Monster Energy Kawasaki Press Release
Irvine, Calif. (October 17, 2011) – Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Justin Soule’ grabbed a spot on the podium at Round 9 of the World Off Road Championship Series (WORCS) in Adelanto, Calif., with a 4-4 moto result. Destry Abbott finished eighth overall with a 5-10 result. Taylor Robert was not feeling well enough to compete in Adelanto and spent the weekend under medical supervision. Kawasaki-privateer Bobby Garrison took the runner-up spot on the podium with a 2-2 moto finish. Kawasaki KX™450F rider Justin Seeds stole the win in the Pro 2 class to secure the championship one round early.
Consistent Finisher
On Saturday, Soule’ got a good start and maintained a consistent pace to finish fourth, despite getting tangled up with another rider in the first lap. In the second moto Soule’ rode smooth, kept it on two-wheels, and finished fourth. His consistent riding over the weekend resulted in a third-place finish.
“The Saturday moto was kind of rough,” said Soule’. “I got a good start and entered the off-road section of the course in third. I came into a really silty sand wash on the gas and Kurt (Caselli) went down right in front of me. I had about three-quarters throttle in my hand and didn’t see his bike until the last second because of the dust. I went over the bars and hit the ground pretty hard. Luckily my KX450F was still running so I got up really fast and got out of there quick so I didn’t get hit too. When you hit the ground like that and it really takes the wind out of your sails. I had a tough time fighting off the heat and fatigue after that, but managed to hold my ground to finish fourth. I felt much better on the bike Sunday even though my result was the same. I had my suspension set much softer and it worked out better than I expected. Overall, I’m happy to finish on the podium and I want to continue to build on this. I know I’m fast enough and confident that I can run the pace necessary to win.”
Back On the Horse
After grabbing a podium at the AMA National Hare & Hound in Johnson Valley, Calif., last weekend, Abbott came to Adelanto prepared to do battle. In the first moto, Abbott battled from a mid-pack start to finish fifth. On Sunday, he got a good start, but lost his position after a crash and finished 10th. Abbott’s performance over the weekend earned him eighth overall.
“My goal was to finish top-five,” said Abbott. “On Saturday, I got a decent start and left the motocross section in seventh. I made an aggressive pass on sixth which worked out. After Caselli went down I moved into fifth and continued to maintain a fast pace so no one would get around me. I ended up with fifth, so I was pretty happy with the result. It was extremely hot out there and I got a little dehydrated. I was super happy with the setup on my KX450F, the suspension was dialed-in perfect, which was especially important for this course. The course was very challenging and didn’t have anywhere to relax, you had to stand up and work the entire time. On Sunday, I got a good start and was fourth going into the off-road section. For the first three laps I kept a good pace and stayed in fifth, but I went down in a corner and by the time I got the bike restarted I lost a few spots. I finished 10th and was a little bummed on the result, especially after my top-five finish on Saturday. I’m really looking forward to the final round of the WORCS at Speedworld, which is only 20 minutes from my house.”
Impressive Performance
Kawasaki-privateer Garrison proved his mettle yet again in the WORCS, piloting his 2012 KX450F to second both days of the weekend. Garrison finished second overall and moved into third in the points.
Pro 2 Champion
Over the course of the season, Kawasaki rider Seeds has finished on the podium seven of nine rounds. At Racetown 395, Seeds clinched the Pro 2 championship after successfully passing the leader in the final lap of the race to take the checkers.
Nearing the Season’s End
Next weekend, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s off-road team heads to Boise, Idaho, for the penultimate round of the AMA EnduroCross series. Soule’ will be looking to grab another EnduroCross podium and move up the leaderboard. Robert is waiting for medical professionals to clear him so he can get back on the track. Abbott will head to Lucerne, Calif., for the final round of the AMA National Hare and Hound series.
Results
World Off Road Championship Series (WORCS)
Racetown 395 – Adelanto, Calif.
October 15-16, 2011
Pro Class Overall Results – Round 9
1. Mike Brown, KTM, (1-1)
2. BOBBY GARRISON, KAWASAKI, (2-2)
3. JUSTIN SOULE’, MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, (4-4)
4. GARY SUTHERLIN, KAWASAKI, (3-6)
5. Kurt Caselli, KTM, (8-3)
6. ROBBY BELL, KAWASAKI, (6-5)
7. Ryan Abbatoye, KTM, (7-7)
8. DESTRY ABBOTT, MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, (5-10)
9. Dustin Nelson, Yamaha, (9-8)
10. RYAN REINA, KAWASAKI, (12-11)
Pro Class Points Standings
1. Kurt Caselli, KTM, 387
2. Mike Brown, KTM, 346
3. BOBBY GARRISON, KAWASAKI, 334
4. TAYLOR ROBERT, MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 326
5. JUSTIN SOULE’, MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 296
6. ROBBY BELL, KAWASAKI, 252
7. GARY SUTHERLIN, KAWASAKI, 200
8. DESTRY ABBOTT, MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 193
9. Ryan Abbatoye, KTM, 183
10. BOBBY BONDS, KAWASAKI, 161
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