Cycle News Staff | October 28, 2019
The 2019 AMA EnduroCross Championship was decided at the final round at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa, Idaho, October 26. More specifically, the final moto of the final round. That’s when Colton Haaker (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) could officially grasp that his third career AMA EnduroCross Championship was all his.
Colton Haaker Wraps Up Third EnduroCross Title
It was all or nothing for both Haaker and former EnduroCross Champion Taddy Blazusiak (Red Bull KTM) going into the final race of the shortened three-round championship. The 2019 title run basically came down to these two riders and the scenario was simple: whoever won in Idaho would also win the number-one plate. And it was a scrap down to the wire with Haaker winning the first two of the three-race main events, and Blazusiak taking the win in the final race. But that wasn’t enough for Blazusiak to steal the championship away from Haaker, who finished a title-clinching second in the final moto to take all the marbles, including the evening’s win.
Just two points separated Haaker from Blazusiak in the championship.
“You had to win the race to win the championship and that’s why we are here,” Haaker said. “I had a good night. That first race was great, as I kept pushing and was able to make [a] last-lap pass. Race two was important to take the win, and in the third moto, I was able to take a safe second to earn the overall. The three races this year were great and EnduroCross should be even stronger again next year.”
Blazusiak couldn’t hide his disappointed with the outcome, feeling that a lapped rider held him up in the first race that might have prevented him from taking the moto win, instead he went 2-2-1 on the night.
“I felt like we were doing everything right to get it done, and a lapper cost me a win in moto one,” Blazusiak said. “I feel like I executed my night to get a win but a lot of things happen that are out of your control.”
Blazusiak added that he hopes to return next year and try again for a sixth title.
Third on the night went to one of the sport’s most promising star Trystan Hart. The KTM rider also finished out the championship in third.
Fourth on the night went to Yamaha rider Cory Graffunder (6-4-8), followed by Sherco rider Tim Apolle (8-7-5).
Graffunder finished out the championship in fourth, just one point ahead of Beta rider Max Gerston, who was sixth on the night. CN
2019 AMA EnduroCross Championship
Final Round
Ford Idaho Center
Boise, Idaho
RESULTS: October 26, 2019
Super EnduroCross Overall
1. Colton Haaker (Hus) 1-1-2
2. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM) 2-2-1
3. Trystan Hart (KTM) 4-3-3
4. Cory Graffunder (Yam) 6-4-8
5. Tim Apolle (She) 8-7-5
6. Max Gerston (Bet) 3-5-13
7. Geoff Aaron (GG) 10-9-4
8. Nick Thompson (KTM) 5-8-10
9. Noah Kepple (Hus) 11-6-7
10. Ty Cullins (TM) 7-14-6
Click here for complete results and points.