025.”

Liam Draper

AmPro Yamaha Racing :

“I’m super excited to renew my deal with AmPro Yamaha Racing and looking forward to the future with this team that gave me my first championship here. I’m also excited to be moving up to the 450 full-time. After my success last year on the 250, my first four XC1 races have gone well. I haven’t been off the podium, so I’m looking to keep that going and happy to continue the relationship with the team in 2025 and beyond.”

a championship-proven rider who brings with him a wealth of experience in the sport of hard enduro. In addition to three AMA Super Endurocross Championships (2014, 2015, 2017), he was crowned 2018 FIM Super-Enduro World Champion, 2010 National Mototrial Champion, 2017 AMA West ISDE champion, and is a 2017 ISDE Gold Medalist on a club team for USA. Webb is also a sixtime Tennessee Knockout Champion, a six-time King of Motos Champion, a six-time X-Games medalist, and was the first and only American to podium Erzbergrodeo in 2016 and 2017.

Donnie Luce

Amateur MX/ ATV / Off-Road Coordinator for YMUS:

“We are very excited to expand our off-road racing efforts in

2025 with the addition of Cody Webb to include EnduroCross and specialty events. He is a proven champion with an extensive background in these arenas and will be participating on multiple models in our off-road line-up which will make this year even more exciting for the bLU cRU.”

Cody Webb

CW2 Racing:

“I’m really excited about this new endeavor with Yamaha. The sport of hard enduro has been growing quickly, and I feel honored to bring Yamaha into the series and back into EnduroCross. The level of professionalism in my short time so far with the bLU cRU can’t be matched. I can’t wait to see what ‘25 has in store for us.”

RUSSELL JOINS AMPRO YAMAHA RACING

AmPro Racing and Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS) are excited to announce a multi-year deal with Kailub Russell that will see the winningest rider on two wheels in the Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC) return to racing the XC1 Championship full time in 2025.

From 2013 until retiring in 2020, Russell reigned supreme

with eight consecutive XC1 motorcycle titles and earned an unprecedented 67 overall victories. Reenergized from his time away from racing, the North Carolina rider is eager to return to action and begin a new relationship with AmPro Racing, Yamaha, and the bLU cRU. Russell will make his debut aboard the AmPro Yamaha Racing YZ450FX at the opening round of the 2025 season, where the series will

kick off a historic 50th season of GNCC Racing.

Donnie Luce

Amateur MX/ ATV / Off-Road Coordinator for YMUS:

“Winning Championships is not new to Kailub Russell, and we are very excited to assist him in adding to his already historic legacy in GNCC and off-road racing on the YZ450FX. Having an eight-time Champion join your team only further validates what Randy Hawkins and his entire AmPro Yamaha team have been building for over 25 years. We look forward to seeing him back in action and representing the bLU cRU in the premier class.”

Randy Hawkins AmPro Yamaha Racing Team Owner :

“When this opportunity came up, I was pretty excited. I’ve known Kailub since he was riding 85’s, and he’s always had such a passion for winning, and that hasn’t

changed. So, having him come back from retirement and want to join the team and put his trust in our program is a big deal for us. I also think that it is good not only for the team and Yamaha to have Kailub back racing but also for the sport. We’re really excited for the upcoming GNCC season and to have both Kailub and Liam (Draper) for our 450 program. We are anticipating great things from both riders.”

Kailub Russell

AmPro Yamaha Racing:

“I’m very excited to come back to GNCC after four years of watching. I was at a point where I just needed a break from racing. I realize now that life goes by even faster away from racing, and I don’t want to miss out on being able to do what I love.

“I’m very happy AmPro Yamaha is giving me the opportunity to come back. It’s exciting to see how stoked the whole team is to have me join, and I can’t wait to return to the races!”

TRIUMPH RACING AMERICA APPOINTS JEREMY COKER AS GM

Triumph Racing America is excited to welcome Jeremy Coker as its new General Manager. Renowned for his extensive experience in team management, Coker brings a wealth of expertise to the Triumph brand. The 35-year-old will utilise this experience to develop Triumph’s amateur, contingency, and off-road programmes, in addition to overseeing the efforts of the

Triumph Factory Racing team competing in the SuperMotocross World Championship.

With 15 years of experience in the AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross paddocks, Coker has enjoyed an incredibly successful career. In 2014, he joined Star Racing as a mechanic and later that year he progressed to an inhouse role as Engine Technician while assisting with motorcycle R&D. After being appointed as Crew Chief for 2019 and 2020, Jeremy became Team Manager from 2021 until the end of the 2024 season. During his time at Star Racing, the team achieved remarkable success, securing 14 titles.

Coker’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as Triumph prepares for the 2025 SuperMotocross World Championship,

set to begin in just over four weeks. His championship-winning expertise and history of building successful teams will be instrumental in shaping Triumph’s future in off-road racing.

Jeremy Coker

General Manager, Triumph Racing America:

“I am very excited to join the Triumph family. This opportunity is something I have worked towards my entire life. I intend to put my heart and soul into building a programme that every top rider and up-and-coming rider wants to be a part of. I am looking forward to growing with Triumph Factory Racing together, as they are only one year into their dirt bike side of motorcycle racing. I joined this program because I believe that the Triumph family and I can create a true masterpiece. We have a big challenge that lies ahead of us, but with the team that they have assembled already, I believe we will achieve greatness together and the sky is the limit.”

ALFREDO GOMEZ JOINS BETA FACTORY

Beta has recently announced the addition of Alfredo Gómez to their team.

Born in 1989, Alfredo is not only one of the best hard enduro riders in action, but a real reference in the off-road world. Known as the fastest Spanish rider in the history of SuperEnduro, Alfredo made his debut at

the very young age of 16 and immediately conquered the International stages thanks to his extraordinary talent and unique determination.

Since then, he has competed in the most prestigious teams, collecting victories in iconic competitions such as the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, Hixpania Hard Enduro and XL Lagares,

thus confirming his status as an icon of the sport. His ability to handle the most extreme tracks with elegance, skill and an impressive determination has secured him admiration and respect all over the world.

ÀLEX PUEY JOINS RIEJU FACTORY TEAM

RIEJU is proud to announce the incorporation of Àlex Puey as the new official rider of the RIEJU FACTORY team.

Only 20 years old, Àlex, born in Gandesa (Tarragona), will ride an MR 250 in his participation in the EnduroGP National and World Championship, as well as in the SuperEnduro World Championship.

Àlex Puey has an impressive track record that includes four victories in the Spanish Championship, marking himself as one of the most promising talents in the Enduro world.

