Johnny Aubert, France Trophy Team

Riding in a day that was cooler than the opening competition was a relief for some riders unaccustomed to the heat of this Mexican location of Morelia. The second day however still represented plenty of challenges in time controls and in the special tests offering riders and spectators plenty of excitement.

Italy, with KTM factory riders Thomas Oldrati , Alessandro belometti and Simone Albergoni the Italians are also proving strong finishing just two minutes behind France. Finland’s Trophy Team with Eero Remes of KTM stay in third place and the USA with Kurt Casseli and Mike Brown riding for KTM are still fourth.

Kurt Caselli, US Trophy Team

Sweden shone in the Junior Trophy thanks to the efforts of KTM rider Henrik Lindholm but the did benefit from a mistake by a member of the Spanish team (with Lorenzo Santolino and Mario Roman who both excelled in the Junior competitions at the 2010 world championships). Sweden finished nine seconds ahead of Spain, trimming their overall lead.

KTM’s Eero Remes is second overall behind France’s Antoine Meo (Husqvarna) with Italian Alex Salvini (Husqvarna) in third. Meanwhile Johnny Aubert (KTM) has a 2.5 minute overall lead in the E2 individual class in front of Italians Manuel Monni (Yamaha) and Thomas Oldrati (KTM). Spain’s Oriol Mena (Husaberg) tops E3 class, but is being challenged by France’s Sebastien Guillaume and Christophe Nambotin (Gas Gas). Mexico’s top performer Homero Diaz (KTM is in fifth)

Eerp Remes, Finland Trophy Team

Destry Abbott consistently put down some fast special test times

World Trophy Standings after the second Day of the 2010 International Six Days Enduro didn’t change at all. France is still on top with Italy and Finland in second and third. USA has a solid hold on fourth spot and are looking to move up the ranks in the coming days. The French team dominated the whole day and showed that they have some serious speed.  Johnny Aubert won every special test of the day making it nearly impossible for the other countries to try to knock them off the number one spot. But it’s a long race and anything can happen 

1. France
2. Italy
3. Finland
4. USA
5. Poland
6. Chile
7. Mexico
8. Germany
9. Venezuela
10. Japan

JUNIOR TROPHY STANDINGS

Rookie Ian Blythe continues to post strong test times and help the US Jr. Team to move up in the rankings

Spain, Sweden and France are in the top 3 spots. With Finland in third just in front of USA. Cory Buttrick was unable to start the day due to injuries suffered in a crash on a transfer section late in day 1. The US Jr. Team is gonna have to dig deep and try to ride mistake free as every riders score counts.

1. Spain
2. Sweden
3. France
4. Finland
5. USA
6. Italy
7. Germany
8. Chile
9. Mexico
10. Argentina

WOMENS CUP STANDINGS

Womens Cup Veteran Amanda Mastin on the gas

In the Women’s Cup France continues there dominance and has a ten minute lead. The American team has moved up a spot into third and is only a few seconds behind second place Sweden.

1. France
2. Sweden
3. USA
4. Germany
5. Chile
6. Canada
7. Mexico

“With the ISDE in Mexico this year, AMA Team USA is looking forward to competing so close to home, and this is the team that can put us on the box in 2010,” said AMA Off-Road Racing Manager Chuck Weir. “These riders are hungry for success at off-road racing’s crown jewel event, and each one of them is committed to doing what’s necessary to win at this storied international competition.

“Our team announcement was delayed this year due to some international concerns regarding the location,” Weir continued. “However, the Federation International de Motocyclisme, which sanctions this world championship event, recently finalized its report following a site visit. The report found the location suitable for this competition, and we are permitted to proceed. All systems are go for AMA Team USA at the 2010 ISDE.”

The World Trophy Team is one of three premier teams that represent the U.S. at the ISDE. The other premier teams are the Junior Trophy Team, which fields four riders younger than 23-years old, and the Women’s Trophy Team, which fields three riders. In addition, several club team members represent the United States at the event.

