Mexico’s own Homero Diaz successfully defended his title for the fourth straight time in this year’s edition of the FunEnduro. The FunEnduro is Mexico’s premier off-road race and is held in the little town of Valle de Bravo, 60 miles southwest of Mexico City. The FunEnduro is a two-day qualifier-type event that consists of one 40-mile loop that is ridden twice, and four special tests, also ridden twice each day. The terrain is not what most people expect when thinking of racing in Mexico. It is made up of mountainous terrain cluttered with pine trees and large open fields, perfect for the grass track special tests.
Diaz had his hands full this year trying to defend his title. “Each year is getting more competitive,” he said. “This year was a close one. I really had to dig deep to pull this win off!”
Diaz, who rides for Suzuki, had many international professional racers to fend off. Spain’s former National Champion Xevi Puigdemont was on hand to test Diaz skills, as well as, Poland’s Bartosz Oblucki, a WEC regular in the E1 class. The American contingent consisted of RER Yamahas’ Nathan Kanney and multi-time National Hare & Hound Champion Destry Abbott. Finishing off the list of antagonist to the Mexican off-road crown was Australian Shane Watts.
The racers where treated to perfect weather on day one, and Puigdemont was out for the kill, not letting off and completing day one in first place and few seconds ahead of Diaz. Abbott was also on a mission and finish in third with Kanney right behind him. Oblucki had an off day and was in fifth. Watts was doing the best he could on his staple 125, however, he found himself underpowered and finished outside the top five.
Day-two weather was the exact opposite of day one, and the racers found themselves dealing with a steady down pour, making the course extremely hard to navigate. The racing however went on without a hitch and Diaz rode flawlessly to take the lead and regain his FunEnduro Championship.
“This race is very important to me,” he said. “I’m racing in front of my friends and family and don’t want to let them down. It is an honor to race against these international riders and close friends.”
Abbott said, “This is one of the best events I’ve ever been to. The organization and the people are first class. I felt like I was at a National. I could not believe how many people were there cheering us on. I will definitely be here next year!”
Kanney also felt the “rock star” experience when he won the final moto in front of literally thousands of spectators. “That was awesome, they swarmed me after the finish like I was Carmichael,” Kanney said. “They wanted my goggles, gloves, whatever they could get their hands on. This is the best event I’ve ever been, too. I can’t wait until next year!”
The FunEnduro is quickly becoming an international event that is on par with the Six Days or WEC. The promoters of the FunEnduro, DiazBrothers Motorsports, continue to take steps forward to achieve their ultimate goal of becoming part of the WEC. For more info on the event, log on to www.funenduro.com.mx.
