VOLUME 4, ISSUE 9,
The Big Picture
CROSSING OVER
FactoryONE Sherco’s Grant Baylor had bad weekends at the Little Raccoon and Grassman Enduros but is still in contention for the Kenda AMA National Enduro Series title
PHOTO BY SHAN MOORE
The Big Picture
AND GAM SIGN OF THE TIMES
In spite of the COVID19 outbreak, promoters like the NEPG have managed to safely bring racing back to the east and the rider participation and appreciation has been amazing.
PHOTO BY SHAN MOORE
The Big Picture
AND GAM
SPISH SPLASH
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Craig DeLong spays a roost in the creek at section five en route to the NE Pro 2 win at the Grassman National Enduro in Ohio.
PHOTO BY SHAN MOORE
The Big Picture
AND GAM BUBBA SCRUBBIN’?
Once this bridge got slick, the fast way to negotiate it was to scrub it. We won’t name the rider, but we are told he is giving private lessons.
PHOTO BY SHAN MOORE
The Big Picture
YOUR DADDY’S KAWI
Jordan Ashburn rode his dad’s 1998 Kawasaki KDX 250 to an 11th place finish at the Tennessee Knockout in Tennessee. Trystan Hart took the win over Sherco’s Cody Webb. PHOTOS BY
SHAN MOORE
Sherco USA puts together a winning combination of original and aftermarket parts to bring riders the highest level of performance. No need to make upgrades after you bring your bike home, it’s race ready right out of the box.
KYB suspension, a full Akrapovic exhaust system, Galfer rotors and pads, Excel rims, AXP skidplates... the list goes on. Sherco’s attention to detail is unmatched when it comes to putting together a race-winning machine straight from the factory. This year is no exception with high-performance upgrades throughout the range. Visit us online to find a local dealer to see for yourself.
NO NEED
FULL AKRAPOVIC EXHAUST *4-Strokes
SELLA DELLA VALLE SEAT
SMAGE RIDING TECHNIQUE PAT
FOR THE NEXT YEAR, 11-TIME US MOTOTRIALS CHAMPION PAT SMAGE WILL BE BRINGING US MONTHLY RIDING TIPS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU A BETTER RIDER. AND WHO DOESN’T WANT TO BE A BETTER RIDER? WHETHER YOU’RE A TRIALS RIDER OR AN OFFROAD ENTHUSIAST, WE’RE CERTAIN YOU’LL BENEFIT FROM PAT’S TIPS, SO SIT BACK AND TAKE IT ALL IN. BE SAFE AND DON’T FORGET TO PRACTICE WITH A BUDDY!
THE LOOP
News and Culture From The World Of Trials, Offroad and Extreme Racing
CALIFORNIA INVITATIONAL TRIALS PRESENTED BY GASGAS
With the 2020 NATC US National Trials Series canceled due to COVID, Gas Gas stepped up and promoted the California Invitational Trials presented by GasGas at KTM’s practice facility in Southern California. Here’s a look back at the event, which was won by Florida MotoTrials Pro Karl Davis Jr. n
ENDUROCROSS ANNOUNCES 2020 SCHEDULE
According to Cycle City Promotions, the EnduroCross Racing Series will hold a six race AMA Championship Series beginning in October 2020. After careful consideration regarding the ongoing pandemic, and the safety of racers, spectators and staff, the 2020 series will be split between two locations that the promoter feels will to be the best fit for safe but exciting race action.
The first four races of the series will be held at Fox Raceway in Pala, California beginning on October 15th and the final two races will take place in Nampa, Idaho at the Ford Idaho Center. The full schedule is as follows:
Oct 15 Fox Raceway Pala, CA
Oct 17 Fox Raceway Pala, CA
Oct 19 Fox Raceway Pala, CA
Oct 21 Fox Raceway Pala, Ca
Nov 6 Ford Idaho Center Nampa, ID
Nov 7 Ford Idaho Center Nampa, ID
Rockstar Husqvarna’s Colton Haaker is returning to defend his championship and Cody Webb has joined the FactoryOne Sherco team to try to get another title of his own. Each of them has won three championships and is aiming for a fourth. Canadian Trystan Hart has closed the gap on the two top EnduroCross racers and will be looking to take his first title on the RPM KTM. The Beta Factory team will also have a strong team consisting of Max Gerston and Chile’s Benjamin Herrera. Five-time champion Taddy Blazusiak is hoping to participate if he can make it work around other racing commitments in Europe. Add in exciting riders like Cory Graffunder, Noah Kepple, Ty Cullins (the defending EnduroCross Junior champion for riders 21 and under) and Cooper Abbott and this should prove to be a very exciting season to watch. n
You can keep up with the latest updates via the following channels: www.endurocross.com www.facebook.com/EnduroCrossSeries www.instagram.com/enduro_cross
BETA CUP UPDATE
The 2020 Beta Cup awards the “Beta Cup” winner their choice of a Beta 200RR, 250RR, or 300RR. To be elidgable, a rider must compete on a BetaRR or 200RR in their respective class in the Kenda AMA National Enduro Series.
