National Hare & Hound Series - Round 2 Ridgecrest, CA

FMF/KTM rider David Pearson won his first AMA National Hare & Hound event, at the second round of the series, since his return to racing from a broken femur in 2008.

Pearson has a new outlook on the 2010 racing season, switching both his training program and bike. Pearson has already lost 20 lbs as a result of his new training schedule and switched to the KTM 450 XC-F after years of racing the KTM 530 XC-F. "I definitely felt like I haven't been 100% since injuring my femur and with my new workout and riding routines I feel more confident. I also feel that the 450 is a more suitable bike for my racing style and I am really excited to race this bike for the 2010 Hare & Hound season," remarked Pearson.

The day started out and ended well for the 26 year-old Nevada resident as he pulled the holeshot and led the first loop of the race. "The first loop was fast, whooped out and rocky, having a good start definitely worked to my advantage as I didn't have to fight through the dust," stated Pearson. His teammate, David Kamo, had a great start as well staying within 10 seconds of Pearson as they came into the first gas stop.

During the second, more technical loop, the top five riders got turned around due to poor course markers which allowed the racers to close in on one another. "We had to look to each other to try to figure out the course so by the end of the second loop we were all within seconds of one another," said Kamo.

Entering the third and final loop, Pearson battled with Kamo and Destry Abbott for the lead position. Kamo held the lead for a moment before hitting neutral on a steep uphill and allowing Pearson and Abbott to get around. "I made the pass on Abbott for the lead with approximately ten miles to go. It was a very close race today and I am excited to land on the top of the podium," stated Pearson. Abbott finished in 2nd place 14 seconds behind Pearson while Kamo was an additional 49 seconds behind Abbott in 3rd.

Next Race: Round 3 - El Centro, CA - March 7, 2010
 
Overall Results

 
1. David Pearson - KTM
2. Destry Abbott
3. David Kamo - KTM
4. Jacob Argubright
5. Kendall Norman
6. Gary Sutherlin
7. Ryan Abbatoye
8. Nick Burson
9. Justin Imhof - KTM
10. Justin Morrow