Taddy Blazusiak gets back in the win column at Citizens Bank Arena in Ontario, California
After failing to score a win in the first two rounds of the GEICO AMA EnduroCross Series, Red Bull KTM Factory rider Taddy Blazusiak landed his first main event victory of the season after a tight battle with series points leader, Factory FMF/KTM’s Mike Brown, at round three at Citizens Bank Arena in Ontario, California, Saturday night.
Brown, who earned that series point lead by handily winning the first two rounds of the 2013 season, showed no signs of weakness early in the evening, as he parlayed a holeshot into an easy win in his heat race, leading the entire distance to guarantee a direct transfer to the main event. Not to be outdone,
Blazusiak matched Brown’s performance in another heat race.
Brown grabbed the holeshot and took the early lead through turn one as the field headed into the rock section when the main event got underway. Blazusiak was also off to a good start in second place, and the two teammates pulled away from the rest of the field and waged a race-long battle for the win.
Brown looked good through the first half of the race, but when he bobbled in the firewood section, Blazusiak closed in on Brown. In the very next corner, Blazusiak passed Brown for the lead. Although Brown didn’t let Blazusiak get away, he couldn’t get back around him in remaining laps. Blazusiak held on for the win, with Brown second and Beta’s Cody Webb third.
“It feels so good to be back on top,” Blazusiak said. “I have been working really hard and I am glad I was able to challenge for the win and take the victory. Brown is a tough competitor and it is good to always have someone push me.”
Brown didn’t seem to be too disappointed to have landed to his third podium finish in as many rounds of the series.
“I’m glad to be on the podium for my team, but of course, I would rather be on the top step,” Brown said. “Taddy and I were close today, and there are a lot of races left, so I need to work harder to get on the top step and maintain my points lead.”
The next round of the 2013 GEICO AMA Endurocross Series is scheduled to take place in Denver, Colorado, on October 12.
Citizens Bank Arena
Ontario, California
Results: September 21, 2013
Round 3 of 7
Pro Main Event
1. Taddy Blazusiak–KTM
2. Mike Brown–KTM
3. Cody Webb-Bet
4. Taylor Robert-Kaw
5. Colton Haaker-Hon
6. Kyle Redmond–KTM
7. Gary Sutherlin–KTM
8. Cory Graffunder-Hus
9. Justin Soule-Kaw
10. Geoff Aaron–KTM
11. Bobby Prochnau–KTM
12. Max Gersten-Bet
13. Wally Palmer-Chr
GEICO AMA EnduroCross Series Points Standings (after 3 of 8 rounds)
1. Mike Brown–72
2. Taddy Blazusiak–65
3. Taylor Robert– 55
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