FMF KTM Factory Racing's Trystan Hart drew first blood, taking his third-career win at the 2025 King of Motos, which also served as the opening round of the Bullet Proof Design's US Hard Enduro Series, Presented by IRC Tire.
Jenny Keller Photography
CONTRIBUTORS
Brian Pierce // Seat Time
Marcelo Maragni
Kin Marcin
Jenny Keller Photography
Ryan McCasland
Tobin Miller
Amber Hartness
facebook.com/ onthepegs
Soash Media Services
Future7Media
Pere Flores
Heather Wilson
Mack Faint
Shan Moore
Art Pepin
@onthepegsmagazine www.on-the-pegs.com
To get involved or send content, email stephanie@onthepegsmagazine.com
2025 MOTA TRIALS SCHEDULE IS ANNOUNCED
The Michigan Ontario Trials Association (MOTA) has released their 2025 schedule. MOTA is a non-profit organization devoted to promoting observed motorcycle trials activity in the Michigan-Ontario Area. Composed of a number of member clubs, M.O.T.A. sponsors virtually all trials events held in the area.
world news
Mireia Badia, current Enduro World Champion with RIEJU, has decided to retire from professional competition.
With an impeccable career, Mireia has not only left her mark in the history of Enduro, but has also been an example of passion, perseverance and self-improvement. Her crowning as world champion is just one of the many milestones that have made her a reference for the sport and an inspiration for future generations.
April 26-27
May 3-4
May 18
June 8
June 22
June 28-29
August 2-3
New Paris, IN
Michiana Championship Two Day
Vermontville, MI Mid-Michigan Trials Club
Vassar, MI East Side Competition Riders
Whitmore Lake, MI Metro Trials Club
Metamora, MI Great Lakes Trials Club
Flushing, MI Bent Fenders
Marlette, MI East Side Competition Riders
Sept 7 Metamora, MI Great Lakes Trials Club
Sept 14 Flushing, MI Bent Fenders
Sept 27-28
October 12
Although Mireia is leaving the competition tracks, Rieju is pleased to announce that she will continue to be linked to RIEJU, contributing with her experience and knowledge in new projects that will continue to promote our brand and the world of Enduro.
Miquel Garcia Rieju Factory Racing Team Manager:
“Mireia has been a fundamental pillar for our team and an example both on and off the track. Although we stopped seeing her compete,
Vermontville, MI Mid-Michigan Trials Club
Whitmore Lake, MI Metro Trials Club
we are delighted that she will continue with us to contribute her vision and experience. Personally I will continue to have her by my side helping the team in the races so it is the end of one stage and the beginning of another. I am very happy to have been able to enjoy Mireia Badia as an athlete and as a person during these years.”
Mireia Badia
“Making the decision to retire has not been easy, but I feel it is the right time to close this chapter. Racing
Enduro has been my passion and my life, and I am deeply grateful to RIEJU for having accompanied me in this as a rider and a person. Although I am leaving racing, my commitment to the sport and to RIEJU remains intact. I am excited about this new stage, in which I will be able to contribute my experience from another angle and continue to be linked to this world that I love so much. Thanks to my team and to me who have always supported me. This is not goodbye, it's a new beginning.”
Gear: helmets, jerseys, pants & protectors
Parts: Jitsie, OEM plus various aftermarket parts
Bikes: Beta, Electric Motion, Vertigo & TRS
Beta
2025 EVO Factory Models
Beta's engineers in Italy continue to improve upon the tried-andtrue design that has brought them continued success, and the 2025 iterations are no different. The main areas of improvement were focused on the engine, frame, and suspension.
ENGINE
The 2-stroke versions feature a magnesium crankcase, helping to eliminate more than three pounds overall. Trimmed clutch discs were created to maximize clutch precision and controllability and make the most extreme repetitive actions easier to manage even at high rpm (such as big obstacles and rear wheel hops).
On the 250 and 300cc models, the titanium exhaust has a larger internal diameter, providing better performance in the mid-to-top end rpm range while reducing overall weight by over 1.3 pounds. On the 125cc model, the titanium exhaust has a change to the internal design, bringing in an initial conical section which provides an increase in torque and acceleration at low rpms.
In the 4-stroke Factory model, the ECU (electronic control unit) receives a higher power rating, which translates to improved spark stability and improved combustion at all engine speeds. The model's titanium silencer is matched
to the ECU power output for a stronger overall power deliver, and also saves roughly two pounds in overall weight.
SUSPENSION
Beta boasts a major upgrade to the suspension system, with the introduction of a new, larger diameter aluminum fork. Not only will the material construction reduce some of the overall weight of the machine, but will allow for improved adjustments. The forks are finished off with a special titanium nitride (TiN) gold hard ceramic coating which reduces friction, leading to improved durability and performance.
The all-new aluminum rear shock body, manufactured by Ollé includes adjustments for compression and rebound dampening, as well as spring preload.
FRAME
The 2025 EVO Factory models come equipped with billet aluminum triple clamps and footpegs, providing rigidity and reducing even more weight from the machine. Red silicone radiator hoses help improve cooling performance.
Galfer racing brake discs offer maximum braking power, while BrakTec has you covered on the brake and clutch master cylinders.
Bikes come equipped with handlebar tethers and Michelin X-light tires.
It's obvious that the Beta development team has been focused on improving not only rideability, but also overall machine weight, helping to produce a bike that is more manageable and approachable by riders of any skill level. Beta recommends that amateur riders step down one model size if coming from a standard EVO model. As an example, if a rider normally competes on a standard 300 EVO model, Beta recommends choosing the EVO 250 Factory version as an equal comparison.
KEY FEATURES:
• magnesium crankcase (2-stroke)
• trimmed clutch discs
• titanium exhaust
• improved ECU (4-stroke)
• larger front forks
• Galfer racing brake discs
• BrakTec brake and clutch master cylinders
• rear brake caliper with antivibration system for pads
• Michelin X-light tires
• new graphics MODELS AVAILABLE:
• 125cc ($8,299)
• 200cc ($8,499)
• 250cc ($8,899)
• 300cc ($9,199)
• 300cc 4-stroke ($9,699)
*plus a $439 destination fee
300 4T
SET-UP GUIDE
WORDS & PHOTOS
Setting up a dirt bike for a rider is a very individual ritual. Even though there are plenty of foundational starting points, every rider should still test and evolve their setup for their riding style, terrain, and enjoyment. Brian Storrie helps me understand the baseline settings for dirt bike setup so we can then evolve the GasGas EX350F for my 2025 challenge of taking on the
National Enduro Series. SETTING FREE SAG & RIDER SAG
Setting the sag on your dirt bike is very important. There’s a range of numbers, typically set in the manual, that the manufactures want you to be in for the bike to work to what they believe will be the best performance and handling. These numbers are just that
MAKE YOU & YOUR DIRT BIKE RACE-READY!
BRIAN PIERCE
though, a range. Every rider is different, along with the terrain they’ll be riding in.
The free sag for the GasGas is recommended to be set at 35mm. This is the number the bike should be sitting at without a rider on it, only the weight of the bike compressing the suspension. If this number is too small, compared to rider sag, a heavier spring may be needed. If this number is too big, compared to rider sag, a lighter spring may be needed.
