15.11.2020
Round 9 - AMA National Enduro Series - November 15, 2020
TURKEY, Texas – The FMF KTM Factory Racing Team had a solid ending to the 2020 AMA National Enduro Championship on Sunday as team rider Ben Kelley secured a third-overall podium finish, while his teammate, Josh Toth, captured a solid top-five in the highly-competitive NE Pro1 division.
Conditions for the season finale provided a mixed bag of unfamiliar terrain for the east coast-based riders, presenting everything from super dry and slick dirt, to fresh trail and fast-paced sections throughout the day. Kelley remained consistent throughout each of the six tests as he chose to line up aboard the KTM 450 XC-F at the series finale. He maintained a top-three position for all but the third test, where he brought it in for a close fourth. His strong performance was enough to clinch an overall podium finish for the first time since winning the season opener in February.
Ben Kelley: “It was a good day, overall. I decided to ride the 450 XC-F and I think it was a good choice. I had a lot of fun out there on the terrain, it was completely foreign to us but I think that’s what made it fun. I felt surprisingly good and I stayed off the ground, which was nice. I’m happy to finally put in what I feel like is a good ride for myself at these races.”
Toth also remained consistent throughout the day, finishing inside the top-five in every test. He kicked things off with a top-five finish in test one and from there he went on to secure a total of three fifth-place finishes and two fourths. Finishing only 30 seconds away from the overall podium, Toth ultimately secured fifth overall on the day.
With three overall wins this season, Toth was well in the 2020 title fight before sustaining a hand injury at Round 6 that resulted in surgery prior to the seventh round. Since then, Toth has battled through the pain and adversity to ultimately salvage third overall in the championship standings.
Josh Toth: “The day started off a little slow but I started feeling better throughout the day. The terrain is totally different and it was hard to read but I had fun. The hand is not 100% yet. It’s improving and I’m getting better on the bike but it’s definitely holding me back out there. I’m looking forward to getting some more seat time and getting my hand better at physical therapy and come back strong for next year.”
NE Pro1 Results
1. Grant Baylor, SHR, 1:25:27.769
2. Steward Baylor Jr., YAM, +04.660
3. Ben Kelley, KTM, +18.486
OTHER KTM
5. Josh Toth, KTM
Overall National Championship Standings
1. Grant Baylor, 218 points (3 wins)
2. Steward Baylor Jr., 192 (1 win)
3. Josh Toth, 179 (3 wins)
4. Ben Kelley, 173 (1 win)