For more results go to: http://www.fim-isde-live.info/

Heat 1:
I wasn’t able to practice any starts and it showed. I had a horrible start, and that’s usually one of my strong points at these races. They only took the top two to the main, and after my bad start I was able to make it up to 4th at the finish. Taddy won, followed by my teammate Justin Soule who took the final spot. I had Kevin Rookstool right in front of me with Coltan Haaker in 5th (you can see it was stacked).

Semi 1:
This is always a tough one since they only take the winner to the main. I had about a 4th place start, but made it up to 2nd right behind Rookstool. I tried to make some passes, but just couldn’t make any stick. Then Coltan put a good pass on me in the big rock corner. The three of us had a great battle going, but Coltan took the win with Kevin and I all finishing within bike lengths of each other.

LCQ:
A place I didn’t want to be in I had another horrible start and was probably around 7th. It was a short race, and I saw the leaders checking out and knew I had to really push it. I made some aggressive passes and got into 3rd with clear track. I was about 5-seconds behind Rookstool. I actually felt the best I had all night now, and started to do a few obstacles a lot better and was making up time on Cody Webb and Rookstool. By the time the checkered flag came out I was right on Rookstool’s fender, but it wasn’t good enough! That was the end of my racing for the night.

Overall Summary:
I do have to say this is the best I’ve felt on the bike since early in the year (before my injuries). I rode way better at this EX race then I did at the first round (and I made the main there) and as the night went on my speed kept getting better. That’s just the way EX racing is and I think that’s why it so fun to watch too. The training is starting to pay off again and it feels good to be getting closer to 100% again. I just want to finish the year out strong and get ready for 2011!

Main Event Results:
1. Taddy Blazusiak
2. Kyle Redmond
3. Kevin Rookstool
4. Gary Sutherlin
5. Justin Soule
6. Colton Haaker
7. Cory Graffunder
8. Jamie Lanza
9. Mike Brown
10. Cody Webb
11. Geoff Aaron

Other Notes:
This race wasn’t on my schedule, but on Tuesday evening I received a call from Jason Smigel at Kawasaki. He asked if I could take Ricky Dietrich’s spot since he’s still on the injured list, and I definitely jumped at the opportunity. I love EX races! The only problem was that I haven’t practiced any EX riding since the first round and had to ride Ricky’s 2011 250f which I’ve never ridden. The 2011’s are FI bikes and I was blown away by how good it was. I definitely didn’t have the starts figured out, but other then that the bike was really good. I just wish I could’ve had more time to practice and prepare for it!

I’ve qualified for the main event for the last five straight EX races, but my streak ended here. I’ll try and see if I can get the streak going again:)

Here’s another cool video clip from Dillon at ShotMaker. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQwZrAlAtWM

This is a video clip of the track walk I did with Monster Energy Kawasaki at the first round. It shows how tough some of the obstacles are. http://www.kawasaki.com/racing_news/article.aspx?id=1439

My next race is scheduled to be in three weeks (WORCS), but I might be racing the Washington EX race if Ricky isn’t 100% yet. We’ll wait and see.

I was super pumped for my riding and training partner (Gary Sutherlin). He finished a strong 4th in the main event and had the speed to be on the podium. He’s been working really hard and deserves his great finish!

As a lot of you might know I’m a big basketball fan and love playing it too. I got to meet Rik Smits who was a big time player for the Pacers and got to talk with him for a while (picture attached). He’s really a cool guy and a good rider too. He finished on the podium in the vet class and it was awesome to hear the Indiana crowd cheering for him!

I’m working with the guys from the EX series this week to purchase the 100 tickets for the final round in Vegas. I’ll be sure to post more on my web site and Facebook fan page on how to purchase them. It should be a pretty cool deal!

I attached some photos from Mark Kariya and Kenny Jones. Thanks for the help guys!

I also need to thank Chappy for being my mechanic for the weekend. It was like the good old days! He did some wrenching for me when I started with Kawasaki.

www.destryabbott.com

Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Destry-Abbott/114746998547830?ref=ts
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David Knight: “All things considered I’m really pleased with the way the event went. Really it was a case of getting on and racing the bike in an enduro to find out what areas of the bike need to be worked on, and I know exactly what I need to do now. A better result on day one would have been nice, but the important thing for me was that I was able to make changes to the bike and improve the bike during the event. Having only had a few weeks on the Kawasaki I knew that the bike wouldn’t be set-up properly for enduros straight away. The few small changes that we made after the first day resulted in a big difference on day two – I know what areas I need to work on, and what direction to go in, now.

