Racing

Kenda AMA National Enduro Series Round 1, Sumter, South Carolina — Photo Gallery 1

Steward Baylor and Jost Toth battled to the end at the opening round of the national enduro series

February 7, 2018

Tely Racing KTM’s Steward Baylor fended off a hard charge from FMF KTM Factory Off-road’s Josh Toth to take the first win of the season in the Kenda AMA National Enduro Series in Sumter, South Carolina.

On-and-off rain showers made for deep ruts and choppy trail in the South Carolina sand and the competition that much more intense. At the end of six tests and 60 miles of racing, Baylor edged Toth by 18 seconds to take the initial lead in the series standings.

To get out of the cold weather and into some sand riding, Thad Duvall spent most of the winter training in Florida. The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Off-Road rider tried the new LITPro tracking system on different parts of the practice track and he learned a lot about his technique. Unfortunately, Duvall suffered an electrical issue in the third test and didn’t finish the race.Shan Moore

The Sumter race is basically a home race for defending series champ Steward Baylor. The Tely Racing KTM rider is known as a sand specialist, but having won two titles, the South Carolina rider has proven he can ride any type of terrain.Shan Moore

FMF KTM Factory Off-Road newcomer Josh Toth grabbed two podiums last year—a pair of thirds—so his runner-up finish in Sumter was a career best. The Connecticut rider won three of the six tests, matching Steward Baylor’s test/win total.Shan Moore

Eight-time AMA National Enduro Champion Mike Lafferty is working select rounds of the series, holding setup and maintenance seminars and demonstrations before the races as part of KTM’s “Ride Orange” program. He can also be found at gas stops offering assistance.Shan Moore

That’s a lot of fuel ready to head out to the gas stop. Most enduro races are around 60 miles in length, so a gas stop is scheduled around the halfway mark of each race.Shan Moore

Five-time national champ Russell Bobbitt has formed his own team, Gnarly Routes Racing, with support from KTM. As part of his program, Russell will be leading guided tours in exotic riding areas around the country. Check gnarlyroutes.com for dates.Shan Moore

Longtime KTM mechanic Tanner Harding now works for WP and was in Sumter helping the factory KTM riders dial in their suspension.Shan Moore

Mitchell McRee, who finished fourth in the Open A class, pops over a ridge in test 4.Shan Moore

Andrew Delong, the 2014 national champ, signed with GasGas during the off-season and put his XC 300 into 10th place in his maiden race on the bike.Shan Moore

AirGroup/Enduro Engineering Husqvarna’s Drew Higgins grabbed his best finish in some time with a seventh overall.Shan Moore

Trail Jesters KTM Off-Road Racing’s Ben Kelley grabbed his first career podium with a third-place overall finish. Like Toth, Kelley is another Connecticut rider who is probably more used to rocks than sand. He looked like a veteran, however, in Sumter.Shan Moore

Steward Baylor rips through the Carolina pines in the final test en route to the overall win.Shan Moore