Pressure Mounting

Burson wins a tough one

By Dave Earll, Photos by Tony Lamping

Round 2: Red Mountain. CA, 3/29/2009

For Nick Burson, some wins come easier then others. While the Husqvarna rider might be getting used to dominating most U.S.D.R. events, Round Two would make it clear that the competition is not content to let the 2008 champion run away with this year's series.

Nick Burson

Judging by Burson's performance in Round One, many seem to feel that this might be an easy year for the Zip Ty Racing rider, but behind the scenes, some serious challenges are being mounted in the run for the Pro Class Championship.

Ryan Kudla is one of those challengers. After numerous second place finishes and one victory, the T.O. Kawasaki/FMF rider is working hard to bring the fight to Burson. “I feel I’m getting closer and closer to Nick with each race,” said Kudla, “It feels good to be up there racing with him again.” Another racer looking to shake things up this year is first time U.S.D.R. racer Morgan Crawford. With the help of Blais Racing, the young KTM Rider from central California is looking to make some serious waves in off-road racing throughout the year, but first thing first, U.S.D.R. Round Two.

As the competitors lined up for the second round of the 2009 season, another huge turn out meant there would be a lot of racers out on the 13 mile course. Dust and lappers seem to always be a factor at a U.S.D.R. desert race, which rider deals with both the best can make all the difference in the world. As the start drew near however, the Southern California winds began to blow. While not the best conditions for spectators, wind is always a welcome sight for desert racers and on this day it would eliminate most of the dust and make for some great racing!

RYAN KUDLA

Getting his second holeshot of the year, Burson put his 510 Husky out in front, leading the rest of the field through the valley to check one. Close behind, Kudla was second followed by the always fast Matt Henderson, who was making his return to the series after a year’s absence. A spectacular rock down hill crash however, would bring the FMF/Kawasaki riders day to an early end. An injured shoulder would send Henderson riding back to the pits after just one lap.

Heading out for the second lap, it was Burson in the lead with a determined Kudla giving chase. Third was now solidly in the hands of Crawford as he was able to pull out some distance on the fourth place Kawasaki of Dylan Murdock. Moving up to fifth, Open Expert racer Jason Parsons was looking strong while mixing it up with the Pros.

Believing he might be ready to make his move, Kudla was giving it all he had as they headed for check two. “I could see Burson right in front of me,” said Kudla, “I was pushing hard and lost it on the down hill.” Unscathed by the crash, the Kawasaki rider was up in no time and eager to resume the battle. The bike however, would require some quick trail side repairs giving Burson some breathing room as he extended his lead.

Now in the second half of the 65 mile race, Burson was still leading, but becoming more concerned. “My rear tire was actually going on and off of the bead,” said the Husqvarna rider, “I was doing my best, but it was definitely hard to keep up the pace.” Handling problems with the champion’s bike were evident as you watched, and with Kudla now within striking distance, the final lap was shaping up to be a great one!

Morgan Crawford

With the checkered flag out, it was no surprise to see Burson come into view first as he crested the hill just before the pits. This was no cruise to the finish however, as the series champion was forced to give it 100% all the way to the last turn to claim his eighth win in a row! Once again, second place would go to Kudla, but a much closer second this time. Coming in third, Crawford would turn quite a few heads as he put in a very impressive ride and stayed within a minute or two of the top finishers throughout the entire race. Following the top trio, Parsons would put in a solid ride while looking extremely fast as he brought his Kawasaki home in fourth. Fifth would go to Lites class winner Colton Sanders aboard his T.O. KTM/Pirelli sponsored XCF-250.

Next race: Round 3 May 23rd – 24th