KTM’s Mullins Wins Opening Round of AMA Enduro
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- KTM’s Charlie Mullins at Sandlapper Enduro
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- KTM’s Seward Baylor at Sandlapper Enduro
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- KTM’s Michael Lafferty at Sandlapper Enduro
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- 2014 Sandlapper AMA National Enduro all-KTM podium
2014 Sandlapper AMA National Enduro Results
The opening round of the 2014 AMA Rekluse National Enduro Series began this past weekend with the Sandlapper Enduro in Salley, S.C.
Factory FMF/KTM rider Charlie Mullins began his title defense in the most optimal position following a dominate win at the Sandlapper Enduro. Mullins won five of six special tests to take the win.
Joining Mullins on the overall Sandlapper podium were fell KTM pilots Jesse Groemm and Stewart Baylor, respectively.
“I actually had a pretty hard crash in the first test but still managed to pull the fast time,” says Mullins.
Regardless, Mullins went on to win the next four sections with flawless rides, and when he entered the final test, he was over two minutes ahead of the competition.
“I decided to take it easy and make sure I finished the final test safely,” commented Mullins. “It was a shorter test and I just focused on finishing the test to ride it in for the win.”
When the round warpped up, Mullins took the win by 1:34 over KTM support rider Groemm.
Eight-time National Enduro Champion Mike Lafferty battled with teammate Baylor, throughout the race for the final podium position. The two were within seconds of each other until the fifth test where Lafferty got turned around. Lafferty lost over two minutes in that section which dropped him to fifth in the rankings. Baylor rode a strong pace in the final section to maintain his position and grab the final podium spot, allowing for a KTM podium sweep, KTM reports.
But Groemm was able to win the final test, and secure second overall. As for Lafferty, his second-place finish in the final test allowed him to secure fifth overall.
Following Sandlapper Enduro, Lafferty say “I am so bummed I got lost in that fifth test. I felt really good all day and was definitely a podium contender. It is so hard to know that I didn’t get on the podium because of a simple mistake. The good news is I know where I stand speed-wise and I am going to be fighting for podiums at the next round.”
As for Baylor, he has returned to action for his first full season since injuring his wrist over a year ago.
“My wrist was pretty sore throughout the race and I jarred it a few times but I am happy I was able to get some good results in the final few tests. I came on strong at the end and was able to find my way to the podium,” he said.
Finishing fourth behind Lafferty was Husqvarna’s Nick Faringer.
The 2014 Rekluse AMA National Enduro Series continues March 23 in Blackwell, Texas.
2014 Sandlapper AMA National Enduro Overall Results:
- Charlie Mullins – KTM
- Jesse Groemm – KTM
- Steward Baylor – KTM
- Nick Fahringer – Husqvarna
- Mike Lafferty – KTM
- Brad Bakken – Yamaha
- Andrew Delong – Husqvarna
- Shane Hufford – KTM
- Cory Buttrick – Beta
- Chris Bach – Honda