The AMA Team USA Junior Trophy Team will include Ian Blythe from Sedalia, Colo.; Cory Buttrick from Logan, Ohio; Nick Fahringer from Englewood, Ohio; and Taylor Robert from Scottsdale, Ariz. Blythe will ride a KTM 250 SXF in the E1 class. Buttrick will ride a KTM 450 XC-W in the E2 class. Fahringer will ride a Husaberg FE450 in the E2 class. Taylor will ride a Yamaha YZ450F in the E2 class.

The AMA Team USA Women’s Cup Team will include Nicole Bradford from Avon, Colo.; Amanda Mastin from Whitehouse, Ohio; and Kerrie Swartz from Moore, Okla. Bradford will compete on a KTM 250 EXC. Mastin will race a Yamaha YZ250F. Swartz will ride a KTM 200 XC. All of the Women’s Cup Team riders will compete in the E2 class.

Although it is not a recognized class by the FIM, AMA Team USA also designates a Senior Club Team of veterans from the club team members. This year, the club team will feature Billy Burns from Dorset, Vt.; Jeff Fredette from Beecher, Ill.; and Donald Williams from Minden, Nev.

Riders at the ISDE compete in one of three displacement classes: 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.

Veterans anchor World Trophy effort

Abbott, from Peoria, Ariz., is an AMA Team USA veteran and World Trophy Team co-captain. In addition to the ISDE, Abbott contests the AMA Racing National Hare & Hound Championship Series for Monster Energy Kawasaki. The 37-year-old five-time AMA National Hare & Hound Champion is a four-time ISDE Gold Medalist and will represent the U.S. on the Trophy Team for the sixth time. Abbott is competing on a Kawasaki KX450 in the E2 class.

“The ISDE continues to be one of my all-time favorite events,” Abbott said. “I look forward to it every year, and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish as a team. This year’s team is extremely strong, and consists of five riders who know what to expect and what it takes to conquer this event and bring home a gold. Our rookie ISDE guy this year is Mike Brown, whose reputation speaks for itself. I know he’s wanted to compete in the ISDE for a while, and I also know what he’s capable of, so I’m looking forward to seeing what he accomplishes.”

Abbott added that while the team expects to benefit from the event being held in the Americas this year, success will require a strong commitment from everyone involved.

“The fact that the ISDE is being held in Mexico this year has really helped with overall support,” Abbott said. “The manufacturers are 100 percent behind us and believe we can do something special, but it’s still going to be a lot of work and we all need to ride our best. For those who have never had the opportunity to attend, it’s by far one of the coolest events to watch. It’s the closest you’ll ever get to see the best off-road riders in the world, so I’m hoping a lot of Americans try and make it down to support us.”

Caselli, from Palmdale, Calif., is the other co-captain of the World Trophy Team and is returning to the team for the fourth time. The 26-year-old Caselli, who races off-road events for the KTM/FMF Racing factory team, has placed the ISDE near the top of his racing program the past few years. Caselli will race a KTM 250 EXC in the E1 class.

Caselli 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 before ultimately winning the E3 class. In 2006, Caselli was a member of the championship Junior Trophy Team.

Brown, from Bluff City, Tenn., is a new rider this year. Brown, who currently competes in off-road events for the FMF/KTM factory team, is an accomplished national-caliber motocross racer. Brown won the AMA 125cc National Motocross Championship title in 2001. Brown will race a KTM 250 EXC in the E1 class.

Weigand, from Santa Clarita, Calif., replaced an injured Woods on AMA Team USA in 2009 and returns to the team for the second time. Weigand rides for Johnny Campbell Racing and is the 2009 AMA Racing Western Regional Hare Scrambles Champion. Weigand will race a Honda CRF450R in the E2 class.

Jarrett, from Salem, Ohio, 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 will race a Kawasaki KX450 in the E2 class.

This will be second trip to the ISDE for the 30-year-old Woods, who races WORCS for Team FMF Suzuki and competes in the AMA Endurocross series. Woods, from Paso Robles, Calif., will race a Husaberg FE570 in the E3 class.

Club teams out in force

While the Trophy Team, the Women’s Trophy Team and the Junior Trophy Team are critical pieces of the U.S. effort, they are only a part of the AMA Team USA contingent that makes the trek to the annual event. Club team riders also will ride on the team.

