The inaugural event of the 2024 Red Line Oil AMA National Enduro Series, presented by Beta Motorcycles and MSR, kicked off with the FMF Sumter National Enduro. Hosted near the Sumter, SC air force base, the event provided challenging sandy soil and optimal conditions as riders embarked on the series.
Ryder Lafferty, determined to make a mark this season, dominated the competition, securing victory in 5 out of the 6 test sections for a commanding 43-second lead. Reflecting on his win, Lafferty expressed, “I got 2nd place here the last 2 years. I wanted to make sure I came in and took a win away from the Baylors.”
His stellar performance places him at the helm of the points standings for the Coastal GasGas Factory Racing team after the first round.
Claiming second overall was Steward Baylor Jr, riding for the newly formed Red Bear Rocky Mountain Kawasaki team.
Baylor remarked, “I really made sure that we got our team with the right equipment and got the bike dialed in so we can come out swinging in the first round.” Notably, Baylor was the only competitor to challenge Lafferty, clinching a test win in section 5.
A newcomer to the National Enduro scene, Johnny Girroir, secured the final spot on the NE Pro1 podium, finishing 3rd overall aboard his Factory KTM.
Despite encountering a setback with an early fall in the first test, Girroir rallied, stating, “I hit something in a fast straight that sent me flying through the air. After that I put my head down and put in a charge to make up some time the rest of the day. I am happy to finish on the podium.” His determination was evident as he posted the second fastest time in 3 tests later in the day.
Ricky Russell of AM-Pro Yamaha claimed fourth overall, followed by Enduro Engineering GasGas rider Josh Toth in fifth, and Red Bear Rocky Mountain Kawasaki rider Thad Duvall in sixth.
Evan Smith secured seventh overall on his Max Motorsports Husqvarna, while defending National Enduro Champion Grant Baylor faced mechanical issues in Test 5, halting his podium aspirations.
In the NE Pro2 Class, Grant Davis of Landers KTM secured first place and eighth overall, with Nathaniel ‘Bubz’ Tasha of AM-Pro Yamaha in ninth overall and second in NE Pro2. Another newcomer to the Pro podium was Babbitt Kawasaki rider Nicholas Defeo, finishing tenth overall and third in NE Pro2.
The Women’s Elite class saw Red Bear Rocky Mountain Kawasaki rider Rachael Archer clinch victory, winning the final three of five sections and extending her lead to over a minute over second place.
Rachel Gutish secured second place on her new Sherco ride, while Shelby Turner, recovering from two knee surgeries, claimed third place on her new Enduro Engineering GasGas ride.
Among the top performers in other categories, Caleb Baltimore excelled as the top AA rider on a KTM, with Chase Landers winning the Overall A category also on a KTM. Jacob McPherson emerged as the top B-class rider, while Brayden Clark dominated the C-class on a Kawasaki.
The next stop on the 2024 Red Line Oil AMA National Enduro Series circuit will be on April 7 in Forest Hill, LA, for the Beta Motorcycles Cajun Classic National Enduro.