The rider sag in the manual for the GasGas EX is set at 102mm. The rider sag for the MC version of this bike is set at 105mm. Due to Brian Storrie’s history on this motorcycle, we’re working toward 105mm as our number to range around.
As the rider, you’re going to want to be as close to
completely geared up as possible when setting your sag. What are the non-negotiables while riding, have those on when setting sag. Helmets are light enough these days, you can opt to set sag without your helmet on. Just stay consistent as you check your sag for future rides.
When we first checked the free sag, the bike was at 41mm. The rider sag netted out at 104mm. Storrie wanted to add some preload to the spring because he believed, with his years of experience, that adding preload would be ok for me and my riding style with the EX350F. After adding a full round of preload, I tested the bike and it felt really good, nothing noticeable stood out. Storrie said this is a good way to test. If something noticeable stands out right away after a change, was it good or bad? If it affected you in a negative
Click or scan to watch Brian's YouTube video
way, there’s no reason to stay there just because a manual tells you to. If you didn’t really notice, it was probably a good change.
If you need a sag tool, the one we used in the video is the Motion Pro Sag Tool, and the Slacker Sag Tool Storrie mentioned is another great option. We made a Slacker setup video if you want to see it in action.
SETTING HANDLEBAR & LEVER POSITION
Regardless of what you’ve done in the past, with a new bike it’s always a good idea to start at baseline. As you ride a test loop, or track, you can start to make changes from those baseline settings toward what you think you might prefer from previous bikes.
Baseline for handlebar positioning should be set at the zero mark on the bar in the handlebar clamps. Levers should be angled in a way that you can easily reach them while standing, or sitting. If you know you sit or stand more, adjusting the angle for that makes sense. Just remember to test and see what you feel actually works best versus making assumptions.
Lever perch placement on the handlebars should be placed so your pointer and middle finger can fit into the pocket of the lever. This should be setup when your hand is placed in the middle of the grip. As you feel your hands, or body, moving inside or outside during testing, you can adjust the lever perch so you’re grabbing the lever pocket correctly while riding, not just sitting on the bike.
As before, you’ll notice poor adjustments quickly. If you don’t notice a change, it may be moving in the correct direction. Use lap times to
determine if it helped you ride faster, maybe without even noticing how effective it was.
SETTING REAR BRAKE PEDAL POSITION
If your rear brake pedal is too high, and you’re lifting your foot off of the peg to press the pedal, you’re turning the rear brake into an on and off switch. You won’t have the ability to modulate as well, and your heavy boot bouncing down the trail will just drive itself onto the pedal.
The more you sit while you ride, the lower your pedal will probably need to be. As you begin to stand more, raising your pedal height will work better for the standing position.
For four stroke riders who have an issue stalling their bike a lot, Storrie suggests lowering your brake pedal some. He mentioned to me there’s a good chance some of my early stalling issues could be due to the rear brake engaging sooner than I was ready for it too, causing the four stroke to stall.
FOUR STROKE THOUGHTS SO FAR
The GasGas EX350F is meant to be ridden fast. I was blown away by the power from day one. As I am getting more comfortable on the bike, it continues to prove to me that this bike was meant to be raced.
Every day on the bike I get a little bit better at using the clutch, and keeping the stalling to a minimum. Every time a stall happens now, I stop and think about what I was doing, what I was riding, and why I stalled the bike. I’m not convinced that just because it’s a four stroke that it stalls. I’ve already started to smooth out my clutch use, and power
delivery, causing faster lap times and minimum flame outs.
I don’t think this bike is fun to trail ride on. When Liam and I have gone out to ride together I don’t like breathing down his neck with this barking four stroke. In those scenarios with Liam, and the days of play riding, I do miss the two stroke. The two stroke seemed to exude a good time, where the four stroke wants you to ride fast AF.
All that to say, it’s the perfect bike for me this year! I believe the EX350F is going to be a very competitive enduro race machine. I may not win classes, but I know I’ll ride as fast as I can, while wearing a wide grin beneath my helmet.
ABOUT BRIAN STORRIE
Over 25 years ago, I heard a great tuner say “The best you have ridden is the best you know”. That still holds up today, and I have spent these 25 years helping rider’s find a better feeling with their bike.
I also enjoy helping rider’s and their crews understand the physics of how the bike and rider need to work together for the best result.
I have worked with MX and Offroad rider’s of all levels from beginner to national Pro’s.
I am still an avid rider/racer who enjoys MX and Offroad racing regularly, and if you hire me to help you with riding lessons or bike setup, don’t be surprised if I’m on track whenever you need a break!
I’m also proud to say that I am an 18 time Team USA ISDE rider, and a Glen Helen Over 50 expert World MX champion.
Send Brian Storrie a message on Facebook or Instagram and let’s get some seat time!
The 2024 GasGas EX350F came pretty bare bones. To get it ready for the 2025 NEPG Season, and the upcoming abuse from offroad riding, I needed to protect the parts that keep the bike running and moving forward. The protection parts for this video came from Bullet Proof Designs, Enduro Engineering, and Astra Handlebars.
HANDLEBARS & HAND GUARDS
Before our crazy snow days last week, I swapped out the stock handlebars to the Astra Handlebars. While working on the cockpit, it was also time to add the Enduro Engineering Open Guards. The hand guards I’m adding are the aluminum moto arm that attach to the brake perches. Since the GasGas comes with BrakTec, these perches are much different than Brembo. I’ll admit, I’m worried about
dirt bike protection
WORDS & PHOTOS
the BrakTec perches breaking in crashes, but we’re just going to have to run it and see what happens.
I also threaded the handlebars so I could attach some aluminum bar ends I found in my parts drawer. Enduro Engineering also make aluminum bar ends if you’re in the market. I like to thread the handlebars even for bar ends for better functionality. I’ve had the pinch bolts fail on me in the past, causing a lost bar end, which then caused a trashed grip and throttle tube. I like to think about
PARTS I'VE ADDED TO MY GASGAS EX350F
BRIAN PIERCE
functionality, and threading in your bar ends keeps them attached to the bars for longer.
RADIATOR GUARDS
Working radiators are a must have for a functioning dirt bike. So adding radiator guards to the GasGas is one of the first parts I planned on adding. I’ve run the Bullet Proof Designs Radiator Guards for years, on the Sherco and before, so making sure they went on the GasGas was a no brainer. The installation of the BPD Radiator guards was simple, with no need to juggle precarious bolts. The two bolts from the plastic louvers are swapped out for longer ones provided by BPD, and the plastic shrouds attach to the guards in the same fashion as the louvers.
Click
REAR BRAKE DISC & CALIPER
After radiators, you can pick and choose protection that makes sense to your pocket book and style of riding. For me, it’s making sure I have functioning brakes, and a chain that stays on the bike.
The rear brake disc protection replaces the caliper mount that the axle slides through. You remove the caliper, the floating arm, and the rubber protection and reattach them to the disc guard. From there, the brake caliper slides back on to the guard. Once you mount the rear wheel back up, you attach the caliper protection and you have a very well protected rear brake system.