After five rounds, Kylie Harris continues to lead the 2020 Beta Cup. Kylie was the highest placed rider at the Grassman National Enduro from the Beta Cup Class. Her third place finish was enough to extend her points lead after 5 rounds. With just 4 more rounds remaining, Kylie leads her classmate Amber Aubain by 29 points. Sitting in third is Rick Whelove from the 65+ class another 3 points back. Broc French and Gabe McNichols round out the top 5 in the Beta Cup Class.
For more information on the Beta Cup, or on the the Kenda AMA National Enduro Series, go to www.nationalenduro.com n
KTM ANNOUNCES 2021 CONTENGENCY PROGRAM
Standing behind its ‘READY TO RACE’ commitment, KTM North America, Inc. has been hard at work adapting its 2020 race contingency program to provide orange bleeders with the most up-to-date scheduling and payout information in regards to the ongoing pandemic. As racing steadily recommences in the U.S., the brand is excited to also announce details for its 2021 race contingency on KTM.com. Supporting over 180 series nationally, KTM will continue offering competitive race rewards for amateur racers in KTM CASH dealer credit that can be used at any participating KTM Dealer; and for Pro racers, KTM offers a competitive earning potential in the form of a KTM Debit Card.
NATIONAL OFFROAD AND REGIONAL OFFROAD
In addition to SX/MX (Pro and Amateur), Flat Track and Road Racing, KTM is once again supporting orange riders in off-road racing, both national and amateur, including the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series, Full Gas Sprint Enduro Series, National Enduro Series and World Off Road Championship Series (WORCS). Additionally, KTM has expanded its Regional offroad payouts to pay per race, rather than series end.
The 2020 KTM Contingency program has not changed despite the recent schedule updates and postponements, therefore all eligible series and events will continue to be supported and riders who have raced in events while the program was closed will be awarded. Please check the events page for updated information as it is revised daily.
For more information on the full 2020 contingency program, payout structures and to sign up, visit www.KTMCash.com. KTM offers incentives for amateur (dealer credits) and professional (cash) riders when they earn top finishes while riding KTM motorcycles at select events across the United States. Remember to visit KTM.com in preparation for the 2021 race contingency program. n
The perfect balance.
With its finely balanced mix of power and agility, the 2021 FE 350 opens up boundless off–road possibilities. A unique opportunity to traverse epic natural landscapes, intuitively merging speed, traction and technical abilities into the ultimate synergy of man, machine and terrain.
Bullett Proof Designs
Threaded Bar Inserts
Retail price: MSRP $14.99-26.99
Website: www.bulletproofdesigns.com
Contact: (816) 695-3784
Bullet Proof Designs is busting down barriers with their Threaded Bar Inserts made for easy Bark Buster installation. Providing a safe and rigid mounting point, sliding through trees on the narrowest singletrack has never been more confidence inspiring. The Bar Inserts fix your bark buster handguards to a threaded mount on the end of your handlebars ensuring proper fitment and precise alignment. The Threaded Bar Insert Kit is available with or without a tap, and all products are Made in the USA
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
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PRODUCT: TPS Sensor Guard
COMPANY: Bullet Proof Designs
PRICE: $75.00
Bullet Proof
THE NEW TXT RACING 2020 model range accumulates years of evolution and experience with a careful balance of adjustments that have been giving shape and temper to the flagship bike – the TXT RACING 300. Offering a potent combination of linear power and massive torque on demand, the TXT RACING 300 delivers maximum performance as the clear choice of champions who are faced with the most demanding terrain.
Visit your authorized dealer to learn more.
2021 ELECTRIC MOTION
ePure Range: ePure LITE, ePure, SPORT, ePure RACE
The Electric Motion ePure models received a number of changes for 2021. All Three models received a new frame with revised geometry and new triple clamps for improved balance, stability, and handling. In the power department, all three bikes have new battery management software and revised power maps. And new battery charging sockets for the entire range allow for even easier charging. Across the board, all three models get a fresh look with new black frame and swingarm color, and new graphics.
For 2021, the ePure SPORT and RACE models have been fitted with new TECH RACING Aluminum forks for enhanced performance and durability. Tech Aluminum forks are the top-standard in the trial world and will be a welcome addition for EM riders this year.
