KTM's Mike Lafferty claimed his third victory of the season at round 7 of the AMA/Rekluse National Enduro series, the Rock Pile National in Cascade Montana. Lafferty finished in the runner up spot in the previous round in Wyoming and needed a win heading into the final 3 races of the series. Finishing in the runner up spot was California rider Jordan Brandt on a KTM 300XC. Brandt kind of took every by surprise with his performance. He had a few top placing finishes last season and the regular pro riders just were not expecting him. Finishing in the final podium spot was current champ Russell Bobbitt. Bobbitt was fresh off a win the previous round in Wyoming, and looked to be the one to beat. A few problems early on cost him. Rounding out the top 5 were Husaberg mounted Nick Fahringer, Fahringer loved the 570 berg in the hilly terrain and had one of best rides this year. Texan Cole Kirkpatrick took his KTM to a fifth. Kirkpatrick finished 1 second behind Fahringer and led Bobbitt most of the day going into the final test.
The race was held at the Bull Run Guest ranch and the MTVRA help put the race on. For most riders in the national series the western rounds are much different than what they are used to. This race was definitely not the east coast woods. Plenty of rocks and fast single track. Some compared them to goat trails. The course was 70 miles long divided into 5 timed sections. The narrow trails created some passing issues but the club cut the C riders off early.
"I liked this race, I am back on the 400 now and we had it set up good. It's nice when you win one". Said Lafferty. Bobbitt crashed early in the race and it took him some time to get going, he played catch up most of the day. " I lost the bike in a corner and ended upside down under the bike. It took me little bit to get going then it seemed I was behind all day. Brandt loved the race. The Californian said the more rocks the better." I was on a 2 stroke for the first time in a few years and the 300 was awesome. I love the rocks, and the terrain here was great."
Top 5
1. Mike Lafferty
2. Jordan Brandt
3. Russell Bobbitt
4. Nick Fahringer
5. Cole Kirkpatrick