Racing

2018 AMA Kenda Full Gas Sprint Enduro Series Round 1 - Photo Gallery 1

Ryan Sipes and Steward Baylor went head to head in Blackshear, Georgia, at the opening round of the series

February 13, 2018

Ryan Sipes drew first blood at the opening round of the 2018 AMA Kenda Full Gas Sprint Enduro series, but it didn't come easy as the Rockstar/Leatt/Maxxis Husqvarna rider had to overcome a challenge from 2017 titlist Tely Energy Racing KTM's Steward Baylor to secure the victory.

Ryan Sipes won all six of the Cross tests in Georgia and was just fast enough in the Enduro tests to edge out Steward Baylor for the overall win by 21 seconds after two days of racing.Shan Moore

Steward Baylor won four tests in all, one on Saturday and three on Sunday, sufficient to give the South Carolina rider second overall.Shan Moore

Josh Strang streaks toward the finish of the Enduro test en route to third place. The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory rider won an Enduro test on Saturday.Shan Moore

Evan Smith turned in his usual consistent ride to secure a fifth-place finish. The SRT Racing Husqvarna rider has been a consistent top-five rider over the past year.Shan Moore

Jordan Ashburn just missed out on a podium, finishing fourth. The Beta USA-backed Tennessean spent the weekend chasing down a good setup for the sand.Shan Moore

Speaking of sand, Gnarly Routes KTM’s Russell Bobbitt throws a sandy roost in the Cross test.Shan Moore

KR4 Husqvarna’s Colin Keegan turned in a good ride in the Pro2 class for 10th.Shan Moore

Steward Baylor tears up the turf getting out of the gate in the Cross test.Shan Moore

Beta USA’s Mike Witkowski skirts the edge of the swamp in the Enduro test. Yes, we were on the lookout for alligators.Shan Moore

Mackenzie Tricker waits her turn at the start. The Bonanza Plumbing/Trail Jesters KTM rider was second in the Women’s Pro division.Shan Moore

Sixth-place Pro2 rider Billy Schlag dodges palmetto trees at the exit of the swamp.Shan Moore