Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Taylor Robert captured the overall win at the 2012 World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS) opener at Glen Helen Raceway, January 14-15. Robert put in two stellar rides, going 1-2 over the weekend to claim the victory over FMF/KTM’s Mike Brown and Rockstar Valli Yamaha’s Kyle Summers.
Mike Brown, Taylor Robert and Kyle Summers celebrate on the Glen Helen podium.
“It’s a good way to start the season,” said Robert. “I’ve got to thank my team, my family, everybody that helped me prepare for 2012. It’s going to be a long series and this is just the first one.”
Brown took the holeshot in Saturday’s race and led for a while before losing the battle to Robert for the race win. On Sunday, Brown gated well but couldn’t reel in Robert or Summers and had to settle for third. However, his 2-3 was good enough for second overall.
“This is the best beginning I’ve ever had for a WORCs Series,” said Brown. “I’m happy to put KTM on the podium and I really like the new 450. We’re going to win a lot of races with it this year.”
Summers, who missed most of the WORCS championship last season, certainly announced his return with a podium finish, going 5-1 over the weekend.
“I’m really happy to be back,” said Summers. “The last time I raced here I got carried off the track with some pretty bad injuries. We’ve only just put this team together at the last minute, and I’m grateful to get to race again with WORCS. I just want to race and have fun doing it and winning is always fun.”
Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Bobby Garrison finished fourth overall, followed by his teammate Justin Soule, Robby Bell, Ryan Abbatoye, Ross Neely, Gary Sutherlin and Kailub Russell, who rounded out the top 10 overall.