“I struggled a little on the first day do get the power down on the special tests. I was also riding a little bit too smoothly. There wasn’t any time to change anything so it was just a case of sticking with it. Third isn’t brilliant but both Edmondson and Wakely were riding well. I learned a lot about the bike, which was the most important thing for me. I changed the gearing and softened the suspension for the second day and it was better straight away. As the tests dried out the bike was awesome. Everything is heading in the right direction, which I’m pleased about it. My riding improved as well. Paul Edmondson is still one of the fastest riders in the world on slippery, grassy conditions so to beat him on the second day is good. I know what direction I want to go in now and what stuff I want to test. I really enjoyed both days, had a good laugh, and learned a lot about the bike, which is what I wanted to do.”

Results – ’09 BEC Rnd 2, Knighton Enduro

Day 1
1. Paul Edmondson (Suzuki)
2. Si Wakely (Husqvarna)
3. David Knight (Kawasaki Superbike Racing Team)

Day 2

1. David Knight (Kawasaki Superbike Racing Team)
2. Paul Edmondson (Suzuki)
3. Greg Evans (KTM)

Dietrich, the AMA’s Racer of the Year in 2008 thanks in part to his outstanding performance in EnduroCross, returns as the defending champion. But the racer who won the most main events three was his teammate, Huffman. The former supercross star ended up losing the title when a crash and broken finger at Columbus Ohio kept him out of that main event. Dietrich and Huffman will no doubt again be the favorites to vie for the EX Pro class championship, but will certainly have their hands full when you look down the registered rider list……..

For the full story check out Racer X Online

“In 2008, Team USA had its best performance at the ISDE in years, and it was only appropriate to reunite the riders who brought us so close to victory,” said AMA Off-Road Racing Manager Chuck Weir. “We are reloaded. We are ready. We are looking forward to showing the best off-roaders in the world that Team USA is not just a threat to place, but a threat to win at this storied international competition.”

Returning to represent the U.S. Trophy team for the third time is Team Captain Caselli. The 25-year-old Caselli, who races the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series for Shock Doctor/KTM, battled for the overall lead at the 2008 ISDE before crashing out on day three. In 2007, Caselli also led a significant portion of the event en route to winning the E3 class. In 2006, Caselli was a member of the championship Junior Trophy Team.

“We’re going with the same team we had last year, and we’re just as motivated and excited to ride this year’s ISDE and just as motivated to win,” said Caselli, who likely will ride a KTM 300XC in the E3 class. “We like the location this year. Portugal is dry, rocky and dusty — kind of like what we have out west, where the majority of our team is from.”

Caselli said the team is confident for the ‘09 event.

“As long as we stay healthy and the bikes hold together, I really like our chances of getting on the podium this year,” Caselli said. “It’s not going to be easy, though. I know Finland is going to have a strong team. The Europeans bring a lot of talent. It’s not going to be any easier than it has in the past, but I think we have a good shot.”

Another Team USA veteran will be Abbott, who is contesting the AMA Racing National Hare & Hound Championship Series and the World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS) for Monster Energy Kawasaki. The 36-year-old five-time AMA National Hare & Hound Champion is a three-time ISDE Gold Medalist and will represent the U.S. on the Trophy Team for the fifth time. Last year, Abbott finished ninth in the E2 class.

“I was pretty excited to hear that we were bringing back all the same guys,” said Abbott, who will ride a KXF450, most likely in the E3 class. “I think the team’s better this year. It looks like we picked up more speed, we know we can do it, and we have the experience. From everything I see, the location is going to suit us West Coast guys, and Nate and Jimmy adapt well to whatever conditions the race presents.”

Abbott added that a real team environment surrounds the ISDE effort.

“We are all committed to doing what’s best for the team. It’s not an individual thing,” Abbott said. “We’re all about team, and that’s what you need to do when you race something like this. The manufacturers are behind it. Last year, we went in hoping for top five and we got third, and that was with Kurt getting hurt and some other guys having bike trouble. Now we know we can podium, and we believe we have a shot at first or second.”

Dietrich, 21, was the top-finishing American at the 2008 ISDE, where he took second to Spain’s Ivan Cervantes in both the overall and in the E1 class. Dietrich also joined Caselli on the championship 2006 Junior Trophy Team and currently races off-road events for Monster Energy Kawasaki. This will be Dietrich’s second time representing the U.S. on the Trophy Team and his third time representing the U.S. in the ISDE.

Jarrett, 32, also brings several years of experience to the team. Jarrett races the GNCC Series for GEICO Monster Kawasaki. This will be the Ohioan’s sixth year representing the U.S. on the Trophy Team. Jarrett finished 13th in the E2 class in 2008.

This will be second trip to the ISDE for the 31-year-old Woods, who races WORCS for Team FMF Suzuki and competes in the AMA Endurocross series. Woods finished 29th in the E2 class at last year’s ISDE.

Kanney, 26, is currently contesting the AMA GNCC Series for Shock Doctor/KTM. Kanney is an experienced ISDE and World Enduro Championship rider. Last year, he finished eighth in the E3 class.

