Racing

Faces Of The Cherokee National Enduro

A behind-the-scenes look at this weekend’s Cherokee National Enduro

July 12, 2018

Ben Kelley’s FMF KTM mechanic, Michael Hall, makes final preparations to Ben’s bike on the morning of the race. Ben had an off day and finished eighth.Shan Moore

One of the coolest things about attending an off-road motorcycle race in America is being able to take a trip through the pits and take in all of the exotic machinery and to get a glimpse of the stars who make up the sport. This is particularly enjoyable at a Kenda AMA National Enduro Series event since all of the riders and mechanics are so approachable and accommodating. Here are a few photos from a trip we took through the pits at the recent Cherokee National Enduro in Greensboro, Georgia.

Jake Froman moved over to the AirGroup/Enduro Engineering Husqvarna team just a week before the Cherokee enduro and came away with ninth overall and second in the NE Pro2 class.Shan Moore

Five-time National Enduro champion Russell Bobbitt is one of the most popular riders in the pits. Russ was seventh overall.Shan Moore

Far Racing GasGas North America’s Nick Davis twisted his knee when he stuck his foot in a hole in the second test and was forced to retire.Shan Moore

Kelley is one of the sports rising stars and was fresh off of a win at the Tough Like RORR extreme race when he came into Georgia. Ben, however, had rough day at the Cherokee and finished eighth.Shan Moore

FMF KTM’s Josh Toth matched his best-ever finish at a National Enduro with a runner-up finish.Shan Moore

Mike “Napper” Napieralski turns the wrenches on the AirGroup/Enduro Engineering Husqvarnas ridden by Logan Lowrey and Jake Froman. Don’t pull on his beard!Shan Moore

Mike Witkowski holds down the fort in the Beta USA pits at the National Enduros.Shan Moore

Andrew Delong is making his return to racing in 2018 after dealing for several years with a nagging wrist injury. Andrew was 10th overall aboard his Far Racing GasGas North America XC 300.Shan Moore

Don’t let the innocent smile fool you. Logan Lowrey is all business once the helmet goes on.Shan Moore