Monster Energy Kawasaki's Soule Captures His Fourth Podium of the Season

2010-10-28 14:51
Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Justin Soule finished out his consistent WORCS season with his fourth podium finish at Mesquite MX Park in Mesquite, Nev. Teammate Ricky Dietrich was going after his second WORCS title, but bad luck in the second half of the race brought him into the pits with a broken shifter. He would go on to finish 14th and second overall in the series. In for his second WORCS race of the season, motocross legend John Dowd improved greatly upon his debut finish with a fifth place in Mesquite.

Soule continued his consistent season with a third-place finish in Mesquite and other than the first round in Phoenix, Soule never finished outside the top-five the entire season.

“A lot of the consistency came from staying off the ground,” said Soule. “I went down pretty hard at the first race and after that I was able to have clean races that helped keep me up at the front. I’m happy with the season overall and I’m happy to be with the Kawasaki team. They have helped put me where I’m at.”

Dietrich came into the weekend with a chance to win the WORCS title. He sat six points out of the lead and wanted to let the race shape into a battle for the title. Dietrich got a great start and pushed his way into the lead before the halfway point. After some position shuffling following the pit stop, Dietrich was pushing to make up time and made a small mistake. When he went down, he broke his shifter and nursed it into the pits. Even though his chances for the title were over, he still got back out on the track and finished the final two laps.

“Losing is never easy, but this definitely motivates me to come back next year and give it everything I have to be the champion,” said Dietrich. “I’ve been right there the past few years and at the very least I know that I’m that next guy that could take it if anything went wrong for the first place person. I can at least say I tried really hard to win the championship today and come back next year swinging.”

Dowd’s first try at WORCS racing didn’t seem to scare him away as he decided to make the trek out west for the finale in Nevada. The cross-country venture was worth the time as he improved his finish from 10th at the round in Milford, Calif. to 5th in Mesquite.

“I have a lot of fun coming out and racing something totally different than I’m used to,” said Dowd. “The two-hour races are very challenging for me and I’m really happy with my finish. I was able to push it for about half the race with those guys, but they (front-runners) are fast. I really respect what the do out here. I think it would be fun to come back and try the new format and see if I can do any better.”

With the Pro 2 championship wrapped up, Ryan Abbatoye started in his first career pro race in Mesquite. He worked his way up from a rough start in 19th to finish 11th.

“It was good to get my feet wet before next season,” said Abbatoye. “The pro level is definitely different and I’m glad I was able to get out there and get into the mix. I’m excited for next year.”

The WORCS series will be getting a face lift for the 2011 season with big changes to the race format and several new venues coming in and returning to the schedule. The purposed format would include two races over the weekend that will be one hour plus one lap rather than one two-hour race.

“It’s nice to see the WORCS promoting group take a proactive approach, and put forth the effort to continue to improve upon the series,” said Jason Smigel, off-road team supervisor. “I’ll be the first to admit I was a little skeptical when I first heard the proposed format. However, I understand what they are trying to do, and think it will make for even more exciting racing in 2011. Not only will it allow for a more motocross cross-over friendly series and more opportunities to see the pro’s on the course, but it will also improve the amateur program as well by allowing more track prep time and a better groomed track for them. The amateurs are the heart of the program and it’s so important that they also have the best and most fun course possible to race on.”


Results
WORCS
Mesquite MX Park - Mesquite, Nev.
October 24, 2010

Pro Results
1. Kurt Caselli, Palmdale, Calif., KTM
2. Mike Brown, Bluff City, Tenn., KTM
3. JUSTIN SOULE, RENO, NV, MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
4. Taylor Robert, Scottdales, Ariz., Yamaha
5. JOHN DOWD, LUDLOW, MASS., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
6. Nick Brozovich, Bayfield, Colo., Honda
7. Bobby Garrison, Hesperia, Calif., Husqvarna
8. ROBBY BELL, SUN CITY, CALIF., KAWASAKI
9. Colton Udall, San Clemente, Calif., Honda
10. GARY SUTHERLIN, SUN CITY, ARIZ., KAWASAKI
11. RYAN ABBATOYE, RIDGECREST, CALIF., KAWASAKI
12. JOHNATHAN DAVIS, MARTINEZ, CALIF., KAWASAKI
14. RICKY DIETRICH, MENIFEE, CALIF., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI

Source: Monster Energy Kawasaki

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