Monster Energy Kawasaki's Destry Abbott Lands Another Podium in El Centro

2011-03-08 21:56
Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Destry Abbott headed south to the boarder-town of El Centro, Calif., where he finished on the podium during the third round of the AMA National Hare & Hound series. Known as one of the fastest courses in the series, the course in El Centro threw various obstacles at the racers, from giant Sahara-like sand dunes to recreational riders. Abbott got off to a good start and maintained a fast pace throughout the myriad of obstacles to finish in third place. Kawasaki’s Jacob Argubright and Justin Morrow came in behind Abbott, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively.
Sand Blaster
Blasting through the sand dunes, Abbott was able to maintain a good pace throughout the entire event. Although he didn’t get the start he wanted, he was able to get up to speed quickly and maintain a fast pace that prevented anyone from getting past him. Other racers attempted to get by, but Abbott kept on the throttle, pushing to secure a podium finish.

“It was a really fast race,” said Abbott. “I felt I rode pretty well, even though I started off in third. Out there it’s hard to read the terrain because the sand reflects the light. I battled with (Jacob) Argubright for third, but was able to keep him behind me. It really was the fastest race of the year, and I got on the podium, but I tend to prefer the more technical races. I felt like my speed was decent, I just need to work on my starts.”
Fan Involvement
The majestic Imperial Sand Dunes offered beautiful views and unexpected obstacles throughout the race. As Abbott was racing through the giant sand dunes he encountered a vacationer riding a UTV, on the race course, headed into oncoming traffic. The unexpected encounter left him a bit leery as he navigated through the more populated sections of the course.

“There was a lot of fun stuff, riding through the sand dunes,” said Abbott. “My KX™450F rode awesome, and when I got moving my speed was great. I was able to get through the dunes pretty fast. There was a portion of the course that went through Imperial Sand Dunes National Park, and there were a lot of people out there. It’s always great to have fans out there cheering you on. There was one section where I came around a corner and there was a girl riding a UTV on the course in the opposite direction. I would have liked to go faster, but it’s hard to pin it around those sections where people are camping.”
Headed to the Potato State
With the third round of the AMA National Hare & Hound series complete, Abbott knows that consistency is going to be the key to winning the championship. He has been able to find the podium every round this season. Hungry to win, Abbott is focused on stepping to the top of the podium at the fourth round of the series in Melba, Idaho.

“You know, consistency is the key,” said Abbott. “The next race in Idaho will be more technical, which is what I prefer. I’ve been able to hit the podium every round so far. There are seven rounds left so I just need to keep riding smart and consistent. I’m healthy and feeling good about the season knowing I’m still right in the hunt for the championship.”

Results

AMA National Hare and Hound Series
El Centro, California
March 6, 2011

Pro Class Results
1. Kurt Caselli, KTM
2. David Pearson, Honda
3. DESTRY ABBOTT, MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
4. JACOB ARGUBRIGHT, KAWASAKI
5. JUSTIN MORROW, KAWASAKI

Pro Class Points
1. David Pearson, Honda, 80
2. Kurt Caselli, KTM, 76
3. DESTRY ABBOTT, MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 67
4. JACOB ARGUBRIGHT, KAWASAKI, 55
5. JUSTIN MORROW, KAWASAKI, 47

Source: KMC

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