Release from 25.03.2024
TOP-THREE RESULTS IN NATIONAL HARE & HOUND AND U.S. HARD ENDURO SERIES ROUNDS
National Hare & Hound Championship - Round 2
The second round of the AMA National Hare & Hound Championship was a convincing one for Austin Walton, the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider in contention for the victory and eventually claiming a hard-fought runner-up result riding his Husqvarna Motorcycles FX 450.
"We were battling for the lead throughout the race and it was such a fast pace," Walton reflected. "It was a challenging one and then in the last few miles, I ended up tipping over, lost some time, and then charged back to second coming into the finish line. We ended up P2, one position up from last time out, and we're making improvements. This was a grueling race, but super-fun and it was a good race."
While Walton featured on the podium in Murphy, Idaho, defending series number one and three-time champion Dalton Shirey stopped to assist a fallen rider in the opening stages of the race, before clawing his way back to a fifth-place result and an important haul of points.
"There was a really big crash at the start of the race, which I stopped for, and I just wasn't riding at 100 percent after that," said Shirey. "They gave me a minute back, which didn't change the result, so fifth was a good finish. I knew this would be one of the more difficult races for me, but the result was okay in the end."
Pro Class Results 1. Joseph Wasson (Beta)
2. Austin Walton – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing3. Zane Roberts (Beta)
...5. Dalton Shirey – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
U.S. Hard Enduro Series - Round 2
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing's Ryder LeBlond managed a third-place podium result in Round 2 of the AMA U.S. Hard Enduro Championship, successfully navigating the Grinding Stone course in Page, Arizona. After gaining momentum as the weekend progressed, he saved his best for last on the Husqvarna Motorcycles TE 300.
"The main race went better than the qualifiers," LeBlond said. "I knew I could pull it together for the final, do what I had to do in the battle, and that's what we did. It was good, I was close to the leaders the whole time and it was a huge improvement on last year."
Teammate Colton Haaker also repeated his Pro Class result from the opening race of the season, finishing sixth overall at the Grinding Stone, and carrying confidence into upcoming rounds. He demonstrated his usual front-running potential and will focus on the positives after the weekend.
"I came in with high expectations and have been riding really well lately," commented Haaker. "The sand was more than I anticipated, so I made some adjustments for that, but probably could have gone back on those before the last race. Sixth was really good, had a couple of good and bad moments, so overall we put in a lot of effort, and am always taking the positives for what it is. My spirits are high, let's get it!"
Pro Class Results 1. Cody Webb (Sherco)
2. Trystan Hart (KTM)
3. Ryder LeBlond – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing...6. Colton Haaker – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
Grand National Cross Country Series - Round 4
Round 4 of the GNCC Series was another challenge for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, as defending XC1 Open Pro Champion Craig DeLong wasn't at 100 percent fitness on his way to ninth position, while teammate Trevor Bollinger was forced out altogether with an illness of his own.
"Started the day strong with a good jump off the line, but I struggled to stay out front with stomach issues and a case of arm-pump," DeLong reflected. "No excuses though and I’m ready for another shot at redemption."
"I woke up today a bit under the weather, was running around mid-pack for four laps, but just didn’t have the energy to keep going safely," explained Bollinger. "We will recover and try again."
Unfortunately for WXC entry Korie Steede, the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider's FX 250 ran out of gas on the final lap of the race and she was credited ninth position. As a result, she sits third in the championship, only 15 points from the lead despite her misfortune at Camp Coker.
"Had a solid start to the day, grabbing another holeshot," said Steede. "Had good momentum all day battling for the win. Last lap was sitting in a solid P2 and unfortunately ran out of gas. but I'm happy to be healthy and we will be ready for the next one."
XC1 Open Pro Class Results1. Dante Oliveira (KTM)
2. Johnny Girroir (KTM)
3. Grant Baylor (Kawasaki)
...9. Craig DeLong – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing15. Trevor Bollinger – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory RacingWXC Class Results1. Brandy Richards (KTM)
2. Rachael Archer (Kawasaki)
3. Rachel Gutish, Sherco
...9. Korie Steede – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory RacingUpcoming Offroad Races – April 20244/1: U.S. Sprint Enduro Series - Round 3
4/8: National Grand Prix Championship - Round 4
4/8: National Enduro Series - Round 2
4/8: National Hare & Hound Championship - Round 3
4/15: Grand National Cross Country Series - Round 5
4/22: U.S. Sprint Enduro Series - Round 4
4/22: National Hare & Hound Championship - Round 4
4/29: Grand National Cross Country Series - Round 6
4/29: National Grand Prix Championship - Round 5
4/29: U.S. Hard Enduro Series - Round 3