Irvine, Calif. - Monster Energy Kawasaki's Damon Huffman finished in the runner-up spot during the second round of the AMA EnduroCross series at Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla., moving him into second place in the championship points. Destry Abbott made a special appearance at the round, finishing ninth. Ricky Dietrich did not compete after injuring his foot. He is on a week-to-week basis and is expected to return at the next round in South Carolina.
Back and Forth
After easily qualifying into the main with a heat win, Huffman felt like his speed could put him on the podium. He got out into second early, but a few minor falls throughout the race had him working for a podium spot. After regaining his second-place position with a few laps to go, Huffman rode steady and finished with his first podium of the season.
"I felt like I rode really well and had good speed," said Huffman. "I had trouble with the firewood section because it would get really slippery. I just need to cut out all that crashing and I will be in a good position."
Two of Three
Abbott made it out to the second of three stops on the EnduroCross circuit that he has chosen to compete. While Huffman made it to the main from his heat, Abbott got a lot of track time as he qualified to the main through the last chance qualifier. By the main, Abbott's endurance was running low, but he still rode impressive. He was in the top-five until he stalled in the matrix section and finally came across the finish in ninth.
"I was pretty spent by the time the main started," said Abbott. "I didn't have the aggression I needed. I'm a little disappointed since I was in position to finish in the top-five, but it's always an accomplishment to make it to the main since there are so many talented guys competing for a small number of advancing positions."
Dietrich
During the hot lap session prior to the main event, Dietrich injured his left foot. He was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and was released. Initially Dietrich thought the injury to his foot was more severe, but x-rays revealed no broken bones. He is on a week-to-week basis and is hoping to return at the next round of EnduroCross in South Carolina.
"It's a bummer to get injured, but at least it's not broken," said Dietrich. "I'm going to do my best to get better in time for the next race. We're going to see how it feels each week."
Colton
In his second race on his Kawasaki, Colton Haaker earned his season-best finish after a consistent run to the fifth place.
Fundraiser
All of Monster Energy Kawasaki riders have been selected to the trophy team that represents the United States in the International Six-Days Enduro. This year the race takes place in Portugal and it is an expensive journey for the riders. Abbott is hosting a fundraiser to help him with the costs of the event that will take place at Grinding Stone MX Park in Avondale, Ariz. on Sept 13 from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Another EnduroCross
The riders get a four-week break before the next EnduroCross, giving Dietrich time to recover and Huffman will be practicing his tire changes for the ISDE.
Results
AMA EnduroCross Championship
Lazy E Arena - Guthrie, Okla.
August 15, 2009
Expert Pro Results
1. Taddy Blazusiak, Poland, KTM
2. DAMON HUFFMAN, VALENCIA, CALIF., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
3. Cory Graffunder, Canada, KTM
4. Geoff Aaron, Bailey, Colo., KTM
5. COLTON HAAKER, GILROY, CALIF., KAWASAKI
6. Mike Brown, Gray, Tenn., KTM
7. Kyle Redmond, Lake Hughes, Calif., KTM
8. Nick Brozovich, Bayfield, Colo., Honda
9. DESTRY ABBOTT, PEORIA, ARIZ., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
10. Patrick Smage, Elkhorn, Wis., Sherco
11. JAMIE LANZA, BEAUMONT, CALIF., KAWASAKI
Expert Pro Standings
1. Taddy Blazusiak, Poland, KTM, 60
2. DAMON HUFFMAN, VALENCIA, CALIF., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 37
3. Geoff Aaron, Bailey, Colo., KTM, 36
4. Mike Brown, Gray, Tenn., KTM, 36
5. Cory Graffunder, Canada, KTM
6. COLTON HAAKER, GILROY, CALIF., KAWASAKI, 32
7. Kyle Redmond, Lake Hughes, Calif., KTM, 29
8. RICKY DIETRICH, MENIFEE, CALIF., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 25
9. DESTRY ABBOTT, PEORIA, ARIZ., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 23
10. JAMIE LANZA, BEAUMONT, CALIF., KAWASAKI, 23