The 2021 ePure RACE still remains the only electric motorcycle on the market to feature a real diaphragm clutch. This is a fully-functioning hydraulic clutch, similar to what is found on a gas-powered trials bike. It allows the rider to fully engage, disengage, and modulate the power, giving them perfect control. It is truly gamechanging!
Escape Range: Escape LITE, Escape, Escape “R”
Two new models are joining the Electric Motion family for 2021. The Escape LITE and Escape “R” models are new for 2021, and they join the already capable Escape model to offer a more complete lineup.
The new Escape LITE is the perfect bike for joining the Electric Motion revolution! With an MSRP of $8100, it is an affordable entry into the segment while providing outstanding performance. The Escape LITE features a new seat and top cover for improved comfort on longer expeditions and has a range of approximately 27 miles.
The standard Escape model has the same features as the Escape LITE, but with a larger battery that boosts range to approximately 38 miles. The Escape features EM’s Progressive Regenerative Brake system. Controlled by the lever on the left side of the handlebar, the PRB system works like a clutch/rear brake hybrid. When pulled, the PRB lever kills the power and progressively slows down the rear wheel, like a brake would. The farther the lever is pulled in, the more the rear wheel slows down. Everytime the lever is pulled, the PRB system regenerates power, which charges the battery and increases range! In addition, the Escape will soon be street legal here in the US, which will make this already versatile bike even more useful. Imagine this bike in the back of your RV or adventure van!
The new Escape “R” model is the ultimate go-anywhere trailbike! The Escape is practically silent and leaves no trace, making it the perfect mount for exploring. Escape “R” has the TECH RACING Aluminum fork and the diaphragm clutch from the ePure RACE model, paired with the large battery from the standard Escape model. More range, more power, more control, more performance – that’s the Escape “R.”
All three Escape models share the same frame, triple clamp, software, and cosmetic improvements as their ePure counterparts.
2021 Electric Motion models will be available at participating CPD Dealers Nationwide this Fall. View our ever-expanding dealer network at www.electricmotion. direct to find a dealer near you. To ensure that you get the 2021 EM that you want, we suggest pre-ordering your ePure or Escape model. More details can be found at www.electricmotion.direct. n
ROCKY MOUNTAIN
FIVE RIDERS TIE FOR WIN
AT
MOUNTAIN HIGH 50TH ANNUAL UTE CUP
After two-days of competition, 120 miles of high altitude trail and 80 scored sections, no less than five riders stood atop the leaderboard at the end of this year’s Ute Cup trial in LaGarita, Colorado.
This year marked the 50th edition of the Ute Cup Trial, and when five riders cleaned the event, there was no other way to break the tie than to go by age, with the oldest rider taking the win and the youngest finishing fifth.
Thanks to his 46 years of life experience, Beta USA’s Ray Peters (Above) took top honors at this year’s event, finishing ahead of Dustin Land, Karl Davis Jr., Alex Niederer and Daniel Blanc-Gonnet, in order of finish.
BY VIRTUE OF BEING THE YOUNGEST OF THE FIVE, GAS GAS USA’S DANIEL BLANC-GONNET FINISHED THIS YEAR’S EVENT WITH A CLEAN CARD BUT HAD TO SETTLE FOR FIFTH IN THE FINAL RESULTS.
TULSAN KIRK MAYFIELD
TOOK THE AWARD FOR MOST IMRESSIVE PERFORMANCE BY A TWIN-SHOCK RIDER.
After two-days of competition, 120 miles of high altitude trail and 80 scored sections, no less than five riders stood atop the leaderboard at the end of this year’s Ute Cup trial in LaGarita, Colorado.
This year marked the 50th edition of the Ute Cup Trial, and when five riders cleaned the event, there was no other way to break the tie than to go by age, with the oldest rider taking the win and the youngest finishing fifth.
Thanks to his 46 years of life experience, Beta USA’s Ray Peters took top honors at this year’s event, finishing ahead of Dustin Land, Karl Davis Jr., Alex Niederer and Daniel Blanc-Gonnet, in order of finish.
“We all cleaned the trial. Oldest and lowest score wins, so I lucked out,” said Peters. “Finishing is one of the tricks at this event. You got to not destroy the motorcycle on the loop. It’s Scottish-like, in that regard. The loop is rough. And there’s a lot of it. While there’s a lot of people out there, if you break the wrong thing, you’re 20 miles from the truck. We had a total of 120 miles of loop and it started at 11,000 feet and went to 12,950, which adds additional strain on bike and body.”
Experience counts for a lot at the Ute Cup and Peters had previously won the event in ’95, ’96, and ’97. n
BETA USA’S ALEX NIEDERER POSES ON TOP OF 13,000 FOOT PEAK BEFORE THE 50TH ANNUAL UTE CUP IN LA GRAITA, COLORADO.
