Mike Brown wins Season Opener
AMA Endurocross
www.fullnoise.com.au EnduroCross News
Factory FMF/KTM rider Mike Brown topped the podium for the first time in the
opening round of the AMA EnduroCross Series in the Orleans Arena, Las Vegas.
Red Bull KTM Factory rider and reigning AMA EnduroCross Champion, Taddy
Blazusiak finished second overall.
Brown put in a near faultless ride and made the technical track look easy as he
worked toward his win.
The AMA EnduroCross Series added a new element to its night show line-up for
the 2013 season where the twelve riders that qualify for the main event ride in
hot laps with the fastest person getting first gate pick. Brown again took the
honor of holding the top spot after turning a 40.1. Blazusiak earned the second
choice spot with a time of 40.2.
The two riders choose the two inside gates for the start of the main event.
Just as predicted, they rounded the first corner in that order with Brown
taking the holeshot and Blazusiak in second. They locked into those positions
throughout the 12-lap main event. Colton Haaker rounded off the podium.
“It feels so great to get my first win tonight." Brown commented.
"I’ve been training hard and working toward this goal for a few years now
and everything finally feels right.
"I am extremely grateful to my team that has been behind me this season
and built me a great bike. I hope to carry my momentum into the next round and
work toward a championship,” stated Brown.
Blazusiak was also happy with his performance.
“I struggled a little bit with bike set-up this morning but everything was
improved for the main event." Blazusiak stated. "I am happy to start
the season off on the podium but I definitely have a goal of being on the top
step and will shoot for that at the next round.”
KTM riders also stood on the top two steps in the the women’s event, with Shelby
Turner and Chantelle Bykerk taking the two top spots.
The seven round season continues in Sacramento, CA on the 8th of June 8.
Overall Results Pro Class
1. Mike Brown
2. Taddy Blazusiak
3. Colton Haaker
4. Cody Webb
5. Geoff Aaron
Overall Results Women’s Class
1. Shelby Turner
2. Chantelle Bykerk
3. Rachel Gutish
4. Maria Forsberg
5. Sarah Whitmore
Top Image: Mike Brown one the opening round of the AMA Enduro-X
Championship
Credit: KTM Images