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(Left) Local rider Kevin Bennett splashes through a wet section on his way to an impressive third overall. (Above) Enduro legend Randy Hawkins lost his chance at second on the year when his bike broke. The DNF pushed Hawkins down to fifth in the final standings. (Right) Chris Smith takes a break on his way to sixth overall. Yamaha's Randy Hawkins, who was involved in a battle with Fast by Ferracci's Fred Hoess for second in the points standings, was the only rider who could stay close to Lafferty. Hawkins was at an eight-point deficit behind Hoess going into the event, and had to do everything he could to beat his rival and hope some other riders got in between the two. Going into the first gas stop, Lafferty had established a seemingly insurmountable lead, which would lead one to believe he'd be on cruise control for the rest of the day. But cruise control didn't figure into his new game plan, as Lafferty wanted to make a statement for next year. He charged hard all day, putting as much time as possible on the rest of the field. Lafferty didn't just want to win - he wanted to crush the hopes of would-be competitors by winning in a landslide. After the second gas stop, the club ran the enduro pilots through a 34mile, fast section that absolutely took it out of most of the riders - except, of course, Lafferty, who dropped a mere three points in the section (missing a two by just four seconds). Kevin Bennett, another local rider, was also putting in a solid performance and was behind Hawkins and Hoess going into the long section. Bennett was rewarded for his efforts at the 94-mile marker, when he passed by a brokendown Hawkins. The six-time enduro (Right) Richard Lafferty, brother of Mike, finished seventh on his Gas Gas, securing sixth in the final standings_ champion's bad-luck season continued when something dislodged a radiator hose while he navigated a rocky section, resulting in a complete loss of coolant and a subsequent engine seizure. "I was having a lot of fun today," said a dejected Hawkins. "My bike was working great, and I was really doing well. It's just one of those things that happens; unfortunately, it seems like it has happened to me all year. Normally, I can have something like this happen to me and still win championships. This year it just wasn't meant to be. I guess it could be worse - at least I'm healthy and can still ride." With Hawkins down, second overall in the series would go to Hoess, who himself had his share of problems in Delaware. "As far as my day went, the first section wound up being quite difficult," Hoess said. "I picked up some wire in my rear wheel, which caused several problems. First, my rear wheel locked up, and a good crash followed shortly thereafter. The crash caused a bunch of different problems. Along with the rear of the motorcycle being damaged, bent handlebars, the clutch heated up, and I could barely ride the next couple of sections. So I basically spent the entire day replacing parts and playing catch-up. Once I finally got things straightened out, I ran out of gas in the 30-plus-mile section. The enduro gods were not smiling for me throughout the day!" Despite all his problems, Hoess put in a solid ride for second overa II at the event (see sidebar). Bennett took third, with Gas Gas' main man Matt Stavish in fourth and Lynnwood Yamaha's David Lykke fifth. Lykke and Stavish actually tied on season points, but because of Lykke's win in Colorado, he beat out Stavish for third on the year. Hawkins' DNF dropped him from third to fifth in the final points standings. When it was all said and done, lafferty had accomplished what he set out to do. Not only did he win eight out of the nine events in the series, he had scored a 24 for the event - an incredi- ble 19 ahead of runner-up Hoess' 43, leaving no doubt in anyone's mind that the champ is riding in a class by himself. Lafferty's message was loud and clear: If anyone is to compete with him next season they will have to step up to another level - one that is currently the realm of only him. eN Delaware Enduro Riders Delaware City, Delaware Results: October 28, 2001 0/A: 1. I"Jchael Lafferty (KTM): 2. Fred Hoess (Hus):, 3. Kevin Bennett (Hen); 4. Matt Stavish (GG); 5. David Lykke (Vern): 6. Chris Smith; 7. Richard Lafferty (GG); 8. Clay Boering (GG): g. Steve Edmondson; 10. Allen Kopp. AMA FI'IF NATIONAL C'SHIP ENDORO SERIES ANAL POINTS STANDINGS (After 9 of 9 round.): I. Michael Lafferty (256/8 Wins); 2. Fred Hoess (159): 3. David Lykke (130/1 win); 4. Matt Stavish (130); 5. Randy Hawkins (126); 6. Richard Lafferty (109); 7. Rodney Judson (GG); 8. Clay Boering (61): 9. Ty Davis (59); 10. Brian Garrahan (58). BRIEFLY••• Delaware Enduro Rider club member Joseph Chadick. of Newark. Delaware. suffered a fatal heart attack the night before the event after preparing a section of trail for which he was respon· sible. Among the survivors of Chadick. who was 54. are his two sons Nick and Adam. who also compete in off-road racing. God speed. Joseph. The off-road community's prayers are with you and your family. In lieu of flowers. financial contributions may be sent to a college trust fund for Chadick's dependent children. Send contributions to Brookedge Ct. Apt. B2. Newark. DE 19702. With the 2001 National Enduro Series now over. DVF is working on a video (called • 2001: A Race Odyssey") of season highlights. For more information. log on to www.dv-factory.com. The TV show Hi-Octane was on hand at the Delaware finale filming and profiling Mike Lafferty. The first show will show an overview of off·road competition and will air on November 13 on Speedvision. The second show, featuring the Mike Lafferty profile. will air on November 27, also on Speedvision. ESPN2's show MotoWorid has also been covering the last few events of the National Enduro Series. as well as other off-road events. The show airs on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. EST. If you appreciate the off·road coverage. log on to www.motowortd.com. and e-mail the editor to let him know. cue. - n _ vv. • NOVEMBER 14. 2001 47