Steward Baylor does some suspension testing today near Sumter, South Carolina. Photography by Shan Moore
Steward Baylor was among the riders arriving early into the Manchester National Forest area to do suspension testing and to acclimate to the local terrain in preparation for Sunday’s opening round of the Kenda AMA National Enduro Series at Sumter, South Carolina.
After spending nearly a full year recovering from injury, Baylor is finally 100% and hoping to return to the winning ways that brought him a national enduro title in 2012.
“I really want to say I can come back and win my title back,” said Baylor. “I’ve stepped up my training program and I’m in the best shape of my life, so I’m looking for a good year. I’ve definitely had my share of injuries and it’s been a long and bumpy ride, but I think right now everything is shaping up like I want it.”
After several years with the FMF/KTM team, Baylor is fielding his own team in 2015 with Trevor Bollinger as his stable mate.
Also testing today was the American Beta team, with Jesse Groemm, Cory Buttrick and Justin Sode making final adjustments.
In the FMF/KTM camp, factory rider Kailub Russell is signed up to ride the Sumter race. He will be joined by his teammate Russell Bobbitt but the third member of the team, Charlie Mullins, will remain sidelined as he recovers from two wrist injuries suffered in 2014.
Russell participated in one AMA National Enduro event in 2014 where he missed the podium by one spot. “I definitely am beginning to enjoy the format of National Enduro racing and feel it could be helpful to my GNCC training,” commented Russell. “We have decided to try the first two and see how it goes and if I am competitive enough I plan to continue to race the remainder of the series.”
Russell will be joined by teammate Russell Bobbitt at the opening round. Bobbitt, a four-time National Enduro Champion and winner of the final round last season, will return to the series with his eye on the top prize. Bobbitt was a favorite to win last year’s championship heading to the first round before an injury suffered at that race caused him to sit out the majority of the year. Now 100% recovered, he again, is labeled as one to watch.
FMF KTM Factory rider Charlie Mullins will also compete in this series. The 2013 AMA National Enduro Champion, suffered two wrist injuries in the middle of last season after sweeping the first four rounds. He underwent a second surgery at the end of 2014 to correct the injury once again. He, unfortunately, will sit out the opening round and it has yet to be determined at what point he will return to the series.
“It is unfortunate that I am currently injury plagued and will miss the opening round,” stated Mullins. “I am confident that my wrists are healing and I am grateful I was able to get them fixed properly. Missing the first round will hurt me in the points but I am excited to get back to racing and will do my best to focus on getting some race wins once I’m back in action.”
Action gets underway at 9:00 am on Sunday. Look for updates on www.nationalenduro.com.
