U.S.D.R. Desert Championship Series 2010 U.S.D.R. Round 3

“Burson Bounces Back!”

By Dave Earll Photos by Tony Lamping/off-roadphotos.com
Red Mountain. RIDGECREST, CA. 04-18-2010

Things are definitely looking better for Nick Burson. After a six month dry spell, the three time Pro Class champion finally made his way back to the winners circle as he dominated Round 3 of the U.S.D.R. California Desert Series.

It was way back in September of last year when Burson scored his last victory. Since then it has been an uphill battle and a lot of hard work for the Husqvarna rider, as testing, training, and fighting off some of the fastest racers in the desert has become a full time job.

Nick Burson

Round 3 would mark a change however, for the 2009 Series Champion as a very technical course and some new Ohlins suspension appeared to be just what the doctor ordered to turn the slump around. “I love the course and my bike this weekend,” said a very confident looking Burson. “I feel good in the rocks, and the suspension work we have been doing is really paying off, my bike is the best it has ever been.” Turning that confidence and preparation into a win is not easy though, Burson would still have to find that all out speed that has seamed to be missing in recent races.

With the start of the race just seconds away, the Pro and Expert classes lined up for what was sure to be one of the best U.S.D.R. races ever. With the drop of the green flag and a dust cloud covering the now hot and dry desert, it was the KTM of Colton Sanders leading the field through the fast and choppy first part of the 18 mile course. “Sanders is too fast for me in that terrain,” said Burson. “He’s willing to hang it out more than I am.”

Even though he was in the lead, Sanders knew he had his work cut out for him today, and as they approached the rocky technical section, thing would get even tougher. “Every time we got into the rocks, I could hear Burson pull right up on me,” said the Thousand Oaks KTM/Maxima sponsored rider. “I would just hold my ground and wait until the faster areas where I could use the dust to my advantage.” This would work for most of the first two laps, but eventually the pressure was too much, and Burson made his move.A slight bobble by the young KTM rider in a tough little section right before the pits allowed Burson to take over the lead and never look back!

With the first two riders way out in front, the rest of the field was left to battle it out for third. Holding down that position for the first lap, Travis Livingston was looking great as he led his arch rival Erek Kudla through the scoring section. This wouldn’t last however, as an unfortunate meeting with a rock would leave the 2009 Open Class Champion with a bent foot peg and a very sore foot.

Erek Kudla

With the laps winding down, it was beginning to look like old times as a comfortable Burson lead the field around for the final lap. Sanders, while a little ways back by now, was still putting up a good fight in second, followed by Kudla and Vasquez.

With the checkered flag flying, Burson was happy to take the win. “It’s been a while,”said the Husqvarna rider. “I want to thank Ty Davis and my dad for all the hard work they’ve put in this year, it feels great to get this win!” Second would go to Sanders after a very consistent day. “I felt good today and had a great ride,” said the 17 year old racer. “But I’m really looking forward to the next round and a faster course.” Matching his best ever finish, Kudla would bring home a solid third. “I’m exhausted today for some reason,” said the Kawasaki rider. “That last lap was just survival for me.” Fourth would go to the up and coming young racer Vasques, followed by the Honda of Lites Expert class winner Cameron lewis and Senior-1 star Robert Laughlin.

Things were back to normal in the morning race as well, as Senior-2 class champion Steve Williams returned to his winning ways and completely dominated the two lap race.Second would go to class rival John Sides followed by Quad Expert racer Jeremy Gray,Mini Expert Westlee Tom, and Earl Mullis.

Next Race: 05-23-10, Red Mountain, Ca.

Colton Sanders