The following riders were selected as club team members: Michael Berenbak from Reno, Nev.; Chase Bishop from Monterey, Tenn.; Jordan Brandt from Boulder Creek, Colo.; Sam Buffa from Brooklyn, N.Y.; Fred Hoess from Stanhope, N.J.; Nolan Irwin from Santa Rosa, Calif.; Jeremy Ketchum from Gallatin, Tenn.; Zachary Klamfoth from Canal Winchester, Ohio; Mike Monroe from Helena, Ala.; Duell Murphy from Huntington, Ind.; Wallace Palmer from Mullica Hill, N.J.; Cory Pincock from Pleasant View, Utah; Cody Schafer from Wheat Ridge, Colo.; Anthony Simontacchi from Rohnert Park, Calif.; Brian Sperle from Hayward, Calif.; Shawn Strong from Alpine, Utah; Jarkko Vainio from Park City, Utah; and Lars O. Valin from Eureka, Mo.

The AMA Team USA ISDE effort would be impossible without the support of various companies. These include Arai, Spectro, Motion Pro and KLIM.

America’s motorcyclists can help support Team USA, and look good while doing it, by buying an official Team USA ISDE T-Shirt. All proceeds support the massive effort to transport the riders, bikes and crew to and from Portugal. To buy a shirt, just visit the AMA’s online store at AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Gear > Apparel > 2010 ISDE T-shirt.

Team USA has one of the strongest teams, all with returning veterans who have either been on the winning team or at least on the podium in the last couple of years. This year’s team consists of Maria Forsberg, Amanda Mastin and Lacy Jones.  All have ridden in previous ISDE events.

USA Womens Cup Team - Maria Forsberg, Amanda Mastin, Lacey Jones

Team USA won the inaugural Women’s Cup in 2007. 2008 winner, France is a powerful force in this year and will be looking for a repeat victory.  The French team is led by the very strong Ludivine [LULU] Puy, joined by Audrey Rossat, and Stephanie Bouisson.

Australia will field a women’s team for the first time this year.  This is good news for Alison Parker, an ISDE veteran, but always on a men’s club team.  She is joined by Jacqui Jones and Jemma Wilson.

Two strong Scandinavian teams are also expected to be very competitive.  Sweden has, Jessica Jonsson, Vanja Kollman, and Sandra Asriansson.  The ladies from Finland are Marita Nyquist, Charlotte Ljunglin, and Esmeralda Vesterinen.

Even though this is only the third year for a women’s class, the competition is fierce and the number of countries with a team are growing every year.

Show your support for the your country’s women and make a comment below.

In addition, Timmy Weigand will replace the injured Nathan Woods on the U.S. World Trophy Team, which will contest the World Trophy Team Championship. Woods was injured while competing in round six of the World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS).

“We’re thrilled that these world-class riders are joining the ISDE effort as part of Team USA,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “Campaigning the ISDE takes skill and dedication. It’s not only six days of the toughest motorcycle racing on the planet, but months of preparation to get there. The AMA members who have stepped up to race for America at the 85th ISDE rank among this country’s most-talented riders and we look forward to supporting them in Portugal this October.

“We’re also happy to welcome Timmy Weigand to the U.S. World Trophy Team and wish Nathan a speedy recovery,” Dingman added.

Weigand, who will be representing the United States at the ISDE for the first time, rides for Johnny Campbell Racing, primarily in the AMA-sanctioned World Off-Road Championship Series. The other members of the U.S. World Trophy Team, which was announced in March, include Destry Abbott, Kurt Caselli, Ricky Dietrich, Jimmy Jarrett and Nathan Kanney.

“Kurt called me a week and a half ago and said I was in the running, then Johnny (Campbell) called me the next day and said I was selected and that he would be fully supporting me,” Weigand said. “This is going to be a lot of hard work, but a great experience and a great time. The team is solid. We got a podium last year, and we hope to do better than that. I’m the new guy, but hopefully I can ride smart. I have some good teachers in Kurt and Johnny.”

Weigand says the focus right now is getting the bike ready to ship to Portugal.

“I’ll be riding a Honda CRF250 in the E1 class,” he said. “Right now it’s a mad dash to get it ready. The bike has to be on the container in Portland in two weeks. As for setup, we’re definitely going for reliability. The bike is going to be pretty much stock so it can last the entire six days without a ton of work. I’m just happy to be going. It’s great to ride for your country at a major event like the ISDE.”

