Kalgary, TX, April 3, 2011 – FMF/KTM’s Charlie Mullins got his first win of the year at a hot, rough and rocky Lone Star National Enduro, round three of the Rekluse/AMA National Enduro Series in Kalgary, Texas.
With temperatures nearing the century mark, many of the riders were feeling the effects of the adverse weather. However, Mullins turned up the heat with a strong performance in the final two sections to edge out Nick Fahringer for the victory.
Fahringer’s factory Husaberg teammate Michael Lafferty was holding the lead heading into the fifth test, and the eight-time champ looked to have the field covered. However, halfway into the test Lafferty’s bike stopped with ignition problems, leaving Mullins and Fahringer to settle the score. At the finish, Mullins finished the six-test event 19 seconds quicker than Fahringer for the win.
“This was a tough race,” said Mullins. “It was ninety-something out here today and it definitely feels good to get this win – it was a hard-fought one.”
Fahringer’s runner-up finish was a personal best, while FMF/KTM’s Cory Buttrick rounded out the podium despite spending a couple of days in the hospital with an undisclosed illness.
“Third is really not what I wanted but it was good points although it was unfortunate what happen to Mike [Lafferty],” said Buttrick. “It was just so hot and dusty and the third test was brutal. It had no flow and the trees would just peal you off the bike.”
Three-time champ Russell Bobbitt finished fourth, the FMF/KTM rider unhappy with the way he rode the dry terrain. However, he still holds the series points lead by eight points over Mullins by virtue of having won the opening two rounds.
Team Gas Gas Off-Road’s Cole Kirkpatrick was a strong fifth, despite still feeling the effects of off-season shoulder surgery, meanwhile, KTM riders Brad Bakken, Andrew DeLong and Shane Hufford finished sixth, seventh and eighth.
After three rounds, holds the points lead with 78 points, followed by Mullins with 70, Buttrick with 60 and Fahringer with 57.
