The latest round of the FIM Hard Enduro series saw Manuel Lettenbichler( KTM) take the lead in the series with a perfect score card. Dominating the EnduroCode section, it looked like nobody was going to challenge him, until... In the main event, Lettenbichler had his hands full as British rider, Mitch Brightmore( GASGAS) came out swinging. After nearly two and a half hours of racing, Lettenbichler’ s winning margin was just 7.9 seconds, pushed all the way to the end. A great challenge but maximum points went Mani’ s way, so he was stoked and the team celebrated the weekend like it was the final. He was quick to acknowledge his team, as it really is a team event, like most motorsports. Super intense, all the top riders are showing good form, so it is looking like a tough season. Well, from our sofa anyway.
ROYAL ENFIELD TAKES ON FIM FLAT TRACK
Not a brand synonymous with the modern flat track racing public,‘ made like a gun since 1901’, the historic marque is entering the fray. Dirt Craft race school founder, 36 year old Gary Birtwhistle is behind the‘ bars of the Royal Enfield Sherpa FT Mk2 machine. Birtwhistle has raced in the USA and Europe and gave the bike a great debut in the Netherlands. It is the first time Royal Enfield have ever raced in the category but the wily and experienced Birtwhistle is not there just to fill out the grid and add a number. He has goals for the new venture, has two national titles up his sleeve and scored a fighting second in his heat. Any doubters of Royal Enfield’ s intentions have received the memo.