Àlex Puey

Rieju Factory:

'I'm very happy to be part of the RIEJU team. I'm looking forward to working hard, both in the Spanish Championship and the Super

With his exceptional skills, relentless drive, and vast experience, Alfredo perfectly embodies the values of Beta: passion, innovation and the will to go beyond all limits.

Enduro World Championship in which I'm making my debut this year.''

Miquel Garcia

Team Manager Rieju Factory:

“In RIEJU we are very happy to announce the incorporation of Alex Puey. He is a young driver with great potential and we are sure it will be an exciting season, both in the National and the World Championship. We are looking forward to seeing what he can achieve.”

With this incorporation, RIEJU reinforces its commitment to young talent and to remain at the top of international competitions.

FIM TrialGP World Round USA 2025 Updates

WORDS PHOTOS

MIKE SERPE

FUTURE7MEDIA

We will continue to keep our friends at On the Pegs updated each month with news about the event in July 2025 but will also post updates and host discussions on our social media pages. More pages will be announced soon. The TrialGP USA 2025 team has also been opening discussion threads on many of the major internet forums that are related to our sport. If you have others in mind, please contact us or go ahead and create community chatter!

The FIM TrialGP USA 2025 will showcase some very cool features. We have excellent camping in addition to local

lodging and AirBnB options for those travelling from out of the area. Camping is by reservation on the ticket site, so make sure to purchase your reservations before they’re all gone. The event is located in a gorgeous part of Western Rhode Island on the border of Connecticut. To the West is the Pachaug State Forest, which has an excellent enduro and dual sport riding loop. Within the Arcadia Forest to the East of the event is amazing hiking, fishing and canoeing. The roads nearby sweep through gorgeous areas filled with classic New England architecture and organic small farm stands,

vineyards, and eateries. Just to the south are incredible flower farms and to the east the largest sunflower fields in the USA. This is a great family destination for activities for all ages and interests.

We have also dreamed up some interesting experiences, with more coming along soon. On Friday July 11, seasoned trials riders, with trials bikes and trials tires, can opt to purchase the Ride the Loop Experience along with their tickets. This allows folks to ride the loop of the World Championship and get a first look at the different sections out in the forest. The group

will be led by a guide who will stop at each section where folks can get off their bikes and get an explanation of the different class routes. It is also a great way to figure out which sections you might want to walk out to, in what order, and where to stand during Saturday and Sunday. Those two days, when we have the competition occurring, will be hike-in / hike-out only. There will be no bikes allowed. The spectators will follow a different hiking path around the loop vs the competitors and minders on their machines.

The event will be Pack In - Pack Out! As part of our

own requirements, along with FIM’s distinct drive to run sustainable events, we will be making major changes to the way we host TrialGP competitions starting with the 2025 event. There will be a focus on creating positive local impact without leaving any negative ones. Not limited to environmental impacts, but also giving back to the community, we will share more on this in a future On the Pegs article in 2025.

Some Background on the Return of the TrialGP to USA in 2025

Two months have passed since the public announcement that the FIM TrialGP 2025 would indeed be making a stop in North America, and the gears have been turned hard by those planning and executing the demands required to make it a success! Overall, the work began at the outset of the 2017 World Round which, despite being an excellent event for athletes and attendees alike, was plagued with managerial issues caused by major differences between the NATC, AMA, FIM, and their 3rd-party promoter. It was thought for some time that the TrialGP might not come back to North America at all because the model was broken, due to the extreme nature of requirements that had been set in place both financially and logistically. What differed most was who put these events on in North America compared to other countries.

In North America, the TrialGP has a 50-year history but has always been organized by nonprofits, usually motorcycle clubs, and everything done by volunteer effort. In Europe, trials is big business, has larger sponsors, massive spectator audiences, and overall a lot more money comes in, allowing for organizers to meet the FIM demands. Other countries also benefit from the mobile infrastructure that FIM brings around on tractor trailers, including things like a fold-out stage, mobile marketing setups, and much more, which allow for local

promoters to rely on FIM in ways folks in North America cannot.

During the last few years, it was the great work of folks like FIM / AMA board member Hub Brennan, along with AMA President Ron Dingman who did not give up hope. They continued to negotiate with the FIM to make a better path forward and bring the TrialGP back to North America. Finally in early 2024, an agreement was struck which put the design of the event into the hands of the NATC and AMA with partnership and sanctioning by FIM. While this does not relax all of the FIMs requirements, it gives leniency and flexibility and allows the hosts to make the event work for everyone, including sponsors and spectators, but also our foremost concern, the sport and its athletes.

We hope that we can all work together to make this event a smashing success for all involved and that it's only upward and outward from here. All the management team’s logistics are being framed out to form a template for success so clubs and nonprofit groups of the future can alleviate risk and not burn themselves out hosting such an event. The team recently presented to the NATC (North American Trials Council) in Arizona. The feedback was excellent, and we have already gained some additional volunteers! In addition, several clubs have expressed interest to host upcoming Wagner Cup / TrialGP events in the future, starting with 2027. We applaud these folks and are so glad they have become fired up once again and inspired to get the sport back on a path of growth.

Cross marketing to mountain bikers, enduro riders, hare scramblers, adventure riders, overlanders, and more will continue to help the sport of observed trials grow. Many folks turned on by the idea of trials have for a long time not considered the sport from the point of competition. Now

we see a massive shift; folks in other vertices of motorsport understand that the skills gained from trials riding can indeed greatly improve their abilities in other areas. Increased balance, brake, and clutch control from trials riding can no doubt assist with someone pushing to better themselves riding dual sports, hard enduro, or just trail riding for the fun of it. The further acceleration of the development of electric bikes means more riding in residential areas and more safety and ease of learning for young kids with added security for their parents.

If you can volunteer, please reach out; there are links on the website. If you have an idea of a business that might like to sponsor the event, please connect us with them. Our sponsor pack is chock full of marketing and media benefits and our paddock will be full of action. There is no risk either, because a ticket swap as well as ticket insurance is enabled in case you can’t come. But we hope that you will be able to come and enjoy the celebration with us!

Get your tickets now so you are sure to have some! Quantities are limited!

USA DEALERS

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DUST MOTO HIGHTAIL

IS THIS START UP THROWING ROOST OR DUST IN THE WIND?

Dust Moto recently released the pre-order for their midsized electric dirt bike, the Dust Moto Hightail. They have been building this bike in public since 2023 and it has been a fun follow through their newsletter and social media.

The Dust Moto crew used a “Build in Public” model and a few Crowdfunding and Subscription tactics we’ve

WORDS & PHOTOS

seen in the electric vehicle space (Tesla, Rivian, and Stark) to help fund their startup. They started off with the Founders50 and then launched the First100 a few months later to create some light monthly income. These buy-ins gave the members a chance to join behind the scene calls to see the bike being built at a deeper level than what was

BRIAN PIERCE

being shown on social media. I would have loved to have been on those calls!