SWINGARM GUARD
The chain guides on the KTM’s and GasGas’ don’t look to be the most robust.
Regardless of that stock guide, the tabs on the swingarm that attach the guide also can stand to be protected. BPD makes a swingarm guard that helps keep stray debris from catching and damaging the swingarm chain guide tabs. These newer swingarm guides are a much easier install than they used to be.
FRONT BRAKE DISC & FORK LUG
As with the rear brake disc, you want the front brake disc to stay straight so it can stop the bike to the best of it’s ability. The BPD front brake disc guard attaches to the left fork lug through the brake caliper and the axle bolt. The right fork lug protection comes with two longer pinch bolts to replace the two you remove. Both guards are an easy install and keep the front of the bike protected and functioning.
HARD ENDURO CLUTCH COVER
On the Sherco, I did have a clutch cover incident. I ran a plastic Polisport Clutch Cover piece to help keep the cutch cover from getting damaged again. For the GasGas, I decided to install the BPD Aluminum clutch cover as a way to keep future clutch cover issues to a minimum. These machined clutch covers have worked really well for hard enduro riders, so it should protect the GasGas from stray debris and my stellar ability to crash.
EVO4 lower and back pegs are coming shortly. There’s only a few short weeks left before the 2025 National Enduro Season kicks off in Sumter.
The Red Rocket is coming together. The BikeGraphix graphics are designed and on the way. The XCGear MAKO360 gets installed this week. The SXS Skid Plate has shipped. The Fastway
2024 GASGAS EX350F
The only decision now is What adventure to embark on. Electric
Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Up to 100 miles ride Time
40 MPH Top Speed Swap the Battery in three minutes For twice the adventure
*Maximum range in slowest speed setting
DANIEL SANDERS TALKS Dakar 2025
Daniel Sanders led the 2025 Dakar Rally bike class from start to finish at the 47th edition of the world's toughest off-road race in Saudi Arabia, and the Australian racer is keen to add more trophies to his collection after climbing on to the top step of the podium.
Sanders, who also goes by the nickname 'Chucky', hails from the rural Victorian town of Three Bridges - where he grew up on an apple farm - and, after taking up riding at 13, he enjoyed a stellar junior career that peaked with winning the FIM Junior World Trophy for the Australian team.
Often racing alongside fellow Australian Toby Price, Sanders became the 2018 International Six Days Enduro champion, then Australian Enduro Champion in 2019, before joining the KTM Factory Racing Rally Team in 2020 to race with Price - who already had two Dakar titles to his name.
His 2021 Dakar Rally debut thrust him firmly onto the global scene as he finished in a superb fourth place - just 38 minutes and 52 seconds behind Argentine winner Kevin Benavides - with two 2022
stage wins, one 2023 stage win and a 2024 top-10 finish cementing his promise at this level.
This year, however, he seemed determined to up his game considerably from the outset, and he reeled off wins in the opening Prologue, Stage 1 and Stage 2 to build a 12-minute lead over his nearest competitor.
His lead then only got down to 6m51s at its closest, the 30-year-old adding Stage 4 and Stage 7 victories en route to finishing 8m50s ahead of Spaniard Tosha Schareina - KTM's 20th title in this particular category.
Sanders, who won five stages in total to match compatriot Price's 2016 achievement on two wheels, enthused: "Winning this race feels massive. When I came over the last dune and saw the bivouac, I got instant chills through the whole body. All the emotions just started coming through."
In terms of what he changed in his pre-race preparation, he said: "Just work really hard with the team and myself to do better. From last year, we learnt from all our mistakes and where we needed to be
BULL MARCELO MARAGNI, KIN MARCIN, RED BULL CONTENT POOL
better, and the team went away and worked on that and I went away and worked on things I needed to with recovering and physically being more strong."
He added: "The first real test was at Morocco (where he won the 2024 Rallye du Maroc bike title) and we knew we were in a good position, then do a bit of fine tuning from there and come out full focus. I was fit and strong, so I just knew I had to focus on what I needed to do to win the Dakar. It was a lot of hard work and it worked out really well."
With Price moving to the Ultimate category for his Dakar debut in that class for this year, Sanders knew that he had a big weight of expectation on his shoulders from his supporters back home in his native Australia.
"Australian culture is never give up, give everything and don't quit. To bring the trophy to Australia and show this off is going to be really special for my family and friends that have supported me all along the way. They have always stayed
by my side with the ups and downs."
Now that he has one precious Dakar Rally bike title to his name, Sanders is very eager to achieve more in the prime of his off-road biking career.
"I just keep focusing on my job and all the work behind seems to be better. We know where we need to be better already for next year and the next race, so we'll work on that and celebrate this for a few months, I'm sure. It will be exciting to get back and see what's next."
RED
WORDS PHOTOS
king of motos 2025
WORDS PHOTOS
STEPH VETTERLY RYAN MCCASLAND & JENNY KELLER PHOTOGRAPHY
The King of Motos returned to the King of Hammers multi-week extravaganza in Johnson Valley, California, also serving as the opening round of the 2025 Bullet Proof Designs US Hard Enduro (USHE) Series, presented by IRC Tire.
A record number of entries came out to attendance, and with all the shuffling of riders during the Silly Season, there was much to talk about and many riders to watch, including Cody Webb aboard his new Yamaha YZ250X, and Will Riordan flying the blue and yellow of Sherco on the SE300.
The first race of the weekend was a twolap race on Saturday, with results setting the row positions for Sunday's main event. Riordan made his presence known, finishing the 22-mile race out front of the pack by a three-minute margin. Reigning
King of Moto's champion, FMF KTM Factory Racing's Trystan Hart was riding with a broken finger, an injury sustained outside of riding. He and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory's Ryder LeBlond finished just behind, with only six seconds separating the two.
With little time to test and develop his machine for hard enduro riding, Cody Webb chose to compete in the KOM on a kickstart YZ. Laugh if you will, but Webb showed that the Yamaha has plenty of spunk in the gnar, finishing the first race just two minutes behind LeBlond, taking fourth.
With the preliminary racing complete, it was on to day two. Sunday's four-lap main race started across the lakebed in a mass start up into the rocks, right onto the trail system. In a flurry of dust and chaos remiscient of Erzbergrodeo, riders
ABOVE: Rockstar Husqvarna Factory Racing's Ryder LeBlond (513); RYAN MCCASLAND RIGHT: FMF KTM Factory Racing's Trystan Hart (1)
were off, with their goal to finish a total of 42 miles in the fastest time. Each of the first three laps were unique, with the final lap repeating lap three with some extra features thrown in.
Riordan, Hart, and LeBlond were once again out front of the pack swapping positions amongst themselves. Webb had an unfortunate crash and found himself battling with IRC Beta's James Flynn.
While Riordan stopped to refuel after the halfway mark, Hart used the pit stop to his advantage, passing the Sherco rider and taking the overall lead.
The final feature of the race was a run up the side of Chocolate Mountain. Hart made easy work of it to defend his title making it a thirdcareer KOM victory, with Riordan and LeBlond minutes
behind to round out the podium. Webb and Flynn maintained their battle, with the YZ coming out in front with a 10-minute lead.
