Factory FMF/KTM’s Charlie Mullins shows why he’s the defending series champion by going three for three after the NATRA Rad Dad National Enduro in Tennessee.
Reigning AMA National Enduro Champion Charlie Mullins is as hot as they come right now in the Rekluse AMA National Enduro Series.
At the North Alabama Trail Riders Association (NATRA) Rad Dad Enduro in West Point, Tennessee, today, the factory FMF/KTM rider landed his third series win in a row to remain undefeated in Rekluse AMA National Enduro competition thus far in 2014.
Although Mullins excelled on the Rad Dad’s hard-packed, slick red clay terrain, he didn’t get off to the strongest start as he lost his rear brake just one mile into the first test section. Yet, without rear brakes, Mullins still managed to post the ninth fastest time in the test.
Mullins’ mechanics repaired the brake before the second test, and he rebounded immediately by posting the fastest times in the next two test sections. Crashes during the fourth and fifth tests kept him from earning the top time, but he was still quick enough to finish second in both, and he had ridden well enough to forge a slim overall lead heading into the final test section.
Mullins played it cagey in an attempt to avoid making a mistake that might cost him the overall win, and he able to set the third fastest time in the test to clinch the overall win. AmPro Yamaha’s Brad Bakken finished second overall, and AirGroup/Radiant Racing Husqvarna’s Nick Fahringer finished third overall.
“Today was the closest race I’ve had this season,” Mullins said. “I didn’t get off to a great start with the brake issue, so I am thankful my team was able to get the problem sorted quickly and I could go back out and make up the time. I have a comfortable lead in the series right now, and I hope to continue to increase it at the next round and hopefully keep my win streak alive.”
DirtWise/KTM rider Jesse Groemm finished fourth overall for the day, while Mullins teammate, Steward Baylor rounded out the top five. Eight-time National Enduro Champion, Mike Lafferty, was running inside the top five for the first half of the race until a stomach bug caught the best of him and hindered his results for the second half of the day. He was able to salvage a seventh-place finish, behind Bel-Ray Husqvarna’s Andrew DeLong, despite his health issues.
Mullins has already amassed a 34-point lead in the championship chase with just three rounds of the Rekluse AMA National Enduro Series in the books. The series now takes a break until May 18, round four of the series, which is scheduled to take place in Park Hills, Missouri.
Rekluse AMA National Enduro Series
NATRA Rad Dad Enduro
West Point, Tennessee
Results: April 6, 2014 (Round 3 of 10)
Overall
1. Charlie Mullins-KTM
2. Brad Bakken-Yam
3. Nick Fahringer-Hus
4. Jesse Groemm-KTM
5. Steward Baylor-KTM
6. Andrew Delong-Hus
7. Mike Lafferty-KTM
8. Cory Buttrick-Bet
9. Shane Hufford-KTM
10. Trevor Bollinger-Yam
Rekluse AMA National Enduro Series Points Standings (After 3 of 10 rounds)
1. Charlie Mullins-90/3 wins
2. Jesse Groemm-56
3. Nick Fahringer-55
4. Steward Baylor Jr.-52
5. Brad Bakken-51
6. Andrew DeLong-50
7. Grant Baylor-45
8. Michael Lafferty-44
9. Shane Hufford-43
10. Cory Buttrick-35
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