Now that the Dust Model 1 has an official name, the Dust Moto Hightail, and the pre-order has launched, we’ll see if this becomes a success for Dust Moto. I for one have really enjoyed the journey, and I am extremely jealous of all the riders they have worked with over the past year. I’m a fan of the growth of electric dirt bikes because I believe it expands our current market, while also bringing new engineering talent into a fairly stale industry.

What are your thoughts? Are you excited for new brands like Dust Moto bringing new electric offerings into the dirt bike industry? Would you buy one?

Would you race one? Is the Hightail the ultimate play bike?!?! I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS!

Click or scan to watch Brian's YouTube video

54.7 Miles doesn’t seem like a “long enduro”. When you recognize that there were no transfer sections, and you raced the entirety of the miles on the route sheet, your perspective shifts. Keep Endurance in Enduro Baby!

The Red River Dirt Riders laid out a hell of a great enduro to finish off the TSCEC and BJEC seasons. We were

blessed with great weather, even a tad warm, and some good dirt (not perfect, there was still dust). The new singletrack RRDR cut in showed what can be done with a little effort on a property that has been raced on a lot.

We raced four loops, twice. Each test the second time through had miles added, or removed, which delightfully

over-the-hill hustle

EPIC ENDURO RACING

WORDS PHOTOS

BRIAN PIERCE WINPIC PHOTOGRAPHY

changed the way it rode. Test 8 was almost all new to the long course racers, and it got tight and twisty, while undulating through rocky ravens. I’m telling you, every club needs to take note of how well RRDR used that piece of property for a bad ass enduro.

I did exactly what I planned to do this weekend, which was Come Out Swinging. I

Click or scan to watch Brian's YouTube video

rode the first three really damn good, but there’s the other side of that. I started to fatigue quicker because I’m not used to that level of output yet. Mistakes started happening around test 4, I got tired, and I was a bumbling goof ball by the end. All of that is ok though because I rode how I knew I could from the beginning. I think my nutrition was still good. I believe my fitness just isn’t there yet for that type of speed and output from the beginning. 1% better every damn day.

Not sure what 2025 looks like yet. Fingers cross for NEPG, but driving will be at an all time high. If you buy a shirt, hat, or UCC, you’ll help support the content and the videos.

Thank you Logan & Emma for the fun all day on Row 29! I’m beyond excited to have earned this new found speed, fitness, and ability at 45. There are many other racers older than me riding a lot faster, but I raced this year for me, not for them. I’m proud of what I have accomplished, and I hope I have motivated a few other riders and racers to focus on their health and fitness to improve their racing and life.

BARTEAU RANCH

Gliwice

A NEW CHAPTER IN SUPERENDURO HISTORY

WORDS

PHOTOS

SUPERENDURO

FUTURE7MEDIA

Anticipation for the new FIM SuperEnduro World Championship season had been building long before the first round. This year, the Gliwice PreZero Arena made a triumphant return as a host venue. Round 1 of the SuperEnduro series broke new ground, featuring the first-ever showdown between electric and combustion motorcycles at a competition of this level. Adding to the excitement, the starting lists in every class were stacked with talent, promising high-octane action.

The inaugural stop of the 2024/2025 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship delivered in spectacular fashion. A record-breaking 82 riders from 15 countries battled on the track, thrilling fans with their exceptional performances both inside the arena and online via the PlayLive platform.

Electric motorcycles made their first appearance alongside combustion bikes thanks to the efforts of the promoter, FIM, cooperation with the motorcycle industry, including STARK FUTURE.

The debut of electric bikes was highly anticipated, and after a year-long break, Taddy Błażusiak (POL) was cleared to compete on his STARK VARG, but due to certain restrictions, his performance was less fortunate than expected, leaving fans hoping for more.

However, Eddie Karlsson (SWE) impressed with a strong result in SuperPole and consistent performances in the three finals, proving that electric bikes can successfully and safely compete with

combustion bikes on a SuperEnduro track.

Saturday evening kicked off with the SuperPole race, where four-time FIM SuperEnduro World Champion Billy Bolt (GBR) clocked the fastest lap time. Jonny Walker (GBR) secured second place, while Eddie Karlsson (SWE) impressed with a strong thirdplace finish.

In the first final of the opening round of the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship, Bolt put on a masterclass, delivering a commanding performance to claim a dominant victory. Jonny Walker followed in second, unable to match Bolt’s blistering pace, while Dominik Olszowy (POL) completed the first final in third.

The second final, however, told a different story. Dominik Olszowy seized his moment. Starting from the second row, he made an incredible charge to the front. With the home crowd’s deafening support behind him, Olszowy held off relentless pressure from Bolt. Despite Bolt’s repeated attempts to overtake

– including a few that pushed him off the track – Olszowy remained calm and consistent, earning his first-ever Prestige class moto win in breathtaking style. Jonny Walker finished second again, while Ashton Brightmore (GBR), making his debut in the Prestige class, took an impressive third, with Bolt settling for fourth.

In the third and final race, Bolt reasserted his dominance. With a flawless ride from start to finish, he claimed victory and secured the overall win for the night. Olszowy finished second in the race and earned a well-deserved second place overall. Walker, despite a mishap that saw his chain come off mid-air in the third race, managed to secure third place on the overall podium.

“I’ve got to be happy to take the win here in Poland, especially in front of such a fantastic crowd," said Bolt. "It’s definitely not all gone my own way. SuperPole went well and then going into race one I felt good and was able to take the win. In race two, I took my time early on, but after that I pushed too hard

to get out front and made some mistakes. Coming off the side of the track didn’t help, especially with how slippery the concrete is here in Poland, but thankfully, I was able to fight my way back to fourth. Entering race three, the points were tight for the overall, so the goal was clear – get out front and just manage my pace to the finish. Everything went perfectly, I was able to take the race win and the overall. It feels good to open my season with a victory, I’m already looking forward to Germany in a few weeks’ time.”

Notably, motivated and eager to compete in the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship, Cooper Abbott (USA) made a strong impression with 4th, 7th, and 6th-place finishes across the three finals, ending up 5th overall. Abbott demonstrated that he can go head-to-head with SuperEnduro’s top riders and is sure to be a serious

threat to his rivals as the series progresses.

The Junior class delivered incredible excitement. A generational shift was evident as last year’s champion, Ashton Brightmore, moved up to the Prestige class. The young riders brought incredible energy and determination, delivering fierce battles and thrilling moments that kept the standings unpredictable.