"I came in unprepared following a recent injury and wasn't even going to race," started Hart. "I ended up getting second in the Prologue and then in the main race I put a really hard charge in on the last lap, so was able to get a pretty decent gap. I was able to get the King of the Motos win for the third time, so it was a good weekend!"
"I finished in third place this weekend and it was a fun battle for most of the race," LeBlond said. "It was a positive to make it to the finish after a late crash, but another third place... we'll see what we can do from here!"
Trystan Hart (KTM)
Will Riordan (SHR)
Ryder LeBlond (HSQ)
Cody Webb (YAM)
James Flynn (BET)
Branden Petrie (BET)
Quinn Wentzel (RJU)
Riley Bender (SHR)
Daniel Lewis (BET)
Kawelo Huddy (KTM)
ABOVE RIGHT : IRC Beta's Branden Petrie (99)
RIGHT: Rocky Mountain Yamaha Team's Cody Webb (2) BELOW : FactoryONE Sherco's Riley Bender (31)
endurocross excitement in the hippodrome
WORDS
PHOTOS
TOBIN MILLER AMBER HARTNESS & SOASH MEDIA SERVICES
To most people, February in Iowa means icy roads, snow covered fields, and frigid temperatures. However, if you are part of the tight knit midwest off-road community, February means a brief flash forward to the good vibes of summer racing in the form of Extreme Enduro. Full of intense racing, extremely big crashes, and extreme obstacles, this race is a local favorite. Racers from nine surrounding states showed up to throw themselves at this challenging track, and spectators poured through the doors to witness the carnage while snacking on buckets of freshly made mini donuts (yes, you really can buy a bucket of mini donuts).
The track is built by a local motocross series promoter, Seven Four Promotions, with the help of JM Construction and Murphy Tractor. Massive logs, boulders, concrete culverts, and tractor tires are brought inside the historic Hippodrome, and dirt from Quam Trucking helps to build up a very legit endurocross
track. Practice opens Friday night, and the races follow the next evening. With 17 available classes, including pitbikes, e-bikes, and a trials class, there is something for everyone to race. A well run, tight schedule allows for two practice sessions per class Saturday afternoon, and two heats plus a main for every class during the night show. This is the best opportunity for warm weather seat time in good Iowa dirt all winter long, and Seven Four Promotions does a great job ensuring everyone gets their moneys worth.
Logan Cipala, racing for Full Throttle Motorsports/Enduro Engineering/Checkpoint Offroad, won the night in dominating fashion. After wire to wire heat race wins in +25 Expert and Open Expert, he carried his momentum to the main events and won both classes in the same manner. Good starts all night gave Cipala an advantage over everyone. “I got lucky," said Cipala. "I got the jump on
Tanner in the main, ended up getting a good hole shot, and then didn’t have anyone get too close to me all race." By the end of the race, Tanner Whipple had started to close the gap, but it wasn’t enough and Cipala finished strong with a comfortable lead.
Cipala says this race has been on his radar for a few years now, and the timing finally worked out for him to
make the trip down. “It’s just shocking once you show up how cool it is. We’re in the Midwest and you don’t expect something like this, but it’s one of the coolest things we get to do all winter. The track is super fun and it’s a cool little building that we get to race in.”
Beta USA’s Tanner Whipple rode fast all night, eventually bringing home the second
LEFT: Logan Cipala (#895) RIGHT: Beta USA's Tanner Whipple (#29)
place spot in Open Expert. He started his night off with a main event win in 14-24 Expert, and then raced through a near last place start to a podium position in Open Expert. Clearly he is feeling very comfortable on his new Beta 480RR and says himself “my Beta was really good all night, I’m getting used to the bike and it works well.”
Tanner will be racing WFO Promotions harescrambles as well as select national level races all summer, and says he is “very excited” to ride his Beta in the woods.
Riding smooth and smart into the final podium position was Austin Wells, who also took home a second place in +30 Expert. Backed by D&W Cycle Specialties/O’NEILL, Wells has been coming to this race for a few years now and
is very good at navigating through the carnage of endurocross. “I don’t know if I was sleeping off the start or what but I got a really bad jump, and came through the first or second corner in like fifth, which honestly I was fine with.” After some back and forth, Wells managed to keep it on two wheels and eventually would cross the line in third.
“Really not a whole lot of big mistakes or anything, it was really pretty uneventful for me.”
While Wells may have had an uneventful race, there were plenty of other riders who had some massive get offs and big sends. The Supermini class was full of this, and riding his way through the carnage to take the win was GasGas Mob/ B’s Moto Lab racer, Wyatt Johnson. All night long, he
was hitting the big lines and crossed the finish line with a huge gap to second.
For more information about this race and other cool events put on by 74 Promotions check
out their website or Facebook page, and make sure to mark your calendars for February 1st of next year. This isn’t a race you want to miss, and it will only get better in the years to come.
ABOVE: Wyatt Johnson (#41) RIGHT: Austin Wells (credit Soash Media Services)
ROMANIA
ANOTHER PERFECT NIGHT FOR BOLT ROUND 3
WORDS
PHOTOS
SUPERENDURO
The FIM SuperEnduro World Championship made its highly anticipated return to ClujNapoca, Romania, for Round 3. The second visit to this venue delivered an unforgettable night of racing and high emotions on a track that stayed true to the demanding spirit of last season’s Romanian round.
FUTURE7MEDIA
The evening kicked off with Billy Bolt (GBR) claiming the fastest lap in the Superpole session, breaking the elusive 30-second barrier on the challenging Romanian track. Bolt was the only rider in the competition to clear the second double-log jump, further cementing his reputation as the fastest man on the circuit.
Jonny Walker (GBR) and
Mitch Brightmore (GBR) completed the Superpole top three, setting the stage for an exciting night of racing.
Bolt wasted no time asserting his dominance on the technical track, grabbing the holeshot and quickly pulling away from the pack. Despite navigating through lapped traffic, Bolt maintained a flawless pace to secure the win.
Dominik Olszowy (POL), however, had a race to forget. After a poor start and a major crash, Olszowy fought valiantly to recover but could only finish in 11th. Unfortunately, he was later taken to the hospital with an abdominal injury, ending his night prematurely.
“After the accident in the race, I had to go to the hospital due to a strong hematoma in the groin and we couldn't continue racing in Romania," explained
Olszowy. "We will come back stronger. Thanks for all the support from the people and to my Rieju Factory Team for their attention.”
Jonny Walker (GBR) delivered a strong comeback to finish second, while Mitch Brightmore (GBR) outperformed Eddie Karlsson (SWE) and Alfredo Gómez (ESP) to claim third, kicking off his night with a standout performance.
In the reversed-grid second final, Cooper Abbott (USA) took an early lead with a great start, building a strong gap from the rest of the field. Billy Bolt had a tough beginning, getting blocked twice in the opening corners, but he stayed focused and worked his way through the riders. By the middle of the race, Bolt caught up to Abbott and passed him to take another win. Jonny Walker (GBR) pushed hard to finish in third, while Abbott held onto second, delivering one of his best performances of the season.
