KTM’s Charlie Mullins dominates Sandlapper AMA National Enduro.
Factory FMF/KTM rider and reigning AMA National Enduro Champion Charlie Mullins dominated the opening round of the 2014 AMA Rekluse National Enduro Series, the Sandlapper National Enduro, in Pelion, South Carolina, today.
Mullins was on the gas from the first test section onward, taking five of the six special test wins on his way to the overall victory. His test time in the first section was 7 seconds better than his closest competitor, and he went on to win the next four sections. Heading into the final test, Mullins was up two minutes over the competition. At the end of six tests, Mullins took the win by 1 minute and 34 seconds over KTM support rider Jesse Groemm.
“I actually had a pretty hard crash in the first test but still managed to pull the fast time,” Mullins said. “I decided to take it easy and make sure I finished the final test safely. “It was a shorter test, and I just focused on finishing the test to ride it in for the win.”
Groemm pulled off the win in the final test to secure the runner-up position on the podium. Eight-time National Enduro Champion Mike Lafferty battled with his teammate, Steward Baylor, throughout the race for the final podium position. The two teammates were within seconds of each other until the fifth test, where Lafferty got turned around.and lost over 2 minutes, which dropped him to fifth overall.
“I am so bummed I got lost in that fifth test,” Lafferty said. “I felt really good all day and was definitely a podium contender. It is so hard to know that I didn’t get on the podium because of a simple mistake. The good news is I know where I stand speed-wise and I am going to be fighting for podiums at the next round.”
Baylor rode a strong pace in the final section to maintain his position and grab the final podium spot, allowing for a KTM podium sweep. Baylor is returning for his first full-season since a wrist injury over a year ago, and he was happy with his performance.
“My wrist was pretty sore throughout the race, and I jarred it a few times, but I am happy I was able to get some good results in the final few tests,” Baylor said. “I came on strong at the end and was able to find my way to the podium.”
Sandlapper National Enduro
Pelion, South Carolina
Results: March 2, 2014
Overall
1. Charlie Mullins-KTM
2. Jesse Groemm-KTM
3. Steward Baylor-KTM
4. Nick Fahringer-Hus
5. Mike Lafferty-KTM
6. Brad Bakken-Yam
7. Andrew Delong-Hus
8. Shane Hufford-KTM
9. Cory Buttrick-Bet
10. Chris Bach-Hon
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