In the end, it was the most consistent rider, Toby Shaw

PREVIOUS: Husqvarna Factory Racing's Billy Bolt (57)

RIGHT : Rieju's Toby Martyn (212)

(GBR), who emerged victorious. Àlex Puey (ESP) impressed with a dominant ride in the first final and a strong second-place finish in the third, earning him the runner-up spot overall. Marc Fernandez Serra (ESP) also performed consistently to complete the Junior class podium.

Szymon Kuś (POL) showed great pace, battling for the lead twice during the event and demonstrating his potential despite some setbacks. Milan Schmüser (GER) also displayed his fighting spirit, finishing with solid points after challenges in the first two races.

The debut of the Youth class opened the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship to 125cc motorcycles. Riders aged 14 to

18 showcased incredible skills and thrilling battles in Gliwice.

Ramon Godino Gomez (ESP) and Connor Watson (GBR) took top two spots on the podium, respectively, while Polish fans had much to cheer for as Michał Laska (POL) claimed third place overall with two third-place finishes.

OVERALL

1. Billy Bolt (HSQ)

2. Dominik Olszowy (RIE)

3. Jonny Walker (TRI)

4. Ashton Brightmore (GG)

5. Cooper Abbott (SHR)

6. Eddie Karlsson (STR)

7. William Hoare (HSQ)

8. Mitch Brightmore (GG)

9. Alfredo Gomez Cantero (BET)

10. Tim Apolle (BET)

Beta Factory Racing's Alfredo Gomez (89)

Rieju's Dominik Olszowy (501)

Triumph's Jonny Walker (22)

SETTING THE PACE

HART DEFENDS TITLE

TURNER EARNS PRO WOMEN CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE

WORDS PHOTOS

STEPH VETTERLY & SHAN MOORE

JACK JAXSON

Blink and you might have missed some of the neatest arena racing the USA enduro community has to offerthe Slavens Racing AMA EnduroCross Series, presented by Progressive Insurance.

Showcasing riders from across the country, and across the world, these six-minuteplus-a-lap races are non-stop wall-to-wall action on various courses across the west coast. Each arena brings with it various obstacles, challenging every rider to push their limits, and their heart rate. The 2024 season was short, spanning from October 12 to November 16, so there was little downtime for racers to make any major changes, or recover from any injuries that they might incur from racing.

Many of the top names in the discipline come from both trials and enduro / hard enduro lineage, as skills from both worlds are a key to success. We had a chance to chat with FactoryONE Sherco's Coran Calvert about his impressive rookie season, where he took home the Junior title. Coran has a trials background and talks about how that impacted his races. Check out the interview after this article.

Coming to Colorado Springs, Colorado, for the opening round, Redbull FMF/KTM Factory's Trystan Hart was running the red #1 plate and was set on defending his 2023 title. Right out of the gate, Hart capitalized on a great start, squeezing by Rieju Factory Racing's Dominik Olszowy in the first turn to take a lead he would never relinquish in race one, lapping

his way up past fifth place by the finish.

For the second moto, riders are inverted, with the fastest eight riders starting on the back row. FactoryONE Sherco's Cooper Abbott was the first of the top riders to make a move, passing into fourth position soon after the start. He was soon followed by Triumph's Jonny Walker, who took the lead from Abbott a lap later, wanting to make amends for his seventh-place finish in the first race. By lap four, Hart had moved his way up into third and set his sights first on Olszowy and then on Abbott. On the final lap, Hart made an inside move on Abbott to secure the runner-up slot, with Walker taking the win at the checkers.

Hart made another strong appearance in round 2 at the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, Arizona. Hart, Walker and Rockstar Husqvarna Factory Racing's Colton Haaker were threewide exiting the first turn at the start of moto one, with Hart taking the early lead. Walker cut under Haaker on the second lap to move into second, while Haaker, Coastal GasGas Factory Racing's Will Riordan and Beta Factory rider Max Gerston ran in third, fourth and fifth. On lap two, Walker hit a log head-on and stopped dead in his tracks, dropping the Brit to third behind Haaker.

Hart held strong until the finish, taking the checkers ahead of Haaker, Walker, LeBlond and Riordan. In moto 2, Olszowy ran a steady pace out front, and while the rest of

the grid battled, he was able to keep hold of the lead until the finish, marking the race as his first moto victory. However, Hart reclaimed his spot out front to take the third moto win and the overall on the evening.

Rounds 3 and 4, hosted at the Mountain America Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho, were held on back-to-back nights. Multi-time EnduroCross champion Colton Haaker was able to take the checkers on all three motos for round 3. Excitement happened in moto 3, where the Husqvarna rider had a KTM shadow; Haaker and Hart were riding so far in front of the pack that the pair were lapping riders back to sixth place. Hart was able to make a pass on the final lap just before the rock garden, but fumbled in the rocks and

lost the opportunity. Wheel to wheel coming into the last turn, Haaker was able to sneak just slightly ahead for the win, but the two riders collided in the air and Hart went down on the landing.

This venue also marked the beginning of the Pro Women's class. As most of the women who were going to contend this season were also racing in the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE), the series promoter decided to forego

the first two rounds and begin their competition when they returned.

Enduro Engineering/GasGas/ FXR Moto’s Shelby Turner dominated both motos of the class, going 1-1 to take the overall win. FactoryONE Sherco USA’s Hallie Marks went 3-2 for second overall, with defending Series champ, Team KBS Sherco’s Rachel Gutish struggling in the rock section for third overall.

Try as he might, Hart wasn't able to take the overall when racing returned the next day. Hart was first out of the first turn to start moto 1, with Haaker and Abbott in tow. The rock garden was the most technical part of the course and that’s where most of the passing took place. It was, in fact, where Hart snuck around Haaker to take the lead on lap two, as Abbott followed suit, dropping Haaker to third. Walker eventually passed Haaker for third, again in the rock section, and a short time later displaced Abbott for second. At the finish, the order was Hart, Walker Haaker, Abbott and Olszowy.

After Haaker was able to secure a win in moto 2, with Walker finishing ahead of Hart, Walker and Hart found themselves tied on the evening. The series is scored on Olympic scoring, meaning that in the case of a tie, the result of the final moto stands as the overall finish. Walker was quickest off the line with Haaker and Hart moving into second and third by the end of lap one, setting up the big showdown.

Walker pulled away and rode a steady race to the finish, while Haaker and Hart battled over second. Haaker got jammed up between two logs midway into the race and dropped to sixth, moving Hart into second.

At the finish, Walker got his second moto win of the season, with Hart second and Abbott in third.

Overall, it was Walker with the victory, his first of the season. Hart second overall and Haaker third overall. Abbott and Olszowy in fourth and fifth overall.

