In order to keep his skills honed during the break in the GNCC schedule, Team Husqvarna’s GNCC specialist Glenn Kearney took a swig from the Enduro side. In his first ever attempt at racing an American-style enduro, the agile Aussie managed to run away with SETRA’s 56th Annual Little Brown Jug’s overall win.
Expecting his run to serve as little more than a training ride for the GNCC series, the tough-as-nails Kearney showed his prowess in dry and dusty conditions aboard his Wyatt Seals-prepped Husqvarna WR300 2-stroke. The course suited Australian’s riding style well, but proved ruinous for other top pros and even Glenn was a little edgy before the race started.
"It’s true!" Kearney admits. "At first I was apprehensive and not quite sure how this series worked, but I settled in and caught on quickly." Considering that this was the first event of its type that Kearney has entered, his win was even more impressive. Of course the 4-time Australian Enduro champ hasn’t just been sitting on his laurels during the summer break, riding in everything from the EnduroCross series to a 7th place finish in a WORCS event. He even rode some local hare scrambles to stay fit.
After dropping a minute in the opening section to fellow GNCC XC1 class pro Jesse Robinson, Kearney got with the program. He began working his way through the pack, recapturing positions and making up for the lost time. It soon became clear to all, especially the riders he was blowing past, that Kearney’s new training regimen and the wide variety of racing events really played a role in his top finish.
"I’m very happy with a win and the way my bike worked today during the race," said the abashed Aussie. "It is great to do so well against guys like Jesse Robinson and WORCS racer Mike Brown at an event as filled with history as The Little Brown Jug Enduro." Speaking of history, past winners of this legendary event include 6-time winner Randy Hawkins, Vance Earl and Jason Raines, so Kearney finds himself in good company!
Kearney attributes his taste of victory at The Little Brown Jug to increased confidence in the Husqvarna WR300 he is riding this season. "The 2-stroke is light and nimble, but with plenty of power on tap… it is very easy to ride and really suits my riding style. I can’t wait for the GNCC season to start up again this weekend."