PAST UTE CUP WINNERS
1970 Bill Brokaw
1971 Bill Brokaw
1972 Bill Nickleson
1973 Sammy Miller
1974 Bob Hopkins
1975 Mike Stokes
1976 Doug Bradbury
1977 David Burke
1978 David Burke
1979 David Burke
1980 Curt Comer
1981 Billy Burgener
1982 Morgan Kavanaugh
1983 David Pyle
1984 Morgan Kavanaugh
1985 Morgan Kavanaugh
1986 Andy Saum
1987 Scott Head
1988 Mark Manniko
1989 Mark Manniko
1990 Mark Manniko
1991 Billy Burgener
1992 Scott Head
1993 Ron Schmelze
1994 Ron Schmelze
1995 Ray Peters
1996 Ray Peters
1997 Ray Peters
1998 Mark Manniko
1999 Ryon Bell
2000 Mark Manniko
2001 Chris Florin
2002 No Trial
2003 Geoff Aaron
2004 Geoff Aaron
2005 No Trial
2006 Derek Martinson
2007 Geoff Aaron
2008 Bailey Tucker
2009 Keith Wineland
2010 Jason Carpenter
2011 Keith Wineland
2012 Nathan Hassler
2013 Samuel J. Fastle
2014 Steven Deines
2015 Logan Bolopue
2016 No Trial
2017 Ryan Young
2018 Daniel Gonnet
2019 Karl Davis
TOTH SKINS LITTLE RACCOON
KTM’S JOSH TOTH DOMINATES THE LITTLE RACCOON
ENDURO, WINNING ALL SIX TESTS
KENDA AMA NATIONAL ENDURO SERIES
ROUND 4
WELLSTON, OHIO
AUGUST 2, 2020
TO THE VICTOR GO THE SPOILS. JOSH TOTH SHOWS OFF HIS FIRST-PLACE CHECK AND THE FASHIONABLE CAP THAT WENT WITH IT.
FMF/KTM’s Josh Toth swept all six tests to claim a dominating victory at this weekend’s Little Raccoon National Enduro in Wellston, Ohio, round four of the 2020 Kenda AMA National Enduro Series.
Toth topped second-place finisher Steward Baylor by 1 minute, three seconds, which was a bit of redemption for the Connecticut rider after losing last week’s Rattlesnake Enduro in Cross Fork, Pennsylvania, in the very last test after leading all day.
“I knew coming here I didn’t want to lose,” said Toth. “I put my head down today and just stayed focused and just rode my own race. I just focused on myself. I saw the results all day, but I just tried to ride my own race.”
The win was Toth’s second of the year and third-career National Enduro victory.
Four-time National Enduro Champion, Steward Baylor, purchased a new Kawasaki on Thursday before the race and had about 15 minutes on the bike when he started the race. The South Carolina rider had no expectations coming into the event, but managed a solid runner-up finish ahead of his brother, FactoryONE Sherco rider Grant Baylor.
“I started off a little bit cautious, and then in test two I tried to race a little harder and just started making more mistakes,” said Steward. “The rest of the day I just tried to nail my lines and just
STEWARD BAYLOR TURNED IN A SURPRISING SECOND AFTER HAVING SPENT LESS THAN AN HOUR ON THE KAWASAKI HE BOUGHT ON THURSDAY BEFORE THE RACE.
ride the bike and learn the bike. The bike definitely started feeling better towards the end. I felt like I could definitely go faster. I just rode my race and did what I needed to do.”
Steward says his plan is to race all of the major brands before making a decision on a team for 2021.
Grant dropped two steps down from last week’s race, finishing on the final step of the podium at the Little Raccoon Enduro, however, he still remains atop the 2020 series standings by 12 points over Toth.
“The first test went pretty good, and then the second test was going pretty good and then halfway through I went down and kind of tweaked my knee a little bit,” said Grant. “I just lost a bunch of time in that second test. Then third test, I made it about a mile into the test and lost my shifter. So that test didn’t go well. At that point I was almost a minute down from everybody, so I just tried to salvage what I could.”
Grant finished the race 20 seconds behind his brother.
Ben Kelley was fourth. The FMF/KTM rider won the opening round of the season, but has followed that up with threestraight fourth-place finishes.
Fifth overall was XC Gear/Enduro Engineering/Husqvarna’s Ryder Lafferty. Lafferty, nephew of eight-time champ
FMF/KTM’S BEN KELLEY WAS FOURTH FOR THE THIRDSTRAIGHT RACE.
Mike Lafferty, finished third overall in the opening round of the season, and has been working hard to get back on the podium.