The third final was full of SuperEnduro excitement. Billy Bolt made some rare mistakes, giving Mitch Brightmore the chance to take the lead. Brightmore, riding his best race of the season, battled back and forth with Bolt in a thrilling fight for first place. In the end, Bolt regained the lead on the final lap, completing a perfect night with three wins.
“It’s been a really good night here in Romania," said Bolt. "Especially that last race –what a battle! Everything went well through qualifying, and
then the first two races were pretty much perfect. In race three, I got off to a good start, but then on lap two, I bent my gear lever, which made it really hard to select second. In the end, I decided to just use first gear for the rest of the race, which made things tricky, and with the boys pushing so hard, it definitely wasn’t an easy win. On paper, I’ve won every race for the last two rounds, but I’ve definitely been challenged. It’s nice to have two fellow Brits on the podium with me tonight – the boys are definitely pushing. I’m already looking forward to the next round.”
Brightmore’s second place finish earned him his first-ever podium in the Prestige class. "Happy with my riding," he said. "A few areas to clean up on but buzzing with my result and slowly climbing the standings now."
PREVIOUS: Husqvarna Factory Racing's Billy Bolt (57) ABOVE: Triumph Factory Racing Enduro Team's Jonny Walker (22) BELOW: Race start
Jonny Walker’s consistent performance throughout the night secured him second overall for the round.
"I'm pleased with the result and how I rode today, but we still have some work to do," said Walker. "My race pace is good, but it’s the small mistakes and bad starts that are holding me back. I’m still working to improve my Superpole laps, which will hopefully help. The first race was great, the second race I had a small crash but managed to get back up, and in the final race, I got caught up in some lapped riders near the end. We’re making some really good progress and getting closer with each and every race, though!”
Rieju Factory's Dominik Olszowy (501) Rieju Factory's Toby Martyn (212)
Beta Factory Racing's Alfredo Gomez (89)
With another dominant performance, Bolt remains firmly in control of the Championship and keeps the red 24MX Leader Plate heading into the next round.
The Junior class was full of excitement and surprises, with three different winners across the finals. Henry Strauss (GER) won the first final and, despite finishing 10th in the third final due to injuries, managed to take the overall victory for the night.
Marc Fernandez Serra (ESP) claimed the second final, while Milan Schmüser (GER) took the win in the third final.
Marc Fernandez Serra showed great determination, finishing 2nd overall and keeping the red 24MX Leader Plate as the
Junior World Cup leader. Toby Shaw (GBR) rounded out the podium after a night of intense battles and close racing.
Fraiser Lampkin (GBR) and Ramón Godino Gómez (ESP) battled fiercely in an exciting contest. Lampkin claimed victory in the 1st final after a late mistake by Godino Gómez, but Godino Gómez responded in the 2nd final, leading from start to finish. Both riders ended the night tied on points, but Godino Gómez’s win in the second final gave him the overall victory and the coveted red 24MX Leader Plate.
Michał Laska (POL) secured the final spot on the podium with a steady performance, despite a few costly mistakes along the way.
OVERALL
1. Billy Bolt (HSQ)
2. Jonny Walker (TRI)
3. Mitchell Brightmore (GG)
4. Alfredo Gomez Cantero (BET)
5. Ashton Brightmore (GG)
6. Cooper Abbott (SHR)
7. Eddie Karlsson (STR)
8. Toby Martyn (RIE)
9. Tim Apolle (BET)
10. Diogo Vieira (GG)
SERIES STANDINGS
1. Billy Bolt (HSQ) - 119pts
2. Jonny Walker (TRI) - 124pts
3. Ashton Brightmore (GG) - 106pts
4. Mitch Brightmore (GG) - 104pts
5. Dominik Olszowy (RIE) - 102pts
BOLT IS
SUPERENDURO FUTURE7MEDIA WORDS PHOTOS
The FIM SuperEnduro World Championship arrived in Łódź, Poland, for Round 4, featuring the longest and fastest track of the season. With a mix of speed, technical sections, and the unforgettable grandstand climb, the event thrilled fans and shook up the standings in multiple categories.
Billy Bolt (GBR) made a couple of surprising mistakes in his SuperPole lap and finished second with a time of 49.212s, losing his first SuperPole point of the season! Jonny Walker (GBR) capitalized on this, setting the fastest lap with 49.149s, finally claiming a SuperPole win this season and earning 3 points.
Eddie Karlsson (SWE) secured third place with 49.714s, grabbing the last available point. Mitch Brightmore (GBR) clocked a competitive 50.214s, taking fourth, just outside the points.
Mitch Brightmore grabbed the holeshot but in the end yielded to the pressure from Billy Bolt, who played a calculated race this time, waiting for the right moment to take the lead. From then on, Bolt controlled the race to secure his first victory of the night.
Eddie Karlsson, aboard his electric Stark Varg, took full advantage of the latest revisions to the FIM Balance of Power for electric bikes, finishing in second place, just under 5 seconds behind Bolt. Mitch rounded out the podium in third, followed by his younger brother Ashton Brightmore.
Jonny Walker had a tough race, falling on the rock section and suffering additional issues, finishing only sixth. William Hoare (GBR) made a strong comeback after injury, securing fifth place. Dominik Olszowy (POL), still recovering from an internal bleeding injury sustained in Romania, showed promising late-race pace and finished seventh.
In the reversed-grid race, Dominik Olszowy shone bright and despite starting from the second row, took the holeshot – a feat rarely seen in SuperEnduro history! Cheered on by the Polish fans, Olszowy built a commanding lead and seemed set for victory.
However, three laps from the end, Olszowy started making small mistakes, which, paired with the effects of his recent injury, slowed him down noticeably. Billy Bolt and Ashton Brightmore caught up
ROUND 4
HIGH-SPEED DRAMA IN ŁÓDŹ • BRITS DOMINATE THE PODIUM
RIGHT: Husqvarna Factory Racing's Billy Bolt (57)
with Olszowy on the rock section, making a dramatic double overtake.
Bolt, using his signature precision and technique, executed a one-wheel pirouette on a large rock, brushing the inside track barrier to take the lead. He then fended off a determined Ashton Brightmore, who was hungry for his first Prestige class moto win.
Olszowy held on for third, with Mitch Brightmore in fouth. Jonny Walker endured another difficult race, finishing fifth after a tough battle with Bolt, where he was aggressively challenged on the slippery stairs and slid backward.
Eddie Karlsson and Alfredo Gómez (ESP) fought hard for seventh and eighth place. Toby Martyn (GBR) retired from
the race and the event due to a hand injury sustained in a start collision with William Hoare.
The final Prestige race of the night was a breathtaking spectacle, with riders pushing to their limits on the fast and treacherous track in Łódź, Poland. The track was a prime example of what a SuperEnduro track should be: demanding, thrilling, and unforgiving. The infamous soft Polish soil created deep ruts, making every corner a test of skill and endurance.
