VOL. 55 ISSUE 27 JULY 10, 2018 P43
GRANT BAYLOR SWEEPS CHEROKEE
NATIONAL ENDURO
G
rant Baylor has been on a
roll since injuring his hand
three months ago. The South
Carolina native hooked his
middle finger on a vine while
practicing, breaking a bone
in his hand. Since that injury,
however, the South Carolina
rider has won two-straight na-
tional enduros, which includes
a near-perfect performance at
the Cherokee National Enduro
in Greensboro, Georgia, July 8,
where the Tely Energy Racing
KTM rider swept all seven tests.
Grant topped FMF KTM Fac-
tory rider Josh Toth by 19 sec-
onds in the opening test of the
day and never let up, finishing
the seven-test, 93-mile race with
a one-minute and 23-second
advantage over Toth for the win.
"I still had a few mistakes, but
overall the performance was a
good one and I'm pleased with
it," said Baylor. "I just seemed to
click perfectly with the bike to-
day. Wherever I pointed my tires
the bike went, and everything
just hooked up."
Though sweeping an entire
event is a rare feat, a few riders
have done it, but no one can
remember anyone doing it when
there were as many as seven
tests.
"It's something I've always
dreamed of doing, and it's even
sweeter to actually get it done,"
added Baylor.
Toth also had a good day, his
runner-up finish equaling his
personal best in the series. Toth
edged Grant's brother Steward
Baylor by 16 seconds to claim
the bridesmaid slot.
"I didn't win any tests today
but I felt solid all day," said Toth.
"Grant was really riding strong,
but it was close between the
top three riders, which makes
it enjoyable. I'm starting to read
the trail a bit better and I'm more
comfortable going fast on trail
that I haven't seen before. I think
all of those factors led to my
performance today."
Steward Baylor, who is cur-
rently leading the series points
standings, was not pleased with
Runner-up Josh Toth rode a solid race but
even he couldn't keep Baylor in sight.
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
DARIN
CHAPMAN