“I started out strong,” said Lafferty. “I was kind of a little timid. I knew it was going to be slick with all the rain. I stayed on two wheels and I didn’t have any mistakes all day, but I think I lost a little bit halfway through. I just kind of kept it the same the whole day until the end when I knew that everybody was making up time on me. All in all, not too bad of a day.”
Thorn Devlin finished sixth. The Beta USA rider was fourth in test five behind Toth and the Baylor Brothers and in the overall standings he was just 29 seconds behind Kelley.
Cory Buttrick rode a privateer Husqvarna to seventh overall, just a bit under two minutes behind Devlin. Although he’s been concentrating on GNCC, Buttrick grew up in nearby Logan, Ohio, so this race was a no-brainer for him to ride.
760 Husqvarna’s Ben Nelko was eighth overall and first in the NE Pro2 class.
“The day went awesome,” said Nelko. “I came out with the first test win (in the Pro 2 class). I think I was 30 seconds ahead right off the bat, so I just kind of tried to keep it together and ride a smooth race. I’m pretty excited on a National Enduro win. This is nothing I’ve
STEW BAYLOR
ever done before, so I’m pumped on it.”
Beta USA’s Cody Barnes was ninth overall and second in the NE Pro 2 class.
“I rode pretty solid, only a couple little mistakes here and there,” said Barnes. “My Beta 250RR was running awesome and was handling great. Overall it was a good day. Just need to limit some mistakes and go a little bit faster and hopefully come out with the win the next one.”
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Craig DeLong rounded out the top 10 and finished third in the NE Pro 2 division.
“It felt like I was riding good all day, personally,” said DeLong. “I just had some issues with some bottlenecks out there, just other people stuck in the trail. I tried to go around them and tried to do my best and sometimes it worked, and sometimes it didn’t. It’s just the luck of the game and you can’t do anything about it. I tried as hard as I could. I made one personal mistake. I fell in the last test. That was the only crash I had all day.”
Rachel Gutish raced the day before and won the Battle of the Goats in North Carolina, and then drove all night to compete at the Little Raccoon Enduro, coming away with first in the Women’s Elite class.
“I raced the Battle of the Goats extreme enduro yesterday, so I came into this not really sure how things were going to go,”
BEN NELKO
said Gutish. “I’m not on my usual race bike for this. I’m still on the bike I raced yesterday, a 200 set up for extreme. But as it turns out, I think I like this setup for this, especially today as muddy and slick as it was out there, better than I like my normal setup. I was running about second all day, and then in test five it was absolutely magical. I’ve never ridden a dirt bike that well in my life. I don’t know if I’m ever going to be able to ride a dirt bike that well ever again. I was 21st overall. I have no idea how that happened. So I’m really hoping that I can maybe someday do that again, but for the time being I’m just over the moon about it.”
Enduro Engineering/ Mepmx/Fly/Grizzly Peak/Traveler’s Rest Speedway/KTM’s Mackenzie Tricker finished second, 49 seconds behind Gutish.
“I won the first test, but I was still pretty cautious,” said Tricker. “Then honestly, they just turned it up and I wasn’t ready, really. I tried really hard to sprint those last two tests and make up the time that I lost and I just didn’t have it today, but I didn’t do anything silly.”
BABB’s Racing’s Becca Sheets rounded out the podium in the Women’s Elite class.
“I came out swinging and had the lead after the second test,” said Sheets. “From there, I just had to ride good, but I got hung up in a bottleneck and there was
RYDER LAFFERTY
really just nowhere for me to go, so I lost a bunch of time on one of the tests. Then on the last one I was riding really well again, but I just kissed a tree with my face and had to get back going after that. So it was a little bit tough, but I really just wanted to get on the podium today. I didn’t have a goal to win or anything. So I feel pretty good about it. I had a lot of fun.”
Kole Henslee (KTM) won the AA class ahead of Michael Pillar (Yam), with Will Sievenpiper (KTM) in third. Meanwhile, Luke Ross topped the Open A class ahead of fellow KTM riders Eric Douglass and Brad Mohr. n
OVERALL RESULTS
1. Josh Toth (KTM)
2. Steward Baylor (Kaw)
3. Grant Baylor (Shr)
4. Ben Kelley (KTM)
5. Ryder Lafferty (Hsq)
6. Thorn Devlin (Bet)
7. Cory Buttrick (Hsq)
8. Ben Nelko (Hsq)
9. Cody Barnes (Bet)
10. Craig DeLong (Hsq)
CODY BARNES
The slippery bride in test one claimed several victoms including Andrew Hollenkamp, seen above nearly taking a dive off the deep end.
