Russell Bobbitt kept his championship hopes alive with a win in the rocks at round nine of the Rekluse/AMA National Enduro Series in Noble, Maine, spoiling Charlie Mullins’ chances of wrapping up the series title early. With one round left on the schedule, Mullins came into the Maine event with a five-race win streak and a healthy 29-point lead in the standings, and another win would have given him an insurmountable lead in the title chase. However, the Obermeyer/Am Pro/FMF Yamaha rider struggled with the dry and rocky terrain in Maine while Bobbitt thrived in it. In the end, Bobbitt walked away with his first win of the season while Mullins ended the day in fifth. Mullins still has the inside track towards his first national enduro title, needing only an eighth place finish at the series finale in Indiana to get the job done.
Russell Bobbitt has struggled...
Russell Bobbitt has struggled all year with a shoulder injury he first suffered at last year’s ISDE in Portugal. However, at the Maine event the defending and three-time champ returned to his 2009 form to take a 29-second win over eight-time champ Michael Lafferty. Bobbitt got off to a slow start but after making suspension adjustments midway into the race to adapt to the rocky conditions the FMF/KTM rider came on strong to win the final two tests.
Michael Lafferty led the event...
Michael Lafferty led the event early, winning the opening two tests. The New Jersey rider is finally coming to terms with his factory Husaberg and might have claimed his second win of the year had it not been for crashes in the final three tests. “I just crashed too many times today, but I felt good and I’m really happy with how our set-up is on the bike,” said Lafferty. “Russ definitely put the pressure on and he deserves to win; he rode well.”
Husaberg rider Nick Fahringer...
Husaberg rider Nick Fahringer entered the final two tests sitting fourth behind KTM’s Nate Kanney, however a strong push in the last 20 miles of the 78-mile event gave Fahringer just enough of an edge to steal the final step of the podium. Like Bobbitt, Fahringer had to make suspension adjustments at the gas stop to change his set-up for the rocky conditions. The Noble Woods course caught more than one rider off guard.
FMF/KTM’s Nate Kanney made...
FMF/KTM’s Nate Kanney made a rare appearance at a national enduro, the GNCC regular showing up to get ready for the upcoming Unadilla GNCC and to test the new KTM 350 SX-F. According to Kanney, the 350 is light, nimble and fast, but he’s still on the fence as to which he will ride in GNCC competition – the 350 or the 450. “This was a good tune up for me since Unadilla will be rocky as well,” said Kanney. “The 350 worked really well in this stuff and I’m impressed.”
Charlie Mullins struggled...
Charlie Mullins struggled with the rocky conditions, finishing off the podium for the first time since DNFing the Florida round back in March. “I struggled a little – I just wasn’t comfortable in the rocks,” said Mullins. “I just had a bad day and had a hard time finding my groove. It was an experience coming up here, but it was fun, and I just need to get it together for the final round.” Despite the off day, Mullins still carries a 17-point lead into the series finale in Indiana.
Russell Bobbitt made a bet...
Russell Bobbitt made a bet with his mechanic Tony Hall before the race. As you can see, Bobbitt got to give Hall a Mohawk for winning the race. Hall said it was worth it if it was motivation for Bobbitt. Don’t expect to see Bobbitt working at Super Cuts any time soon.
O/A
1. Russell Bobbitt (KTM)
2. Michael Lafferty (Hsb)
3. Nick Fahringer (Hsb)
4. Nate Kanney (KTM)
5. Charlie Mullins (Yam)
6. Cory Buttrick (KTM)
7. Andrew DeLong (KTM)
8. Pat Timothy (KTM)
9. Shane Hufford Jr. (KTM)
10. Jim Senecal (G_G)