Monster Energy Kawasaki's Abbott Wins Laughlin Hare Scramble

2012-03-05 20:30
Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Destry Abbott returned to his roots this past weekend to race the GPR Stabilizers Best in the Desert Laughlin U.S. Hare Scramble in Laughlin, Nev. Deemed “the most technical desert race in the U.S.”, Abbott teamed up with Kawasaki Team Green supported rider Gary Sutherlin and rode from the back of the field to take the win by more than a minute on adjusted time. Abbott and Sutherlin took the win over a pack of Kawasaki’s as the KX™ brand filled all the spots in the top five.

Coming from Behind
Abbott is racing a number of different races this year, some which are spur of the moment. Such was the case in Laughlin where Abbott and Sutherlin did not register until the day before the event. The two had wanted to team up in a race for some time and came together last minute to race in Laughlin. Their late entry meant they had to start last in the Open Pro Class. The course was split into two halves where Sutherlin rode the first 15-mile section then handed off the KX™450F to Abbott who ran the 20-mile section. The riders started in 30-second intervals and each rider rode their section three times.

“Sutherlin started off and did a great job making passes early,” said Abbott. “He handed me our KX450F in fourth place and I started charging. I made my way into third, but made a small mistake and lost some time on the leaders.”

Strategy Prevails
Starting the second loop, Sutherlin rode another great section which Abbott backed up with a faster second section putting them right behind the lead pack on the track. Although already leading the race in adjusted time, Abbott and Sutherlin wanted to be in first position on the track as well. Sutherlin passed another rider in his section leaving Abbott to chase down the leader. Knowing the leaders had started 90-seconds ahead of them, Abbott stayed close in tow and took home the win. Abbott and Sutherlin would win by more than a minute in adjusted time.

“I was pretty bummed after my first section, but then I got into my groove,” said Abbott. “About 8-miles out of the last section I was able to get right behind the leader, but the dust was pretty nasty and I didn’t want to throw it away. Gary (Sutherlin) has been riding the best I’ve seen him so it was cool to team up for this race. Our game plan worked out perfect and we did exactly what we set out to do, win!”

South of the Border
Abbott now heads to Mexico to compete in the San Felipe 250 in Baja California, Mexico, March 9-11, 2012. Abbott will be competing along with David Pearson and Robby Bell on the THR Kawasaki team.

Results
GPR Stabilizers Best in the Desert Laughlin U.S. Hare Scramble
Laughlin, Nev.
March 3, 2012

Open Pro Class Results
1. DESTRY ABBOTT/ GARY SUTHERLIN, MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
2. NICK BURSON/ JUSTIN MORROW, KAWASAKI
3. JACOB ARGUBRIGHT/ MATT HENDERSON, KAWASAKI
4. DAVID PEARSON, KAWASAKI
5. MATT GOSNELL/ JASON TRUBEY, KAWASAKI

Source: KMC

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