Corona, CA: AMA/Husqvarna National Dual-Sport series kicks off with a bang

Husqvarna’s TE dual-sports took center stage as the 2012 AMA/Husqvarna National Dual-Sport Series presented by FMF kicked off. Nearly 300 riders took part in the opening event of the series (more than double the 2011 turnout), which also included a Husqvarna RiDE MORE demo ride.

“I couldn’t believe how well this event was run,” Husqvarna’s Fred Hoess commented. “It was more like an enduro than a dual-sport ride! The Buckeye Dual Sporters did a great job, and the whole atmosphere was so welcoming. We had nearly 100 riders participate in the RiDE MORE demo event on our new 2012 lineup of Huskys. Overall I would say this weekend was a huge success for the Hanging Rock 200, the AMA, and for Husqvarna!”

The next round of the 2012 AMA/Husqvarna National Dual-Sport series is a triple-header weekend, as riders have the option of riding in PA, MO, or MI. For more information on the AMA Husqvarna National Dual-Sport series, including future Husky demo rides, visit the Husqvarna Dual-Sport Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/husqvarnadualsport.

Meanwhile out west Husqvarna’s Cory Graffunder rode hard to claim a 10th overall and fourth in class at the sixth round of the 2012 World Off Road Championship Series (WORCS) at Racetown 395 in Adelanto, CA. The finish, his first off of the podium all season, was still high enough to keep him in the points hunt at second overall, just eight points out of the lead.

“It was a tough day out there,” Graffunder explained. “It was pretty hot (97 degrees at race time), and the track was really rough, which is not a good combination for a wide-open track like Racetown. I went down in the first turn of my qualifier, then came back to finish sixth. So I was just glad I didn’t have to get back on the track until the Pro2 event. I did what I could today; I just focused on earning as many points as I could. I think it worked out for the best, I know that I will make up a lot of points when we go to Utah for the next one.”

Finishing one spot ahead of round-five winner Justin Seeds, Graffunder was able to make progress in the points chase, closer to the ultimate goal of a Pro2-class championship.

“I’m really proud of how he rode today.” Husqvarna Motorcycles North America (HMNA) President Kris Odwarka explained. “He knew that this course layout was going to benefit Ivan (Ramirez) and the rest of the Baja guys, but he put his head down and made up a lot of time in the Endurocross section. A real racer knows when to use their strengths to their advantage; that is what Cory did today.”

With four rounds remaining in the 2012 WORCS championship, Cory is in attack position ready to close out the season on top of the box.

Cory Graffunder returns to racing Saturday June 9th in Sacramento where he joins teammate Kyle Redmond for round two of the 2012 AMA EnduroCross Championship Series. Tickets are still available at www.endurocross.com.