After winning the 6 hour race earlier in the year, we made plans to race the 12 hour and continue testing our set ups. Team riders Robby Bell and Jamie Lanza were joined by Ryan Abbatoye and Ty Renshaw. Third team rider, Taylor Robert, was at the Colorado MX National. With temperatures expected over 100 degrees, it was going to be a real test of both the riders and bike. You are allowed a second bike in impound for use in case the first bike has problems, or just to run a fresh bike later in the race. Our goal was to run only one bike to challenge our pit times for service or repair if needed.
Robby started the race with a 4th place start. He immediately shot to the lead and began pulling a lead. At the end of the first hour, he handed the bike to Jamie with over 2′30″ lead. Jamie continued the charge for the next hour and increased the gap to over four minutes. One lap later, we were in the pit for our first pit work. A rock must have kicked up into fork leg and nicked it. Instant blown seal, covering the brake caliper and pads. 1′16″ is what it took to change the left fork, complete brake system and front wheel.
Ryan and Ty were up next putting in good rides and continued to maintain the overall lead. The bike was running great, and everyone seemed to adapt to the suspension which was a compromise between 5′4″ 130 lbs, and 6′1″ 180 lbs.
A little over the half way point, the lead was up to seven minutes. Third place was now more than one lap down. It was time to do an air filter and rear wheel. Once again the pit went smoothly and we continued with a comfortable lead.
With about two hours to go, the lead was up to eleven minutes. We decided to change the rear brake pads and check over the bike one last time. Everything was good, but with the heat taking its toll on some riders, we backed it down to just to maintain an easy pace and save the bike. The last two laps were cruising with a little goon riding thrown in just to keep things fun.
At the finish, we had over seven minutes on second place, and over an hour on third. All the riders were solid and did exactly what was needed. Robby and Jamie both had the fastest laps of the race. The bike held up phenomenally well. Our mechanic, Phil Valdez, did a great job building the bike, which was the same bike that won the six hour.
Once again, thanks to all of our sponsors. Events like these are impossible without your support. We are looking to get good press from this.
Bob
Team Coordinator
robby bell