The U.S. Junior Trophy Team fields four riders 23 years old or younger. Led by five-time ISDE veteran Team Captain David Kamo, the Junior Trophy Team also will include defending AMA/Rekluse National Enduro Champion Russell Bobbitt, Grand National Cross Country racer Cory Buttrick and WORCS racer Jamie Lanza.

“We have the team we wanted to have,” said Kamo, who’s currently leading the points for the 2009 AMA Racing National Hare & Hound Championship. “It’s a strong team. We have an enduro racer, a WORCS racer, a GNCC racer and a desert racer. Russell is super fast, Jamie will never give up, and Cory, as well as he’s going in the GNCCs this year, he deserves to be there. As for me, I’m just happy to be on the team and, honestly, I hope those guys ride so well that I’m our drop-out rider. If I’m the drop-out rider, that just means everyone else is riding strong.”

Current plans call for Lanza to race the E1 class, which features 100cc to 125cc two-stroke and 175cc to 250cc four-stroke motorcycles; Bobbitt and Buttrick to race the E2 class, which features 175cc to 250cc two-stroke and 290cc to 450cc four-stroke motorcycles; and Kamo to ride the E3 class, which features 290cc to 500cc two-stroke and 475cc to 650cc four-stroke motorcycles.

The U.S. Women’s Trophy Team finished second in Greece last year to the French team, a year after winning the Women’s World Cup in Chile. The team will include veterans Maria Forsberg, Mandi Mastin and Lacy Jones.

“I am extremely excited to be going to Portugal this year representing the United States Women’s Trophy Team,” Mastin said. “This will be the eighth ISDE that I have competed in and the third since the Women’s World Team was created. I consider it a great honor to be involved in the race and look forward to going to Portugal healthy and ready to bring home the trophy again this year. Maria proved last year in Greece that she has what it takes to compete with some of the fastest women in the world, and Lacy is also a returning member to the team with two ISDE experiences. The three of us plan on working as hard as we can to win the Women’s World Trophy again this year.”

While the Trophy Team, the Women’s Trophy Team and the Junior Trophy Team are a critical piece of the U.S. effort, they are a small part of the entire U.S. contingent that makes the trek to the annual event. Dozens of club team riders will also represent the U.S. at the 2009 ISDE.

The following riders were selected as club team members: Toby Atkins, David Booth, Jordan Brandt, Joel Burkett, Billy Burns, Nick Fahringer, Jeff Fredette, Don Grahn, Nick Hamill, Fred Hoess, Zach Lipana, Brent Martell, Garrett Mayer, Shawn O’Leary, Ryan Powell, Ben Smith, Brian Sperle, Rory Sullivan, Troy Swettenam, Lars Valin and Chilly White.

America’s motorcyclists can help support Team USA, and looking good while doing it, by buying an official Team USA ISDE T-Shirt. All proceeds support the massive effort to transport the riders, bikes and crew to and from Portugal. To buy a shirt, just visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com, click on Gear, then select Apparel.

For more information on the ISDE and Team USA, please see AMARacing.com.

TROPHY TEAM
Destry Abbott
Kurt Caselli
Ricky Dietrich
James Jarrett
Nathan Kanney
Timmy Weigand

JUNIOR TROPHY TEAM
Russell Bobbitt
David Kamo
Jamie Lanza
Cory Buttrick

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TEAM
Lacy Jones
Mandi Mastin
Maria Forsberg

JAFMAR RACING (Laura Claypoole, manager)
Jeff Fredette
Chilly White
Don Grahn

MISSOURI MUDDERS (Jay Hall, manager)
Lars Valin
Toby Atkins
Billy Burns

TONY AGONIS (Bob Agonis, manager)
Fred Hoess
Nick Fahringer
Ben Smith

DESERT MC
Shawn O’Leary
Joel Burkett
Nick Hamill

GO FASTERS.COM (Steve Berkner, manager)
Brian Sperle
Ryan Powell
Jordan Brandt

NW CLUB TEAM
Rory Sullivan
Troy Swettenam
Zach Lipana

CLUB TEAM 2
Brent Martell
David Booth
Garrett Mayer