In the Pro Women's class, Turner took a step closer to a sixth national title by dominating again, taking the early lead ahead of Marks and Harten in moto two. Gutish

made a late run from last to end up second and some chaos in the rocks, leaving the order at the finish Turner, Gutish, Marks, Melissa Harten (KTM) and Bailey Lerwill (GG).

Round 5 saw yet another upset of race finishes. Despite taking the win on the opening moto, Hart found himself stuck behind the leader for the remaining two races. Jonny Walker had a rough start to the evening, finishing seventh. Things changed in the second moto when Abbott and Walker made their way to the front of the pack. Walker was able to overtake the lead and was first to see the checkers.

Walker wasted no time taking the lead in the third and final race, grabbing a clean holeshot and leading the pack into the opening lap, followed by Rockstar Husqvarna Factory’s Ryder LeBlond and Hart. Halfway into the race, LeBlond put a pass on Walker when the Triumph rider spun on a rock. LeBlond rode a smooth and steady race for the final few laps to take the win, followed by Hart in second and Walker in third. Riordan was fourth with Gerston in fifth.

Heading into the sixth and final round of the season, Hart had only to finish 14th overall to clinch the title.

On a course that most of the riders considered to be the

toughest of the year, Hart was able to take a 1-2-1 finish on the evening and secure another championship title.

“It’s pretty cool to go backto-back championships and major props to Haaker,” said Hart. “He made this one much more meaningful. He's been a pain in my butt this season and he rides a bike so fast, so he made me work for this one and kind of kept me on my toes the whole time. He didn’t give me an inch so thanks to Haaker for pushing me.”

In the Pro Women’s division, Enduro Engineering/GasGas/ FXR Moto’s Shelby Turner completed a sweep of the fourround class with a dominating win in Everett, leading every lap of the final to claim her seventh EnduroCross title. Defending Series champ, Team KBS Sherco’s Rachel Gutish finished second overall with KTM-rider Melissa Harten in third.

“It's years and years of training to get where I’m at,” said Turner. “I've been riding EnduroCross since I was 17 years old and you know it's all about the love of the sport. I'm so happy to have my family here; my parents flew in from Canada and so happy to have my Enduro Engineering team they're all here, I heard them cheering me on so super happy and just an awesome awesome series this year.”

SEASON STANDINGS

1. Trystan Hart (KTM)

Colton Haaker (HSQ)

Cooper Abbott (SHR)

Jonny Walker (TRI)

Max Gerston (BET)

Ryder LeBlond (HSQ)

Dominik Olszowy (RIE)

Tim Apolle (BET)

Branden Petrie (GG) 10. Braxton Hintze (GG)

PRO WOMEN

1. Shelby Turner (GG) 2. Rachel Gutish (SHR) 3. Hallie Marks (SHR) 4. Melissa Harten (KTM) 5. Kylee Sweeten (GG) 6. Bailey Lerwill (GG)

CORAN CALVERT

Talks EnduroCross

Rookie

Season & Winning the Junior Championship Title

WORDS PHOTOS

STEPH VETTERLY JACK JAXSON

At only 17 years of age, FactoryONE Sherco’s newest EnduroCross rider made a name for himself in his debut season, winning the Junior championship title.

Coran Calvert, of Pennsylvania, started riding when he was only 4 years old. He worked his way through the ranks at his local trials club and started competing in the North American Trials Council (NATC) National Championship Series. Coran has risen through the ranks, not only securing multiple wins at the top level of the East Coast Youth Nationals and Women’s Open Mototrials Championship (fka) while sponsored by Vertigo USA, but also taking home the 2023 Youth Lites national title at the Red Bull Tennessee Knockout, supported by Sherco USA.

Fully under the FactoryONE Sherco tent for 2024, Coran sought to take on both the NATC’s Expert class as well as the US Hard Enduro’s A class championships. When Sherco presented him with the opportunity to race the EnduroCross series, he jumped at it.

Those who know the trials world know that the series isn’t televised and there aren’t hundreds or thousands of spectators watching your every move. Even the hard enduro courses have a lot of mileage that isn’t seen by anyone other than the racers themselves. EnduroCross is a total change of pace. Built as a small, technical course in an arena-style setting, everything is televised, and the stands are full of excited fans. Races are short, so you only have a few minutes and a few laps to make your charge to the front. Just getting to learn the course is an obstacle in and of itself but add everything else to the mix and you’d be forgiven if you didn’t have the greatest rookie season.

Racing both the Intermediate and Junior classes, Coran took to it like a champ. He came out swinging in the first round at Colorado Springs and went home with the Junior win. In Prescott Valley, he had an unfortunate crash with then-race-leader Declan McCahill; the two riders tangled, and Niko Piazza was able to get by to take the win on the evening. Coming back swinging, Coran finished the season with two wins and two podium finishes and enough points to secure the Junior title.

On the Pegs had a chance to chat with Coran and get his insight on his first-ever EnduroCross season.

OTP - YOU DECIDED TO FOREGO THE FINAL ROUNDS OF THE NATC SEASON IN FLORIDA TO RACE ENDUROCROSS. HOW DID YOU COME TO THAT DECISION?

CORAN CALVERT - Jan Cardinaels [from Jitsie] was here and he basically had the Expert title wrapped up no matter what happened. Ron Sallman came to me about the idea of EnduroCross. We pushed it off a little bit until Florida came closer.

We went to the first round. I didn’t have any expectations because I’d never ridden an EnduroCross track. I went into it with no training. It was all new to me; Sherco believed in me. I guess I did what I could, and it worked.

I have big bike experience, but I didn’t have “indoor in front of a whole bunch of people, on tv, with Supercross-type terrain with rocks and stuff in it” experience, so that was different. Cooper Abbott and his dad [Destry Abbott] put on a class before every round, so I did those and got a bit of track time the night before so it wasn’t AS nerve wracking.

OTP - WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO TRY OUT TWO CLASSES (INTERMEDIATE AND JUNIOR) AT THE SAME TIME?

CC -We left it up to Ron [Sallman]. He said he knew I had the potential to win one of them, if not both. I was doing good in both, then I had my little instant where I accidentally t-boned a kid, which set me back in the Intermediate. Then we decided to just focus on the Junior title.

[Riding two classes] definitely helped my season because the Junior class had a lot of good people, but the Intermediate class was more competitive. It’s

like the difference between Junior Expert Sportsman and Expert Sportsman in trials. It’s more competitive when you’re riding against older people because they have more experience.

OTP - YOU HAVE A LOT OF TIME ON THE TRIALS BIKE. BASED ON PAST ENDUROCROSS CHAMPIONS, HAVING TRIALS SKILLS REALLY HELPS ON THE COURSE. HOW MUCH DID YOU FEEL YOU WERE ABLE TO PULL FROM YOUR TRIALS EXPERIENCE, AND HOW MUCH WERE YOU ABLE TO PULL FROM YOUR HARD ENDURO EXPERIENCE TO HELP ON THE TRACK?