Jonny Walker, determined to claim victory after an amazing SuperPole performance and two tough motos, rocketed off the start line, with Billy Bolt roaring close behind. The battle raged as the two went wheel-to-wheel, but a mistake on the rock section cost Walker the lead, allowing Bolt to push to front. The Brightmore brothers smelled blood and launched an all-out attack.
What followed was a highintensity four-rider battle that
had fans on their feet. Ashton Brightmore seized the lead momentarily, but the reigning king of SuperEnduro, Billy Bolt, executed a bold move on the stairs to reclaim the top spot. Despite relentless pressure from Ashton Brightmore, Bolt held firm, securing yet another clean sweep. Ashton Brightmore crossed the line less than one second behind, with Walker third and Mitch Brightmore fourth.
“It has been three super-tough races here in Poland tonight," said Bolt. "I really enjoyed them. It’s easier to say that when you win all three of course, but they were three really good battles with the boys. I was happy with my riding in all three to be honest. It was a difficult track with the ground being so loose, so you couldn’t quite push to the maximum. I tried a few
ABOVE: Triumph Factory Racing Enduro Team's Jonny Walker (22)
BELOW: Husqvarna Factory Racing's Billy Bolt (57)
different lines in that last final to try and make up ground – some worked, some didn’t – and I did make a couple of mistakes. Three good races, awesome track, awesome crowd, what more could you ask for!”
"[I'm feeling] beyond stoked, to be fair," said an excited Ashton. "First podium in my rookie season. It took me four races to get it, but each race was just us learning from our mistakes, going back, training hard, working on our weak spots. It's going well. We're just going to keep going up from here. I had a really strong night; felt really good on the bike and had some nice battles. Can't complain. There were still a few little mistakes, so we're going to go
and come back stronger next race."
"This round's been pretty good," started Mitch Brightmore. "Good points for the championship with a podium position. I'm a bit annoyed that Ash beat me [laughts], but I knew it was coming. It just makes me more hungry to beat him in the next round."
Amidst the thrilling battle at the front, drama unfolded further back. Dominik Olszowy’s race ended early as persistent mechanical issues forced him to push his bike back to the paddock, leaving the Polish fans heartbroken.
Billy Bolt stood on the highest step of the podium, joined by Ashton Brightmore in
second and Mitch Brightmore in third. Ashton Brightmore, for the first time, got to taste the champagne in the Prestige class, which, with the support of his older brother and a satisfied Bolt, was mostly sprayed onto the overjoyed father of the Brightmore brothers.
The FIM SuperEnduro World Championship battle is getting more intense. While Billy Bolt continues to stretch his lead to a commanding 81 points over Jonny Walker, the fight for the remaining podium spots is heating up. Walker now feels the pressure from the Brightmore brothers, with Ashton just 10 points and Mitch 18 points behind Walker. Eddie Karlsson is also still in the mix, trailing Mitch Brightmore by only 13 points.
OVERALL
1. Billy Bolt (HSQ)
2. Ashton Brightmore (GG)
3. Mitchell Brightmore (GG)
4. Eddie Karlsson (STK)
5. Jonny Walker (TRI)
6. William Hoare (HSQ)
7. Alfredo Gomez Cantero (BET)
8. Dominik Olszowy (RIE)
9. Cooper Abbott (SHR)
10. Tim Apolle (BET)
SERIES STANDINGS
1. Billy Bolt (HSQ)
2. Jonny Walker (TRI)
3. Ashton Brightmore (GG)
4. Mitch Brightmore (GG)
5. Eddie Karlsson (STK)
Beta Factory Racing's Alfredo Gomez (89) Prestige podium finish
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BOU CONTINUES SEASON LEAD
CATCHING UP ROUND 3CLERMONT-FERRAND
Toni Bou (Repsol Honda Trial Team) claimed his second consecutive victory of 2025 at the inaugural X-Trial Clermont-Ferrand, a result that leaves him clear at the top of the World Championship Standings. A close-fought Final saw Bou come out on top ahead of Jaime Busto (GasGas) by 3 marks and Adam Raga (Sherco) by 5.
Busto left himself chasing with a maximum score in Section One where Bou and Raga were both clean. And although he managed to recover a mark in each of Sections Two and Three, his three-mark score in Section Six put the result beyond doubt. Bou’s latest victory gives him a five point lead in the Championship.
Adam Raga consolidated third in the Standings as he eliminated Gabriel Marcelli in a head-to-head in Q2. And he completed his spectacular night with a good battle against Jaime Busto in the Final, taking the early upper hand before failing Section Six
and being forced to settle for third. Benoit Bincaz (Sherco) completed the lead quartet after making it through from Q1 a mark ahead of Raga, but he could only manage one completed section in the Grand Final.
Matteo Grattarola (Beta) proved a competitive addition to the line-up as he finished only one mark from Marcelli in Q1 and only three seconds from top spot in Q2; he will return in Barcelona next time out. Hugo Dufrese was closer to the leaders here than at Chambéry, matching Grattarola’s scoring in Q1 but beaten on countback and relegated to another seventh place. Billy Green (Scorpa) brought up the rear in his first X-Trial since 2023.
Toni Bou (first): “Today has been a very different kind of Final than Chambéry because it was all so close and any errors could have cost me the win. Jaime and Adam made life very difficult for me. This win gives me the sole leadership of the Championship and that’s important.”
Jaime Busto (second): “I am happy because I rode well right from the start, right through the Superpole and the Final. I made a bad mistake in Section One that cost me the win but I felt good later on and I think I have ridden at a high level this evening.”
Adam Raga (third): “I am happy to be back on the podium; I couldn’t have imaged this kind of performance before this season. On the other hand, tonight was hard because I had to go through Q2. In the
Final I really started to feel that fatigue but I am very happy with third place.”
ROUND 4 BARCELONA
Bou completed a hat-trick of consecutive victories in the 2025 calendar year as he dominated X-Trial Barcelona by a three-mark margin over his oldest rival Adam Raga (Sherco). Gabriel Marcelli (Repsol Honda Trial Team) claimed the scalp of Benoit Bincaz (Sherco) to
move a clear fourth in the Championship.
All eyes were on Adam Raga (Sherco) as he made his record 159th and last X-Trial appearance, and he put his fans through another night of high drama. Missing out on automatic transfer from Q1 only after a tie-break with Benoit Bincaz, Raga put in an incredible Q2 performance to eliminate the fancied Jaime Busto by less than four seconds. And the veteran then saved his best for the Final, taking a four-mark lead over Gabriel Marcelli in Section Two and defending successfully to end on a high – with his best result since X-Trial Bordeaux in April of 2023.
Marcelli missed an opportunity to tie with Raga as he notched
a single mark score in Section Six, but he had already done enough to beat Benoit Bincaz and move three points ahead of the Frenchman in the Championship. But the biggest change in the Standings overall was for Jaime Busto, who arrived in the Catalan capital just five points behind Bou, but took just two points to Bou’s twenty and now sits 23 behind overall.
Busto was only seventh in Q1, behind both Aniol Gelabert (TRRS) in his first appearance of the season and Matteo Grattarola (Beta). Harry Hemingway (Beta) rounded out the finishers in a competitive line-up.
