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/1381004
Perry Mountain 24-Hour Challenge T he Perry Mountain 24-Hour Challenge, held in Maples- ville, Alabama, June 5-6, re- turned to business after having to cancel last year's race. Despite the one-year hiatus, the Elite- class team, NAP/XC Gear, didn't missed a beat. The four-rider squad, made up of one Sherco and three KTMs, dominated the race from start to finish, complet- ing the race with a two-lap lead over its nearest competitors. Andrew Clark (Sherco), Josh Vender (KTM), RJ Cook (KTM) and Steve Nicholas III (KTM) combined efforts to complete the most laps at 56 with an average lap time of 25 minutes and 28 seconds. "We tried to just ride consis- tent, we knew it was going to be a long race. With each rider doing three laps, it was a little dusty at first until the rains came. Mostly, it was pretty uneventful except for a few [head]light issues during the night," said Clark. The Perry Mountain Club enjoyed a near-record turnout with almost 100 teams signed up. Usually, this time of year in Alabama, it's hot and dusty. This year's temps were a bit lower in the high 80s, but for the first time in many years, rain was on the forecast. The course was 9.5 miles of tight Alabama woods with fire roads and a few gnarly hills that caused a few riders problems when the rains came. Finishing in the number-two spot was Team Blue Calf Semi- Factory Racing, competing in the Expert class. Tommy Hill (KTM), Alex Mitz (Hus), Clay Lyons (Yam), Kurt Lucas (KTM), Shawn Clark (Yam) and Martin Cox (KTM) came all the way from South Florida, finishing with 54 laps with an average lap time of 26 minutes and 55 seconds. "Our race went pretty good," said Hill. "We got the holeshot and battled with Team NAP/XC Gear. Then one of our riders fell into a creek, and we lost a good bit of time there and had to work our way back. Then one of our riders got food poisoning which left us with five riders. There were a lot of whoops on the course, but not as big as the ones we're used to riding in Florida." Rounding out the overall podium was Team Law Tigers/ MAX Motosports, which finished second in the Expert class. Jase Lewis (Hus), Neal Ousley (Suz), Grady Faint (KTM), Tyson Miller IN THE WIND P40 Andrew Clark was one of the winning members of the NAP/XC Gear Elite Team at the Perry Mountain 24-Hour Challenge in Alabama. PHOTOS: KENNY KING