America’s team lands in Brazil

Nation's top off-road riders prepare for ISDE

Story by Jason Weigandt, photos by Pat Noel

Oct. 29 – America’s team has arrived in Forteleza City, Brazil, and has begun organizing their assault on the 78th annual International Six Days Enduro (ISDE), which begins Monday, November 3.

The team will build bikes, plan strategy and organize pit stops for the next week. But they’ll have some fun too. “These guys are all having a great time,” said America’s Team Captain Jeff Russell. “There’s a lot to do here, both on and off the track.”

Russell proudly reports all of the team’s bikes, parts and gear made it to Brazil in tact. Other teams, such as the powerhouse French squad, were not as fortunate. Reportedly, their crates will not arrive in customs until next Monday, which effectively eliminates them from contention. Three crates from other teams are reported to be lost at sea.

All of the American riders completed the registration process today. Bikes go into impound on Friday and opening ceremonies are on Saturday.

America’s team is presented by Parts Unlimited and consists of Rodney Smith, Barry Hawk, Mike Lafferty, Ty Davis, Jason Raines and Mike Kiedrowski. These six riders will compete for the coveted World Team Trophy, which the U.S. has never won. In addition, a GNCC Club Team will compete in the three-man club team division. That squad features Randy Hawkins, Robbie Jenks and Doug Blackwell.

Fred Andrews, an original member of America’s team who had to bow out due to injury, is also in Brazil to help the team in any way he can.

The GNCC ISDE racers received a proper send off at the season finale Ironman GNCC last weekend in Indiana. On Saturday night, Parts Unlimited and ITP Tires hosted a dinner and a minibike race, with racers and spectators donating funds to the team. Funds were also raised through the GNCC ISDE raffle, featuring products from Titan Industrial, Klotz, Maxxis, ITP, Twin Air and Moto Tees.

Parts Unlimited, Thor, Moose, Scott, Pro Circuit, FMF, Dunlop, Alpinestars, Motion Pro and Racer X Illustrated have stepped up to back America’s team.

Stay tuned for complete coverage of the ISDE on AMADirectlink!