RATTLESNAKE
ENDURO PHOTO GALLERY IF YOU FIND YOUR PHOTO DOWNLOAD IT AND USE IT
JOSH TOTH TURNED UP THE HEAT IN THE FINAL TWO TESTS TO TAKE THE WIN
KENDA AMA NATIONAL ENDURO SERIES GRASSMAN NATIONAL ENDURO ROUND 5 WELLSTON OHIO AUGUST 23, 2020
TOTH STRIKES AGAIN
JOSH TOTH TAKE THIRD WIN OF THE SEASON AT THE GRASSMAN
STEWARD BAYLOR RIDE A PRIVATEER KAWASAKI TO SECOND OVERALL. THE FOUR-TIME CHAMP WAS ENCOURAGED BY HIS FINISH AND NOW HAS HIS SIGHTS SET ON A FIFTH TITLE.
THORN DEVLIN PUT HIS BETA ON THE PODIUM IN THIRD. DEVLIN HAS BEEN GAINING MOMENTUM ALL YEAR.
ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA’S CRAIG DELONG CAME BACK WITH A VENGEANCE AT THE GRASSMAN TO WIN THE NE PRO 2 CLASS.
JOSH TOTH NOW HAS THREE WINS AND A SECOND IN THE SERIES.
FMF/KTM’s Josh Toth claimed his third win of the season, and by doing so, took control of the 2020 Kenda AMA National Enduro Series point standings with an impressive per-formance at this weekend’s Grassman National Enduro in Chandlersville, Ohio.
Toth missed the opening round of the 2020 season due to a leg injury, however, after compiling three wins and a second in the remaining four rounds, the Connecticut rider has managed to move to the top of the series standings. It didn’t hurt that previous point leader Grant Baylor had a fluke mechanical issue in the opening test and finished the day in 10th.
Grant came into the race with a 12-point lead over Toth in the series standings, however, the FactoryONE Sherco rider saw that lead evaporate when he was forced to push his bike out of test one after it suddenly stopped on him with just a few hundred feet to go.
With four rounds remaining in the series, Toth feels he has the momentum he needs to finish out the season on top.
“The win helps with confidence, for sure,” said Toth. “I still have to ride the bike, though. It’s still going to be tough. To-day was hard. Stew was ripping. But battling with him and coming out on top, I’m pretty stoked.”
For the second round in a row, four-time National Enduro Champion Steward Baylor finished in the runner-up slot on a privateer Kawasaki.
Steward led the race during the early stages, but lost out to Toth in the final two tests.
“It wasn’t a technical course, by any means, but every time you thought you had flow you would end up off the track. It was a really tricky track,” said Steward. “You had to really be on point. I just made a few costly mistakes. I wasn’t reading the track far enough ahead when I needed to be.”
Steward missed round two of the series to have knee surgery, but is not ready to give up on a fifth title just yet.
AROUND THE PITS GRASSMAN ENDURO
THE NEPG’S JOSH CAIRL LOOKS STRANGELY SIMILAR TO THE DESCRIPTIONS GIVEN FOR THE LEGENDARY GRASSMAN CREATURE, KNOWN TO HAUNT THE WOODS OF CENTRAL OHIO.
JUST SAYIN’...
LOOKS NOTHING LIKE THE GRASSMAN!
BEN KELLEY’S KTM MECHANIC JOSEANGEL CORDOVA IN CONCERT.
AROUND THE PITS GRASSMAN ENDURO
STEW BAYLOR WAS RUNNING THIS “DECAL” ON HIS FRONT FENDER. THAT’S A PICTURE OF HIS MECHANIC GARRETT WARD.
RYDER LAFFERTY AND NOAH CLARK WARM UP BEFORE THE RACE.
ANTTI KALLONEN AND MARK HYDE SHARE A LAUGH ON SATURDAY.
SHERCO MECHANIC ERIK SIRATON LOOKS FOR DEVINE GUIDANCE WHILE DEALING WITH THE YOUNGEST BAYLOR BROTHER.
GRASSMAN ENDURO GALLERY
IF YOU FIND YOUR PHOTO DOWNLOAD IT AND USE IT
SEQUATCHIE, TENNEESSEE
AUGUST 15-16, 2020
SURPRISE!
WEBB AT THE 10TH ANNUAL TENNESSEE KNOCKOUT
TRYSTAN HART
CODY WEBB
The tenth annual Kenda Tennessee Knockout took place at the Trials Training Center (@trialstrainingcenter) in Sequatchie, Tennessee on the weekend of August 14-16. Canada’s Trystan Hart took his first TKO win over six-time winner Cody Webb. Chile’s Benjamin Herrera finished third ahead of Noah Kepple and Keith Curtis, who rounded out the top five.
