Lafferty Tops New Jersey National Enduro
Kit Palmer | April 3, 2006
KTM’s Mike Lafferty claimed his first National Enduro win of the year in Port Elizabeth, New Jersey, April 2. Lafferty topped the previous-round winner, KTM rider Russell Bobbitt, by five points, 36-41. Third place went to Lafferty’s brother, Rich, who rode his KTM to a 46-point score. Fourth place went to Kawasaki rider Blair Bersano and fifth place to KTM pilot Tony Geraci.
Lafferty came out with guns blazing, opening up a three-point edge after just the first loop of the three-loop enduro. In the more-open second loop, Lafferty gained another point on his rivals, including Fred Hoess and Stephen Edmondson, who both burned a check in that loop.
The third loop, like the first, was again a tight one, which played into Lafferty’s hands. The seven-time Enduro champ gained another point to ensure the victory.
Sixth place went to Yamaha rider Ryan Rodgers, followed by Gas Gas pilot Leonard Keen, Edmondson, Gas Gas rider John Barber and KTM rider Dale Sweigart.
After three rounds, Lafferty enjoys an eight-point lead over Bobbitt.
Kit Palmer | Off-Road Editor
Kit Palmer started his career at Cycle News in 1984 and he’s been testing dirt and streetbikes every since – plus covering any event that uses some form of a knobby tire. He’s also our resident motorcycle mileage man with a commute of 120 miles a day.
