|
|
|
28.08.2007 |
|
KTM 690 Baja third in Desert Classic Vegas to
Reno |
|
KTM riders David Pearson and Quinn Cody took
the KTM 690 Baja through another tough test at
the weekend to finish third in the Vegas to Reno
desert race billed as "The longest offroad race
in the United States" |
|
|
The result was another step in the quest to test out the
bike in the toughest race conditions ahead of the
legendary Baja 1000, and a result that KTM's rally team
boss Hans Trunkenpolz described as a satisfying.
"At KTM it is difficult to describe a third place as a
success, but this time it is justified," Trunkenpolz
said. After all, the winning team is a 10-time winner
for the Baja 1000 and the second team won the Baja 500
earlier this year.
The race, which this year attracted more than 300
motorcycles, quads and rally car, started near Vas Vegas
and finished in Carson City after 565 miles (920 km) of
tough desert riding. For the KTM team, the race was
tinged with sadness. It was planned for two teams to
start but as Chris Blais sustained spinal injuries in
the pre-run, only one team was present at the start.
Chris's prospective partner Cyril Despres attended as
observer and team assistant.
With temperatures in the mid 30 degrees Celsius, it was
David Pearson who launched the latest competition test
for the 690 Baja. Changeovers were made at pits 2,8,11
and 14 with Quinn Cody finally finishing the race. The
team was particularly encouraged that they were able to
hold their own with the top teams, including taking the
lead in the early part of the race. Even if it became
clear that the multi-winning Honda 1 team was going to
triumph, the KTM riders had a good chance of coming in
second right up to the final stage. They eventually lost
the edge through an unplanned front wheel change at Pit
14, but still finished in third place overall by a very
narrow margin. After 920 km through the toughest desert
conditions, they were just 50 seconds behind the second
place getter. "With this result," said Trunkenpolz, "we
cannot be dissatisfied."
Results
1. Team Honda 1: Kendall Normal/Johnny Campbell -
9:24:02
2. Team Honda 2: Steve Hengeveld/Robby Bell - 9:29.15
3. Team KTM: David Pearson/Quinn Cody - 9:30.12
4. Team Dodson: Zack Dodson/Luke Dodson - 10:24.56
5. Team Eddy: Max Eddy/Matt Eddy 10:25:49
|
|
 |
|
David Pearson |
|
|
 |
|
Quinn Cody |
|
|
 |
|
KTM Baja Development Team |
|
|
|
