If round eight of the Rekluse AMA National Enduro Series is any indication, Husaberg factory rider Russell Bobbitt appears to be rebounding nicely from his most recent injury. Bobbitt dominated the Rattlesnale National Enduro at the Quiet Oaks Campground in Cross Fork, Pennsylvania, Sunday, winning three of the six special tests to claim his first victory of the 2013 season.
Bobbitt suffered an injury two months ago but has apparently returned to full strength. Just a week ago he won the fifth round of the OMA Series, and he arrived in Cross Fork to see if he could score another victory in the Rekluse AMA National Enduro Series.
Bobbitt started the day well, securing the win in the first three special tests, and by the end of the fourth test he had already accumulated nearly a one-minute lead over the rest of the field. Behind him, fellow Husaberg riders Mike Lafferty and Nick Fahringer were battling for second place. Lafferty held the spot until the end of the fifth test, which Fahringer won, taking over second place.
Heading into the final test, Bobbitt held a 40-second lead, and he turned a solid time in the final test to claim his first race win of the season. Fahringer took the win in the final test to lock up second place. Lafferty took third overall to make it a Husaberg podium sweep.
“I am happy to win one,” Bobbitt said. “I came pretty close in Texas earlier this year and didn’t actually have high expectations going into this round. I have struggled at this round in the past, and luckily, was able to come out here with Nick (Fahringer) a week early and train and ride in similar conditions. I think having more time and options to adjust my set-up helped my confidence before the start of the race. My bike was flawless the whole day and my conditioning felt great. I didn’t struggle with any issues from my earlier injury and I feel good about the progress we have made.”
This race marked the first time that the National Enduro podium has been swept by Husaberg riders. Eight-time National Enduro Champion Mike Lafferty said that he is happy he could be part of the history-making moment.
“I had a good time on this course,” Lafferty said. I struggled a little in the first test but was able to put it together in the next few and had a smooth day. I didn’t have any crashes and I rode a pretty mistake-free race. I am happy to finish on the podium with my fellow Husaberg riders.”
Through eight rounds, KTM rider Charlie Mullins still holds a solid lead in the series points standings, with 208 points. Fahringer is second with 179, and Lafferty is third, with 154. Round nine of the Rekluse AMA National Enduro Series is schedule to take place in Lynnville, Indiana, September 15, 2013.
Quiet Oaks Campground
Cross Fork, PA
Results: July 28, 2013
Overall
1. Russell Bobbitt–Hbg
2. Nick Fahringer–Hbg
3. Mike Lafferty-Hbg
4. Charlie Mullins-KTM
5. Brad Bakken-Yam
6. Jesse Groemm-Yam
7. Andrew Delong-Hus
8. Thad Duvall-Hon
9. Ian Blythe-KTM
10. Tanner Thomas-KTM
Series Points Standings
1. Charlie Mullins–208
2. Nick Fahringer–179
3. Mike Lafferty–154
4. Russell Bobbitt–146
5. Brad Bakken–119
6. Grant Baylor-115
7. Jesse Groemm-108
8. Andrew Delong-103
9. Ian Blythe-102
10. Kyle McDonal-64
Your Privacy Choices