Mark Kariya | February 25, 2013
Russell Bobbitt won the OMA opener in Alabama. Photography By: Mark Kariya
Husaberg’s Russell Bobbitt rebounded from a disappointing showing at last week’s AMA National Enduro Series opener to emerge the victor of the Seven Springs Cross-Country National outside of Tuscumbia, Alabama, February 24. The race served as both the finale of the 2012-2013 Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV (OMA) Winter Series and the opening event in the OMA Nationals.
It was by no means a runaway, as Bobbitt battled for the lead with FMF/KTM Factory Off-Road Racing Team’s Kailub Russell most of the afternoon. However, OMA newcomer Russell would eventually succumb to the tight woods of the Seven Springs Lodge venue, snapping off both hand guards and subsequently fighting – unsuccessfully – the many trees along the trail tapping his front brake. He would end up dropping back 37 seconds but maintaining the runner-up spot, while AirGroup Radiant Racing Husaberg’s Nick Fahringer earned the final podium spot.
Brake issues slowed AmPro/FMF Yamaha’s Jordan Ashburn to fourth while his teammate, five-time and defending series champ Paul Whibley, finished an uncharacteristic fifth after taking the $200 FMF Holeshot Award.
Mark Kariya | Contributor
Kariya spends way too much time in the desert, but we’re glad he does as he’s the man who gets us our coverage of all things sandy.
