Melik Signs with GasGas

GasGas Offroad US has announced it has finalized a deal with Ohio’s Jeff Melik to ride a GasGas 300 in next year’s Rekluse/AMA National Enduro series. Melik, one of the circuit’s top pros, is looking forward to working with GasGas Offroad and riding a two-stroke again. “I think this is a good opportunity for me and I’m looking forward to it, especially the switch to a two-stroke,” said Melik. “I think the power delivery of the two-stroke fits my style much better than a four-stroke and I think the GasGas 300 is a great woods bike.” GasGas Offroad US, which is based in Georgia, will be the exclusive distributor for GasGas enduro line in the United States.

Photo Report: Maine National Enduro

Here's a look at the Noble Woods National Enduro in Maine.

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Bobbitt Wins Maine Nat’l Enduro

Russell Bobbitt kept his title hopes alive – barely – by taking the win at round nine of the AMA/Rekluse National Enduro Series in Noble, Maine. Charlie Mullins came into the event riding a five-round win streak and owning a 29-point lead in the series standings. The Obermeyer Am Pro/FMF Yamaha rider needed only to finish ahead of Bobbitt and Bobbitt’s FMF/KTM teammate Cory Buttrick to have a chance at wrapping the title up early, however, Mullins had an off day, while Bobbitt returned to his 2009 form, winning the final two tests to claim his first win of the year.

Mullins ended the day in fifth, while eight-time national champ Michael Lafferty finished second ahead of fellow Husaberg rider Nick Fahringer and FMF/KTM’s Nate Kanney.

“It feels good to finally get on top of the box,” said Bobbitt. “I didn’t really feel like the day was going fantastic. The last two tests I feel I was riding well, but it took a while to adjust to the rocks in the early tests.”

Bobbitt’s only major setback was an ugly cartwheel in the fourth section. Luckily, the defending champ landed in a soft section of dirt and was able to get back into the hunt after a few minor adjustments.

“I just had to adjust my levers to get going again, but it could have really been nasty,” added Bobbitt.

Despite the off day, Mullins still carries a 17 point lead into the series finale in Indiana and needs only to finish eight to wrap up the title.

“I struggled a little – I just wasn’t comfortable in the rocks,” said Mullins. “I just had a bad day and had a hard time finding my groove. It was an experience coming up here, but it was fun. I just need to get it together for the final round.

Lafferty won the first two tests of the 78-mile event and held the lead until crashes in the fourth and fifth tests dropped the New Jersey rider to second behind Bobbitt. With the finish, Lafferty moved into third overall in the series standings.

“I crashed in the last couple of tests, but I felt good today and I’m really happy with how our set-up is on the bike. Russ definitely put the pressure on and he deserves to win, he rode well.”

Like Bobbitt, Fahringer got faster as the day went on and he actually came from behind to beat out Kanney in the final two tests to claim third, which made for his third podium of the year.

Kanney, riding the new KTM 350 SX-F, held on for fourth ahead of Mullins and FMF/KTM’s Cory Buttrick.

The final round of the series is set for Saturday, October 2, in Matthews, Indiana.

O/A

1. Russell Bobbitt (KTM)

2. Michael Lafferty (Hsb)

3. Nick Fahringer (Hsb)

4. Nate Kanney (KTM)

5. Charlie Mullins (Yam)

6. Cory Buttrick (KTM)

7. Andrew DeLong (KTM)

8. Pat Timothy (KTM)

9. Shane Hufford Jr. (KTM)

10. Jim Senecal (G_G)