The first of nine rounds in the 2013 OMA Nationals got underway this past weekend in Tuscumbia, Ala.
And taking the win following a two-hour battle with KTM’s Kaliub Russell was Husaberg’s Russell Bobbitt.
Bobbitt, a former KTM rider who joined Husaberg to compete in the AMA National Enduro and OMA championships, began the Tuscumbia event in fourth, but moved into the lead before the end of the first lap of the 11-mile course..
Russell Bobbitt says: “I was able to make some passes on the first lap because everyone in front of me was making small mistakes and blowing corners allowing me to close in and gain positions.”
Bobbitt held the position, but lost the lead to Russell following a gas stop.
Russell Bobbitt says: “Kailub and I continued to battle throughout the race. It was actually pretty fun, but there were so many mud holes down in the bottom of the ravines that we were both covered in water after trading the lead so many times and splashing each other. Neither of us had anymore tear-offs which also became a problem as we continued to battle.”
But on the final lap, Russell made a mistake, crashing in a tight woods session. This allowed Bobbitt to take the lead, and eventually win by over 15 seconds ahead of Russell. Taking the final podium position was Husaberg support rider Nick Fahringer.
Russell Bobbitt says: “Kailub’s mistake gave me a little bit of breathing room but I could still hear him back there so I didn’t let off until the checkers. It feels really good to get the win and to head into the second round with the points lead. This is only my second year racing this series full-time so it is still a learning experience for me. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.”
The next round of the 2013 OMA Nationals will occur March 30-31 at Dawson Springs, Kentucky.
2013 OMA Nationals, Round 1 Results (Tuscumbia):
- Russell Bobbitt – Husaberg
- Kailub Russell – KTM
- Nick Fahringer – Husaberg
- Jordan Ashburn _ Yamaha
- Paul Whibley – Yamaha
