Ridgecrest, CA – Factory FMF/KTM rider Ivan Ramirez earned a 2nd place finish in a close battle for the win at the second round of the AMA National Hare & Hound Series.
Fresh off his first career win at the opening round of the series, Ramirez was looking forward to another strong finish in Ridgecrest. The KTM pilot pulled a great jump off the line and came out at the end of the bomb in 3rd place. Quickly after the end of the bomb, a medical vehicle was parked near the course and Ramirez almost collided with the vehicle. “The car on the course shook me up quite a bit,” commented Ramirez. “I didn’t expect it, and luckily, I was able to maneuver around it but I lost a position in the process.”
Ramirez encountered another issue on the first 35-mile loop that resulted in a broken radiator shroud. He later stopped to pull it off so it would stop flapping and hindering his ride. He lost about 45 seconds on the leaders in the process. Shortly after the first loop, Jacob Argubright suffered a mechanical which allowed Ramirez to move into 3rd. Once in a podium position, Ramirez was able to collect himself and began to gain on the top two riders.
With a few miles to go, he caught and passed the 2nd place ride of Ricky Brabec. He then began to pull ahead with the lead ride of Nick Burson. The two riders battled all the way to the checkered flag with Ramirez finishing only one second off of the rear wheel of Burson.
“I tried really hard at the end to make a pass but was unable to find a good place to make it,” stated Ramirez. “I am happy to get another podium finish and maintain the point lead heading to the next round.”
Next Event: Murphy, ID – March 22-23, 2014
Overall Results –
- Nick Burson
- Ivan Ramirez – KTM
- Ricky Brabec
- Justin Morrow
- Axel Pearson
- Skyler Howes – KTM
- Ryan Smith
- Morgan Crawford – KTM
- Brandon Prieto – KTM
- Tyler Renshaw
Overall Point Standings –
- Ivan Ramirez – 55
- Nick Burson – 51
- Justin Morrow – 43
