2014 AMA Hare & Hound Round 1 Lucerne Valley Results
It was an emotional start for Factory FMF/KTM pilot Ivan Ramirez during the season opener of the 10-round 2014 AMA National Hare & Hound series.
Ramirez simply dominated the round in the Lucerne Valley desert, taking his first-career AMA National Hare & Hound win. But it wasn’t so much the win that affected him emotionally; rather, it was that he dedicated the win to his longtime friend and mentor, the late Kurt Caselli.
Speaking before fans and members of Caselli’s family, Ivan Ramirez says: “I have been working extremely hard and want to win as many races as I can for my teammate Kurt. He helped me so much in my career and believed in me and I am so proud to stand up here for him. I know he was with me today.”
Ramirez began the race quickly, grabbing the holeshot and having three-bike lengths on the field by the end of the long bomb run. At the first gas stop, he was already a full minute ahead of the pack.
He retained his rhythm, and continued to navigate the rocky and technical course quicker than the others. By the races end, he would win three minutes ahead of Beta’s Justin Morrow and Beta’s Nicholas Burson.
Antti Kallonen (Factory FMF/KTM Team Manager) says: “Ramirez looks very comfortable on the new bike. We switched to the new SOHC motor this year after months of testing with the new engine last season. The 450 XC-F is a great bike for this series and we plan to run this chassis and motor set-up for the remainder of the rounds.”
The 2014 AMA Hare & Hound series continues Feb. 8-9 in Red Mountain, Calif.
2014 AMA National Hare & Hound Series Overall Round 1 Results:
- Ivan Ramirez – KTM
- Justin Morrow – Beta
- Nick Burnson – Beta
- Axel Pearson – Beta
- Ricky Brabec – Kawasaki
- Morgan Crawford – KTM
- Skyler Howes – KTM
- Ryan Smith – Yamaha
- Brad Pace – Honda
- Brandon Prieto – KTM