CC -On the trials side, the rock garden wasn’t a challenge at all because in trials and hard enduro you’re riding rock gardens. If there was a turn, and tires after the turn, I noticed that instead of having to square up, I could hit the tires sideways and move my body on the bike to move on the

tires; I didn’t have to waste more time. I noticed I could combine the trials skills and the enduro skills when there was a bottleneck - my trials skills would help me find a good line and my enduro

skills helped me to just go for it.

Funny story about those tires. The main events were the only times I made it over them. I was stuck in them

all day. I did like a front-flip 180 over them once, I flew into a berm one time. There was a bunch of stuff going on; I was stressing. Then the main event came around and I don’t know what

happened. I was doing it and I was like “holy crap, I just went over the tires.”

OTP - WHAT’S IT LIKE COMING FROM A HARD ENDURO RACE TO ESSENTIALLY A SPRINT RACE ON THE SAME TYPE OF COURSE? WHAT WERE YOUR NERVES DOING FOR AN ENDUROCROSS RACE AS COMPARED TO AN ENDURO RACE THAT

YOU HAVE HOURS TO GET THROUGH?

CC -I feel like I get more nervous for hard enduro because I’m out in the woods for five hours. In EnduroCross, I know your bike can still break and you’re out of the race, but it’s more common to happen when you’re out 18 miles in the woods. I feel like it’s more nerve-wracking

to ride a hard enduro. I’ve puked before a hard enduro, multiple times; I get super nervous. EnduroCross, I would be hanging out in the pits all day laughing, listening to music with the team, and I’d go out and ride and come back and everyone’s happy. It’s just a different atmosphere, but I feel like it’s more competitive.

With the small, tight tracks, even if you’re not trying to bang bars, you kind of have to. I feel like I’m good at racing. I feel like I’m better at enduro than trials. Trials is mental; enduro, you don’t have to think, you just gotta go. I see someone in front of me and I’m like “pass ‘em.”

OTP - WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU LEARNED AS THE SEASON WENT ON THAT YOU REALLY WISH YOU WOULD’VE KNOWN GOING INTO RACE 1?

CC -Learn to be patient. Don’t rush your passes or your line choice. You have to remember to breathe, too. That’s something that’s hard to do when you’re riding. I’m not the most patient person, but I had to learn to be patient on the track after the first few rounds. I think that’s what saved me the most. I’m really thankful to have Sherco USA - if there was a problem, it was fixed, there was no stressing. I didn’t stress once about my bike. They had it under control.

OTP - TALK A LITTLE ABOUT THE CRASH WITH DECLAN IN ROUND 2.

CC -That was a big accident, and that’s where I learned I can’t rush the pass. I think at the beginning of that race I was in dead last; I stalled it right off the start. I caught up to Declan and decided to pass. I went for the inside and he went for the inside. We both tangled and I felt bad. That’s where I learned you just gotta be patient and not go for it when you think you can - you gotta go for it when you know you can. I feel like I got a little timid and went more straight instead of turning. I should’ve gotten up and pivoted, but I went straight. Then Nico ran over both our bikes and got out front. [I’m sure that was a little frustrating.] Yeah, because then he went 1-1 for the night.

OTP - WALK US THROUGH WHAT YOUR SETUP WAS IN REGARD TO SUSPENSION AND TIRES.

CC -I didn’t pay too much attention to what was on my bike other than I know that Race Tech hooked me up with a set of suspension. I’ve never run EnduroCross before, so I didn’t know what I wanted, but they got me Cooper’s setup from last year. I definitely noticed it was stiffer. It wasn’t as stiff in the front as I thought it would be; it was stiffer in the back. As far as tires, we just ran Dunlops. The last round, I ran a gummier tire because it was really muddy, and the track felt like it had an airbag under it; you could just jump up and down on the dirt.

The Race Tech suspension worked great. I loved it; I don’t think I’m going to change it for next year - I think I’m going to run the same suspension. Whatever Race Tech did, they definitely know how to work on suspension, so big shoutout to them.

OTP - IS THERE ANYONE YOU’D LIKE TO GIVE A SHOUTOUT TO FOR THIS YEAR?

CC -I would definitely like to say how grateful I am for everything Sherco’s done. This wouldn’t be possible without them for the EnduroCross, trials, and hard enduro season. I’d definitely like to thank Race Tech for their suspension and Dunlop for their tires; they were a big help. I’d also like to thank FMF. I ran a different header at every round; there were a few from crashing, but there was a time when I won and I think I was going so hard that I bent it on a kid’s footpeg. I didn’t wreck, but I put a new pipe on before the main and there was a huge dent. I’d like to thank my mechanic, Chase Chelin. He did a lot the entire season working on my bike and dealing with the hiccups that we’ve had. I think we’re

a good duo because he’s close to my age so we have a lot in common. On the racing side, he can work on my bike. He’s definitely a good hype-guy; when we’re down at the line, he gets me all hyped up for the main.

OTP - WHAT DOES NEXT YEAR LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

CC -It’s going to sound like a lot, but I’m going to ride the entire US Hard Enduro series and the entire EnduroCross series, then I’m going to do two NATC trials nationals. I really want to ride Pro, but we’re focusing on hard enduro, so I can’t because then I’d have to run Pro at hard enduro. Our focus is to get an A-class championship. I’m only 17, I have a lot more time to ride Pro at trials.

OTP - CONGRAULATIONS, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING WHAT YOU CAN DO NEXT YEAR!

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girroir's perfect season finisher!

SHAN MOORE ART PEPIN WORDS PHOTOS

FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Johnny Girroir finished out the 2024 US Sprint Enduro Series with a perfect sweep, winning all eight rounds on the schedule by winning both days of competition at this weekend’s double pointspaying season finale at Roger’s Farm Sprint Enduro in Ninety Six, South Carolina.

Girroir set the tone for Saturday’s round by winning the first cross test of the day by a seven-second margin over Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Racing’s Craig DeLong. Fellow Husqvarna riders Toby Cleveland and Jason Tino, both Pro 2 riders, were third and fourth. Meanwhile, Am Pro Yamaha’s Liam Draper

rounded out the top five ahead of FMF KTM Factory Racing Lander’s Angus Riordan.

Despite his disastrous ride in the opening test of the day, which was 10 seconds adrift of Girroir, Draper was able to move up into second behind Girroir with a solid win in the second test.