Nearly 300 amateur riders competed on Friday and Saturday gunning for the AMA Amateur Extreme Enduro Grand National Championship. Danny Lewis took the win in the championship-deciding second round on Saturday. Will Riordan finished second and Tyler Kincaid rounded out the podium. Those three along with the other top 30 finishers got the opportunity to compete in the Sunday competition against the twenty-six pre-qualified pro riders.
Hart dominated the Sunday competition, winning all four rounds of racing, including the main event, which included just the top fifteen riders. The Sunday course included some brutal new sections including the Four Logs, Walk in the Park and a new hill climb that Hart was the first to ever climb in TKO competition.
RYAN SIPES
BEN HERRERA
LOUISE FORSLEY
RACHEL GUTISH
SHELBY TURNER
Main Event Results:
1. Trystan Hart, KTM
2. Cody Webb, Sherco
3. Benjamin Herrera Ried, Beta
4. Noah Kepple, Husqvarna
5. Keith Curtis, Husqvarna
6. Max Gerston, Beta
7. Ryder LeBlond, KTM
8. Will Riordan, KTM
9. Cory Graffunder, Husqvarna
10. Nick Fahringer, Sherco
11. Jordan Ashburn, Kawasaki
12. Quinn Wentzel, Sherco
13. Ronnie Commo, Beta
14. Cooper Abbott, KTM
15. Danny Lewis, Husqvarna
USA DEALERS
Dirt Riders West///Mike Carlton///602.370.7546///Phoenix, AZ
Lewisport USA///Adrian & Mandy Lewis///209.785.6878///Copperopolis, CA
Balance Trials Supply///Bill Haskell///720.207.7715///Arvada, CO
Trial Store USA ///Alex Niederer///941.404.0757///Bradenton, FL
Aloha Trials///Clayton Oshita///808.822.2706///Kapaa, HI
Hawaii Rides ///Sam Bird///808.621.6686///Wahiawa, HI
Jack’s Cycles ///Stuart Preston///207.337.1274///South Berwick, ME
Mossy Rock Trials///Dan Larson///406.930.0227///Big Timber, MT
Competition Wheels///James McKenzie///704.906.3238///Concord, NC
HVC Cycle///Brad Obidowski///402.817.4795///Lincoln, NE
Miller Ranch Trials///Aaron & Andy Miller///607.765.8362///Corning, NY
Adroit Engineering ///Jon Rentschler ///440.668.3207///Chardon, OH
Gran Prix Cycle///Gary & Robyn Byers///541.926.3139///Albany, OR
Trials Training Cntr. Charlie or Carey///423.942.8688///Sequatchie, TN
Frank’s Motorbikes///Frank Kergil///425.603.9000///Bellevue, WA
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IT’S FREE!
ENDURO ENGINEERING PRODUCT REVIEW
EE BRAKE PEDAL TIP
The EE Brake Pedal tip has been designed to be stronger than stock, offering maximum grip with an aggressive tread. Made in the USA out of high-grade stainless steel.
TRIALS TRAINING CENTER TRIALS TRAINING CENTER
2020 Schedule
February 23: CTC Fun Trial
(Following STRA Banquet on February 22)
March 28-29: Bicycle Event
April 4-5: Trials Training Days
April 18-19: Spring Splash Trial (STRA)
May 30-32: Southern 4WD Meet and Greet
June 29-July 1: Family Camp
July 2-4: East Coast Youth Nationals & Women’s Open
July 3: TDN Fundraiser Gate Trial
July 5-9: Invitational Teen Camp
August 14-16: 10th Annual Kenda TKO
September TBA: ITSA Vintage Trial National
October 17-18: 28th Annual 58K Fall Trial (STRA)
November 8: Bicycle Event
December 6: Toy Trial - CTC Winter Series Round 1
Due to Covid-19 restrictions in Spain, the 2021 Mecatecno Dragonfly production will be delayed until the first quarter of 2021. More information can be found on: www.mecatecno.biz
• A versatile trials or trail bike (with the addition of a removable seat)
• The T-18 Dragonfly is an adult electric trials bike featuring a real hydraulic clutch
• A 5 speed gearbox provides the best match of engine power to terrain requirements
• M4 39mm Aluminum AIR FORKS
• Special Ohlins shock direct to swing arm (Linkless suspension)
• 3 hr quick change battery
• Weighs in at 132 pounds
GOOD OLD TIMES BLOG FROM ZERO TO HERO
BY KENNETH OLAUSSON PHOTOS: HUSqVARNA
After the 1960 season things looked gloomy for the Husqvarna Motorcycle division. The company had won the 500cc world championship, but in the quarter-litre class the situation was different. No research and development were done to the smaller power plants and no factory sponsoring was available for keen 250cc riders who wanted to conquer the world. As the “Silverpilen” street Huskys did not sell any longer there were low-key factors as well as new hope for ace rider Torsten Hallman. He seemed to be stepping up the ladder in the European championship. In the statistics we can see the factory only churned out 423 units in the year of 1961. The Silverpilen street machines had stopped selling and the mopeds showed a deep dip. The future forecast was pessimistic, and the board contemplated giving up the two-wheel division entirely. A last-minute decision gave it another try, partly due to the successful history of the company’s motorcycle adventures from 1903.
