National Enduro Series Round 1

Image via WikipediaFROM KTM AMERICA

NJ riders Mike Lafferty and Wally Palmer finish in the top 10. Here is an article from KTM America about the opening round of this years series.

Russell Bobbitt took the first win of the enduro season despite nearly destroying his bike in the process.

Factory KTM rider and reigning National Enduro Champion, Russell Bobbitt, proved just how he won the Championship crown in 2008 after a remarkable first place ride at the first round of the 2009 AMA National Enduro Series.

Bobbitt started the day off strong and continued to increase his lead on the field eventually winning three of the six special tests. He had quite a lead on the pack going into the last test when he hit a stump in the middle of the course and suffered a terrible high-speed crash. “I wrecked my bike pretty good in the crash and was lucky I finished the race,” commented Bobbitt. “I thought for sure my crash would cause me to lose the lead, but luckily I had enough time on the other riders that I was able to secure my first win.”

Bobbitt’s teammate, Mike Lafferty, had a bit of an off-day after struggling to find his rhythm in the first few tests. After the halfway point, Lafferty made a few changes that helped him increase his speed, however, it was too late in the race to finish on the podium and he had to settle for a fifth place finish.

Factory KTM GNCC XC-2 rider, Cory Buttrick, decided to race the first National Enduro before his GNCC season started and it proved to be a worthwhile trip. Buttrick started out well and rode a consistent race, surprising everyone when he finished third overall for the day. His GNCC XC-2 Lites teammate, Kailub Russell, also had a solid race finishing sixth overall.

Next Event: Greensboro, GA – February 22, 2009

Overall Results:

1. Russell Bobbitt – 32:49
2. Charlie Mullins – 33:33
3. Cory Buttrick – 35:34
4. Shane Watts – 36:12
5. Mike Lafferty – 36:53
6. Kailub Russell – 37:48
7. Wally Palmer – 39:23
8. Brad Bakken – 39:36
9. Cole Kirkpatrick 40:47
10. Jason Greer – 41:22

KTM North America, Inc. is proud to announce its decision to sponsor the 2009 National Enduro Series.

Image via WikipediaKTM North America, Inc. is proud to announce its decision to sponsor the 2009 National Enduro Series.

Included with the KTM series sponsorship, KTM has committed to having a KTM factory vehicle with a hospitality station at each round. KTM will also host KTM demo rides at select National Enduro events. In addition, KTM will offer technical seminars throughout the season along with instructional riding schools from select KTM Factory riders.

KTM will kick off the season by hosting a spaghetti dinner the night before the first National Enduro event on January 25th in Wedgefield, SC. KTM will also host games throughout the season that test the riders skill; select winners of these games may even win a chance to line up on the Factory rider row next to Red Bull KTM riders Mike Lafferty and Russell Bobbitt.

Further information on the KTM National Enduro activities can be found on www.ktmusa.com once the opening round kicks off!

KTM Holiday Gift Ideas

The 2009 PowerWear, PowerParts Offroad, & PowerParts Street catalogs are in full circulation and are filled with the high quality parts and accessories you need to uphold your “Ready to Race” lifestyle! Over 330 pages of exclusive KTM products by industry leaders such as Thor, Ariete, Dainese, Ogio, Renthal, Akrapovic, FMF, and many more!
Image via Wikipedia
As with all KTM products, KTM PowerWear and PowerParts meet the standards that have been established by KTM factory and professional racer testing. With the help of riders such as Mike Lafferty, Kurt Caselli, Russell Bobbitt, Nate Kanney and David Pearson providing input and years of racing experience, KTM once again shows the competition how championships are won using the highest quality parts and acessories in the industry.

With KTM PowerWear and PowerParts, you have the ability to fully personalize your ride and wear your true colors on your sleeve. Make a statement about yourself both on and off the track...choose the best and forget the rest!

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Rich Lafferty Riding School

Next School for Saturday November the 8th is filling up fast. If you would like to learn ways to practice, proper technique, become faster and rider safer than RLR School is for you. Its $125 a person for full day. Lunch is not provided. You get a free 30 day subscription to my online video clips as well at www.rlafferty.com if you attend a day class. To reserve spot please send a $50 deposit to Rich Lafferty Racing LLC
315 Port Cumberland Rd.
Millville, NJ 08332
Or call 609-774 -0586.....................more info on www.rlafferty.com

Thanks, Rich Lafferty

KTM Ends Junior Supercross Challenge

Murrieta, CA – The most popular AMA Supercross exhibition race, the KTM Junior Supercross Challenge (KJSC), will come to an end after twelve illustrious years.

The conclusion of the highly-successful twelve-year program was appropriately celebrated at the US Open in Las Vegas, NV October 10-11, 2008. The US Open served as a battleground for the KJSC Champions from each of the 2008 Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, events to match-up for a final round aboard the KTM 50 SX machines. “There was no better way to say farewell to this program than by letting this year’s champions give the fans one more race in the two-day Vegas finale,” commented KJSC Coordinator Devin Mitchell.

The KJSC Program was started in 1997 as a collaboration between KTM Motorsports and Feld Motor Sports. Starting out with one box van and two mechanics, the program has grown in popularity and size to help over 230 boys and girls live their dream under the KTM Factory semi each season.

Over 3,000 young boys and girls have participated in the KJSC Program since its start at the LA Coliseum in 1997. Many of today’s professional riders have participated in the famous program, including: Mike and Jeff Alessi, Blake and Tyler Wharton, Zach Osborne, Ryan Dungey, Drew Gosselaar, Jacqueline Strong, Michael Hall and many more.