At the end of the day, Girroir and Draper each won three of the six tests, although Girroir had the advantage in overall time, winning the day by 10

PREVIOUS: FMF KTM Factory Racing's Johnny Girroir

LEFT: Babbitt's Online Monster Energy Kawasaki's JoJo Cunningham BELOW: FMF KTM Factory Racing Lander's Brandy Richards

seconds over Draper thanks to Draper’s disappointing performance in test one.

Bell’s Electric Toby Cleveland (Hsq) surprised the field by finishing third for the day and first in the Pro 2 class, beating out Husqvarna-mounted Jason Tino by just over a second in one of the best battles of the day.

DeLong rounded out the top five, followed by Babbitt’s Online Monster Energy Kawasaki’s JoJo Cunningham finishing sixth, which also made him top Pro-Am rider.

Girroir rode with cautious determination on Sunday, winning five of the six tests to claim Sunday’s win, with Draper taking a lone victory in the final enduro test for second.

Cleveland also continued his battle with Tino, topping the New Jersey rider by a margin of 4.5 seconds for third on the day.

Riordan snuck in for fifth, while Cunningham won the Pro-Am class again with a sixth overall finish.

In all, Girroir won eight of 12 tests during the two-day event, with Draper accounting for the remaining four wins.

In the overall standings, Girroir took the overall win with a total elapsed time of 1:12:23.390 seconds, followed by Draper in second at 1:12:52.642 seconds. Third overall went to Cleveland (1:13.34.472), while Tino pushed Cleveland all weekend but came up just short with a total time of 1:13:42.086. Meanwhile, DeLong (1:14:09.397) finished out the top five.

After the race, Girroir commented on winning all eight rounds.

“I had a great year and I'm pretty stoked about it,” said Girroir. “Yesterday was kind of tight, Liam is running well and he gave me a run on Saturday. I had a lead over

Liam all day and then today I had some really good tests and the last test I just kind of cruised, I didn't have to do anything special, but I didn't want to do anything stupid. So, it feels great to sweep the series. It’s been a good year.”

In addition to his third overall finish, Cleveland also topped the Pro 2 class, with Tino and Riordan in second and third overall in the class.

JoJo Cunningham and Cooper Jones had a great battled for the top spot in the Pro-Am class, with Cunningham taking the class overall win ahead of Jones and Michael Delosa.

The top Amateur for the weekend was Tyler DiBartolo, who won the Open A class.

FMF KTM Factory Racing Lander’s rider Brandy Richards continued her undefeated streak in the Women’s Pro class by defeating Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki’s Rachael Archer on both days.

TOP to BOTTOM:

AM Pro Yamaha's Liam Draper

Bell's Electric Toby Cleveland

SEASON STANDINGS

EVENT - SATURDAY

ADULT OVERALL

1. Johnny Girroir (KTM)

2. Liam Draper (YAM)

3. Toby Cleveland (HSQ)

4. Jason Tino (HSQ)

5. Craig DeLong (HSQ)

6. JoJo Cunningham (KAW)

7. Angus Riordan (KTM)

8. Cooper Jones (KTM)

9. Tyler DiBartolo (HON)

10. Michael Delosa (YAM)

PRO WOMEN

1. Brandy Richards (KTM)

2. Rachael Archer (KAW)

EVENT - SUNDAY

ADULT OVERALL

1. Johnny Girroir (KTM)

2. Liam Draper (YAM)

3. Toby Cleveland (HSQ)

4. Jason Tino (HSQ)

5. Craig DeLong (HSQ)

6. JoJo Cunningham (KAW)

7. Angus Riordan (KTM)

8. Cooper Jones (KTM)

9. Colton Shields (HSQ)

10. Tyler DiBartolo (HON)

WOMEN'S PRO

1. Brandy Richards (KTM)

2. Rachael Archer (KAW)

SEASON RESULTS

PRO 1

1. Johnny Girroir (perfect 540)

2. Liam Draper (392)

3. Craig DeLong (368)

4. Cody Barnes (267)

5. Josh Toth (136)

6. Layne Michael (120)

7. Lyndon Snodgrass (63)

8. Grant Baylor (32)

9. Riley McGillivray (28)

10. Jason Lawrence (26)

WOMEN'S PRO

1. Brandy Richards (420) 2. Korie Steede (300)

Youth - The Future of Sprint Enduro

ART PEPIN WORDS PHOTOS

US SPRINT ENDURO STAFF

Youth riders from all over took to the track this weekend at the Rogers Farm Sprint Enduro in Ninety Six, South Carolina, to solidify their standings in their respective classes at the final event of the season, and to enjoy one last opportunity to participate in the fastest growing form of dirt bike competition: Sprint Enduro racing.

US Sprint Enduro would like to thank the families and youth riders that followed the USSE Series. It was another great year for youth and micro racing in the US Sprint Enduro Community.

We have seen some real talent unleashed in the series and love to see the crossover racing between different series. We believe Sprint Enduro is the future – and plays a pivotal role even on the world stage by developing future ISDE (International Six Days of Enduro) competitors to represent the US in the off-road world Olympics! We continue to be excited for the future of our racers!

After dropping his first two rounds (four days), Levi Wilkins (GG) completed a sweep of the Super Mini Senior (12-15) class to claim the class championship after winning the final two days of racing at the Rogers Farm Sprint Enduro. Lucas Skelton (KTM) finished approximately three minutes behind Wilkins to place second overall this week with Nash Pearson (KTM) going home with third overall.

Levi Wilkins from Pride, Louisiana, has been dominating the US Sprint Enduro Youth Division all year and has been taking home the FMF Fastest Awards on the regular! Levi also earned himself an AMA #1 plate for the 2024 season in the Super Mini Sr Class!

Ace Tokar (KTM) and Braxtyn Cheney battled all year for the title in the 85 Sr (12-15) class, with Tokar edging out Cheney for the championship. Cheney was second overall in South Carolina, while Maddix Wiggins and Rylan Roberts,

and Rylan Roberts rounded out the top four.

Colt Chaney (KTM) won the 85 Jr (12-15) championship ahead of Ethan Tokar and Bryce Hamilton with an overall win this weekend, finishing the two days with a total time of 1:32:30.430.

Felicity Lowe (Kaw) topped Nicole Rupert (KTM) for the overall win in the Girls (10-16) class when Rupert only competed on Saturday. However, Rupert beat out Lowe for the championship with Jose Grozbean (KTM) finishing third in the title chase.

Aubrey Tsakanikas (KTM) claimed her fifth win of the season to take the overall over Donnie Ryan (KTM) as well as the class championship in the 65 SR (10-11) class at Rogers Farm. Braydon Lucas (KTM), Shawn Remington (GG) and Jonathan Falls (KTM) were third, fourth and fifth in the final championship standings, respectively.

