VOL. 54 ISSUE 12 MARCH 28, 2017 P35
overall, besting retired super-
cross racer Andrew Short for the
honor. Samuels was elated to
take the victory after having had
to settle for second place last
year.
"The hard work of getting to
Dakar is still ahead of me," said
Samuels, who admits that the
entry is only one piece of the
tremendous effort it will take to
get to the South American event.
"But I will do everything in my
power to make America proud."
For Short, his recent flirtation
with off-road has given way to a
full-blown obsession. At the ad-
vice of Johnny Campbell, Shorty
competed in the Sonora Rally,
which he said was "the ultimate
trail ride."
"I'm hooked," Short said. "I
had a great time riding the So-
nora Rally this week. It was the
ultimate test of riding a motorcy-
cle and adventure. I'm mentally
and physically tired but so happy
at the same time.
"I ended up third but pretty
far off Samuels and really far off
Ricky. I really want to learn more
about rally and try to compete
again soon." CN
FINAL OVERALL:
1. Ricky Brabec (Hon)
2. Mark Samuels (Hon)
3. Andrew Short (Hon)
4. David Pearson (Kaw)
5. Rick Hatswell (KTM)
It's not an easy feat to open the track
on each stage, but Brabec got plenty of
practice running at the front—a skill that
will come in handy at the Dakar Rally.