Toni Bou (first): “It is incredible to win what is the best event in the world, in front of my home crowd; it’s always
special to compete here. And especially riding the way I did in the Final, giving this win a special taste. I am only sorry that my minder picked up an arm injury. For me, without wanting to think too much about the Championship, a third consecutive win is really valuable.”
Adam Raga (second): “To finish my career in Barcelona, on the podium and competing for the win is a real dream – it has been fantastic and I am very happy. I really felt the love of an exceptional crowd. I gave it everything in the Final after almost failing to qualify and having to go via Q2. All of that makes this a very special podium.”
Gabriel Marcelli (third): “Returning to the podium is a good result and I am happy about it, even if I am a little bit disappointed that after riding an impeccable Q1 I made a few mistakes in the Final that cost me second place. Anyway, I am pretty satisfied.”
In the opening Round of the inaugural Women’s World Trophy, Berta Abellán (Scorpa) claimed a comfortable victory with a six-mark score ahead of Denisa Pechakova (TRRS) on 17 and Andrea Sofia Rabino (Beta) on 18. Naomi Monnier (Montesa) and Alice Minta (Beta) completed the field.
Berta Abellán: “This is the best possible way to start the first FIM Women’s Trophy. I have won in Barcelona for the second consecutive year and above all felt comfortable and appreciated by the crowd. It’s the best possible way to face the second Round next week.”
OVERALL (RD 3)
1. Toni Bou (MON)
2. Jaime Busto (GG)
3. Adam Raga (SHR)
4. Benoît Bincaz (SHR)
OVERALL (RD 4)
1. Toni Bou (MON)
2. Adam Raga (SHR)
3. Gabriel Marcelli (MON)
4. Benoît Bincaz (SHR)
OVERALL WOMEN (RD 1)
1. Berta Abellán (SCO)
2. Denisa Pechakova (TRRS)
3. Andrea Sofia Rabino (BET)
4. Naomi Monnier (MON)
5. Alice Minta (BET)
SERIES STANDINGS
1. Toni Bou
2. Jaime Busto
3. Adam Raga
4. Gabriel Marcelli
5. BenoÎt Bincaz
6. Matteo Grattarola
7. Aniol Gelabert
8. Sondre Haga
9. Lorenzo Gandola
10. Hugo Dufrese
•
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Aug 8-10: 15th Annual Red Bull Kenda
Tennessee Knock Out Extreme Enduro
Oct 18-19: 33rd Annual 58K Fall Trial (STRA)
Dec 6: Xmas Toy Trial - Fun Gate Trial
July 26-27 September 13-14
November 1-2
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* All dates are subject to change Ryan Young Trials Schools at TTC: January 25-26 February 22-23 April 12-13 May 3-4
ROUND
1
Baylor Charges to Victory
The Redline Oil AMA National Enduro Series, presented by MSR and Beta Motorcycles, kicked off with a thrilling season opener. Both the competition and the warm weather turned up the heat as nearly 700 riders carved through dense pine forests and tore across the sandy terrain at the FMF Sumter National.
After a long winter break, racers were eager to take on the tight, twisty trails crafted by the Sumter Enduro Riders Motorcycle Association. Those who excel in the sand quickly found their rhythm, setting the stage for an intense battle.
The day unfolded with an 8.5-mile section, followed by a 9-mile stretch and another 8-mile challenge. The final three tests, each spanning 10 miles, pushed riders to their limits, proving that endurance and precision were just as crucial as speed.
OVERALL PODIUM
After finishing the 2024 season in the runner-up spot, Red Bear Racing’s Steward Baylor Jr. was eager to build momentum early on this year. The Kawasaki rider achieved that, delivering a winning performance at Round 1. He took third through the first test of the day but powered his way to Test 2 and 3 wins. After landing second in the fourth section, he refocused to capture the win in the last two tests.
“I think this is the sixth time I've won this event as a professional,” said Steward Baylor Jr. “Josh [Toth] and I were talking a little bit about that last section -- probably 30 to 40 percent of that is old harescramble trails that I grew up riding. You remember little bits and pieces. You remember, especially in there, don't get off the track because there are some stumps that would get you... We went back and forth in the off season [about paddle tires]. I felt like when I made a mistake and needed to recover, the paddle tire was there. So, I ended up going with the paddle tire. I heard a rumor this was going to be really tight from some of the guys from the dual sport last week. When you get in those really tight, twisty sections of the track, it's easy to make mistakes and figured it would come in clutch.”
Josh Toth, the 2024 season champion who’s since joined the Red Bear Racing Kawasaki Team alongside Baylor Jr., finished just 32 seconds off of his teammate. With seven out of 10 wins during the 2024 season, he won’t let his competitors off easy in his journey to defend his title. The Connecticut native swapped positions with Baylor Jr. throughout the entire day, taking the wins in Test 1 and Test 4.
“It was good,” said Josh Toth. “Stu [Baylor Jr.] was ripping all day. I really felt good. The trails were fast in a lot of
HEATHER WILSON MACK FAINT WORDS PHOTOS
RIGHT: Steward Baylor Jr (34A)
sections but had a lot of really tight stuff too that was just really technical, especially with the heat coming on. I felt good, like I said. I was really putting in good tests all day, but Stu was there and consistent and just ripping. So yeah, no excuses. A new team. A new bike. We're working great.”
After suffering an injury in January of last year, FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers’ Ben Kelley had to sit out all but the final round of the series as he recovered from surgery. He was able to rebuild his stamina and skills over the winter, which resulted in him returning with a vengeance aboard his KTM 350 XC-F in Sumter, South Carolina. The NE Pro1 rider went 6-3-3-3-54 to secure third overall.
“It's a physical track out there,” said Ben Kelley. “Honestly, this is kind of the start of the warm weather, too, so that zaps it out of you... A lot of tight stuff out there. A lot of big bumps, so you're pushing the bike and pulling the bars. It's physical. I felt good, rode fast. Being back a ways helps at times. The
ruts are built up; the track is worked in. [I had a] couple crashes but rode good. Long tests all day long, which is cool. I dig it. You got your money's worth out there, and the trails were really good. The dirt was really good, and I'm just excited to be back up here in the mix... Feeling good starting the year off strong, and hopefully we can keep this ball rolling.”
NE PRO2 PODIUM
Flatrock Motorclub GasGas Factory Racing’s Jason Tino clinched the NE Pro2 class win at the FMF Sumter National. He powered his GasGas EX 250F through the first two tests of the day in the top spot for his class. In the third test, he slipped to second. However, Tino regained his momentum to snatch the win in the final three tests, ultimately earning the NE Pro 2 win for the day.
Stepping up to the NE Pro2 class this year, Chase Landers -- backed by FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers -- put his machine on the second step of the podium after going 4-5-1-2-5-4 through the day’s six tests.
Beta USA’s Jhak Walker landed third with 5-3-5 results through the first three sections. The fourth test saw him end seventh. Walker then took sixth in Test 5 and was able to climb to third in Test 6.
WOMEN’S ELITE PODIUM
A strong contender in the Women’s Elite class during the 2024 season, Rachel Gutish kicked off this year in style, piloting her Sherco to victory
at the season opener. She scored three wins and three second-place results on the day to capture her first-ever win in Sumter, South Carolina.