The KJSC drew record attention in 2003 when Caden Hadley became the first KJSC rider to jump a double at the Salt Lake City AMA Supercross event. Its popularity continued to grow each year, proven by the exponential growth in applicants that applied from all over the world in hopes of being selected for one of the AMA Supercross rounds.

“The KJSC Program helped spread happiness in the lives of many motocross families. KTM was proud to have hosted this program and provide an unforgettable experience to these families and hopes that the memories made were everlasting for those that have been fortunate enough to be involved,” commented KTM Vice President of Event Promotions Selvaraj Narayana.

“KTM would like to thank Feld Motor Sports, which without, the program would not have been made possible. Its hard work and contributions to the success of this program are unmatched. KTM is grateful for its relationship with Feld Motor Sports which will continue in a professional racing capacity as well as a sponsor of Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship,” commented Kurt Nicoll, KTM Director of Racing.

The KJSC Program has had many loyal and generous sponsors that have contributed to the success of the program during its twelve-year run. KTM sincerely thanks: Scott USA, Michelin, Thor, MSF Dirtbike Schools, OGIO, M2R, FMF, Powersport Grafx and Leatt Brace.

Lastly, as this program comes to an end, KTM would like to acknowledge Selvaraj Narayana for his commitment to the success of this program and his passion and commitment to the future of the sport.

Mike Lafferty signs with Factory Connection

Factory Connection Signs Mike Lafferty
- press release -

Factory Connection is pleased to announce the signing of 8 time National Enduro Champion Mike Lafferty for the remainder of 2008 and entire 2009 racing seasons.

Mike will be using WP components with Factory Connection Revalve modifications and Factory Connection performance products. The product lines include: FC Fork springs, FC FCW series progressive rate shock springs, Works Preload Ring w/Bearing and Bladder / Reservoir kit.

“We are pleased Mike looked to us as his choice for his suspension needs, says Steve Ross – General Manager of Factory Connection. “Factory Connection has been a leader and innovator in aftermarket KTM suspension since 1998. For a rider of Mike’s caliber and status in off-road industry to seek us out and want to work with us is a tremendous compliment and proof of what we have to offer to the off-road market.”

Look for Mike Lafferty to continue on his winning ways in his quest for more National Enduro Championships in 2008 and beyond.

For a video of Mike Lafferty, click Mike Lafferty Testimonial

Lafferty Back on Track

From Dirt Rider.com
Lafferty Wins National Enduro Round 5


Marquette, MI - Red Bull KTM Factory Team rider, Mike Lafferty, won the fifth round of the National Enduro Series in a tremendous comeback in his first race since his injury in April. Lafferty's teammate and current point leader, Russell Bobbitt, finished a very close second.

Lafferty was unsure if he would even race this event a few weeks ago when he was still nursing a broken ankle he suffered during a practice crash. "I started riding again ten days ago. At first it was painful, but after the first week it really didn't bother me to ride. That's when I knew I would be able to return and run up front for this race," commented Lafferty.

The race took place under perfect conditions. The weather was nice and the terrain was challenging for the riders with both sand and rock sections. The riders ran six special tests in which Lafferty and Bobbitt maintained their normal tradition of keeping the score close. The final result came down to the wire and Lafferty managed to top Bobbitt's score by a mere 25 seconds.

Although Lafferty was unable to compete in the fourth round, his win at round five helps move him closer to his teammate in overall series points. Bobbitt now leads the series with 126 points while Lafferty trails by 15 to hold second. "I am happy to know I am back where I left off," remarked Lafferty after his win.

Next Round: Blain, PA - July 20, 2008

Overall Results:
1. Mike Lafferty
2. Russell Bobbitt
3. Nick Fahringer
4. Cole Kirkpatrick
5. Aaron Wegner
6. Jeff Melik
7. Brad Bakken
8. Chris Galt
9. Dylan Debel
10. John Burgard

Overall Points:
1. Russell Bobbitt - 126
2. Mike Lafferty - 111
3. Cole Kirkpatrick - 90
4. Nick Fahringer - 65
5. Jeff Melik - 57

MT Holly in Canada....photos

Check out this pair of photos graciously provided by my friend Emile Cooper north of the border in Canada. #280 Ryan Gainey and #381 tearing up some Gopher Dunes sand. For more of Emile's work check out www.squidphoto.com

What's new with Mike Lafferty?

Find out HERE

Mike Lafferty Speaks

Check out this recent Dirt Rider interview with NJ's own Mike Lafferty.
Dirt Rider Interview

NJ in the Woods

NJ riders are not only competitive in motocross but New Jersey is also the home of the 7 time National Enduro Champion Mike Lafferty. The Lafferty family has been winning enduros for many years but most recently Mike (Estell Manor) has taken the top spot. The eight time National Champion is poised to take the top spot in the record books with a championship this season.

Of the three round run this season Lafferty has won riders have won two of them. Going into round 4 of 10 Lafferty holds a slim one point lead. Joining Lafferty chasing the National Championship dream is his brother Rich and Wally Palmer. Several other NJ riders are planning on doing selected rounds of the series including Joel Dengler and Mike Sigety who sit in 33rd and 36th place respectively in the series points standings.

For more information on the National Enduro Series and competing in local enduros the East Coast Enduro Association on their website at www.ecea.org

KTM Junior Supercross Challenge

Due to the torrential rains that fell on San Francisco leading up to Saturday evenings Supercross the KTM Junior Supercross Challenge had to be cancelled. Local rider Jamis Perrotta was scheduled to compete but it looks like his supercross debut will have to wait. As you can tell by this http://www.vitalmx.com/ photo it looks like they had a great time anyway.