So, before the 1961 season started, Husqvarna announced that it would continue to support two riders in the half-litre class but giving nothing to the riders in the 250cc class. This meant that reigning champion Bill Nilsson received 10,000 Swedish Kronor (approx. 2,000 US dollars then) and Rolf Tibblin 4,000. They would both also benefit from premiums paid out by the factory, which amounted to a few thousand kronor each, provided the pair were delivering results. However, the world championship status had yet to be introduced among the 250cc class riders. This was the last season contenders fought for the European title and it might have had an influence on the company’s decision to stop supporting 250cc riders. Consequently, everybody thought that Husqvarna was in for a disaster in 1961. Dark Swedish predictions gave the series the status of a cliff-hanger, especially as the British manufacturer Greeves seemed to be at the top with their ace rider Dave Bickers.
“I was content to stay with Husqvarna,” remembers Torsten Hallman. “But I had to do something with my equipment. I was dissatisfied with the leading-link forks
from the previous year. It was unstable so I exchanged it for Norton front forks, which worked a lot better. A further Achilles-heel on my bike was the rear brakes, causing me repeated trouble, locking up when I used them hard. The solution turned up as we developed a floating rear-anchor point, which would later be used by all MX-Husqvarnas.”
The season consisted of 13 rounds, beginning at the end of April in Aywaille, Belgium and ending with the final in Apolda, East Germany in mid-September. Four and a half months of fighting was ahead of Hallman and Husqvarna. The national championship was also held within this time. It only made up for three rounds, all in the region of the Stockholm area. So, the opening round was held in Belgium where fans were plentiful. Motocross has always attracted big crowds and is still as popular as eating pommes frites here. It turned out that Bickers had preserved his top form and he won this event without having to show his cards. He was an effective rider, easy to underestimate, but always a kind guy with whom you could have trusted stealing horses. Hallman crossed the finish line in fourth and had to be happy with three EC-points from the beginning. Well, even icons have their off days.
Two weeks later the circus moved on to Thomer-la-Sogne in France, where equally there was a great MX interest. Bickers took his second victory on the grassy circuit as Hallman came home third, picking up new valuable points. The coming week it was time for Markelo, Holland and much sand. Briton Jeff Smith prevailed in the dust clouds while Hallman repeated his previous show, now earning another four points. At this time, he was second in the EC rankings. The month of May’s third EC race came near Prague in Czechoslovakia. Close to 100,000 people saw Bickers win again while Torsten failed to pick up points. The fifth event of the month was held in Katowice, Poland. Despite that, less than half the season was over, Bickers gained his fifth win and was already on a good way to the new title. Hallman did not enter as there were currency-restrictions at hand, which made his start impossible. In Schifflange, Luxemburg, Dave Bickers won once more, increasing his chances of taking the title.
“All riders have the dream of winning a Grand Prix,” Torsten Hallman remembers. “At least once before they set their sights on the title. Together with three other riders, we had borrowed a DKW pick-up, which was loaded with our equipment to its breaking point. All four of us sat in the front while the bikes were in the back. We took the ferry to Abo in Finland and had another 250 kilometres to drive. The vehicle did not make more than 40-50 km/h and we stopped every 50 kilometres to rest our sore bodies. The track at Ruskeasanta consisted of red sand, which is
common in Finland. It was pouring rain during the motos so there were numerous retirements this day. I managed to finish second and third in the races, which gave me overall victory. My first Grand Prix win was a fact and I was now lying third in the championship with 23 points, well behind Bickers though.” Italy hosted the 250cc team championship, the Trophée des Nations in Avigliana, outside Torino. The best riders of Europe contended for this exclusive trophy. The British team was unbeaten and took victory ahead of the Swedes where Torsten Hallman played a major role. The second half of the season can be summed up in one word: British! Bickers, Arthur Lampkin and Jeff Smith won it all, leaving Hallman behind. But after the last race, Torsten was fourth in the last EC championship, having gained 36 points overall. And he also won the Swedish championship with three consecutive wins, gaining a total of 30 points. No one beat the Husky ace on their home ground. So, after all, 1961 ended positively, with Hallman having won 28 events during this season. It was stepping up ahead of the coming year, which would start Husqvarna’s way to stardom – now in the world championship! n