Red Bear Racing’s Rachael Archer, the reigning Women’s Elite Champion, captured the first two test wins before taking the runner-up spot through the next two. She fought her way to another test win in Section 5, despite encountering issues with her
ABOVE: Jason Tino (30A) RIGHT: Rachael Archer (18A)
brakes. Archer followed it up with a second place in the final test. Her performance earned her silver in the Palmetto State.
In her second-ever national enduro, Brandy Richards put in a solid day aboard her FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers. She bounced between third and fourth throughout the day, earning a podium finish.
OVERALL - NE PRO1
1. Steward Baylor Jr (KAW)
2. Josh Toth (KAW)
3. Ben Kelley (KTM)
4. Ricky Russell (TRI)
5. Trevor Bollinger (KAW)
6. Ryder Lafferty (HON)
7. Evan Smith (YAM)
OVERALL - WOMENS ELITE
1. Rachel Gutish (SHR)
2. Rachael Archer (KAW)
3. Brandy Richards (KTM)
4. Shelby Turner (GG)
5. Brooke Cosner (GG)
TOP AMATEURS
Zack Hayes secured the 30+ A class win with a clean sweep in his hometown. He put his KTM in 13th overall when the results were tallied.
Lane Whitmer captured the AA class win and nabbed 17th overall. The GasGas rider went 1-2-7-2 through the initial four sections and finished the day with wins in the final two tests.
6. Addison Harris (KTM)
7. Tayler Bonecutter (BET)
8. Courtney Gregory (YAM)
9. Emma Hasbell (BET)
10. Prestin Raines (BET)
FROUND 1
Fightin' Hard at Mac Daddy's XC Paradise
SHAN MOORE ART PEPIN WORDS PHOTOS
MF KTM Factory Rider
Johnny Girroir picked up where he left off last year by taking the first big win of 2025 at round one of the US Sprint Enduro Series held at MacDaddy Raceway in Hephzibah, Georgia, although Girroir had to fight off wolves at the door during the early going on each day to get the job done.
Although he won the opening cross test, Girroir found himself in a deficit after two tests. When a hard rain delayed the start of Saturday’s race for an hour, the defending champ, the first rider to take to the enduro course, found himself breaking trail on the muddy test. Girroir lost 13 seconds to eventual test winner Am Pro Yamaha’s Liam Draper, while FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers’ rising star, 19-year-old Grant Davis, was
just a second behind Draper in third, as Girroir spent the rest of the day fighting back in pursuit of the lead.
The hard rain made for slippery conditions for the first half of the day, though the track got tacky and rough as the sun and wind began to dry it out, making for a perfect day of racing.
After battling back and winning four of the six tests, Girroir took Saturday’s win and held a 5.4-second lead over Davis heading into Sunday’s race.
Davis led race after the first two tests.
“After the rain it was pretty gnarly, but when it dried out it got tacky and rough,” said Davis. “I felt comfortable in the cross test, but I also won
one of the enduro tests, so I think I rode consistently all weekend.”
Draper followed in third after getting off to a disastrous start, finishing seventh after drawing the number one spoon, which meant he would be the first on the track to break in the muddy trail, followed Girroir. Draper redeemed himself by winning one of the enduro tests.
“There was so many puddles in that first test, so I just rode super timid and scared of the holes, said Draper. “I made up some time and rode good in the enduro test, but that first test hurt me,” said Draper.
Phoenix Honda Racing’s Cody Barnes was fourth on the day, with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Craig DeLong in fifth.
LEFT: Johnny Girroir (1)
Girroir started in a hole again on Sunday, finishing fourth in the first cross test and some five seconds behind Draper. Meanwhile, Davis held a solid lead after two tests, having placed second and first in the first two tests.
Girroir came on strong midday to eventually win three tests for Sunday’s win plus the overall for the weekend, while Davis had a ride he’d rather forget in the second enduro test which dropped him to fourth for the day behind Draper and Phoenix Honda’s Cody Barnes.
ABOVE LEFT: Liam Draper (198)
ABOVE RIGHT: Cody Barnes
BOTTOM LEFT: Rachel Gutish
In the overall results, Girroir took the overall win, extending his streak of day wins going back to last year to 22 victories… which is an amazing feat. Girroir beat second place finisher Draper, another up-and-comer whose time at the top is coming soon, by 26.6-seconds after 12 tests of racing.
“Liam and I were both unlucky when it came to drawing start positions,” said Girroir. “He drew number one for the first cross test and since I won that test I had to go first on the enduro test, so we were both
blazing trail,” said Girroir. “Breaking in the enduro test was horrible. It rained all night and this morning until 8:00 so it was all puddles again. It got better and the last four tests were better than the first couple of tests, so I was able to settle down and hit my lines.”
Third overall was Barnes, who ran consistently in the top three for most of the weekend.
“The cross test got better as the day went on but the enduro test got worse because it got rutted and a lot more tree roots got exposed so that was that was kind of harder,” said Barnes. “The but the cross test by the end was pretty good. For the most part my weekend went smooth. I stayed off the ground all the way until the second enduro test today and I crashed two times and lost
a bunch of time. But besides that, I was happy with my riding.”
Davis, who was also the top Pro 2 winner, certainly proved he belongs among the elites of the sport. Davis won an enduro test on Sunday ahead of Draper and Girroir, keeping him in the hunt for an overall podium. Davis ended the weekend with fourth overall, while Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Craig DeLong rounded out the top five.
Husqvarna-mounted Gavin Simon was sixth and second in the Pro 2 class, beating out Pro-Am winner and seventh place finisher Phoenix Honda Racing’s JoJo Cunningham.
FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers’ Cooper Jones grabbed eighth overall just nine seconds ahead of Red Bear Team Green Kawasaki’s Collier Martinez.
Husqvarna-mounted Dominik Morse finished out the top 10.
Bonecutter-backed Sherco Rachel Gutish toughed out a
RIGHT: Grant Davis
BOTTOM RIGHT: JoJo Cunningham
competitive victory in the Pro Women’s division, topping Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Korie Steede for the overall win. Steede took the win on Saturday by less than a second but then Gutish came back with determination on Sunday to grab the overall win by 27 seconds.
“I just tried to be smooth and consistent,” said Gutish. I didn’t touch the ground once this week so I was stoked with that,” said Gutish.
Phoenix Honda Racing’s Tayla Jones returned to racing after spending a year off to finish out the podium with a third.
The top Amateur award went to Husqvarna-mounted Brayden Baisley (250A).
For 2025, FMF Fastest Test Awards – These Specialty Awards will be given to the racer of the fastest Cross Test and fastest Enduro Test on the weekend in the Youth/Amateur and Pro divisions.
OVERALL - PRO 1
Girroir (KTM)
Liam Draper (YAM)
Cody Barnes (HON)
Craig DeLong (HSQ)
OVERALL - PRO 2
OVERALL - PRO WOMEN
Davis (KTM)
Cooper Jones (KTM)
Collier Martinez (KAW)
