The Everett, Washington round of the GEICO AMA EnduroCross Series was full of thrills and surprises, ending with a breakthrough win for Red Bull KTM’s Taylor Robert. The Arizona native celebrated his first victory of the season ahead of JCR Honda’s Colton Haaker and factory Beta’s Cody Webb, who rounded out the podium.
The main event started well for Webb, who carried the points lead into Everett. After Husqvarna’s Mike Brown grabbed the $500 Nexen holeshot award, Webb quickly moved into the lead, and during most of the main event, managed to stay clear of the chaos unfolding behind him. The wild main event was riddled with crashes, which effectively shuffled the field multiple times, and allowed Webb to work his way into a comfortable lead. It wasn’t to last, however, as second- and third-place riders Robert and Haaker chipped away at his gap. A crash by Webb in the rock section ultimately allowed the pair to slip by while Webb fell back to third place.
Haaker stayed hot on Robert’s heels, and when he saw his opportunity, the Rockstar Energy/Lucas Oil rider made a move on Robert for the lead. But no sooner than he made the pass, Haaker crashed which allowed Robert to regain the point. Robert held on to take the checkered flag and his first win of the season.
“It feels so amazing to get the win, especially on a track like this where it’s so technical,” Robert said. “For some reason I always end up doing really good at the really tough races. I’m so glad to be up here. I feel like it’s been a long time coming. I’ve had so many second place finishes, a lot of podiums, and to finally get on top, this feels amazing!”
Taddy Blazusiak had a disappointing night, finishing fourth in the main – the first time this season he did not get on the podium. Like most, he hit the ground many times in the main event, starting on the opening lap. The defending champion had had a rough time trying to push his way forward, and could not shake off the mistakes and bobbles that seemed to plague him in Everett.
Blazusiak’s off-podium finish allowed Webb to stretch his championship lead just a few points further. Blazusiak still sits in second place, now only two points ahead of Haaker in third.
Fifth place in Everett went to Mike Brown, followed by Bobby Prochnau and Max Gerston and Kevin Rookstool. KTM riders Ty Tremaine and Cory Graffunder rounded out the top-10.
In the Women’s division, Sandra Gomez of Spain celebrated her second consecutive win. The Husqvarna-backed rider got out to a decent start and moved into the lead after passing Morgan Tanke for the lead. Tanke rode to a patient second-place finish, knowing that she did not need to overtake Gomez to regain the points lead. Tanke’s second place finish now gives her the upper hand in in the Women’s Pro championship. Gas Gas rider Melissa Harten rounded out the top three, claiming her career-first podium in Everett.
GEICO AMA EnduroCross Everett Results
1. Taylor Robert (KTM)
2. Colton Haaker (Hon)
3. Cody Webb (Bet)
4. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM)
5. Mike Brown (Hus)
6. Bobby Prochuau (KTM)
7. Max Gerston (Bet)
8. Kevin Rookstool (KTM)
9. Ty Tremaine (KTM)
10. Cory Graffunder (KTM)
GEICO AMA EnduroCross Championship Points
1. Cody Webb 165
2. Taddy Blazusiak 158
3. Colton Haaker 156
4. Taylor Robert 133
5. Max Gerston 94
6. Mike Brown 92
7. Cory Graffunder 85
8. Bobby Prochnau 83
9. Ty Tremaine 79
10. Geoff Aaron 67
