Moab Hard Enduro: Trystan Hart Claims Victory in a Thrilling Round 4
Moab, Utah – The Moab Hard Enduro, Round 4 of the AMA National Hard Enduro Championship, presented by IRC Tire, concluded on April 22, 2023, showcasing intense competition in challenging high desert conditions. Nearly 300 participants entered the event, reflecting a growing interest in the discipline.
Prologue and Shootout Highlights
On Saturday, competitors faced a grueling one-lap Prologue, during which Braxton Hintze secured the top position with a time of 21 minutes, narrowly edging out Trystan Hart by two seconds. Cody Webb, the two-time defending champion, finished third, approximately 20 seconds behind. The afternoon’s Shootout featured the top 20 finishers from the Prologue competing for optimal start positions and a cash prize, with Hart ultimately triumphing over Webb and Hintze.
Main Race Dynamics
The main race on Sunday followed a staggered start based on the previous day’s results. Ryder Leblond led the pack early but was overtaken by Hart and Webb by the end of the first lap. The contest between Hart and Webb was fierce, with their time gap fluctuating throughout the race. Notably, IRC Beta’s Branden Petrie advanced from fifth to claim third place, overtaking Leblond.
The notorious “Black Flag” section, recognized as one of the toughest trails in the U.S., proved decisive. Both Pro and A Class racers navigated its technical challenges, leading to numerous position changes that captivated spectators.
In a remarkable performance, Hart maintained his lead to finish in 2 hours and 32 minutes aboard his KTM 300 XC. Webb followed four minutes later on his Yamaha YZ250FX, with Petrie securing third place in 2 hours and 58 minutes. Leblond placed fourth, and Bullet Proof Designs KRD’s Kawelo Huddy made an impressive late-race surge to finish fifth.
Women’s and E-Moto Results
In the Pro Women’s category, Louise Forsley (IRC Beta) completed two laps to take victory, followed by Katie Hall-Leah and Rachel Gutish. In the Pro E-Moto class, Max Beaupre achieved first place on the Bonnell 805, while Aidan Manger and Collin Huffer shared second.
Amateur Class Success
Champion Brick Racing’s Makana Barger topped the A Open Amateur class, completing three laps in 3 hours and 28 minutes. Ayden Marinchek and Boogie Rivera rounded out the podium.
The championship continues with the Battle of the Goats in North Carolina on May 2-3, alongside the AMA West Hard Enduro Regional Championship at the Donner Hard Enduro in Norden, CA, scheduled for June 12-13.
Full results and updates can be found at ushardenduro.com and through social media @ushardenduro.
