2011 Hare & Hound, Round 1
Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Destry Abbott kicked off the season with a podium finish at the first AMA National Hare and Hound event in Lucerne Valley, Calif.
With a dusty course and no wind to help clear the path, the first round of the series was a challenging start. Feeling confident and healthy, Abbott rode strong and worked his way to a second-place finish.
Abbott started off the season in great physical shape and mentally prepared. The air in Lucerne Valley, Calif. was still and the ground was dusty, setting the stage for a difficult start.
As the banner dropped, Abbott found himself in seventh place and in conditions so dusty he could barely see his front fender. He kept his cool and continued to move forward during the 91-mile race, crossing the finish line in second-place.
Destry Abbott (Kawasaki) says: "I felt really good going into the first round of the season. I have been training hard and was ready to go out there and race. It was a tough start, with no wind to clear the track, dust was my biggest enemy. I just kept riding consistent and eventually worked my way into second."
The last 15 miles were filled with the hardest and most technical sections that were packed with rock climbs and obstacles, which Abbott took in stride.
Destry Abbott says: "For the last 15-mile loop they diverted the pros into a super technical section of the course. It was packed with gnarly rock climbs and seriously technical stuff. That part was actually my favorite, it was the most fun, and what separates the men from the boys."
A five-time champion of the series, Abbott knows what it takes to make it to the podium and how to carry that momentum through an entire season. This year he will be working hard on his goal to claim a record-setting sixth overall AMA National Hare and Hound championship.
Destry Abbott says: "I really rode in control the entire time and tried to remember there was an entire season ahead of me. Consistency is the key. My Kawasaki KX‚Ñ¢450 was bullet-proof, Jonny (Weisman) had it dialed in for me."
Among Abbott’s fans in attendance at the race were his father Boyd and his son Cooper.
Destry Abbott says: "This really is a family sport. Everyone comes out here and supports me. I love everything about racing and getting to share it with my family and the fans. I am really looking forward to the rest of the season."
The next race of the Hare and Hound series will be in Ridgecrest, Calif. on Feb. 13, stay tuned to Kawasaki.com/racing for the latest race results.
AMA National Hare and Hound Series Results
Lucerne Valley, Calif.
Jan. 23, 2011
Pro Class Results
1. David Pearson, Honda
2. DESTRY ABBOTT, MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
3. JACOB ARGUBRIGHT, KAWASAKI
4. JUSTIN MORROW, KAWASAKI
5. Kurt Caselli, KTM
Pro Class Points
1. David Pearson, Honda, 30 points
2. DESTRY ABBOTT, MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 25
3. JACOB ARGUBRIGHT, KAWASAKI, 21
4. JUSTIN MORROW, KAWASAKI, 18
5. Kurt Caselli, KTM, 16