The World Trophy Team is one of three premier teams that represent the U.S. at the ISDE. The Trophy Team features six riders who compete in all three displacement classes that contest the ISDE: the E1 class, which features 100cc to 125cc two-stroke and 175cc to 250cc four-stroke motorcycles; the E2 class, which features 175cc to 250cc two-stroke and 290cc to 450cc four-stroke motorcycles; and the E3 class, which features 290cc to 500cc two-stroke and 475cc to 650cc four-stroke motorcycles.

The other premier teams are the Junior Trophy Team, which fields four riders younger than 23 years old, competing in a minimum of two classes, and the Women’s Trophy Team, which fields three riders.

Also part of Team USA are members on various club teams made up of riders from all over the country. These teams are determined by qualifier events held this year on April 18-19 in Park Hills, Mo., and on May 30-31 in Idaho City, Idaho.

More information on the ISDE, Team USA and the ISDE qualifiers can be found in the Featured Series & Events section of www.amaracing.com.

Results:
1. Damon Huffman (Kaw)
2. Ricky Dietrich (Kaw)
3. Geoff Aaron (KTM)
4. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM)
5. Bobby Prochnau (KTM)
6. Mika Ahola (Hon)
7. Patrick Smage (KTM)
8. Destry Abbott (Kaw)
9. Kyle Calderini (Hon)
10. Kyle Redmond (KTM)
11. Mike Brown (KTM)

More info at:

Cycle News Online

The rest of the scoop is over at:

Cycle News Online.

For the whole story go to Cycle News Online

Monster Energy Kawasaki Under The Tent

Ricky’s Podium
Dietrich had a long race in front of him after he got taken out in the first turn and got up close to dead last. He rode at a comfortable pace, picking off several riders in the first lap. On the last lap, Dietrich made it up to teammate Huffman and was able to get around him for third place.

“I didn’t really panic after I got taken out,” said Dietrich. “I knew there was a bottleneck in this ravine and I would be able to make up a lot of time there. I never rushed and I was able to work my way back up.”

Damon Keeps Showing Off
Coming off a podium finish at the round in Monticello, Utah, Huffman has continued to show why he belongs in off-road competition. Every race, Huffman has showed top-five speed and in Milford it was no different.

“The track was pretty tricky,” said Huffman. “I felt really good, but the course got really rough at the end since we did a lot more laps than normal. I think I’ve adapted pretty well to this type of racing. I’m definitely happy that we are nearing the end.”

Abbott’s Luck
After getting a great start and running top-five, Abbott’s “WORCS luck” seemed to strike again. He had a rock hit his water pump cover and had to come into the pits for repairs. The team got him back out very quickly and he was able to finish 14th.

“I was trying not to push it really hard the first few laps to make sure I didn’t get really bad arm-pump,” said Abbott. “The guys were calling me in and I wasn’t sure why I would be pitting so early, and then I looked down and realized I had broken my water-pump. I couldn’t believe it. It’s just weird how all year in the WORCS series something would go wrong when I was up front. I’m just happy the bad luck stayed with the WORCS series instead of the Hare and Hound and ISDE.”

Pro 2 Clinch
Check out what Taylor Robert had to say about clinching the Pro 2 title.

Bobby’s Podium Streak
Bobby Bonds once again brought his Kawasaki KX™450F to the front of the pack, finishing round nine with his sixth second-place finish of the season.

One More Race
With only one race left on the schedule, the championship comes down to the final race. The circumstances are reminiscent of 2006 when Dietrich’s championship came down to the final lap of the final race. Whether it’s Dietrich or Bonds, Kawasaki should have another WORCS championship to cheer about.

“I actually like this last track a lot,” said Dietrich. “From what I remember from last year, I did pretty well. I have the experience with these high pressure situations and I am pretty confident that I can come out smart and strong.”

Results

World Off Road Championship Series
Honey Lake MX – Milford, Calif.
September 21, 2008

Pro Class Results
1. Nathan Woods, Paso Robles, Calif., Suzuki
2. BOBBY BONDS, MARICOPA, CALIF., KAWASAKI
3. RICKY DIETRICH, WINCHESTER, CALIF., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
4. Kurt Caselli, Palmdale, Calif., KTM
5. DAMON HUFFMAN, VALENCIA, CALIF., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
6. Justin Soule, Reno, Nev., KTM
7. Mike Brown, Gray, Tenn., KTM
8. Kendal Norman, Santa Barbara, Calif., Honda
9. Tim Weigand, Santa Clarita, Calif., Honda
10. Robby Bell, Sun City, Calif., Honda
11. TYLER SJOBERG, KAWASAKI
14. DESTRY ABBOTT, PEORIA, ARIZ., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI