Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1111003
IN THE WIND P32 Grant Baylor Wins Cajun National Enduro G rant Baylor's not even 100-percent healthy, but he still found the speed to win the Cajun National Enduro in Forest Hill, Louisiana, April 28, by 56 seconds over his brother, defend- ing series champ and Tely Energy Racing teammate Steward Baylor. Grant had shoulder surgery during the off-season and didn't ride the series opener in South Carolina back in early February. At round two, the Alligator Enduro a few weeks ago, he admitted he didn't have enough upper body strength and finished seventh. "In Florida, I wasn't really 100%," said Grant. "I would say I was more like 70 percent. This weekend I'd say I'm closer to 95 percent. Still not 100, but we're getting there." Grant was fifth in the first test at the Cajun Enduro, leaving some to think he was still not up to par, but after finishing second in test two, Grant found enough inspira- tion to win all four of the remaining tests. "The race started out a little slow for me," said Grant. "I think I was just a little nervous and over- thinking everything, so I ended up beating myself—just making too many mistakes. We picked it up in the third test, I think I won it, and I got into the overall after four tests. It's awesome to be back up in the center of the box." Steward was in contention right up to the final test, but in the crucial finish test, he just couldn't hang with little brother. "I just had a slow start," said Steward. "I made a few mistakes and got turned around a couple times. I think the last three tests I rode really well; I just couldn't do anything with Grant going into the last test. I knew I had moved into a solid second place, so I just tried not to make any mistakes." Gnarly Routes' KTM's Russell Bobbitt got off to a fantastic start, winning the first two tests and taking the initial lead, but Steward and Grant picked up the pace, while Bobbitt held steady. "It was awesome getting a couple test wins right from the beginning," said Bobbitt. "That just makes the rest of the day almost feel easier just because you feel so confident. I was not making mistakes really [in the last four tests], but I wasn't really flowing super great, either, but then everyone else just kind of elevated their game throughout the day, and I just maintained. It came down to the last test. I was Grant Baylor seems to be back in form from injury after winning the Cajon Classic National Enduro in Lousiana. PHOTOS: SHAN MOORE