Haaker, Webb, and Blazusiak Podium at EnduroCross Season Opener
- Sep 1, 2016
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Fall can be a gloomy time for motorcyclists. Not only does autumn usher in the end of the riding season in many parts of the country; it also spells the end of a number of motorcycle racing series. There is a bright side to this time of year my friends…EnduroCross! If the series opener on August 27 in Duluth, Georgia is any indication, the racing is going to be epic.
As a major sponsor of the series, the iconic red and orange K&N banners draped around Infinite Energy Arena served as a vibrant backdrop to the racing action. After a one year hiatus from the series, Taddy Blazusiak made his return to the EnduroCross starting grid in style. Out of the gate, Blazusiak captured the $500 Nexen Tire Holeshot Award on his Red Bull KTM. If there were any doubts that Blazusiak would again be a contender in the series, that holeshot put those thoughts to rest. Lead changes are frequent in the sport of EnduroCross and Blazusiak relinquished the lead to a very fast Colton Haaker on the second lap. Then, with a mistake in the treacherous rock section, Blazusiak gave up two more spots, dropping to fourth. However, he showed why he is a five-time EnduroCross series champion with a late charge and pass to finish on the podium. The top two spots on the rostrum were claimed by the two elite performers from 2015. Not satisfied to rest on last season’s accomplishments, defending series champion Cody Webb finished in the second position. The man who battled Webb throughout the 2015 championship series, Colton Haaker, won the season opener in a fast and consistent main event ride. The friendly but fierce rivalry between these two has been reignited for 2016.
Webb, Blazusiak, and Haaker will likely battle elbow-to-elbow and wheel-to-wheel in every round of the EnduroCross series, which will resume on September 3, in Brandon, South Dakota’s Badlands Motor Speedway. The trio brings very different styles and backgrounds to the series which only adds to the drama and excitement. However, the talent pool in EnduroCross is much deeper than just the top three riders. There are a dozen contenders in the field that can win on any given weekend. For those unfamiliar with the sport, EnduroCross is an exciting mix of enduro, motocross, and trials racing. The course is a challenging combination of boulders, logs, water, and dirt. Staged in arenas, the racing atmosphere is intimate, fan-friendly, and worthy of a look for any motorcycle race enthusiast. Remember, whether your motorcycle has knobbies, road tires, or racing slicks, K&N likely has a filter for it. Check out K&N’s online catalog search feature for your high-performance motorcycle filtration needs. Remaining rounds of the 2016 EnduroCross season: |
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