In the 65 Jr. (7-9) division, Todd Toland (HSQ) took the overall win over Mason Ramsey (Yam), Maura Tsakanikas (KTM), Ryder Baricska (KTM) and Matilda Revoyr (GG) at Rogers Farm in addition to wrapping up the championship in the class.

Ryder Baricska (KTM) raced the 65 Jr class and the 50 Sr class for maximum seat time in the Youth/Micro Division! Ryder edged out (COB) and Tanner Toland (COB) for the overall win this weekend in the 50 Sr (7-8) class, however, it was Stewart that claimed the championship title over Toland. Baricska finished third in the title chase.

Banks Taylor (HSQ) won the 50 Jr (4-6) ahead of Kelyn Stewart (GG) and Maci Zink (GG) this weekend. Carson Zink (KTM) was the championship winner for the year, with Kelyn Stewart (GG) and Kace Boyer (KTM) in second and third.

Maci Ryan was the lone entry in the Trailbike (7-11) class this weekend, however, Maci beat out Logan Brettegan (YAM), Aubree Willis (YAM), Bristal Pullen (SUZ) and Regan Pullen (HON) for the championship title this year.

In the 65 Novice division, Brooke Kleines (HSQ) beat Virginia Ramsey (KAW) this weekend at Rogers Farm, but Ramsey flipped the script to win the 2024 65 Novice division championship ahead of Kleines, Casen Jennings (GG), Alden Moore (YAM) and Grayson Berkey (KAW).

LEFT: Colt Chaney (997)

TOP : Levi Wilkins with the FMF Fastest Awards, the event win in the Super Mini Sr class, and the series overall AMA #1 plate

RIGHT : Aubrey Tsakanikas (110Y), Banks Taylor (236Y), Felicity Lowe (154Y), Ryder Baricska (203Y)

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The RACE

TOBIN MILLER YSABELL HAMM, WAYNE THOMPSON, TRISTON NEES, LORILEE HUTSON WORDS PHOTOS

Known as the most infamous harescramble in Illinois, “The Race” brings in hardcore XC racers from all across the Midwest. For 49 consecutive years, the baddest dudes in the area have fought through tight singletrack and wideopen cornfields trying to be the first across the finish line at the Bike Barn in Morrison, Il. With an impressive win list boasting names such as Jeff Fredette, Paul Whibley, Nick Fahringer and Russel Bobbitt, this race holds tons of prestige.

Traditionally held in late November, the conditions are often muddy and cold with frequent creek crossings thrown into the mix to make it even tougher. MXC Director Monte Gusse and father, Bill Gusse, build an amazing course across the Illinois countryside every year, and while filled with miles of

tight, technical singletrack, the most well-known facet of The Race is the cornfield transfer sections. Although not challenging to ride, this makes it very difficult to finish the race as every year multiple bikes are blown up trying to hang with the top guys. Some of these guys on 450s are pushing speeds of up to 90 MPH! A huge part of winning this race is strategy, since just keeping the bike running is such a big challenge. With a single lap being roughly 50 miles long, fuel stops are another important factor. In order to even consider finishing, racers must have a strong support team willing to chase them all around the countryside.

The course is dotted with action-packed spectator spots, with some favorites being the Rock Creek Crossing, the

Road Jump, and The Log. An undercut, 3-foot high, greasy log, this spot is no joke and causes carnage even at the Pro level. Mud holes and peat bogs are another common place to find avid fans, often holding ropes and covered in mud themselves. Even the start itself is a spectacle every year, with 50 or more bikes lined up in the front row, all fighting for the holeshot at the end of a quarter-mile cornfield straightaway.

The 2024 holeshot award meant a lot more this year than years past. In honor of Randy Conkling, a local Illinois racer who recently passed away, a whopping $1,100 holeshot award was put up by local

RIGHT: Phoenix Racing Honda's Cody Barnes (99)

companies and fellow MXC racers. Randy ‘Porch Puppy” Conkling was known for his ability to get out of the gate in first place throughout his many years of racing. In a fitting turn of events, Illinois-local Cody Barnes picked up the holeshot award this year. “The holeshot was a bit of pressure, but not for the money reason. The award was in honor of one of my best friends, Randy Conkling, that passed away in July of this year. With the award having myself and Randy on it, I really wanted to get that for me because personally, it would mean a lot. Bringing that trophy home and having Randy’s wife give me the award on the podium was something that I will forever remember and appreciate.”

Not only did Pheonix Racing Honda’s Cody Barnes pick up the holeshot, he also picked up a $200 award for first person over The Log, and went on to win The Race, becoming a 3-time winner. “The first lap was super slick. I had a couple close calls in the beginning part of the race in the exposed dirt areas. Those areas were really slick, but once we got on the tighter trails that had leaves on them, the traction wasn't bad at all. I was able to make it through the first lap without any major mistakes.” From there on, he cruised in to cross the line first.

Finishing not far behind Cody was Monster Energy Team Babbits’ Tanner Whipple on his Kawasaki 450. He had a great start as well, coming around the holeshot corner in a close second place, and then making an early move into the lead. “Cody overshot the first

corner (in the moto track) and I snuck by there” ... “they did some skidsteer work to it. I snuck around and then I led for the first six miles or so.”

Tanner has raced this event many times and was the 2022 overall winner. When asked about how his bike holds up so well to the abuse of The Race, he said “we do gear my bike a little bit different for this event just because there's a lot of really fast cornfields. We just change gearing a bit, but otherwise, my Kawasaki 450 is a really good machine. I’ve raced [this] three times on that bike and never had a DNF”.

Liqui-Moly Beta USA’s Jhak Walker was in the lead pack early on, running in third for most of the first lap, but some bike issues took him out early.

Rounding out the podium in third place was privateer Jayson Crawford on a Yamaha 250Fwith a really good race.

“I was good buddies with Randy Conkling and all I could think of was pulling the start for him. I got a super good jump and missed a shift halfway down the first straightaway. I ended up fourth off the start and third into the woods. First lap was muddy for sure. As soon as I hit the woods, I tucked the front end causing me to go from third to seventh but by the time we got to Rock Creek I was in fourth and just kept it on two wheels from there.” Jayson is supported by his dad, his uncle, D&W Cycle Shop, and G2 Ergonomics.

Fourth place was Champion Brick Racing’s Tobin Miller on a KTM 300 XC-W, who worked his way back up

through the mud from a first turn crash.

Finishing out the top five was Illinois local Ayden White, who had to make a trip back to the pits for a quick header swap before getting back in the race.

With more than 100 racers for the main event, The Race continues to draw racers from across the country. It’s a test of man and machine, and with 2025 being its 50th year running, this is definitely one to put on the bucket list.