Grinding Stone Hard Enduro: A Shift in Terrain and Format for 2023
Page, Arizona – The 2023 AMA National Hard Enduro Championship, presented by IRC Tire, reached its third round at the renowned Grinding Stone Hard Enduro, renowned for its challenging sandstone mesas above Lake Powell. The event marked a notable transition from the previous tropical setting in Hawaii, introducing riders to an array of rocky terrains that tested their adaptability.
Record Participation and Format Adjustments
This year’s Grinding Stone Hard Enduro, hosted by the Rockstars Motorcycle Club, introduced a revised three-day format for the first time, resulting in record engagement with over 300 amateur entries. The preliminary races were strategically designed to create a knockout series for competitors, a change that has garnered increased interest and participation.
Race Highlights
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Race 1 (Friday): Amateurs raced three laps on a “B/C Class” level course, narrowing down from 260 to 200 riders. A Class competitor Boogie Rivera (Team Bullet Proof Designs KRD) claimed victory.
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Race 2 (Saturday AM): The top 200 participants advanced to a more challenging “A/B Class” level course, culminating in a win for A Class racer Makana Barger (Champion Brick Racing). The format allowed the majority of amateurs substantial ride time throughout the weekend.
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Race 3 (Saturday PM): This marked the first competition for the Pro Class, where 20 racers moved on to Sunday’s main event. Trystan Hart (FMF KTM) emerged victorious amid oppressive 90-degree heat, granting him first gate pick for the final race.
Upcoming Sunday Race and Community Engagement
Before the main event on Sunday, the Rockstars MC hosted a Kid’s Hard Enduro race for ages 6-11, showcasing young talents navigating smaller sandstone obstacles—a promising sign for the sport’s future.
As riders like Hart, Ryder Leblond (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna), and Cody Webb (Rocky Mountain ATV Yamaha) aim for podium supremacy, the Grinding Stone Hard Enduro solidifies its reputation not only as a critical championship stop but as a breeding ground for aspiring motorcyclists.
