Sumter, SC (February 3, 2019) – GasGas North America kicked off its 2019 National Enduro campaign with impressive top five performances in the premiere NEPro1 class as well as in the Women’s Elite division.
Thorn Devlin turned in a career-best fifth overall at the Sumter event, giving him a positive first step in the 2019 Kenda AMA National Enduro Series. The Pennsylvania rider is coming off of an injury in 2018, and a solid performance at the series opener is proof positive that he is fit and ready for a new season. In addition to being consistent all day, Devlin posted the third-fastest time in the difficult and tight third test, proving the rookie pro is more than ready for prime time.
Korie Steede was making her debut ride in the National Enduro series and was excited to see how she would perform under pressure in extremely tight trail. The Ohio rider surprised herself with a stellar performance in the sandy and tight conditions, and despite taking a couple of headers in the dirt, came away with a superb fifth place finish in the Women’s Elite division.
Thorn Devlin: It was a little rough at first, the beginning of the year everything’s a little bit different. I lost my brakes in section one and I was like a pinball bouncing off the trees, but I managed to find a flow and get down to business. I’m pleased with fifth and this is a good starting point for the season. I’m a step ahead of last year, so I’m excited for the year.
Korie Steade: It was an awesome day. The first test I got arm pump and I was just trying to get a handle on the situation. Then the second, third and fourth tests I rode great. It was cool and interesting and I was getting the hang of it and having fun. In the fifth test, just getting into the woods, I was trying to open up my vision and look several arrows ahead, but I got ahead of myself and I wrapped myself around a tree and went over the bars. Looking back, I had a great day and I’m happy with a fifth place. The National Enduro series is awesome.
The GasGas North America Enduro team returns to action on February 9-10 in Gaston, South Carolina for the opening round of the Kenda Full Gas Sprint Enduro Series.
PRO RESULTS
1. Russell Bobbitt (KTM)
2. Steward Baylor (KTM)
3. Evan Smith (Hsq)
4. Mike Witkowski (Bet)
5. Thorn Devlin (GG)
6. Cory Buttrick (Hsq)
7. Zach Hayes (KTM)
8. Jake Froman (Hsq)
9. Liam Draper (KTM)
10. Tegan Temple (KTM)
